Chapter 1 - A Journey Begins (Restart)

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Once upon a time, in the magical land of Equestria, there were two regal sisters who ruled together, and created harmony for all the land. To do this, the eldest used her unicorn powers to raise the sun at dawn; the younger brought out the moon to begin the night. Thus, the two sisters maintained balance for their kingdom and their subjects, all the different types of ponies. But as time went on, the younger sister became resentful. The ponies relished and played in the day her elder sister brought forth, but shunned and slept through her beautiful night. One fateful day, the younger unicorn refused to lower the moon to make way for the dawn. The elder sister tried to reason with her, but the bitterness in the young one's heart had transformed her into a wicked mare of darkness: Nightmare Moon.

She vowed that she would shroud the land in eternal night. Reluctantly, the elder sister harnessed the most powerful magic known to ponydom: the Elements of Harmony. Using the magic of the Elements of Harmony, she defeated her younger sister, and banished her permanently in the moon. The elder sister took on responsibility for both the sun and moon, and harmony was maintained for a while, but seeing the terrible powers the princess possessed, the ponies of Equestria feared the remaining sister and the Elements of Harmony. Heartbroken, the princess simply vanished one day, never to be seen or heard from again.

Some say that she has long sinse passed from this world. Others say she wanders to this very day. And yet a few say that she awaits the return of her sister, for in 1,000 years, on the longest night of the longest day, the stars will aid in her escape.

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"Well, that's all for now lil' Macintosh."

"Aww..." A small red colt held onto his sheets, staring up with sad, green eyes as the lime green mare closed her story book.
"Yeah I know it's upsettin', but ya gotta go t' sleep now" the older mare smiled at the little foal. "Yer folks'll be mighty upset with me if'n I keep ya up all night."

"But Granny, I'm not sleepy..." said Macintosh, a big frown on his face.

"I know I know, that's why they invented school, t' keep you lil' foals from stayin' up all night long!" Granny smirked patting Macintosh on the head. "Now you go to bed sweetie. Yer folks'll be home any minute now from their lil' date."

"Alright Granny..." the little colt buried himself into his bed and sheets as much as possible, getting comfortable The green mare sighed and smiled. "Goodnight little'un, an' don't let the bed bugs bite." Slowly, she shut the door, leaving Macintosh alone in his room.

Everything was quiet for all of five minutes before he climbed out of bed again and slowly made his way to the window, staring out at the night sky. He looked straight up at the moon as it hovered in the seemingly endless abyss of the ether.

"I dunno why so many ponies don't like th' night" he said to himself. "I think it's really pretty!" He smiled a bit, looking up at the moon.

"Y'all goin' to sleep?"

"Y-eeyup!" Big Mac turned and hurried back into bed, pulling his covers over himself and tucking in. It didn't take long for him to drift into slumber, to dream the dreams often dreamed by little foals...

Light shone through the window into the small room, illuminating it with bright, warm color. A rooster could be heard crowing in the distance, marking the beginning of the day. A deep groan as a mass on the nearby bed moved about, creaking on the old springs. Slowly, the cover was pushed away, revealing a large, red stallion. His tired eyes blinked a few times, trying to adjust to the light. He never really liked mornings. He liked his work, he liked his family, and he liked his life... but mornings and he never really got along.

Need to get some blinds or somethin'.

The stallion yawned, and stretched his forelegs out, feeling various points on his body pop. He pulled himself from the confines of his tiny bed and trotted towards his closet, pulling it open. Inside, there were various button-up shirts, as well as a couple of waistcoats and a jacket. He pulled a shirt out, putting it on and clicking the buttons together, and followed it up with his favorite green bandanna, pulling it over his head and letting it hang around his neck. He grabbed a jacket from his closet, slinging it over his back and shoulder, and shut the door. He turned from the closet and made his way towards the door out of his room, pushing his hoof against the handle and turning, shoving the portal open and stepping out into a hallway. Trotting down the hall just a few feet, he made his way past a door with nothing on it, making his way towards a door with a wood sign with a red apple painted on it. He gave it a slight knock, but got no response. Sighing, he turned the knob and pushed the door open.

This room was just as cleanly as his; maybe even more so. His room, admittedly, might occasionally have a stray shirt or something here or there, even though he tried to keep it tidy, but this room was almost immaculate at first glance, if one could see in how dark it was due to the closed roller shades. This, however, was broken by the sight of a yellow stallion, two legs hanging from the side of the bed, cover on the floor, and a nice little wet spot beneath his face. The stallion smirked, shaking his head, trotting towards the window and pulling the roller shade, throwing it up and welcoming in the bright light.

"Nnnngh..." groaned the stallion, pulling the cover from the floor and shoving it over his head.

"Rise n' shine" said the red stallion.

"Big Mac... five more minutes..."

"Nope" said Macintosh with a shake of his head. "Market day."

"Ah... fff-"

"Language"

"... Right..." The yellow stallion groaned, shoving himself from his bed slowly, as if he were stealing a few seconds more rest in the process. Big Mac smiled and turned, making his way towards the door, out into the hall, and downstairs. There, his grandmother was up bright and early, already hard at work making breakfast for her grandchildren. The elder green mare wore a rather simple orange blouse She turned upon Macintosh's entry into the kitchen and offered him a smile.

"Mornin' Big Mac."
"Mornin' Granny" Macintosh replied with a smile of his own, walking towards the ice box and opening it, retrieving a pitcher of orange juice.
"Wake Braeburn already?"
"Eeyup."
"Good on ya" Granny nodded, turning to the table and setting two plates down with hash browns and hay bacon. Mac licked his lips hungrily and took a seat, his cousin finally following up, dragging into the room with tired eyes, wearing a white shirt with a black vest over it. Granny Smith smirked. "Mornin' Braeburn. Drink too much at th' Salt-Lick Saloon, sugarcube?"

"Mmhmm" Braeburn replied, taking a seat in front of a plate.

"One of these days, Braeburn, yer gonna either find yerself in a sticky situation, like gettin' a mare knocked up outta wedlock. Course, seems it's the only way I'm gonna have great grandfoals." Big Mac rolled his eyes and Braeburn tried to drown out any and all thought; the more time went on, the more Granny pressed that matter. Neither stallion was quite young colts anymore, but neither felt themselves particularly old either. "That's the best case scenario. Worst case scenario you end up in a jail cell, an' lemme tell ya boy, ya wouldn't do well." Braeburn merely replied with a grunt.

After breakfast, the stallions put their dishes in the sink and began to prep for the day. Macintosh threw on his coat, Braeburn setting his hat on his head. Granny sat a few boxes down on Macintosh's back filled with various apple treats. "You boys have a good day."

"You too, Granny" replied both stallions.

The commotion of town was always something of a welcoming sight. Buildings made both of wood and stone dotted the place. Overhead, a clock tower could be seen in the distance, marking the center of the town. The sounds of hooves clopping against cobblestone streets filled the air, ponies dressed in all manners of clothes and suits, as they milled about the market to haggle and purchase goods, make trades, and more.

Big Mac looked at it all, taking a long breath.

"I love market day!"

Macintosh gave his cousin a side glance. "Eeyup."

"I mean, just look at all these ponies! So lively, so energetic." Braeburn grinned to his cousin, waggling his brows. "Lotsa fine lookin' mares too." Macintosh simply rolled his eyes at his cousin, who elbowed him. "What, nothin'? Come on, Big Mac, I know you're a bore, but you can't tell me you don't catch a glance once in a while."

"Nope" Mac shook his head, then furrowed his brow. "An' I'm not borin'."

"Sure you aren't" Breaburn chuckled. "You just gotta conserve your energy for all that excitement that you theoretically could be having, am I right?" Big Mac didn't feel the need to encourage his cousin by responding, and Braeburn shrugged. "Seriously, Big Mac. I care about you, cuz, and I think you need to mingle more. Make friends."

"I got friends" he said.

"Name one."

"Carrot Cake."

Breaburn snoted. "Carrot Cake? He's not a friend, he's a business partner!" Big Mac opened his mouth to speak, but Braeburn held a hoof up. "And! And... just because you have friendly conversations with him does not make him a friend." Braeburn turned his attention forward as the two stallions continued, Macintosh suddenly aware again of the cart he was pulling. "A friend is somepony you have drinks with. Somepony you talk to, you connect to."

Big Mac smirked. "I got you."

"Yeah, well..." Braeburn shrugged. "Family don't count. I'm kinda obligated to be your friend. Comes with the job."

"Family's more important than anything" said Big Mac with a nod, as if he were dispensing sagely advice.

"Yeah" said Braeburn with a chuckle. "But you can't marry into it. That's how you get foals with five legs." Big Mac simply grunted in response. Braeburn sighed. "Mac, you need to come to the bar with me sometime. We need to get you to socialize more." The two stallions continued down the path, when Braeburn nodded. "Ah! That reminds me, did Granny Smith tell ya Applejack was comin' home?" This got his attention. "Eeyup. A letter came in today sayin' she's comin' to visit for a bit. Says your uncle's givin' her a break from her duties to come visit, get some R n' R."

"That's nice" said Big mac with a nod. "Bloom'll enjoy that." Braeburn seemed like he wanted to say something else, but he thought better of it and simply nodded. The rest of the trip was quiet, the two stallions eventually reaching a spot where they stopped. Big Mac gave the cart a gentle tap with a hoof, and various compartments opened up, jutted out, and peeled back in a wondrous display of mechanical engineering, displaying various treats and snacks.

"Hey, Mac, I'm gonna go make a quick run" said Braeburn with a wave of his hoof. "I'll be back in fifteen, twenty minutes tops. You mind?" Macintosh responded with a grunt, and Braeburn took that as permission. With a nod, the stallion turned and trotted away from the stand in a hurry. Macintosh smirked, shaking his head and turning his attention back to the crowds of ponies.

"Listen up, you pony folk! Heed my words, they're not a joke!"

Somepony was speaking in rhyme? How odd. Macintosh looked about to find where the sound was coming from to see a crowd of ponies gathered around somepony who seemed to be standing just above them. "She has laid in binding for a thousand years, feeding, thriving on pony fears! She lays in wait to claim her crown, and in the darkness the world she'll drown!"

"Hey crazy lady, get down off that soap box!"

Big Mac's curiosity got the best of him; a rare thing indeed as he liked to think himself a sensible stallion, but something about this mare's tone and accent made him curious. He trotted away from his cart, certain nopony would steal anything if he didn't stray too far. As he made his way into the crowd of ponies, trying to get past, he saw that, at the very heart, was a pony in a cloak.

A strange pony indeed. She had black stripes. Or were they white stripes?

"Crazy I may be to you, but these words I say are very true!" Shouted the strange mare. "For long has she been in her seal, and our nightmares she shall make real! Her day of reckoning will be soon, and all will kneel to Nightmare Moon!"

The crowd was silent at first, but then everypony seemed to burst into laughter and jeers. "N... Nightmare moon!?"
"You mean the evil princess from that foal's tale!?"
"What a laugh!"
"What a lunatic!"
"I haven't laughed that hard since I was a little filly!"

The entire crowd seemed to join together to mock the poor mare, save for Macintosh himself, who simply stared at her. She looked about the audience, her eyes desperate and pleading. "Please hear me and what I say, she will come and-"

"Shut up ya crazy old bat!"

A tomato flung from the crowd and slammed into the mare's face, knocking her off her soap box and onto her back. The entire crowd continued to laugh at her. "P-please, you know not of what you jest-"

"-I've got more tomatoes in my vest!"

Everypony continued to laugh and mock the poor mare, whose face seemed torn between defiance and utter humiliation. Then, the crowd fell silent, and she looked up to notice a large, red stallion standing in front of her, staring at the crowd, who all stared back. He did not speak, simply looking at them all with a gaze of strong disapproval.

"This seem proper?" He said it in a chiding tone, his voice stern, but only as loud as he needed to be to be heard. "Mob, mockin' a lone mare?"

"She's a lunatic!" shouted a random pony. "She's shouting nonsense!"

Big Mac didn't flinch. "This how your mama raised ya?"
"My mother threw the tomato!"
"I got two more!"

Big Mac snorted, furrowing his brow. "Get goin'. Nothin' to see here." Nopony moved for a minute, a few ponies grumbling amongst each other. "I set get!" A few ponies jumped, but they began to disperse and return to their daily lives, some of them seeming ashamed, others raising their noses, and a few casting glances back. Macintosh sighed and grimaced, putting a hoof to his neck and rubbing it a bit - he didn't like to have to raise his voice. He turned his attention back to the mare and smiled apologetically. "Sorry. Normally not so rude..."

The mare sighed, wiping the tomato from her face with her cloak and flinging as much as she could off and onto the street. "I've seen many things in my years of being... but not so many intent on not seeing..."

Macintosh nodded and looked back to where the crowd had formed. "Not used to doomsayin'. Please forgive 'em."

"'Tis not mere doom-saying, I assure you!" said the mare, her eyes pleading him to believe her. "'Tis all too real, and so very true!"

Macintosh hummed. "Maybe."

"You must believe me, I speak the truth!" The mare frowned. "For all of it is true, this tale for youth..." Macintosh looked at her a moment, those eyes begging him. He sighed. He didn't quite believe her himself, but she seemed so... distraught. Perhaps give her the benefit of the doubt? Would that be wise? What if she's crazy and I simply enable that? "Please believe..." He sighed a bit, but smiled. I'm gonna hate myself for this...

"I believe ya, miss..." he said with a nod.

"Zecora." The mare nodded. "That is my name. Forget it or not, it's all the same."

"Zecora." Big Mac nodded. "I'm Macintosh Apple."

That seemed to catch the Zebra's attention, her eyes widening a bit. "Apple? Of the founders of this town? Of the Apple Clan, Equestria renowned?"

Macintosh shrugged, rubbing the nape of his neck. "We're a big family."

The mare grabbed Big Mac's face, forcing him to look her into her eyes. "Kindly Apple, hear my plea! Evil's wrath will soon be free! The Nightmare returns on the longest night, intent to forever banish the sun's light!" Big Mac stared at the mare, whose eyes were desperate, intense in their gaze. "The Elements of Harmony must be found if her wrath is to be again bound! Somepony must search for them, and fast, or the longest day may be the last!"

Macintosh blinked once, then twice. "You can't do anythin'?"

The mare sighed, letting him go and falling to her haunches. "I cannot find them on my own. I have tried, and failed, alone. If I must, then I certainly would, but I'd rather bring friends if I could." Big Mac supposed he could understand that; going on a quest of world-saving importance would probably be a daunting task alone. "The stars are changing, the moon is shifted. It won't be long before her seal is lifted. On the eve of the longest day, she'll ask a toll, and we all shall pay."

"Well..." Big Mac put a hoof on the top of his head. He really wished he could just turn around and forget this mare, but he was already in too deep. Maybe I can help her come to her senses? "Any way I can help?"

She seemed to be shocked for a moment. "Dear Macintosh, is it true? Will I receive help from you?"

"... Eeyup?"

"Oh happy day, can it be? An ally to keep Equestria free!" The mare seemed ecstatic, oblivious to Big Mac's own growing nervousness, the stallion very certain he would come to regret this particular act of kindness. It was very nice to see the mare smile and relieved, but deep down he realized he might be enabling some kind of madness in the mare that she should really be seeing professionals about.

"So uh... what do we need to do?" His voice scratched a bit at the end, causing him to wince a bit.

"Not simple as it sounds is our task. We must find the Elements, from first to last." Zecora tapped a hoof against her chin. "Such knowledge is hard to find, for it is knowledge of the forbidden kind." Big Mac blinked, still in confusion. Zecora sighed. "They are magic, plain as day. The greatest magic, many say."

"Ohh..." Big Mac blinked a few times. "Wait... magic?"

"Yes, magic. Simple as that." Zecora waved her hoof. "The eldritch arts, of which Earth ponies lack."

"Oh.." Big Mac hummed and scratched his head. "I see..." He looked around a bit, trying to decide what to do next, and let his vision turn to his cart. There, he saw a small, orange pegasus filly wearing a newscolt cap and a small waistcoat and shirt standing up from behind it holding a bunch of fritters in her hooves. "Hey! Hey!" She immediately threw the fritters in a box and jumped on something behind the cart, her small wings buzzing quickly and she darted off on a scooter. Big Mac chased after her, leaving Zecora behind, keeping pace with the little thief who turned to look back. When she realized she was being tailed, she flapped her wings harder, gaining a small fraction of extra speed. Big Mac didn't let up though; he ran quicker and soon, managed to catch up. "Stop!"

The Filly shifted her weight and immediately made a sloppy turn towards another street. Big Mac fumbled a bit, legs kicking to keep him upright while allowing him to make the turn to follow her, but he kept his balance, his hooves beating hard against the earth as he gave chase. On her own hooves, he was certain catching up with the little filly would be a fairly easy task, but with those obnoxious little wings of hers and that scooter, she was definitely putting up a good race.

The two ponies zigzagged around alleys, carts, across a bridge, and at one point the filly managed to get around Big Mac and force him to change direction, but he was getting closer; she was almost in hoof's reach, and when that happened, he would yank her right off that scooter and march her straight towards the nearest police office. Closer his hooves got, anticipating she would continue going straight just long enough for him to grab her...

Instead, the filly made another sharp turn, much to Mac's surprise.

Before he could readjust his own course, Big Mac stumbled on his own hooves, tripped, and fell, rolling and slammed into a cart full of carrots, knocking them all over the place and the mare behind it jumping back, screaming. He picked himself up, shaking his head, looking at the mess; a damaged cart lay before him, as well as several carrots scattered across the ground, many likely not suitable for purchase anymore. He frowned and looked up to the less-than-thrilled mare that had been behind it.

"My cart is ruined!" shouted the yellow mare with the orange mane, but then she whimpered and her lip trembled. "My business..."

"I'm sorry..." Big Mac shook his head, dusting himself off, checking the mare to make sure she was alright. "I didn't mean-"

"Well you did!" She shouted, before whimpering again. Big Mac felt his chest ache at the sight before him.

"Don't worry" he said with a nod. "I'll pay the damages."

"You'd better!" The mare sniffed, trying to seem more angry than sad. It would have been adorable if he weren't responsible. The large stallion nodded, then turned to see where the filly had fled; she had disappeared into the crowds and alleys. He let out a defeated sigh, shaking his head.

"I got a spare..." he said, taking a breath and sighing, his voice scratching a bit. "Want that until I can fix this?"

"I guess." The mare shrugged, sighing, looking at the wreckage of her cart. Macintosh nodded and patted her shoulder.

"Hey! Hey Big Mac, wait up!"

Macintosh turned to see Braeburn hurrying close behind, panting and heaving. The stallion stopped and put a hoof over his chest. "Whoa... I... I gotta run more often..." he wheezed, shaking his head and looking up to his cousin. "Whoa there big guy... I saw ya take off like a lightning bolt! What happened?"

"Thief stole some apples..." Big Mac shook his head, his voice scratchy. "She got away."

Braeburn grimaced, looking at his cousin with some concern. "Y'alright cuz? Yer voice is actin' up." Macintosh waved a dismissive hoof, eliciting an understanding nod from Braeburn, who simply sighed. "Well... Granny's gonna be awful sore at you." Big Mac scowled and glared at Braeburn in an accusing manner. "I was on the john." Braeburn grinned. "Nothin' I coulda done."

"Ya saw the chase."

Macintosh stared at his cousin in wait for a response, as if believing the smaller stallion might offer a good argument. Braeburn instead began to fidget a bit, biting his lip and looking anywhere but at his cousin. "Y-yeah... I... uh... saw just in time to... uh...."

"Hey Braeburn!" Both stallions turned to see a white-coated mare with a blue mane catch up to them. "You left so quickly that you forgot to tell me where you wanted to meet for dinner!"

Macintosh gave a glance to his cousin, raising his brow and smirking. Braeburn grinned nervously and rubbed the back of his neck. "Uhh, yeah... maybe later? I live on Sweet Apple Acres, farm out there with all the apples, can't miss it." Braeburn smiled and the mare nodded, satisfied with his answer, before turning about trotting off into the crowd, turning just long enough to wave. Braeburn turned to look at Big Macintosh, biting his lip. "I may have... uh... been distracted..."

"Sure." Big Mac chuckled, shaking his head. "Go to th' farm. Fetch a spare fer Carrot Top."

"Right" Braeburn looked to Carrot Top and smiled, waggling his eyebrows. "Hey Carrot. 'Sup?" The mare rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Aww filly, don't be that way!"

The cart rolled along as Big Mac pulled on it behind him. He tread the path home alone; Braeburn having left to his own devices. Zecora had vanished as well; where to he had no idea, but he considered it a mixed blessing. He didn't have anything personal against her, but her entire quest seemed farfetched; certainly if there was any truth to the story of the Celestial Sisters, somepony would have remembered, right? He set the cart in the barn and stepped out, making his way towards the farm house. As he gazed upon his home, he felt a calm sense of pride; the Apples were indeed a well renowned family, often considered borderline nobility in their own right. The simple farm house was no mansion, but it was one of the oldest standing homes in the town.

As he pressed the door open, expecting the calm presence of his grandmother, he was instead greeted by the sounds of laughter.

"An' y'all say that th' manticore jus' rolled around like a big ol' happy kitten?"

"Yes, indeed, the 'nip was strong. I dared not remain for too long. I hurried away with my herbs in tow, the manticore distracted for a minute or so." The mare was holding a cup of tea, taking soft sips. They both turned to see Big Mac enter, and Granny smiled.

"Oh, Big Mac! Welcome home! Yer friend Zecora here came by t' visit ya." Granny waved the stallion over, who, curious, obliged. She whispered into his ear, not as quietly as she probably thought, "I gotta be honest, not sure I'm alright with ya havin' a zebra fer a mare friend. I got no problem with zebras, but yer foals'd be born as sterile as a germophobe's toothbrush."

"Ain't like that Granny." Big Mac grimaced, a blush hiding beneath his coat. "She's just a friend."

"Oh, well, that's alright then." Granny nodded. "Miss Zecora n' I were just sittin' over tea to talk, n' she says ya promised ta help her with some sorta chore or somethin'. 'Course, I can't expect any less. I only raised the most proper grandchildren." The elder mare smiled and nodded proudly, taking a sip of her tea.

Big Mac nodded simply. "Eeyup."

"Awful nice of ya, Big Mac" Granny nodded. "Oh, b'fore I forget again, Applejack's comin' over to visit us in about a week n' a half!" Granny chuckled, smiling fondly. "I ain't seen that filly in nearly a year!" She sighed, her smile becoming just a bit less sincere. "I reckon she's so busy with her fancy life style she just ain't got th' time fer borin' ol' small time ponies like us."

"Granny" Big Mac said with a sigh and a smile, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Applejack loves us."

Granny Smith simply waved a hoof. "Maybe. I'd reckon if she cared she'd visit more often than once a year."

"Granny" Big Mac snorted.

"Alright, alright." Granny sighed, then smiled. "I suppose it's comfortin' to know when she comes home she's able ta take off that little facade she wears when in Manehattan, havin' to talk with that there funny accent n' actin' like one of them snobby city ponies." She frowned a little. "Not sure why she'd want to act like them though. Dern filly is beautiful as she is.

Big Mac chuckled. "Because nopony takes us seriously?" Granny pondered on this for a second, and shrugged.

"Point taken."

"Please see me not as abrupt, but I fear that I must interrupt" said Zecora, seeming just a tad nervous and somewhat annoyed. "Important is our purpose here, the cost is high, the price is dear!"

Big Mac sighed. Admittedly, he was still not certain about any of this; he was hoping the zebra really was just crazy and had forgotten about everything. "Granny, me an' Zecora are gonna head outside. I'll be back in in a bit."

"Okay" said Granny, waving a hoof. "Jus' remember to keep yer hooves to yourselves! I don't fully believe yer argument from earlier an' I want to know that our blood will flow in somepony's veins 200 years from now!" Big Mac grumbled beneath his breath as he and Zecora stepped towards the door and out of the house.

Once on the porch, Zecora smirked. "Your grandmother has quite the spirit. Wise and wondrous... odd to hear it."

"Eeyup" Big Mac shrugged. "She says we apples attract weirdness."

Zecora hummed. "Strange that is, and I can see such a thing in your family."

By now, Big Mac had to ask. "Miss Zecora, pardon my askin' an' I mean nothin' by it... but why do ya speak in rhyme?"

Zecora simply chuckled. "I came from a far away land, of both lush forests and desert sand. Back home I was a medicine mare, and speaking in rhyme is tradition there."

Big Mac quirked a brow. "Does everypony...er... zebra... speak in rhyme back home?"

"Not at all, my friend dear. Just those who share my career." Zecora smiled. "Medicine mares mix potions and brew, to cure the sick, and make anew. We speak in rhyme since times forgotten, to ease the spirit, and tease the rotten." Big Mac quirked a brow, a slight grin on his face, to which Zecora chuckled. "Do not judge, for woe is me. Medicine costs, but laughter is free!" Big Mac couldn't help but laugh a bit himself, shaking his head. If she was crazy it made sense that she had a sense of humor. Calming down from the laughter, he sighed.

"You're a healer? Why ya here?"

Zecora's smile faded and she let out a sigh. "The folk of my tribe are quite in tune with the magic in the earth and the light of the moon. We felt the moon let out a sigh, and then the heavens a mournful cry..." Zecora shuddered, looking up at the sky. "I felt deep down within my soul... a struggle for evil, and desire for control. I feared a spirit had been released, and I made it my journey to track the beast." She looked to her hooves. "... I found my way to this land, to seek, to find, to understand. Alas what I felt must have been premonition... there is no face to my urgent mission."

Big Macintosh stared at the Zebra for a few seconds, somewhat intrigued by her story. He tapped his hooves to his chin. "Huntin' Nightmare Moon?"

Zecora nodded a bit. "The answer is yes and no I fear... though she's unknown, her defeat is clear." Zecora's eyes became determined, strong. "For she was banished not by her sister alone. The Elements of Harmony were the end of her throne. So many secrets lost to time, and yet one so clear leaves ponies blind." The zebra paced around a bit, deep in thought. "I assume it was by intent to make the story a foal's lament." She stopped, looking to Big Macintosh, that seriousness never fading away. "What better way to keep it strong than tell it to foals so they'd do no wrong?"

"A museum?" Big Macintosh shrugged. At least, in his head it made more sense. Maybe Old Equestrian ponies never thought of that?

Zecora chuckled. "Mayhaps you're right, 'twould have been a sight." The zebra sighed, looking up to the skies, then she turned to look out into the fields, her eyes seeming unsure. "Alas... while the Elements are our mission here... how to find them is not so clear." Just great. This was a mare on a mission and she had little to no idea what to do. Wasn't she supposed to be some sort of doctor? Zecora sighed a bit, seeming to go into her own mind to draw out what knowledge she had. "In the tales that I have read, the Solar Princess turned tail and fled... her sister fallen, her heart diminished, her citizens feared her, her spirit finished. That day she vanished, faded away, and divided the elements, to return one day."

Big Mac sighed, putting a hoof to the bridge of his nose. It was never easy, was it? "Where do we find them?" It's not that he was impatient. Macintosh put up with a lot of things. He just wasn't used to something of this caliber.

"Alas, dear friend, I do not know..." Zecora looked to her hooves once more, seeming deep in thought. "This knowledge has eluded me so. No books I read ever did say what happened on that fateful day. What became of the elements yet eludes me, and this is something that simply can't be."

The large stallion stared at the zebra, gears turning in his head. He said he was going to help, and he didn't care how silly or ridiculous it was, he was going to stick by his word. "Did they have a castle?"

Zecora nodded. "Yes, indeed, a castle there be... but it's nestled deep within Everfree."

Macintosh's breath caught right there, and his eyes grew wide. If he needed a sign to bail from this mad zebra's equally mad quest, that was it. "You mean the forest down south that's infested with all kinds of ornery critters?" Zecora nodded, raising her brow at the stallion. "You think you might find the salvation of the world in an old castle buried within one of the most dangerous places in Equestria?" The more he talked, the more scratchy his voice became.

Zecora's eyes widened. "Of course! The castle!" She put a hoof on her head. "I have been so blind! A clue perhaps, or the Elements in kind?" She paced around a bit more. "The most obvious place to leave a clue is in a place most dear to you. Surely the solar princess would prepare us for distress!"

"Nope!"

Zecora stopped, turning to Macintosh who simply stared at her with obvious concerns. "I'm stoppin' this here. That forest is too dangerous."

"But Macintosh you agreed," shouted Zecora "to help me in our time of need!" The Zebra closed in on him. "Why make a promise and turn tail so soon to banish the mare back to the moon?"

"Nope." Big Mac shook his head. "Place is dangerous. I'd not be helpin' ya if I helped ya go there."

"But Big Mac-"

"Nope." Big Mac snorted, seeing the shocked look of near betrayal on the Zebra's face, however, he softened his own expression some. "It's too dangerous."

Zecora stared at the stallion, disappointment written clearly on her features. "... I see. You think I am crazy too. You never did believe me, did you?"

"Zecora-"

"No" Zecora held up a hoof. "I understand. It was a lot of me to demand. I've tried too hard and stayed too long, and now I see that I was wrong. Nopony here believes in me, I'll continue alone, and leave you be."

Big Mac's eyes widened. "You ain't goin' alone are ya?"

"Why should I not?" Zecora turned and began to walk. "Sure, I could let this town rot. But the rest of the world rides on this too... I'll stop not for them, and neither for you." She continued to walk down the path, Big Mac staring, jaw slack as she left.

'What do I do?' Big Mac bit his lip, looking around frantically as if his answers might pop up somewhere nearby. 'This is insane. That mare is crazy. But I can't just let her get herself killed. There has to be another way...' He struggled with himself, watching her make her way down the road. 'Come on, anytime big fellah. She's gonna leave eventually, and you can't just follow her around until you come up with something! If she's finally lost faith, she might leave as soon as tomorrow and end up in a monster's belly before you go to bed that day!'

"Wait!"

Zecora turned around. "You cannot stop me, can't you see? I've got a mission in Everfree."

"Wait wait wait..." Big Mac trotted after her, stopping just short. "Look... I... I'll..." 'Oh I'm gonna hate myself for this so much.' "I'll come with you."

There was a pause. Zecora rose an eyebrow, staring at him as if trying to discern his honesty. "... Are you sure you'll follow me? A crazy mare as most agree?"

Big Mac bit his lip. "Y... Eyup..."

But that didn't seem to cheer her up any. She simply squinted her eyes some. "... Alright... fine... I will not stop you. Meet me tomorrow if your words are true. Meet me by the Ponyville Clock Tower and we'll leave tomorrow... if you do not cower. If I do not see you, I'll leave on my own. I'm going to try, even if I must alone."

Big Mac sighed and hung his head low. "Eeyup..." The Zebra stared at him a few seconds, shaking her head, and then she turned around and began to make her way down the path. Big Mac watched her disappear into the city, before turning around and making his way back into the farm house.

'What have I gotten myself into...?'

TO BE CONTINUED

Chapter 2 - Everfree Forest

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The Salt-Lick Saloon was just one of many of Ponyville's taverns and pubs. A place for ponies to get together, drink away their problems, meet friends, make enemies, and more. It was a melting pot of backgrounds, with ponies of all walks of life milling together. At one particular table, two stallions sat, each with a drink, one nursing his a bit more heavily.

"So let me get this straight..." started Braeburn, holding his hooves up. "You agreed to help a crazy mare..."

"Eeyup..." said Big Mac, his hoof around a bottle.

"... Who you met when you saw her yellin' at the top of her lungs on a soap box in the middle of town..."

"Mhm..."

"... Go into the Everfree Forest... "

"Eeyup..."

"... One of the most dangerous places in Equestria..."

"...."

"... To find some fabled magical relics and defeat a villain from a foal's tale?"

Big Mac stared at Braeburn with slight irritation, taking a swig from his bottle. "Eeyup."

"Well, Big Mac" said Braeburn with a chuckle, "I'd sure hate to be in your shoes right now." He clopped his hooves together once, shaking his head. "Why did you even agree to do it to begin with?"

Big Mac sighed. "She was gonna go alone..."

Braeburn blinked a few times. "Uh-huh. So... why do you care?"

Macintosh looked at Braeburn as if he had said something horrible. "Can't just let 'er walk into that place alone..." He took a drink from his bottle of hard apple cider, following it up with a drink of water to keep hydrated. "Hopin' I can change 'er mind..."

"Then let her go in alone and get eaten!" Braeburn waved his hooves. "If she's dead set on gettin' herself killed chasin' a fantasy, why let her drag you into it? Why risk your neck for a mare who's focused on ending badly!?"

"'Cause I was raised better" Big Macintosh snorted, taking another swig of his glass of water. "You gonna help me or what?"

Braeburn hummed, tapping his hoof to his chin. "... Why not try to convince her she's wrong?" The yellow stallion smiled. "Yer a good salespony. You could convince somepony the sky was green if ya really wanted to."

Macintosh shook his head. "She's a shaman back home. Doubt it'd work."

Braeburn hummed, tapping his hoof to his chin. "... What if she's not really? What if she's even crazier than she looks and jus' imagined all of her history?" Big Mac gave a sideways glance to his cousin; a stare that stated 'really?' Braeburn hummed. "Yeah, I guess if she was that crazy then makin' her see that'd be somethin' more set for a psychologist than a simple farmpony such as yourself..." Big Mac looked towards Braeburn with a tired expression, shaking his head. He took another deep drink from his cider, following up with a glass of water, and laid his head on the table. "Right right..." Braeburn sighed, pushing his hat back some and scratching his head. "... I'm gonna be honest, Big Mac, this is a right pickle you got yourself in. I've dealt with lots of mares before but never one that was on a quest to save the world from a fairy tale villain. I really have no idea what to say to ya." Big Mac sighed once more, pressing a hoof to the bridge of his nose.

"Nope..." Big Mac sighed, shaking his head.

"Now now..." Braeburn shook his head. "This might still turn out well."

"How ya figure?" Big Mac quirked his brow, hoping his cousin had some sort of insight for him.

Braeburn grinned. "Maybe you can convince her to have a romp in the hay in case you both die?" Big Mac groaned; it was too much to hope for that his cousin would offer him real solace. "What?" Braeburn chuckled. "If yer gonna die anyway, might as well have some fun on yer way out." Braeburn smirked, taking a drink from his own ale. "Heaven knows you could use it." This earned a pointed glare from Macintosh.

"I'm gonna die an' yer makin' jokes."

Braeburn laughed a bit, holding up a hoof. "Okay, look, maybe somethin'll work out..." The yellow stallion sighed a bit, rubbing the back of his head, biting his lip as he thought something over. "If it makes ya feel better, I can tag along."

Big Mac perked his ears and looked at his cousin like he was insane. "Why?"

Braeburn shrugged. "Figure maybe if I go with ya, things won't be so bad... plus, the way I figure it, if things do start lookin' bad, maybe I can find a way to get us out of it. You know me, always got a wacky scheme up my sleeve."

Macintosh stared at his younger cousin for a few seconds, smiling a little. Then, a though struck him, and he frowned instead. "You're jus' hopin' to seduce that zebra mare aren't ya?"

Braeburn didn't respond immediately, but he grinned. "Hey... crazy or not... even I gotta admit she's a looker... quite exotic..." Big Mac groaned, putting a hoof on the bridge of his nose. "What? You can't possibly convince me you ain't stared once or twice?" Macintosh responded with another deep swig from his drink. "Quite a team are we!" Braeburn laughed. Big Mac stood up from the table. "Huh? Where ya goin'?"

"Home" said Big Mac. "Gotta write my will. Let AJ know not to let them bury you near me when we die so I don't strangle yer corpse." He stopped, grabbing his glass of water and drinking from it real quick. Macintosh left, his cousin deciding to remain behind for one reason or another as the larger stallion made his way from the tavern and into the night streets of Ponyville. He looked around at the various buildings, then turned his attention to the clock tower. He sighed, shaking his head, and then began to make his trek in the direction that lead home. Macintosh found himself looking up to the night sky for the first time in what felt to be forever.

I used to look up at the night stars a lot as a colt he thought to himself. They gave me comfort. Inspiration. Fed my imagination. Macintosh smiled a bit, taking in the sight of twinkling celestial bodies. Some days, I'd be the great explorer who went to forgotten lands. Others, I'd be the noble knight who saved a princess... He stopped. Macintosh continued to stare as these memories flooded past him. He let out a long sigh. Better days I guess. He shook his head and continued down the path.

Weird. I used to be able to see the mare on the moon, but not no more. I guess I must have lost that childlike imagination.

"I'm doomed."

Big Mac and Braeburn were trotting along the cobblestone road into town, Big Mac's focus lingering ahead. "You're so negative." Braeburn chuckled.

"Certain death seems like somethin' to be negative about." The two ponies stood in wait by the clock tower as agreed, Macintosh feeling himself tense up all over. In his head, he was pondering just how much he neglected to do before this trip. Did I tell Apple Bloom I loved her? Did I write a good will? Big Mac let out a tired sigh; only noon and already he was wishing the day were over. "See 'er?"

"Nah" Braeburn shook his head, holding a hoof over his eyes as he scanned the area. "Maybe she changed her mind? Came to her senses?"

"Maybe..." Big Mac could only hope.

"Oh! Hi Big Mac! Hi Braeburn!" The two stallions almost jumped and swung around to see a a familiar face; pink coat with a darker pink, curly mane, most of it pulled back with a few locks moving in front of her face. She wore a dress with a baby blue skirt that matched her eyes, and a bodice with a shade of pink to match her mane. "How are my two favorite cousins?"

"Maybe cousins!" Braeburn shouted, eyes wide and hooves flailing. Macintosh smirked, shaking his head.

"Aww, are you just embarrassed cause you had a crush on me before we found out we might possibly be kind of related?" Pinkie giggled a bit as she bounded towards them. Macintosh himself couldn't help but laugh a bit. "Oh Braeburn, it's alright! Nopony thinks you're weird! You didn't even know!"

Braeburn looked around frantically. "Shush! Quiet! Macintosh is going to follow an insane zebra into the Everfree Forest, talk to him!"

Pinkie gasped. "Ooo! Really?" Pinkie turned to Big Mac, bouncing. "You're really gonna go in there? I hear it's dangerous! I hear there's monsters and evil trees and traveling salesponies in the forest! You might die, or end up investing in a timeshare, either one is horrible!"

Big Mac sighed. "Don't imagine you can get me outta this?"

Pinkie shrugged. "I dunno! Is the zebra you're following Zecora?" Macintosh simply nodded. "Well, that's a toughie. What's she want with you?"

Big Mac closed his eyes and sighed. "We're huntin'... for... the Elements of Harmony don't laugh."

"Oh!" Pinkie giggled. "Nope! If she's finally doing that, she's probably not gonna turn back now! She's been trying to get help on that one for months!"

"What?" Big Mac balked. "You know?"

"Yeah, though you're talking an awful lot" said Pinkie, a look of concern on her face. "Need a glass of water?" Macintosh shook his head, and Pinkie simply shrugged. "Right! Well, I met Zecora a few months back when she first got to Ponyville! I gave her the Pinkie Pie Welcome Wagon, and she seemed friendly enough, so we talked, and she told me about her quest and asked me if I wanted to come, and I considered it, but then I remembered I had a lot of work to do here and that that place is a mad house and that I wasn't going anywhere near it because hey, I'm crazy but I'm not that crazy!"

Big Mac sighed. "She did't just go in there anyway?"

"Nope!" Pinkie shook her head. "I don't think she had a reason to! If she thinks she might find the Elements there, then she's likely already antsy to go!" Pinkie nodded sagely. "Yep! Gotta say, Big Mac, the only way out of this is to say 'nope' and I know how hard it is for you to say 'nope' to a mare in need, so I think you're kinda stuck!"

Macintosh sighed and hung his head. "Eeyup."

"See?" Pinkie giggle snorted. "Sorry, little joke, but seriously? Sucks to be you right now." Pinkie noticed Macintosh glaring at her and giggled nervously. "Sorry, that sounded meaner than I intended it to."

Big Mac simply sighed, shaking his head. "Salright..." He looked about, pondering the situation. "Don't imagine you'd come with us?"

"You kidding? I'd get killed! Good luck though!" Pinkie giggle-snorted, before gasping. "I've gotta go! I'll talk to you guys later, be safe and don't die please!" Pinkie turned and merrily bounced away, humming a tune, and Big Mac simply turned and thumped his head against the surface of the clock tower. Braeburn sighed, turning his attention, then reaching to shake Big Mac, who looked up to see the zebra they were waiting for approach, donning her usual cloak. She turned to see them, and seemed a bit surprised by their presence, but also relieved, and approached.

"I must admit, I'm surprised you came..." she said with a nod. "That I had doubts I almost feel shame!"

Big Mac sighed, uttering a single sullen word. "Eeyup..."

Zecora turned to face Braeburn. "And who is this that I see? Another friend to help me?"

The stallion was quick to offer a grin and remove his hat, placing it to his barrel. "Name's Braeburn, ma'am" Braeburn chuckled and moved closer, trying to put on his best seductive face. "And don't be fooled, Big Mac is the friend. I'm the pony who's here to save the day." Macintosh rolled his eyes, and Zecora responded with a confused raise of an eyebrow.

"... Uhm... okay... I see. Now... if you two will follow me?" Zecora turned about and made her way away from the clock tower and on down the road. Big Mac and Braeburn exchanged quick glances; Braeburn grinning and waggling his eyebrows, Big Mac scowling and rolling his eyes before they took to follow her down the cobblestone streets.

Braeburn was quick to catch up to Zecora, walking by her side and clearing his throat. "So! This quest to save Equestria... there's sure to be lots of danger..."

"Indeed..." the zebra responded without looking to him.

"... But... so ya know... I'll be here to protect you." Braeburn smiled his most prize-winning smile. Zecora gave him a sideways glance, but no response. Big Mac hummed; maybe she just didn't know anything to say that rhymed?

"No need. We must not dally in our quest. Arriving sooner would be the best."

Nope, she does. And so, the trio continued to walk. Big Mac let his own eyes wander as he ignored his cousin's failed attempts to woo the zebra. An auto-carriage passed them by, a pony dressed in servant's attire piloting the vehical. He admittedly would enjoy a ride in one, but such things were usually afforded only to particularly wealthy ponies. Applejack, he knew, owned one. He then turned his attention to the school house, wondering how it's sole occupant was doing with no students to teach. Turning his attention once more down the road, the group came upon the wall and, thus, the gate leading out of the town and into the wilderness. Two guards sat on either side, dressed in blue coats and wearing darker blue bucket-helmets on their heads. He turned his attention from them to what lay further down the road, towards their destination.

Towards the Everfree Forest.

Of all of the things Macintosh knew, the Everfree Forest was perhaps the most alien, most mysterious. For as long as he had known, it was a fantasy made real; constantly growing unattended in such a way that every ten years it seemed a little closer to the town. Some feared that some day it would grow through Ponyville, and that they would have to relocate the town or abandon it entirely to the beasts of the unknown forest. Of course, Big Mac always wondered if it might stop, or grow around them, or if they'd find some other means of controlling it; after all, even if it grew around the town, his farm was essentially outside, and would likely be consumed itself. Even if it took a hundred years, Macintosh wasn't sure he could leave a doomed farm to his grandchildren.

As the group left the town, Big Mac put these thoughts behind him. It was then he felt a tingle wash over him; that bittersweet realization that he still had a chance to turn back, to shrug the mare off, and to return to his safe routine. That he could save his (and maybe his idiot cousin's) skin(s) right now if he just put his hoof down and told the mare she was crazy. He might be able to save her, maybe not, but was there any sense in getting all of them killed just to make her feel better? He cast a nervous glance back into the town, then towards his companions, his cousin still beside the zebra, saying who knew what to her. He wanted so badly to stop this, but he could not bring himself to say a word. Instead, he sighed and hung his head.

The trio approached the mouth of the forest before coming (mostly) to a halt. "Everfree Forest..." said Braeburn, staring upon it with awe. "Home of monsters. Of lost legends of yore, of plants so strange that they are almost considered animals in their own right..." The stallion smirked. "They say nopony who's ever gone in here has ever come back out."

The stallions looked to notice that Zecora was still walking. "Are we going to tread into the trees? Or are you done enjoying the breeze?" Big Mac and Braeburn exchanged glances.

"Coming!" Braeburn shouted, hurrying after Zecora. Big Mac simply shook his head. The sight was indeed humbling, and made him worry even more, but now he felt there was no turning back. 'That ain't true' he thought to himself. You just can't bring yourself to do it even though you know it's for everypony's best interest.' He let loose one more sigh of defeat and, with much trepedition, he set one hoof across the threshold, and stepped into the forest.

As they pushed deeper into the forest, Big Macintosh found himself growing more and more at a loss of words. His whole life he had heard tales of the Everfree Forest, and while he had always believed it to be dangerous, he was never quite sure if he believed the legends, and yet he saw them; plants that seemed to move of their own volition, animals that he had only heard of in stories... Zecora had even stopped Braeburn and himself from stepping into some strange blue weeds she called 'Poison Joke'. While they had yet to run into any horrible monsters or evil spirits, Big Macintosh decided to count his blessings and hope some of the legends of this place proved exaggerated.

'Maybe I'm hopin' against hope, but what if Braeburn was right?' Thought Big Mac. 'What if the Everfree Forest isn't as dangerous as the legends say?'

Macintosh found his attention shifting to the ponies that accompanied him, though they were still leading the way as earlier. Things had fallen silent a while ago, Braeburn seeming to have hit a wall in his plan to win over an exotic mare. 'He ain't givin' up that easily. Just thinking up a new method of attack. Big Macintosh smirked to himself, shaking his head.

"So..." began Braeburn, seeming as though he might be trying to act casual. "This place that yer from... what's it like?"

Zecora kept her expression as it had been, not taking her eyes from the path as she replied. "My home is one of struggle and toil. The sun burned bright and beat on the soil. The nights brought wind as cold as death." She shrugged. "Struggle thrived in every breath."

Braeburn winced a bit. "Ah... sounds eh... crappy."

Zecora chuckled. "The wind is fair in your land... but home is home, do understand." She sighed a bit , looking to the sky. "For though I've left, and strayed away... 'tis in my home my heart will stay."

"I see, I see..." Braeburn hummed, clucking his tongue a bit. "Any family?"

"My mother died during my birth. My father, a warrior, returned to the earth." Braeburn opened his mouth to offer condolences, but she stopped him with a gesture. "Do not pity me, I knew neither, and so to me the burden is lighter. I was raised by the previous sage; she was my mother, until she passed of old age."

Breaburn nodded. "You sound quite strong."

"So I am told by those of my tribe." Zecora snorted. "Most ponies disagree; to that I subscribe."

"Pfft! Ponies are boneheaded" proclaimed Braeburn with a raise of his snout. Big Mac shook his head a bit. 'That's the pot callin' the kettle a pot.' "They jus' don't know what you've been through. I bet if they did, they'd take you more seriously."

"That may be, but 'tis not my concern. 'Tis not their love I wish to earn..." Zecora said, shaking her head a bit. "I seek not approval, or their accolades; only to banish the darkness before it invades."

Braeburn clicked his tongue again, turning his attention back down the road. Macintosh shook his head, smirking. 'Exotic means she's also got a different way of thinking, Brae. Fantasies are funny because they typically ignore that.'

It was then he realized that he and his companions had happened upon a sight that seemed odd; a massive tree stump. The tree itself, however, seemed like it might have been converted into a house. "Well, lookie here..." Braeburn mused. "It's like a hut! I wonder who lived here... or still lives here... I bet it's some kind of witch who cooks evil brews and stuff..."

"Welcome to my home, you two" said Zecora without any hint of malice, but maybe a little love for irony, "I hope it is not too dirty for you?" Braeburn bit his lip, and Big Mac simply could not suppress laughing a little, and he could see even Zecora was trying not to smirk at his cousin's nervous trembling. After a few seconds, however, the larger stallion came to a realization.

"You live in the Everfree Forest!?" It was loud enough to hurt his throat, though he only winced slightly. Braeburn bit his lip, looking at him as if he might have done something harsh.

Zecora nodded, stepping into the tree. "'Tis a good place to be to keep privacy." Macintosh hummed, supposing he could not really argue that particular point.

"Why didn't ya say so" he said, voice a little scratchy. Zecora seemed to raise a brow, and he held up a hoof, reaching into his bag and withdrawing a canteen, taking a thankful drink from it. The zebra continued to stare at him curiously for a few moments before shrugging it off.

"I tried to tell you when you got upset. You would not let me speak, so I see your regret." Turning around, Zecora walked into the hut. "You are my guests, so please come on in. We'll get some supplies for before we begin."

The two stallions simply walked around the hut, Big Mac finding himself once more letting his gaze wander about. There were various masks and artifacts on the wall of unknown relevance. There was a bookshelf nearby that was filled with various books, some that seemed to have writing on the spines that were not in Equestrian; likely from her homeland. Another thing Big Mac noticed was a cauldron in the middle of the room, and nearby a table with various bottles and herbs, a bowl with a mixer in it.

"Wow. Nice pad ya got here" said Braeburn. "Very... Shaman-y."

"These masks ward evil and bring good health. Piece of mind is the greatest of their wealth." Zecora trotted into the next room and began rummaging through a chest. "They protect my home from darker things, to whom only evil and cruelty sings."

"So what, are these things magic?" Braeburn let his eyes wander, more than once from the masks to the zebra, once in a while focusing a bit too long on her rump for Big Mac's comfort.

"Magic of a sort, I guess one might say. Though their effects are passive at the end of the day. They won't change fate or alter time and space, but they will bring safety and peace to this place." Big Mac caught Braeburn staring at her flanks again, and then the stallion swatted his cousin upside the back of his head, knocking his hat off. Braeburn fumed and picked the hat up from the floor, setting it back on his head and fixing his cousin with a glare.

"Very interestin'" said Braeburn as he turned his attention back to Zecora, who trotted back into the room wearing a saddlebag. "Why don't we bring some of those things with us?"

"They will not help with what we might need" said Zecora. "The biggest threat is the monsters we can feed. For all other cases, I've many a tool. Potions and brews, without which I'd be a fool." Zecora trotted about and placed saddlebags on each of the stallions' backs. "you both have some potions and brews now in tow. Do not use them unless I say so."

"What kinda potions?" Braeburn wondered out loud.

"Potions that cure most poisons, that nullify magic, that burn when exposed to oxygen, that can eat through flesh, and a brew that wards away evil spirits." Braeburn stared wide-eyed at the mare, looking to the bag on his back.

"Potions that null magic and curse, remove poisons and hexes and things so much worse. Potions that burn when touched by the air, and brews that ward evil with mixtures quite fair."

Braeburn and Big Mac stood stock still for a moment, silent. He didn't want to ask, but he had to. Braeburn tried to play it cool, clearing his throat. "So, if these bottles break-"

"The mixture will violently expand, and fire will incinerate you where you stand." She said without so much as a twitch.

Braeburn and Big Mac exchanged glances once again, eyes twitching. "G-guess we should be careful then... right?"

Macintosh looked at the saddlebag on his back and gulped. 'I'm carryin' death on my back right now.' "Eeyup..."

Zecora made her way towards the door. "Let us make haste and leave this place. The castle is in the forest deep... but who knows what lurks in that old keep." As she stepped outside, Braeburn and Big Mac exchanged glances once more then followed her; both trying to be sure not to jostle the contents of their bags too much. "The castle of the royal sisters will surely thrive with floral blisters. The things that may have made it home can be small or big... or overgrown." Zecora turned to face the stallions, an expression of utter seriousness on her face. "If we are to be safe, you must follow me, lest you be lost to the Everfree."

"Eeyup..."

"If we are ready to make this trip..." said Zecora with a sigh, "Then as Pinkie says 'make a hop and a skip.' Our journey shouldn't be too overly long, but I suggest we return while the sun is still strong." With a nod to her companions, Zecora made her way out of the hut, Macintosh and Braeburn remaining close behind. They trotted down the path, and slowly, the cousins let Zecora gain a bit of distance, Braeburn leaning in close to Big Mac. "Okay" he said quickly, "This ain't fun no more. She's cold and unresponsive to my advances, an' I'm fairly certain she's tryin' to kill us at this point, givin' us enough volatile chemicals to make the Bereau of Unusual Armaments edgy." He looked back to Zecora to make sure she wasn't hearing anything. "Maybe we should cut our losses, head back, and let 'er do whatever she's gonna do."

Big Macintosh sighed, however, shaking his head. "Nope."

"What?" whispered Braeburn. "Why not!?"

"In too deep" responded Big Mac. He kept his eyes open and ears perked, alert for anything that might occur, though he turned to see his cousin giving him large, pleading eyes. "Don't blame me. You wanted this, you got it."

"She's gonna kill us!"

"Took ya this long to figure that?" Macintosh frowned. He reached for his canteen, stealing another quick drink.

Braeburn growled. "Fine! But if we die in here, I will never speak to you again!"

"Deal."

Their quarrel settled, the two stallions hurried to catch back up to the zebra leading their way through the madness, her own attention seeming sharply focused on the path ahead of her, shifting left and right. Macintosh continued trying the same, but at this point he had realized that all he could see were terrifying trees.

Wait a minute.

The large stallion balked a bit and fell back on his haunches, holding a hoof up defensively. Braeburn stopped, confused, and began to look around, and when realization hit him, he leaped into the air, landing in his cousin's hooves, wrapping his forelegs around his neck. "Whoa! What in Tartarus is that!?"

Zecora stopped, looking to the two stallions and then to the trees. "They are but trees... do they scare you?" She raised a brow. "Do you not live in a field of them, you two?"

"They're gonna eat us!" shouted Braeburn, pointing a trembling hoof. Zecora smirked, looking like she might laugh. "'These trees are no more likely to do you harm than those apple trees you grow on your farm." She waved a hoof at the area. "'Tis a trick of the forest, a joke on your eyes. These are but ordinary trees with a baleful disguise." She turned away from the stallions, stepping forward. "Accept this, and their disguise will fall. But we must hurry, so please, do not stall."

Macintosh unceremoniously dropped his cousin to the floor, looking at the trees carefully. Suddenly, he noticed that they did indeed just seem to be ordinary trees; the faces faded, and menacing branches normal. Why, he couldn't help but smile and laugh a bit at himself. 'How silly of me. Pinkie will just love to hear this story.' Braeburn picked himself up, dusting himself off, looking at the trees; unlike Macintosh, he remained nervous and a little on edge, and as Macintosh began to walk forward again, Braeburn remained behind him a bit.

Deeper into the forest they traveled, observing and analyzing. The deeper they walked, Macintosh realized, the more fantastical things seemed to become, with bigger, more alien plants seeming to grow in darker areas, and the few animals that they saw were unlike anything he had seen before. Macintosh, however, began to feel uncomfortable; a little nagging sensation in his brain, some sense of disquiet putting him on edge. He noticed that the birds had stopped chirping, and once in a while he'd see a bush rustle, and notice movement in the corner of his eye. It was then, however, that Zecora held her hoof up, gesturing for them to stop. Her ears perked, and eyes darted left and right, up and down.

"Shh.... listen... do you hear....?" she said in a whisper, just loud enough for Macintosh to hear her words. Her ears continued to swivel, and Macintosh found himself trying to listen in as well; he wondered if her hearing might be better than his? Zecora grimaced. "... We are not alone I fear..."

"Just perfect" said Braeburn, trembling a bit. Macintosh himself felt a slight tremble, though he tried to remain cool. The world seemed to freeze momentarily. Stillness. Quiet.

And then a rumbling.

"Get in the bushes!" Whisper-shouted Zecora. Macintosh and Braeburn both jumped to separate sides as the rumbling grew louder, the sound of twigs and branches snapping becoming obvious. Suddenly, several large, wooden canine creatures burst through the clearing, their twig-and-branch bodies surging with power and might as they ran, not pausing, not slowing, continuing down their set path. Slowly, the rumbling began to fade as the creatures vanished into the distance. Braeburn climbed from his own hiding spot, rubbing his head a bit. "Huh... that was easier than I thought it'd be."

"What are you doing you fool!?" Whispered Zecora harshly. Before Braeburn could inquire to her meaning, however, a loud thump froze him in place. Another made him jump slightly. A few more, and then a deep, horrible warmth upon his back, followed by a putrid smell. A deep sniff made him whimper as he remained stock still. Macintosh could only stare in absolute horror as his cousin was sized up by the single most terrifying creature he had ever seen; a body that of a lion, but a large pair of leathery wings jutting from its back and a scorpion tail. It was an unnatural entity, one that Macintosh had heard of, but never seen.

'Manticore'

Macintosh kept his eye trained on Braeburn, who, to his credit, did not even tremble, likely terrified beyond the point of being able to. Both stallions wondered if the creature would simply lose interest and leave, though Macintosh felt worried as this simply seemed to make the creature curious. Has it never seen the 'play dead' trick before? After a few seconds, however, this seemed to bore the animal, and it opened it's mouth, making a reach for Braeburn.

Instinct kicked in.

"Nope!"

The sound seemed to startle the beast, that looked up from its prey to see Macintosh's form lunge from a nearby bush, skidding on his front hooves and shifting so his rear was to the creature, lifting his hind-legs and delivering a powerful buck to the beast's face, throwing it backwards and into a nearby tree.

"Run!" shouted Zecora, leaping from a bush and throwing a bottle to the ground that burst into a cloud of smoke that Macintosh quickly noticed had a horrible, rancid smell that he was certain would burn his nose for the rest of the day. Braeburn came to his senses, and without a second thought, all three ponies made a mad dash away from the monster as an enraged roar filled the forest air. "We cannot outrun this gargantuan beast" shouted Zecora, "We must outsmart it, or become a feast!"

Macintosh twisted and turned his head, trying to keep attention on the path before them and attempting to formulate a plan at the same time. Suddenly, Braeburn grinned. "Keep runnin', I got a plan!" He reached his head back, grabbing his saddlebag from his back and threw it as hard as he could into the Manticore's path. It struck the beast with great force, and burst into a cloud of shreaded cloth and various mixtures. The Manticore stopped, going into a fit of sneezing. Still running, Braeburn turned to Zecora. "You said it'd explode!"

"A fib to make sure you took care of my supplies" yelled Zecora. "Clever nonetheless, so that's a surprise!" A loud roar shook the forest, and the ponies sped up. "It bought us a few seconds, at least! We must find a way to fell the beast!"

Just then, Macintosh felt his world shift violently as his hoof caught on a root, throwing him over and tumbling across the ground. Braeburn stopped, eyes wide. "Big Mac!" He stumbled a bit and turned to hurry back to his cousin, a wide-eyed Zecora following suit. Macintosh tried to get back to his hooves, but winced and hissed through his teeth and fell to his side again. He looked down to his hoof; there were no odd angles, thankfully, but he had managed to do something to it, and now it would not support him. "Big Mac! Get up!" Braeburn grabbed his cousin's leg and helped him to his hooves. "We gotta run!"

"Injured" hissed Macintosh. "Run."

Braeburn's mouth moved wordlessly, eyes wide. "Don't argue Brae. Jus' run!" However, a loud thud turned their attention back to the manticore. It's eyes were bloodshot and watery, it had several polka-dots on it's face, and it seemed to be slightly drowsy, but that all seemed subverted by a great deal of anger. The three ponies stared, wide-eyed as the beast drew closer. Macintosh, supported by Braeburn, simply frowned. "I'm sorry Braeburn."

"For what?" Said Braeburn, not taking his eyes off the creature.

"For this." Big Mac sighed. "I shoulda listened to you."

"It's okay cuz..." Braeburn frowned, his eyes getting a bit wet. "I'm sorry too."

"For what?"

"I'm the one who farted and ruined Hearths-Warming Day."

Macintosh frowned a bit. But then he smirked. And then he laughed, shaking his head and sighing. "Salright..."

Braeburn gulped. "Will this hurt?"

"Probably." Macintosh grimaced a bit at the thought, and the scratch in his voice. "Wonder if Zecora has anythin' in these bags that'll at least let us not feel anything?"

Just then, a jar flew from outside their field of view and shattered on the creature. it let out a great roar of anger.

That shrank into a tiny mewl.

Along with the creature itself.

Mac and Braeburn stared at the beast, now looking to be little more than a tiny house-cat (though still having the tail and a pair of tiny wings that likely could not carry it). The two stallions exchanged glances and looked to Zecora, who rushed to their side, her own eyes wide. The small creature pounced on Big Mac, batting at his leg with tiny, weak paws, hissing and growling and biting. Macintosh winced and kicked it off. "Stop that."

The creature hissed, jumped at him and plunged its stinger into his leg. Macintosh yelped as it turned tail and fled into the forest. "Ow! That nasty little-"

"Be calm my friend, it has gone away" said Zecora, rushing to Macintosh and reaching into her saddlebag. "Do not move too much, or else you shall pay!" Big Mac looked at her with a puzzled look on his eyes as she pulled another small bottle from her bag. "The small size made its strikes weak and lame, but just a drop of its poison is deadly the same. Move too much, it'll spread much quicker, and your life will burn out with but a flicker." Macintosh froze once more, eyes wide, as Braeburn stared in utter horror. "But you have to worry not; a remedy old Zecora has got." She popped the bottle open, holding it over Mac's wound, and poured a strange sludge from it. Macintosh winced as she rubbed it in, her hooves oddly gentle to the touch; the sensation burned at first, but became soothing very quickly. She quickly pulled up a bottle and popped it open. "Drink this fast, please make haste, and do not mind the bitter taste." Big Mac nodded, grabbing it and gulping it down, but finding himself gagging at the horrid taste, forcing the fluid (more like a sludge itself, really) down his throat. "To the worst of the toxin you now shall not die..." Zecora frowned. "Though... you'll still get the edge... and suffer a hallucination high."

Macintosh frowned. "What?"

Zecora grabbed some bandaging and wrapped it around his leg. "Some of the toxin these wraps shall draw out, to hasten your recovery and bring healing about." He had to admit, he was feeling a bit light-headed and woozy. Suddenly, Zecora began to morph to the side, and grew a fifth leg. "I assume it has already begun... This could be frightening, or it could be fun." Macintosh stared at her, wide-eyed.

"Y'alright cuz?" Big Mac turned to see Braeburn staring at him... except he had three heads. "You don't look too good." And then one of the heads fell off, growing legs at its neck and running up Braeburn's side. Big Mac blinked a few times, sweating heavily and began to pant, his heart racing. The trees began to reach down for him, and he pulled himself into the dirt.

Back in reality, Braeburn watched Big Mac shove himself into the ground, whimpering like a foal. "What the hay is wrong with him!?"

Zecora simply sighed, shaking her head. "Having a spirit quest... without the preparation that makes it best."

"Spirit quest?"

Zecora smirked. "Zebras use this poison-"

"Many a brew, I know" said Braeburn holding a hoof up. "How long will this last?"

Zecora frowned. "In Manticore poison unrefined...?" She stopped, tapping a hoof to her chin. "Thirty minutes... and that's being kind."

Light.

He could see light.

It hurt.

His leg hurt.

His body hurt.

"Big Mac? You wakin' up?"

"Hnn...?"

"You ain't freakin' out?"

"Mmm..."

His throat was really dry and sore. He wanted to ask why, but it hurt too much. "Can you understand me? Just nod or shake your head." Macintosh nodded. "Okay, good. Don't panic, Zecora said you might not remember, but you got a bit hysterical." Macintosh frowned, opening his eyes and seeing a blurry yellow blob that vaguely resembled a stallion. "You started screamin' and shoutin'... an'... uh... " Braeburn rubbed the back of his head. "Kinda... cried for a bit there... so your throat might be awful sore right now."

Well, at least that was one question answered.

"Also, Zecora said you might feel a bit-"

Suddenly, every muscle in Macintosh's body shot awake in one all-consuming goal. A desire that no body could ignore, that it had to do even if he did not permit it. He sat upwards, leaning to his side and lurched forward, vomiting violently into the ground next to him. Braeburn jumped to the side a bit as the larger stallion emptied the contents of his stomach onto the forest floor. After a few purgings, he panted and heaved, gasping for beautiful air, letting out a few dry heaves, feeling his heart beat against his chest like it might jump out. It had been years since Macintosh had thrown up, and he couldn't say that it was a singularly pleasant experience.

"Y'okay Big Mac?" Macintosh responded with a simple nod, still panting and heaving, but certain that the sickness had passed. "Yeah. Here, drink some water..." Braeburn held a canteen to Big Mac, who took it and drank greedily from the flask. The water soothed his aching throat, though he noticed a hint of a honey flavor. He panted a bit, feeling the pain fade, looking up to his cousin.

"How long was I out...?" he asked in a tired, scratchy voice.

"Well..." Braeburn hummed. "You were tripping for about thirty minutes. Screamed a lot, cried, and thought a twig was goin' to eat you. You eventually cried yourself to sleep, passing out for fifteen minutes..." Macintosh frowned a bit. "An' eh, don't worry. I don't count 'high-crying' as crying, so I won't pick on ya for it."

"Thanks" Macintosh shook his head, panting still. "Need food..."

"Yeah" Braeburn winced. "Zecora went to get some stuff. She says not to try to eat until she gets back." Big Mac sighed.

'Well, this trip is interesting if nothing else.'

Suddenly, a rustle drew both his and Braeburn's attention to a pair of bushes, from which Zecora emerged. "Ah!" she said, smiling. "Macintosh, you are awake! Much sooner than I did anticipate!" She sat a bottle next to him. "Your spirit quest went well, and by those I've seen before? Had you been of my tribe, you'd be a warrior." Macintosh smirked. Him? A warrior? He could just imagine himself wearing Zebra tribal gear, a spear in his mouth. Zecora held up a bottle. "Drink this special brew that I have made for you. It will ease your stomach and let you eat, which, as you may have seen, is no easy feat." Macintosh nodded, taking the bottle, opening it, and drinking; it wasn't too bad, even tasted slightly sweet. As he finished it up, he sat it down. Zecora pat his shoulder. "Do not strain yourself too hard for an hour or so... you need to regain your strength as we go."

"As we go?" Big Macintosh frowned.

"Indeed" Zecora nodded. "We must get to the castle before the sun's fall, lest we see things that would dwarf a manticore's brawl." That certainly wasn't an appealing idea. Macintosh eased himself up, but felt a sharp pain in his hoof. "Careful, you've injured your hoof in our dash. A small break, so do not be brash." Macintosh sighed.

'At least it's just small.'

He looked to the offending hoof, a makeshift splint formed from two planks and some bandaging. "You bring these planks with you?"

"Of course" said Zecora with a nod. "I'm always prepared, especially such a quest as we've shared." Macintosh hummed, nodding.

'I can respect a prepared mare'

Braeburn came to Macintosh's side. "Here cuz, I'll help ya keep balance." Big Mac smirked, shaking his head, waving his hoof a bit.

"I can walk" he said with a nod. "Jus' not fast."

Braeburn seemed to acknowledge this, and gave him a little space, though remained close. Zecora settled Macintosh's saddlebag onto Braeburn's back, and gave him a look. "Do not throw these lest I say if we are to survive the day."

"Alright, I won't..." Braeburn sighed. "Just be more honest from now on so I don't do something that stupid again."

"Deal" said Zecora with a nod.

Braeburn smirked. "That didn't rhyme."

"Teal."

The stallions looked at each other. "What? That doesn't even mean anything!" Braeburn shouted, waving a hoof.

Zecora simply chuckled. "A rhyme is all for which you did ask. Not conversation of a meaningful task."

Braeburn held a hoof up, stopped, and frowned. "Yeah, you got me there."

Zecora looked up to the sky. "It's not much further from the castle now. Let us make like the wind, not a sullen sow."

Zecora and Braeburn stepped forward, Macintosh following close behind, favoring his injured hoof. He hummed, looking around at the trees. Well, at least the manticore's gone... still... I can't help but feel like something is still watching us...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 3 - Castle of the Sisters

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Macintosh stared in horror at the sight before him. A terrible, horrible sight. 'Can't you bring the manticore back,' he thought to himself. 'I'd rather deal with anything other than this. At least with the manticore I knew exactly what I was in for. With this.... there's a few what-ifs that make me more than a little uncomfortable.'

Three little ponies stared out into a fog-filled cavern, two land masses separated by a considerable gap, the depths of the fall made invisible by mist. The only thing connecting these two cliffs together was but a rickety bridge. Macintosh backpedaled a bit, his jaw working wordlessly. "Well, let us get to it if we wish to see the Castle before the sun does flee."

"N-nope!" Big Mac blurted, falling to his haunches but continuing to push himself backwards. Zecora and Braeburn turned to face the mighty stallion as he put as much distance as he could between him and the pit.

"Dear Macintosh, this bridge is strong," said Zecora, who gave the structure a look over, seeming to wince. "Strong enough, don't get me wrong."

"Y-Y-You go on..." said Big Mac, gulping as he finally stopped near a tree. "I-I'll wait."

"Big Mac" Braeburn groaned. "Don't tell me you're afraid of heights!" Macintosh stared at his cousin, glaring at him as if he were angry. Braeburn looked into his eyes, and his jaw fell, before growing into a big grin. "Oh my goodness you are aren't you?" Macintosh did not respond, simply flattening his ears. "Holy... I never thought I'd find somethin' you was scared of that I wasn't!"

"Don't push it" Big Mac warned.

"Hey hey, calm down big guy," Braeburn raised his hooves. "I'm not judgin'! Everypony has a weakness!" Despite still feeling somewhat embarrassed, Big Mac decided it was at least an attempt to be nice and simply nodded. "One you've gotta get over, like, right now, so hop to it big guy, cause the only way to conquer one's fears is to face 'em!"

"Nope!" Big Mac shook his head hard. "Not doin' it!"

"I feel, kind sir, I must interject! We've not finished our mission here yet!" Zecora stepped towards Big Mac, staring straight at him. "You'll be at risk on your own. Just come with us, you're not alone."

Macintosh stared out at the bridge, his jaw hanging wide. He gulped, feeling his stomach tighten as he mustered up his courage. He slowly stood to his hooves, and began stepping forward, feeling every instinct, every alarm scream at him, trying to convince him to turn the other way. 'I really want to, I swear,' he thought to himself. 'But I've got a job to do, and an Apple never goes back on his word.' He placed a hoof on the first wooden plank and let its weight slowly press down; immediately, he felt every tremble, every vibration in the structure as if he were all the way on the middle. He pulled his hoof back up and tried to back up, simply bumping into Zecora and Braeburn. Macintosh turned to face them, wide-eyed.

"L-lemme go" he said. "I wanna go back."

"Big Mac" said Braeburn with a frown. "You can do this, cuz."

"Nope" he said with a shake of his head.

"Macintosh" said Braeburn, giving the larger stallion a somewhat chiding glare. "You can do this."

Big Mac was breathing a bit heavy, turning his attention back to the bridge, then back to Braeburn. It was then that Big Mac was struck by the irony of it. Having to kill spiders because Braeburn would scream like a filly and run and hide. Having to follow him into the barn at night because Braeburn was afraid of the dark. Having to pull splinters from his hooves because Braeburn was too much of a wuss to do it himself. His entire life, he had always been the bigger stallion, and though he never considered himself too overly proud, Big Mac felt something of embarrassment to have the tables turned; his cousin all too ready to do something he himself wanted desperately to turn away from. Taking a deep breath and steeling his nerves, Big Mac turned his attention back to the bridge. He walked forward, gently easing one hoof down.

And then another.

And another.

Systematically, this continued, Macintosh paying attention to each and every detail, his understanding of the universe seeming to become infinitely greater with some sort of strange, acute clarity. Every shake of the bridge he felt through his whole being. Every gust of wind was like a twister. Every sound, even the sound of a caterpillar's yawn, could be heard by Macintosh as he pushed forward. Slowly, he saw the other end of the cliff drawing closer. 'I can do this' Slowly, his goal seemed in sight, as if he could reach out and touch it. 'I can do this' He was drawing closer. Oh so close. 'I can-'

"Keep goin' Big Mac," said Braeburn behind him. "Almost halfway there!"

Macintosh froze. He turned to see Braeburn and Zecora behind him, effectively blocking his ability to turn back. He wanted not to. He wanted oh-so-desperately not to, but he couldn't stop himself. Macintosh let his attention turn to look down over the edge of the bridge.

That's when everything went black.

In the span of what seemed like seconds, Macintosh suddenly registered solid ground. His side pressed against it. 'Great, did I fall?' He sighed, despite what he was certain were certain-death-grade injuries. 'Shoulda known Braeburn'd get me killed.'

Deciding now was as good a time as any to greet death, Macintosh slowly opened his eyes. To his surprise, he could see Zecora and Braeburn a short distance away, Braeburn seeming like he was trying to pop his back into place. "Man... he's heavier than he looks... an' he looks heavy to begin with..."

Macintosh groaned. "Nnh... what happened...?"

Braeburn and Zecora turned to him, Braeburn raising a brow. "Well, ya fainted Big Mac. Right in the middle of the bridge." Braeburn smirked. "I thought you freakin' out from the manticore poison was scary, but when you fell over I coulda sworn we were gonna lose ya!" Macintosh visibly turned pale, and Zecora swatted Braeburn's foreleg. "Ow, hey-"

"Do not worry, you are alright," said the zebra as she stepped forward. "One step closer to our urgent plight. Take it easy, but stand when you can, for we've delayed too long in our grand plan." Macintosh sighed and nodded, slowly pushing his hooves beneath himself, and pressing himself upward, minding his injured leg. He felt a bit wobbly, a sensation that terrified him, but he gained balance and reaffirmed that he was, in fact, not on the bridge anymore.

"This has been a big day for you, ain't it Big Mac?" Braeburn grinned a devious grin. Macintosh turned to his cousin, frowning.

"Don't tease, Brae."

"I'm not teasin'" said the stallion with a chuckle. "I'm not surprised is all. After all, you ain't used to this much excitement are ya?"

Macintosh shook his head. "Am I to assume you are?" He felt a hint of scratchiness in his voice, though he decided to save his water momentarily.

"Nope" said Braeburn with a shrug. "But I've had closer to it than you." Macintosh frowned and, truth be told, wanted to rebuttal, but there were no sentences short enough for him to say what he felt needed to be said, so he simply snorted and let Braeburn have a win. Everypony turned their attention forward, and all at once, everything was forgotten. Macintosh felt his heart stop, though not in terror as it had been. Their eyes focused upward, above the treeline.

Where dark towers jutted into the sky.

Zecora's eyes widened, and a smile formed on her face. "The Castle of the Sisters... it is near... my friends, I believe we are near!"

The group resumed their trot, their goal now partially in view. Macintosh felt his heart race, his muscles tense. 'This is it. All this travel, all this walking, all this danger... its almost over.' The stallion did not try to hide his excitement as a massive grin grew into his features. He could see Braeburn smiling as well, though Zecora seemed more apprehensive than anything. He wanted to ask why, really he did, but Macintosh needed this; he wanted a few moments more to pretend everything was going to be alright.

The trio continued their trek forward, hearts filled with anticipation. Macintosh could barely hold in his excitement as he saw more and more of the ancient structure appearing from between trees and rocks, until eventually, they were upon it.

The structure had definitely seen better days. Portions seemed to have fallen into the castle, likely exposing some rooms to the elements outside. Trees, vines, and other vegetation seemed to be growing around and through the structure whenever possible, showing that no matter how strong the structure, nature would always be able to overpower pony architecture. As they stepped closer, Macintosh spied a few broken pillars, and a statue; a strange statue of a mare rearing up, her hooves extended. It was almost unsettling, really. Finally reaching the large, wooden double doors, the three ponies exchanged glances.

"Well..." said Braeburn. "... We ready to do this?"

"Eeyup."

"Indeed."

Zecora slowly pulled her hoof up and pressed it against the door. Slowly, it was pushed open, yawning as yet another hole was added to its collection. The inside was, to Macintosh at least, every bit as majestic, if eerie, as the outside; he could see rays of sunlight bleeding through the fallen structures, trees and bushes growing in the main hall of the old building. A few more statues of ponies stood out, though one was missing a head and another had fallen long ago and broken into pieces. There were various doors, leading to what Macintosh could only imagine to be different wings of the castle, and at the far end of the hall were two sets of stairs that went to either side before meeting at a platform above. Above that area hung two ancient, worn flags.

One yellow one, with a sun emblazoned upon it, and another one blue, beholding the moon.

He stared at those flags, wide-eyed. "... It can't be..."

Braeburn stepped to Big Mac's side, staring at the flags as well. "M... Macintosh, what does this mean?"

Macintosh stared at the flags for a bit longer. It was funny, really; he had believed the stories as a colt, all too readily. He believed that there really had been great magical unicorn princesses who controlled the sun and moon, and that one of them had been banished for being a bad filly. Then, as he grew up and reality, bit by bit, was forced upon him, those ideals turned to mere fantasy. Oh sure, he never let Apple Bloom on that he didn't believe them when reading her bed time stories, but that was for the fun of bonding with her.

And yet these simple pieces of fabric, these collections of thread did something. They challenged everything he thought he knew.

'What if... what if I was right the first time?'

"Big Mac?" A yellow hoof waved in front of the stallion's face. "Big Mac, you home?" Macintosh shook his head, turning his attention to his cousin, who looked at him with a hint of concern. "You've had a rough trip, so don't go playin' with me on this cuz."

"I-I'm fine" Macintosh nodded. He gave one more glance to those flags, and decided to shelf his concerns for later. 'Okay, so maybe this whole thing isn't a load of bologna. I'll reserve judgement for now, because even if the princesses are real, that doesn't mean they were magical super-mares. After all, we always hear about parts of history that get exaggerated. This could be like that, right?'

Braeburn's head turned back and fourth, looking between doors. "Okay, so.... where do we begin, mi compadres?"

Zecora grimaced a bit, her own attention shifting between entries. "This is quite a conundrum indeed... We may have to check every room to succeed..." The zebra's focus shifted from door to door, trying to decide where they should begin. "But to separate could be a folly, lest we be hit by traps in volley." She turned to her companions. "Let us stick together then. Keep on guard, no matter where, no matter when." Macintosh and Braeburn nodded, and Zecora nodded in return, before turning around and walking forward, seeming to choose a door and then walk into it, the two stallions following her into the unknown.

They entered yet another hall, though this one was smaller and darker, lacking any holes in the roof for natural light to seep through, and the windows seemed to be, for the most part, blocked by trees and bushes. The hall itself was bare, the only thing worth notice being a worn purple rug that seemed to have escaped being pilfered by anypony who might pick the bones of the old castle. Despite the lack of paintings whose eyes follow you and suits of armor that look like they could come to life any moment, Macintosh still felt a great deal of trepidation, and he could tell his companions shared his tension, though they pushed forward; despite the fear or because of it, he could not say.

At the end of the hall, they entered into a large chamber. The walls were covered in various bookshelves, each lined with various tomes, some of which lay scattered on the floor, some of which seemed like they were held together by luck and happy thoughts, and bits and pieces Macintosh merely assumed had once been whole books. 'I sure hope whatever clue we're lookin' for is in better condition than these books,' Macintosh thought to himself,'otherwise, we're up a creak on this one...'

The ponies stepped forward, towards a long reading table. Various books had covered it, bits and pieces of paper scattered about as if somepony tried to get in a quick read before the castle was abandoned, most likely subsequently looted, and the library was ignored for whatever reason. Macintosh looked at a few of the books and was surprised to find strange characters that only remotely resembled letters he had ever seen before. He gently opened a book to find more. "... I can't even read this..."

Zecora seemed to be scanning over the table herself. "Equestria has changed in a thousand years... a dead language was one of my most likely fears..." She shook her head, picking a book up and opening it with care. "We'd require an expert on Old Equestrian lore to decipher these texts and learn what they store."

Macintosh stopped, something catching his eye. He looked at a stack of books and pieces of paper, as well as an empty ink bottle with a quill in it. On the floor, he saw various crumpled pieces of paper. Picking one up, he placed it on the table and attempted to open it up, and was shocked by what he saw. "Seems like such an expert's been here already..." Most of the note he had picked up was either scribbled out or gobbledygook he barely understood, but there were bits and bobs that seemed to make at least a fraction of sense...

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Princesses' rule was relatively short; lasted a mere thirty years before younger sister was banished. Eldest disappeared five years later.
Tree of Harmony? Seen references, but not much else.
Texts mention taking kingdom from a 'Discord' - must compile more data.
Eldest princess did something with the Elements of Harmony, but what?
Mention of a Crystal Empire to the north; likely in or near the similarly named Crystal Mountains.
Princesses seem to have odd descriptions; they use magic, but seem to possess wings. A mutation, maybe?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Your gaze is intense, it has me in suspense..." said Zecora, staring at Macintosh in confusion.

"Yeah," agreed Braeburn, "Whats it say, Big Mac?"

Macintosh frowned. "Lotta things... doesn't seem like we're th' first ponies with our particular goal though." He hoofed the note across the table to Zecora, who took it and read it over.

"Is there anything else?"

Macintosh simply nodded. Braeburn stepped close to him. "Y'alright?" Macintosh nodded again, waving a hoof dismissively. "Should take a drink from your canteen, cuz." Despite not wanting to waste water, Macintosh figured he had been somewhat over-conservative with his water. He popped his canteen open and took a quick drink, sighing in relief before shutting it back. Zecora had already been by his side by the time he placed it back in his bag, and was picking up the scraps on the floor, opening them and looking them over.

"... Whoever wrote these shared our intention...." She opened another one and looked it over. "... They too noticed the signs that I mentioned." She began stuffing bits of paper into her bag as she found them, or otherwise throwing them to the side. "If these notes were not worth keeping, one must wonder what knowledge they're reaping..."

"Yeah, that's cool and all," said Braeburn, holding a hoof up, "But does any of it help us?"

Zecora looked over a few of the notes a bit more closely, though she still frowned. "It seems our friend shared our frustration... the answer lies not at this station." Braeburn groaned, throwing his hooves in the air, and Macintosh simply sighed and hung his head.

"So, what? We've been wasting our time?"

"No..." Zecora looked around. "They seem to have secluded themselves to this room. A likely hiding place in this desolate tomb... but answers are not always found in a book..." The zebra smiled to her companions. "I say we continue, give the rest a good look." Braeburn seemed nonplussed by this particular appeal, and Macintosh could not really say he disagreed. However, he did find his interest peaked; were they stumbling upon ancient, lost knowledge? Did he now know things that only one other pony had known for centuries? And that thought brought up another concern that made him frown and look upon the books and papers.

"... What happened to the pony who wrote these...?"

Everypony froze. Zecora frowned. "Let us move on while the sun is on high, so we may finish before the moon's in the sky." The two stallions nodded in agreement, and they began to make their way away from the table, and back out of the library. Macintosh stopped, however, looking back for a moment.

'I've got a bad feelin'...'

He decided that this was another thought he simply need to shelf for now, and turned to follow his cousin and the zebra back down the hallway into the main hall.

Their time in the main hall was limited as they made their way into yet another entryway to yet another hallway, though this one was a deal lengthier than the last, and had a few doors along the way. The windows allowed just the faintest beams of light to pierce the darkness, branches from trees and vines casting unnerving shadows that, thankfully, were only barely visible. The three stopped at the first door along the path, Braeburn deciding to be the brave one and press it open. Inside were a few broken bed frames, an old closet, and a chest that was wide open.

"Servants quarters, I would surmise. That anything remains is a surprise."

"Is it likely we'll find anything in here?" Braeburn raised a brow. "I mean, call me crazy, but I don't suspect a Princess hiding world savin' doohickeys would leave the only clue to their rediscovery in a room for their workforce." All in agreement, the ponies gently closed the door back and continued along the way of the hall. As they reached the next room, it was Macintosh who pushed the door open, though there was even less luck here than before; the room was entirely empty, save for pieces of stone and debris from a hole in the ceiling leading up to the floor above.

"Hope our clue wasn't under that when that happened..."

"Not likely is this to be." Zecora hummed, looking at the debris, then up into the hole. "The Elements would be in a Pride of Place, so all would see and know their face. Any clues would be somewhere dear... somewhere private... but not too clear...." The ponies made their way out of the room, and Big Mac pulled the door shut once more. As they continued down the hall, Zecora reached a door and pressed her hoof into it, but it would not budge. "Hm... this door seems to be stuck. Not by lock, but maybe luck?"

Braeburn stepped forward, a grin on his face. "Don't worry, young mare, let me handle this." Macintosh rolled his eyes, while Zecora stepped aside, seemingly indifferent to the stallion's suggestion of her being weaker. Braeburn placed a hoof on the door, and the confident grin he was wearing suddenly strained. "Just... gotta give it a little shove..." He pressed harder. He brought a second hoof up and pushed with both. "It.... I feel it budging...!" The door stood firm, and Macintosh could tell that Braeburn had done little more than strain the wood against whatever was most likely blocking it shut.

"Brae, let's jus' go" said the stallion, trying to help his cousin save face.

"Y-Yeah..." said Braeburn, stepping away from the door. "Probably nothin' important in there anyway..." With a nod, and a noticeable attempt to not look directly at anypony, Braeburn stepped forward, pretending he didn't even notice his injured pride. Macintosh and Zecora shared a look, and both smirked, turning to follow the indignant stallion.

They reached the end of the hall, entering another door that led into a circular stairway. "A tower," said Braeburn, sighing. "Of course a tower. There's gonna be lots of stairs, aint there?"

"Suck it up, Brae." Big Mac sighed, taking point and stepping into the stair way.

"Gonna be okay Big Mac?"

Macintosh glared at Braeburn, his eyes giving a solid warning. Turning back to the task at hoof, the stallion began his ascent, his cousin and their zebra companion in tow. Along the climb there was an occasional window, allowing light to pour in, even if a lot of it was subdued. Macintosh could feel his legs growing tired and sore, the excitement of the day finally catching up with him, and a quick glance back allowed him to confirm that Braeburn was feeling the burn too, though Zecora seemed surprisingly unaffected. 'This mare is sturdy. What exactly do medicine mares do?' Macintosh didn't let this thought bother him long, however, as they approached a door. Putting his best hoof forward, he gently pushed the door open and stepped inside, and his eyes grew wide at what he saw.

It was not a very large space by any means; it was what one might call cozy. There were a few bookshelves, on which lay many tomes, and a bed was nearby which seemed relatively immaculate considering it was a thousand years old. A banner hang nearby, emblazoned with a sun marking like the banners downstairs, and there seemed to be an empty pedestal in the center of the room. "Well Big Mac, now you can say you were in a mare's room before." Big Mac snorted, deciding to not even dignify his cousin with a response as he looked about. He let his eyes fall to the bookshelf, but all he saw there were more books written in that ancient language. Braeburn sighed. "Is it too much to hope our friend left us some little tidbits of knowledge here?"

"Open your eyes and look around," commanded Zecora, "If something moves, listen for a sound." The ponies thus began to mill around the room, poking and prodding at everything. Big Mac pulled on the edges of the bed, but simply tilted it. Braeburn tugged on books, but nothing happened. After several minutes of searching, the three stopped, and Big Mac hummed.

"Nothin' here?"

"Nope" agreed Braeburn. "Looks like this is a wild goose chase..."

"Do not say that just yet my friend," said Zecora with a glare. "We've checked two wings, this isn't the end."

"C'mon Zecora" said Braeburn with a sigh. "Look, I was willing to follow you into this forest an' all, but if there was somethin' here, it ain't no more." He waved a hoof. "Look around. Somepony beat us to the punch. If there was somethin' here of value, its gone now, taken away by goodness knows what." He placed a foreleg on the pedestal, leaning against it. "I mean, this place has been ransacked li-" His sentence was cut short as the pedestal fell to the side, and he along with it, but came to an abrupt halt at an angle. A click was heard by all, and suddenly the area surrounding Braeburn began to drop. He leaped away from the platform, and everypony watched as the floor that had fallen had actually done so in a familiar pattern. "G-great," said Braeburn, "More stairs..."

"Wow" said Macintosh.

"Y-Yeah" said Braeburn. "Not sure how clever it is... I mean, the switch is kinda right there, big as all get out..."

"Clever enough, I presume, that nopony else has found that room..." Zecora stepped forward, and was the first to walk down the admittedly short flight of stairs. Macintosh followed until they reached a point where the stairs ended and led to a door. Zecora pushed it open, and all three followed into an admittedly tight space, leading to a golden platform with a lever in the middle. Zecora reached into her saddlebag and pulled a lantern from it, twisting the handle and lighting the area up.

"This is pretty cool..." said Braeburn. "Should we... pull that lever?"

"I don't know" Big Mac frowned. "I've got a bad feelin' about this, an' it just keeps gettin' worse the further we go..."

"I fear we've no choice in this. If we ignore it, we'd be remiss."

Zecora stepped forward, wrapping her hooves around the large lever, and tugging on it. It cranked loudly as she did, and suddenly the floor beneath them shook violently, and began to descend. Macintosh simply stared in awe as the ancient machinery lowered them. "Impossible..." he said, shaking his head. "They had elevators back then?" He did not get a reply, but did not expect one, to be honest. Macintosh and his friends could only wait for the mechanism to deliver them to whatever it had in store.

Eventually, the round walls ended, and they were greeted by a new sight. Jaws fell as the ponies entered into a large space; as if a castle had been built beneath a castle. Their platform stopped, and everypony stepped onto solid ground, staring across a bridge that stood over a waterway that came from an unknown source. The trio casually began to move forward, taking in the scenery; the entire place seemed to have been a cave at one time, until somepony had the mind to come down and convert it. They crossed the bridge, reaching upon a large pair of double doors. Putting his hoof forward, Macintosh pressed the massive door open, and everypony stepped inside.

Inside was a massive library that seemed to dwarf even what was up above. The ponies stepped forward, eying various books and tomes. The room had all sorts of strange odds and ends; a telescope for star gazing, a globe of the planet (from a time when ponies thought the world was flat no less; back then such a thing would have been heresy!) and a statue of a pony rearing up, though she was peculiar in that she had both a horn and wings.

"This must be the Eldest's Retreat" said Zecora, staring wide-eyed. "A sanctuary after she left the royal seat..."

Macintosh simply looked forward, and noticed a desk sitting in the middle of the sanctuary. On that desk as a book, and as he drew closer, he noticed that the book had been emblazoned with the sun. He gently reached a hoof forward, tugging it open, but whatever hope he had vanished when he noticed that it had been written in the same language as every other book he couldn't read in this forsaken place. Macintosh let out a sigh, closing the book and making his way towards the other two with the tome in his mouth. Braeburn snorted, shaking his head. "Well," he said with a sigh, "I'm beat. Don't look like there's anything in here worth much unless you're gonna loot th' place."

"Indeed" Zecora said with a hint of defeat, before turning to Macintosh. "Oh! Early we've decreed! What is this I see, a text before me?" Macintosh nodded, and Zecora took it from him, opening it carefully and letting her eyes roam the pages. "This book is written in the ancient tongue... but if a clue yet remains, this is the one." She smiled, though there was little mirth, and more uncertainty, in the look of her eyes. "I suppose we've dallied too long, my friends. Lete us return to Ponyville before the day ends."

The ponies turned to make their way back out of the sanctuary, though Macintosh had to stop once more and look back. His eyes settled on that statue and its peculiar structure. 'It looks like a pegasus... but the horn... are unicorns real...?' Big Mac simply shrugged, turning his attention back to his friends and stepping out of the room.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 4 - Dinner With the Rich Family

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"Well, the good news is that it's a relatively minor spraining of the hoof. No torn ligaments that I could see, mostly just a poor stretch. It is my professional opinion that, given a week or so, your hoof should be as good as new."

Macintosh sat on the observation table, hoof held out as the grey, elder stallion changed his bandaging and gave him a better casting. "This should allow you to continue walking about without putting too much stress on the injury. Come back to me in a week so that I can check up on it again, and until then, try not to put too much stress on that hoof if you can manage it." Macintosh responded with a simple nod, and the doctor smiled. "And how is your throat? Any changes since our last checkup? Have you been trying to talk more?"

Macintosh responded with a simple shake of his head. "Nnope."

The doctor sighed and shrugged. "Ah. Well, no change is better than it gettin' worse." The stallion gave a soft nod. "Well, unless there's anything else ya want me to check out, I think we're all done here." Macintosh nodded and hopped from the table, grabbing his coat and putting his hooves into the arms and making sure it was nice and settled. He waved goodbye as he stepped out of the doctor's home, and out into the streets. The trip back to Ponyville had been less eventful than the trip from it, thankfully, although he wasn't too pleased about having to cross the bridge again (or having fainted once more in the process) but thankfully, that seemed to be behind him at the moment. He casually walked down the street, intent on returning home.

"Hey Big Mac!"

Macintosh turned about to see Zecora and Braeburn approach him. "Y'alright cuz? Doc give ya good news?"

"Eeyup" Big Mac nodded simply, waving his hoof around. "Just a sprain. Any luck?"

Braeburn simply sighed. "None whatsoever. Took th' dang thing to Cheerilee, an' she said the only foreign language she knew was Prench. Old Equestrian is way above her head." Big Mac sighed. 'Guess it was too much to hope for.' "We might have to talk to Granny, see if anypony in th' family has connections or Old Equestrian reading skills." Macintosh hummed. He really didn't like the idea of having to rove about looking for a relative who had such skills, especially if they lived too far away. Still, he supposed as long as he didn't have to go back into the Everfree Forest, it wasn't so bad. With his sprain, he might not even be able to buck apples for a few days anyway.

"I shall return to my hut in the Everfree. You know where to find me if you need me." Zecora nodded, then pointed to the bag on Braeburn's back. "Keep the tome and guard it with your life. I feel that with you, it is safer from strife." Macintosh and Braeburn offered a simple nod, and then Zecora turned and took off with a brisk trot.

Braeburn sighed. "I hate to see 'er leave, but I love to watch 'er go." Big Mac swatted him in the foreleg with his good hoof. "Ow! Dangit, Big Mac..." Braeburn rubbed his leg, pouting a bit. "Guess we should head back home, huh? Granny'll likely be preppin' dinner by now..."

"Eeyup" said Macintosh with a nod.

The walk home was fairly uneventful. Nopony stopped them to say hi. Nothing weird or unusual happened. Braeburn didn't even stop to flirt with any girls; likely having had all the excitement he needed for one day. Macintosh himself felt more tired than he had ever felt before; a day's hard work often left him exhausted, but this was not just a physical sort of tired. It was the kind of tired that pierced through one's being. He felt as though once he found an appropriate place to lay down, he might close his eyes and not open them again for days. It wasn't too long before that familiar, beloved sign stood out marking their home, and they crossed that threshold, trotting down a dirt path. Macintosh could already see that familiar red house; it was simple in its design, but in his own mind it was the best place in the world, the only place he ever wanted to be. It was his little slice of heaven, and he wouldn't trade it for any mansion.

Big Mac and Braeburn stepped onto the front porch, and he pulled the door open, stepping inside. As soon as he did, however, his eyes bulged wide at what he saw.

"Oh! Hi Big Mac! You're home! This is my new friend, Scootaloo, and-Oh my goodness, did you hurt yourself!?"

Macintosh stared at a pair of fillies; one his beloved sister, yellow coat, red mane with a cute little pink bow in it, wearing a green dress that their grandmother had made herself. Next to her, however, was a familiar, small orange filly in the Newspaper Colt Cap, brown vest, and white shirt. She looked back at him, her purple eyes dilating. He let out a snort, and growled loudly. "You!"

"Uh-oh! Uhh..." Scootaloo looked around, gulped, and turned to Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, I-I think I better run..." The filly ran to the door, grabbing a scooter that was nearby, and rushed past Big Mac who, due to his injured hoof, was not able to stop her. Before he could turn around, she was already too far away for him to hope to catch up to in his current condition. The stallion let out a snort and turned to Apple Bloom.

"What was she doin' here!?"

"She's my new friend!" Apple Bloom nodded, smiling. "I met her this mornin' in the park! She was bein' bullied by Silver Spoon, jus' like I get bullied, an' we talked an' hung out an' I brought her home ta eat dinner with us!"

"I reckon she already has all the dinner she needs for a few days at least!" said Big Mac, snorting, ignoring the scratching that was entering his voice. "She stole an entire basket of apples from our stand!"

Braeburn bit his lip, reaching a hoof forward and tapping Macintosh's shoulder. "Big Mac, yer voice is-"

"I don't care!" Macintosh winced, admittedly feeling a bit sore from the overexertion. He scowled a bit, glaring at Apple Bloom. "We'll talk later."

"Why!?" Apple Bloom shouted. "So she stole a buncha apples! It ain't like we don't got plenty more! We got an entire orchard full'a them!" The small filly stomped her hoof, as if it drove her point home. "Why get so mad about those apples!?"

"Later!" Macintosh growled, making his way past his sister towards the kitchen.

"An' what if I wanna talk about it now, huh!? What if later ain't good 'nuff!" Apple Bloom stomped after him, her face red from anger. "I never do anythin' wrong, I always do my homework, an' I never cuss or spit, so why can't I have a friend!?" Macintosh didn't respond, however, and she felt her anger reach the boiling point. "Fine! You don't have ta talk, cause I'll talk, an' there ain't much you can say t' stop me cause, unlike some ponies in here, my throat isn't all messed up!"

The moment the words left her mouth, Apple Bloom slammed her hooves over her muzzle, staring wide-eyed at her brother. Braeburn's own eyes had grown into discs, his jaw hanging a bit. Everything fell in silence, the only sound one could hear being a nearby grandfather clock. Macintosh turned to his sister, his eyes a familiar mix of emotions; anger, disappointment, and more hurt than he was willing to let on. Apple Bloom didn't move her hooves, staring at her brother with horrified eyes. "I... I didn't mean-"

"Quiet" he said quietly, though even in that quiet there was some sense of power that both the filly and their cousin could almost feel. Big Mac turned from them and made his way into the kitchen without another word to finish the task he had set out to do.

Apple Bloom's mouth moved wordlessly, and she stepped forward. "Big Mac, I-" A hoof on her shoulder brought the filly's plea to a halt. She turned her gaze to see her cousin staring down at her with sad, sympathetic eyes, though there was a hint of disappointment she knew well enough as he shook his head. "But... but I didn't mean ta..."

"I know..." said Braeburn quietly. "But th' damage is done..."

Mac made a cup of tea, filling it with sugar and honey to make sure it tasted sweet. He hated tea - it was just too bland for his tastes, and he never understood how rich ponies could drink the stuff like fish. Still, this particular brew was good for his throat, so that helped him stomach the taste. Drinking the liquid, he resisted the urge to gag at the taste as the ache in his throat did not vanish, but grew weaker. He waited until he had finished the drink to turn and head back into the living room, where Apple Bloom and Braeburn still waited. He did not look at the filly, so he did not see the tears in her eyes, and he paid no attention to his cousin whom was torn on who he pitied more between him or his sister. He silently made his way up the stairs, not letting any of that bother him.

He put his hoof on the door to his room and pressed it open, stepping inside and closing the door back behind him. Macintosh sighed a bit, planting his haunches on the floor and staring at his simple room space. A bed, a nightstand, a desk, and a closet. He never needed much to be happy, so this was just fine for him. He sighed, standing up and making his way towards the bed, laying down in favor of his injured hoof. It was rare he took naps, but Big Mac felt he sorely needed one right about now.

"Ya know, Big Mac, I think ya really need to talk to Apple Bloom."

Macintosh did not respond as he and Braeburn trotted the path to the market, their hooves clomping against the cobblestone road as Macintosh pulled their cart behind them, a second cart hitched to it. "I mean... you haven't said a word to 'er since yesterday. I know what she said was wrong, but she's jus' a filly, you can't stay mad at 'er forever."

"Not forever" Macintosh said without breaking his stride. "Jus' long enough so she understands."

"I think she understands now. She was cryin' for a bit when you went upstairs, and was lookin' pretty sad the rest of the night." Macintosh didn't like the idea of Apple Bloom crying, but what she said had cut him deep. From any other pony, those words would have hurt; from his own beloved baby sister, they hurt so much more.

"She knew what she was sayin'." Macintosh stopped, unhitching himself from his cargo and setting their stall up. "Watch this stall while I get this to Carrot Top."

"No no, let me." Braeburn unhitched the secondary stall. "I can do this. You just sit here an' tend to customers, I'll do the rest. Okay?" Macintosh looked at his cousin, raising his brow. Braeburn simply smiled.

"Fine."

Braeburn nodded, hitching himself to the second stall. "You jus' sit here an' hold down th' fort until I get back, Big Mac. I promise I won't take too long." Braeburn trotted off, and Macintosh watched him make his way down the road to Carrot Top's place.

Left to his own devices, Macintosh let loose a casual sigh, turning his attention back to the ponies milling about. Thoughts of yesterday came up, and he began to wonder what their zebra friend was up to. 'She had us keep that book, but why?' He began to ponder if even she knew what she should do next? It was then his eyes widened and he slapped his (good) hoof against his head. 'Dangit! I forgot to ask Granny if we knew any translators! Macintosh grumbled to himself. 'I musta been so tired and frustrated that it slipped my mind...'

It was then that Macintosh noticed several ponies stopping and parting, two ponies headed his way. 'Whats this?' One of the ponies seemed like a pony servant; an older stallion, who seemed to be missing most of his mane, though he retained a dignified posture and gait as he walked, a black tux keeping him dapper. Next to him, however, was a mare that Macintosh didn't know; she was a tall, slender mare, her coat a pale blue, a darker blue, wavy mane adorning her, with the back of it braided and hanging over her shoulder. Her dress was a dark blueish purple, and her eyes a blue green. He could only stare in awe at her as she approached, his mouth moving wordlessly to his thoughts.

'... She's.... she's beautiful...'

The mare, much to his surprise, stopped at his stall, smiling a charming smile as her servant stepped forward. "Presenting her ladyship, Lady Nightingale Rich." That last name struck him. 'Rich? She's related to Filthy? But I thought he only had the one daughter...?'

"Thank you, Teacup" said the mare, stepping past her butler as he stepped aside for her and making eye contact with Macintosh. The moment their eyes met, he felt entranced. "Hello, dear Macintosh Apple, and may I say that it is a pleasure to meet you. My uncle has said good things about you."

"You too" Macintosh said. The mare held a hoof forward, and he took hold of it; she seemed somewhat surprised when he offered it a kind shake.

"Oh" she said, seemingly unsure of how to respond to the greeting, though she smiled nonetheless. "Not at all what I'm used to."

"Oh" Macintosh put a hoof behind his head, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm sorry."

"Oh no!" The mare giggled. "Don't be! 'Tis quite refreshing, to be honest. A little something new can do wonders when you're so used to routine, wouldn't you agree?" Macintosh was ready to disagree, but he thought better of it.

"Maybe."

The mare smiled and nodded. "Macintosh Apple, I hope this is not a bad time, but I was made aware that you are the current manager of Sweet Apple Acres, are you not?"

Macintosh offered a simple nod. "Eeyup."

"Excellent!" She clopped her hooves together, smiling. "Then I have come to the right pony! Macintosh, I was wondering if perhaps you would be interested in having dinner with my family and I over a business proposal?"

That peaked his curiosity. "Business proposal? What kind?"

"Ah ah" she said, waving a hoof and tutting him playfully. "If I told you here, there wouldn't be much point in a business dinner, would there?" Macintosh nodded, accepting her argument. "You needn't worry about any expenses. We will have our chefs cook the entire meal. You need only bring yourself and your family. It's quite professional, I assure you."

'A free meal does sound pretty good... but what would Granny think...?'

Immediately, Big Mac saw a vision of his grandmother giving him an angry glare. "Ya better do it! She's a pretty mare an' you ain't gettin' any younger, sow some wild apple seeds, boy!"

Macintosh frowned. 'Well, she'd definitely want to do it... but what about Braeburn?'

Once more, an image of his cousin, staring at him, jaw hanging, then grabbing him by his shoulders and shaking him. "You gotta do it! She's a pretty mare an' I ain't gettin' any younger! I gotta sow some wild apple seeds!"

He sighed internally. 'Apple Bloom? I know I'm mad at ya right now, but back me up here...'

In his imagination, his sister stared at him with innocent, confused eyes. "Big Mac, what does 'sow wild apple seeds' mean?"

Macintosh grimaced internally. 'So much for that.'

"Isn't tonight kinda... sudden?" Macintosh queried, bringing a hoof to the back of his neck and rubbing it. Already he felt his throat getting sore from talking too much, and he stroked it gently to ease it. The butler seemed to notice this, and withdrew a flask from his pocket, handing it to Macintosh.

"To sooth your pain. Lord Rich was quite thorough in preparing her Ladyship for this venture." Macintosh raised a brow, but the butler held up a hoof. "Non-alcoholic, so you need not worry of intoxication." Macintosh took the flask, pulling the stopper open and sniffing it, deciding it didn't smell bad, and took a drink. The taste was sweet, not at all bitter as he had expected, and it did indeed make some of the pain in his throat disappear, almost miraculously. "Better?"

"Eeyup" he said with a nod, closing it and handing it back, though the butler held up a hoof.

"Consider it a gift." Macintosh didn't know if he should feel pleased at being given a gift or offended at the possibility that it had just been given to him because his lips had touched it. Deciding not to pick at a pleasantry, even if it was possibly non-genuine, he simply nodded and stuffed it into one of his own pockets.

"If you wish, we can always postpone for a later date..." the mare's smile almost seemed sad. "Tonight would simply be better for me, what with my schedule." Macintosh looked into her eyes for a few moments. Those orbs stared into him, piercing his soul with their beauty.

'I am the head of the house hold... I don't normally make decisions without consultin' th' family first but... well....' Macintosh sighed a bit, but smiled. 'Why not? I doubt anypony would mind.' "Alright."

"Excellent!" Nightingale smiled brightly. "Does Seven o' clock sound alright for you?"

"Eeyup" he said, nodding.

"Splendid! Thank you Macintosh. We shall be expecting you, and we will be happy to have you." Nightingale nodded, then turned her attention to her butler. "Teacup, let us away." The Butler offered Macintosh a friendly nod, a 'good day', and turned after his lady, both trotting down the street. Macintosh found himself, in a rare moment of weakness, watching the mare as she left.

"Whoa... are you, Big Macintosh, the biggest prude I know, checking a mare out!?"

Big Mac shook his head, waking up from his stupor. "Wha-nope! Nope!" He turned to Braeburn, blinking a few times. "How long you been here?"

"Long enough to hear ya get accept an invite to dinner." Braeburn stepped beside Macintosh, a grin on his face. "An' holy horse-apples, you got yourself a winner. Rich and beautiful? What luck!"

"Not like that..." Macintosh frowned.

"Hey, if that's true then lemme have her." Braeburn grinned.

"Holy crap! Was that the shut-in that's been living with the Riches for the past few months!?"

Both ponies nearly jumped, turning to see Pinkie Pie standing behind them, staring wide-eyed. "I heard the rumors, but I didn't know they were true!"

"Pinkie," said Big Mac, putting a hoof to his chest. "Don't scare us like that."

"Sorry Macky!" Pinkie plopped on her haunches, smiling wide. "I just saw you talkin' to a pretty mare I'd never seen before, and I had to be sure that she was good enough for my cousin!"

"Pinkie-"

"I mean, I couldn't get much from that little conversation, but I suppose she seems nice enough! Pretty too! I wonder where she got that dress? It looked custom made! Not that I know anything about dresses, it just doesn't look like any dress I've ever seen-"

"Pinkie Pie!" Macintosh shouted.

Pinkie stopped, grinning sheepishly. Macintosh sighed, already feeling a bit of soreness in his throat. 'This week's been harsh on me.' He decided it wasn't bad enough to warrant a drink from his newly received flask, so he let it be. "Not like that."

"Oh..." Pinkie hummed. "But you were staring at her bu-"

"Nope!" Macintosh shouted, wide-eyed. Braeburn snickered a bit like a school colt at his cousin's frustration. "Jus' a business dinner invite."

"Oooh" said Pinkie, nodding. "Sounds super serious!" She hummed a bit, then smiled big. "Can I come?"

"Nope," Macintosh shook his head. He looked to Pinkie Pie to see her giving him big, sad eyes. 'She's puttin' tears in it! Damage control!' Macintosh smiled. "Ain't yer kinda shindig, Pinkie. Too serious fer a fun nut like you."

Pinkie seemed to consider this, and a smile told Macintosh he had convinced her. "Oh, okay. But you really need to go to more parties!" Pinkie giggled. "I've never seen you have fun! I want Macky to have fun!"

Big Mac frowned. "I have fun..."

"Not much!" Pinkie giggle-snorted. "Well, I've gotta run! Bye bye!" With that, the pink mare was bouncing away, humming a song to herself. Macintosh sighed, shaking his head and turning to his cousin, who stared at him with a smirk on his face.

"What?"

"Told ya you love a boring life."

"Shut up." Big Mac sighed, taking the flask from his jacket and drinking some of the fluid inside, before putting it back. It really did help a lot. Now, he had to consider going about telling Granny that he had set up a business dinner without telling her; even if she would have agreed (too readily) for him to do it, he knew that sometimes she would get indignant about not telling her first when making decisions on behalf of their family.

A few hours passed, several ponies bought their apples, some in singles, some in dozens, but eventually the time came to close shop. Macintosh didn't worry about retrieving their backup cart; Carrot Top was going to keep that until they could repair hers (which, to his own shame, he had yet to even begin repairing), so all there was really to do was to hitch up their present cart and haul it back to the acres. The trip home was quiet; something Big Mac was happy for, as he knew when he told Granny of their dinner plans, she would likely badger him about preparing for it like it was his wedding. Perhaps that's why Braeburn wasn't teasing him anymore?

He stepped hoof on the porch, pushing the door open. The moment it opened, he noticed an unpleasant smell filling the house. A smell he hadn't smelled for a long time, but knew all too well. "Someone burn an apple pie...?" Big Mac and Braeburn made their way through the living room (Braeburn shutting the door with his back hoof on the way in) and towards the kitchen, but he stopped when hearing voices.

"Aww Apple Bloom, it's alright. Nopony's first Apple Pie turns out t' be a winner."

"But I bet nopony's first apple pie burns either..."

"Aww shucks, I'm sure it... uh... tastes lovely... it's just a bit soggy. An' burnt. Some ponies probably like that!"

To Big Mac's surprise, his sister's voice sounded like she might cry. "Now Big Mac's gonna hate me forever... " He could hear the filly sob somewhat, and though he was still angry, he began to feel the guilt slowly growing in power.

"Ohh sweety... he won't hate ya forever..." Granny Smith's voice was comforting, gentle. "Big Mac's jus' a sensative boy. Always has been. He'll be angry fer a bit, but he'll get over it. This'n might not be good fer eatin', but I'm sure Winona'll love it. Jus' next time you try to bake, be sure t' get my help first. Wouldn't want yer big brother comin' home to his house burnin' down, would we?"

Big Mac turned to look behind him, seeing Braeburn giving him a surprisingly sad look almost as pleading as Apple Bloom's, though with none of the associated adorableness. He sighed, turning his head, taking a breath, and stepping into the kitchen. He turned to see Granny hugging little Apple Bloom, who still seemed to be sobbing. The elder mare looked up to him, her eyes widening upon seeing him. When she noticed the look on his face, she smiled a bit. "Well Apple Bloom... look who's here." Apple Bloom turned from her grandmother to see Big Mac, and a blush crawled into her cheeks. Macintosh couldn't help but smile. 'She and Applejack are so alike. Never likes to be caught cryin'...'

Big Mac stepped forward and sighed, smiling at Apple Bloom. "I don't hate ya, 'Bloom..." The filly sniffled a bit, doing a terrible job of holding back any tears. "... I was mad... but I could never stay mad at you. Yer my lil' sister. I love ya." Apple Bloom sniffled a bit more, a smile on her face, her tears flowing more readily. She rushed forward and hugged Big Mac, wrapping her hooves around his neck.

"Oh Big Mac," she whimpered, "I'm so sorry! I-I was... I was jus' so mad, a-a-an' I wasn't thinkin'-"

"It's okay," Big Mac patted her back a few times, chuckling as he lowered his head so she could let go without falling on her rump. "Jus'... be more thoughtful next time... alright?" Apple Bloom sniffled a bit, nodding. Big Mac smiled again, to show her he meant it. Apple Bloom hugged him once more, then dashed out of the room. He hated to admit it, but Big Mac knew he could never stay mad at his sister; those sweet little eyes would always win him over.

"Sorry t' interrupt, but Big Mac has other news!" Braeburn stepped forward, grinning. Big Mac threw a glare at him. "What? You been talkin' all day, I figured you'd want me to say somethin'. 'Cause the Apple Family has been invited to a business dinner by Filthy Rich's niece!"

"Oh?" Granny Smith blinked a few times. "Huh! I knew he had family, but I never noticed anypony livin' with 'em!" Granny blinked, then grinned. "Wait, did you say niece?"

Big Mac frowned. 'Here we go...'

"Yessir!" Braeburn grinned wide. "And, might I say, said niece is quite the looker!"

"Oh? She got child barin' hips!"

"Oh yes!"

'I work on a farm, Braeburn. I have no shortage of places to hide a body.'

"Well, that settles it!" Granny grinned wide, clopping her hooves together. "We'll get ready soon as possible! When's the dinner?"

"Seven!" Big Mac glared at Braeburn, wishing his gaze could burn a hole in the stallion's head.

"Well, Big Mac, we gotta make sure you an' Braeburn are nice n' presentable!" Granny chuckled. "Oh, we can also get Apple Bloom t' wear that cute lil' dress I made fer her when Applejack graduated!" The elder mare hurried up stairs fast as her old legs would take her, and Big Mac glared once more at his cousin.

Braeburn blinked, looking at Big Mac as if he was confused. "What?"

"Couldn't let me talk?"

The yellow stallion simply chuckled. "Mac, let's be honest. You likely wouldn'ta said a thing until Granny said she was gonna prepare dinner. Yer predictable like that." That made Big Mac scowl, not just because he hated being called predictable, but also because he couldn't deny the accuracy of the statement. "Granny likes t' prepare for this stuff. If you're draggin' her on an unexpected dinner trip, should at least give 'er a few hours of advance notice t' prepare." It was a rare occasion that Braeburn was right, so Big Mac knew that he should let him have his win. He simply nodded, accepting his cousin's argument. "Great! So... how ya gonna woo 'er?"

"Braeburn..." Big Mac groaned as his cousin laughed.

The hours passed rather quickly. Big Mac had decided to busy himself until time to go by repairing Carrot Top's cart. He found some sort of serenity in fixing things; a sort of zen that few others seemed to understand. Even Braeburn looked at such tasks as chores, and would look for any excuse not to do them, but for Big Mac, it was when his hooves were busy that he thought his clearest. It allowed him to be productive, to be alone, and to vent any frustrations he may or may not have on pieces of wood. As he set a new top into place, he began to take notes of other little flaws in it. 'Beyond the damage I did to it, th' wheels seem kinda old, little worn. One looks uneven. The cart itself looks like it's probably older 'n Carrot Top herself is. I might be doin' her a favor to just outright build 'er a new one.

Big Mac plotted and planned, considering all the ways he could improve upon the current cart, before he was interrupted by Braeburn. "Hey, Big Mac! Granny wants us t' get ready fer dinner!"

"Already?" Big Mac raised a brow, looking out a nearby window. The sun was already setting. 'Time flies...' Macintosh sighed, stepping away from the tools and making his way towards the door.

"Granny says you should get yourself washed up. She don't want us goin' there an' you smellin' like you've been out in the fields." Macintosh grunted in response, figuring it was enough to let Braeburn know he acknowledged his statement. Once inside, he made his way towards the bathroom and turned the faucet. As he waited for the water to get warm enough for him to bathe, he removed his jacket, then his shirt, and finally his bandanna. He opened a nearby closet, setting his clothes in a basket, and his bandanna on one of the towels before shutting the door back, and stepping into the shower. Once he was clean, Macintosh grabbed a towel from the closet, and dried himself as best he could. He took a towel, hanging it over his back, and grabbed his bandanna, wrapping it around his neck once more, before stepping out and into the hall, making his way to his room.

After stepping out, he was wearing one of his best dress shirts, along with a waistcoat, with a dark green jacket hanging from his back. 'Ain't worn this since Applejack's graduation,' he thought, smiling. 'Not much a fancy pony, but this suit carries its own sense of pride.' Big Mac stepped from his room, almost immediately running into his granny, who was wearing an orange dress.

"There ya are Big Mac! Oh don't you look handsome?" The elder nag giggled. "Oh! Hold on... yer mane's a mess..." The mare spat on her hooves, then placed it on his head and began pushing his hairs back, trying to slick it. Macintosh silently accepted it as she tried to tame his mane. "There ya go!" She smiled proudly as Big Mac's hair was now pressed back against his head. Maybe it was a twitch, or not thinking happy thoughts long enough, but all at once, the entire thing came undone, and the hair sprung back to its original shape. "Ah, good enough. I'll go make sure Apple Bloom an' Brae are ready." Granny trotted towards Apple Bloom's room, allowing Big Mac to step past her and make his way down the stairs.

Eventually, the other Apples arrived; Apple Bloom, dressed in a pink dress that very much matched her bow, seemed less than ecstatic; despite the partnership between the Apples and the Riches, and what had been a relatively positive relationship, the Rich daughter, Diamond Tiara, did not get along with Apple Bloom too well. 'They are jus' kids' he thought with a smirk. 'Give it a few years, they'll probably be best of friends.' Braeburn was wearing a suit much like Big Mac's, though his jacket was brown, and an ascot tie. 'I think he tries to pretend he's a noble.' As Granny descended the stairs, the Apples set out to their destination.

Upon arriving to their destination, the Apple Family stopped to look up at the manor before them; it was a rather large, beautiful house, made from rare and particularly sturdy materials as far as Big Mac could tell. In the front yard was a fountain, on which a mare stood on one hoof, spitting the fountain water into the air, which fell into the fountain itself. That fountain was surrounded by a bed of beautiful flowers. The cobblestone path circled around it, as if asking its visitors to do the same; to which they naturally obliged. Approaching the door, Big Mac sat on his haunches and held up his uninjured hoof to give it a light rapping.

When the door opened, a familiar butler stood there. "Ah, Sir Macintosh. You're here. Just in time too. Do come in." The stallion opened the door wider, stepping to the side to allow the Apples in. Once everypony had stepped inside, he shut the door behind them and stepped forward. "Please, follow me. I shall take you to the dining hall." The butler began walking forward, and the family, as instructed, followed.

Macintosh had been in the Rich home many times before; as a colt, his family often spent a lot of time with the Riches. He and Applejack would often pretend the mansion was haunted, and look in the various rooms for ghosts and mythical creatures. He smiled a bit at the memories; once, they found a ghost and ran screaming into one of the butlers, only for him to tell them they had just managed to find Filthy Rich's grandmother (who, to everypony's dismay, passed away a few weeks later of illness). It wasn't really until the loss of their mother that their visits became only occasional, and the passing of their father that they stopped altogether.

Big Mac sighed, shaking his head. As he looked forward, however, something caught his eye; a mare heading their way, though she was dressed rather strangely. She wore a blue coat, whose tails seemed to hang over her flank, yet still exposed her cutie mark, which looked like some kind of pink starburst with several smaller stars surrounding it. A book seemed to be hanging from one side of her on a belt; if anything was on the other end, he could not tell. She seemed to have some sort of bandaging or something wrapped around the fetlocks of her front hooves, though if they were function or fashion he could not say, and she had a big hat on her head that, somehow, seemed off to him, though Macintosh couldn't tell why. "Ah. Good evening, Lady Twilight." 'Twilight', as the butler had called her, wordlessly passed them, though Macintosh noticed her cast a glance at him for but a moment; a cold, careless look in her eye, the mare not breaking her motions as she turned her attention back to the path before her and continued along her way. "Ah... mare of few words... Shall we continue?" Macintosh continued to linger there for but a moment, staring back at the mare as she made her way out the door, and it was closed behind her by yet another servant.

'... Somethin' about that mare seemed... different...'

He dared not linger too long, so Macintosh turned and continued his pace, earning a nudge from Braeburn (and giving him a slightly harder one in turn). A short time passed before the family was lead into an impressive room with a long table; chairs had been set up, and their hosts were already at the table, waiting. At the long end of the table was none other than Filthy Rich, who smiled, holding his hooves together. "Ah! Apple family! Welcome! Please, take a seat." The Apples stepped forward, with Big Mac taking the seat closest to Filthy himself, and he noticed that Nightingale herself had sat across from him. The mare smiled and waved a hoof, to which he responded by waving back, a somewhat bashful smile on his face. Granny had sat to his side, Braeburn to hers, and Apple Bloom next to his. Next to Nightingale sat Rich's daughter, Diamond Tiara; it took literally no time at all for her and Apple Bloom to begin exchanging dirty looks.

"Thank you for coming, Macintosh" said Filthy, still smiling. "I must admit, I'm surprised you took up our offer. It has been a while since we've done more than just barter for goods."

"Eeyup" said Big Mac with a nod.

"And are you well?"

"Well as can be expected," said Big Mac, smiling a bit.

"Well then... before we eat, I would like to make my proposal..." Rich leaned forward, and to Big Mac that was a sign he was putting on his business face. "The reason I invited you here, Apples, is that I have a proposal for you." Everypony turned to face him, their ears perking as a sign they were paying more attention. "Our families have been loyal business partners for a long time. The Apples and the Riches are names that go hoof and hoof; it is as if you cannot mention one without thinking of the other, when it comes to the sales market." He sighed, looking down some. "I know... that we've all lost loved ones... and that with these losses, has come difficult times..." Everypony bowed their head in respect. "... and that with these losses, we've found ourselves becoming distant from each other, unlike our predecessors who were often like family..."

Filthy grinned his winning grin. "And I think, for too long, the Riches have been benefiting more from that bond than the Apples." Macintosh quirked a brow, having an off feeling about where Filthy was headed with this. "We started Ponyville together. I think it is time that the Apples finally be rewarded for their troubles. That our families finally stand as equals." He paused a moment, to allow this to sink in. "What I propose is simple. I wish for the Apples and the Riches to gain equal shares in the profits from Sweet Apple Acres apples sales; all sales, including apples, jams, pies, fritters, etc. In return, the Riches would own half the rights to Sweet Apple Acres. We would be able to hire better farm-hooves, buy top-of-the-line equipment, expand your land..." Rich smiled at the Apples once more, making sure he caught each of their eyes. "Sweet Apple Acres will become several times more efficient than it is now."

Macintosh frowned. "Now hold on, Rich... that there farm is our home. It's been in our family for generations! We can't jus' sell it to ya!" His throat was a bit sore from the exertion, but he felt it warranted.

Filthy chuckled, shaking his head. "Oh, Macintosh, you misunderstand. We aren't buying Sweet Apple Acres from you. We're asking to be made co-owners!" He looked towards his own family. "I know how important family and tradition are, believe me..." Once more, he turned his attention to the Apples, holding his hooves out. "... The farm would simply be owned by two parties rather than the Apple Family alone. If you like, you could even keep the house."

Big Mac frowned. "I'm sorry... but, that's our land..." his voice was beginning to crack, much to his chagrin. "We've put a lot of love, sweat, and blood into it. My pa was born on that farm, an' he had hoped to-" Big Mac stopped and winced. Everypony thought he might have gotten emotional from the mention of his father, though the truth was that he was simply pushing his throat too hard; a fact that Filthy was quick to catch on to.

"Teacup?"

A butler stepped next to Big Mac, carrying a glass on a tray. Big Mac took it and drank it down, feeling most of the pain ebb away, sighing in relief. "Thanks..." He turned his attention back to Filthy. "... An' he had hoped to die there in his ripe old age." He sighed, shaking his head. "I'm sorry, but I can't jus' hand that farm over to ya..."

Filthy nodded. "I understand... but please, at least hear me out? You will not just be paid a small sum, my friends. You will receive half of all the profits Sweet Apple Acres makes." Filthy held a hoof towards his family. "Your family could be given the best care money can buy, education that most ponies would give up limbs for. You wouldn't have to worry every night about thieves assaulting your property, or live in fear that one day you'll push yourself too hard... you'll never want for anything again."

Big Mac sighed. "Rich... I really can't..."

Filthy Rich simply frowned somewhat at Macintosh, nodding, his expression still tempered by a strong business acumen. "Alright. What if I made an offer? Everything else stands, unchanged... but if you agree, you will receive payment to honor our deal." Filthy pulled a piece of paper from seemingly nowhere, and a quill, and began writing.

"Rich" said Big Mac, frowning, "I appreciate what you're doin', but-" Filthy passed the note to Big Mac, who looked at it, and his eyes shot wide open. "Whoa..."

Granny leaned in to peak at the paper, her eyes bugging out. "Oh... my poor heart..." She froze for a few seconds, before Big Mac gave her chest a little strike. She blinked a few times, then smiled. "Okay, I'm back."

"What is it? I want to see!" Braeburn tried to lean in, and Big Mac passed the note to him. He looked at it, and his eyes shot open. "That is a lot of zeroes..."

"Indeed..." Filthy Rich smiled, clearly confident in himself. "And that is just the initial investment on my part. Afterwards, you'll receive 50% of all the money your farm makes. Your farm will be upgraded to increase production several fold. This business move will benefit both of our families, giving you the reward your family deserves for all its hard work, and giving the Riches a chance to better invest in the products we've been selling, rather than idly buying it and selling it second hoof."

Macintosh turned to his family, lost. "I... I don't know..." He looked to Granny Smith, who looked at him with uncertainty in her eyes. 'Granny practically built that farm... heck, she practically built Ponyville. Could I really do that to 'er...?' Big Mac stared at the note. 'But... that is a lot of money... We could repair all the damages to the house... heck, we could add to the house, make it bigger... I could get Granny that new hip she needs so badly... Apple Bloom could go to college.... I could... I could...' Big Mac placed a hoof over his throat, stroking it gently. '... I might even be able to fix this...'

At the sight of him rubbing his throat, Granny's gaze softened, and she smiled. "Big Mac... if you really want to...." Macintosh looked to her, and then to Rich.

'We could live much better lives... longer even...' He looked down at the note once more. 'But we'd lose the only home we've ever known... the only home my pa ever knew... everything our family worked for would be commercial... the soul would be gone...'

Big Mac frowned, setting the piece of paper on the table. "Rich... I..... I think I need some time to consider this... this is all too much too soon..." His voice was scratching up once more, so he was quick to get a sip from the glass he had been given earlier.

Filthy smiled and nodded. "Of course. Take all the time you need." He sat back in his chair some, chuckling. "As a business stallion, I entirely understand your uncertainty. The offer will remain on the table for the foreseeable future, so please, take your time." Macintosh sighed a bit, feeling that statement relieve a lot of his fears. 'At least that gives me time to talk with Applejack about all this before I make any decisions...' "Until then," said Filthy, holding his hooves in the air and clopping them together twice in rapid succession. "Let us eat!"

A door nearby immediately swung open, with several stallions stepping into the dining hall pushing tray tables and carrying platters. Several platters were set on the tables before them, and as their tops were removed, the Apples' eyes nearly bulged at the banquet before them. There were various foods that seemed like fancier cousins of foods they already knew; daisy sandwiches with little tooth picks sticking from them, salads with nearly any vegetable you could want in them... there were even other foods that Big Mac had never seen before, but seemed delicious nonetheless. Everypony had a bowl of soup set before them, and each was given a bib, who then placed it in their shirts to hang and protect their clothes from filth-based harm. Apple Bloom stared at hers a moment.

"You put it on your chest to protect your cloths," said Diamond Tiara, with no attempt to hide the annoyance in her voice.

Apple Bloom fumed, glaring across the table at the other filly. "I knew that!" She humphed, sticking the bib in the neck of her dress and letting it hang, though it still looked a bit sloppy.

Big Mac chuckled. 'Guess I never did teach Apple Bloom proper dinin' etiquette. Gotta work on that... never know if, worse comes to worse, she'll have to take over...'

The servants gathered various foods, setting them on the plates before the Apple Family, making sure everypony got to sample a little of everything. After they finished their work and stepped aside, waiting for further orders, Filthy smiled, clopping his hooves together once more. "Alright everypony... dig in!"

Big Mac picked up half of a daisy sandwich and hummed; it seemed like something else was on it, though he couldn't tell what. 'What's a daisy sandwich if you put stuff other than the daisy?' He gave it a sniff, noting that it definitely didn't smell bad. He took a tentative bite, and his eyes widened. 'Wow! That's delicious!' He continued eating, remembering his manners and not making a pig of himself.

Braeburn was showing no such courtesy; he was quick to begin stuffing food into his face, probably not even having the time to truly savor it. He stopped with a swat from Granny, slowing his pace and eating in a manner considerably less disturbing.

They sampled all the meals, and ate their soup; some of it was not so good, but others were amazing. Eventually, they had finished their food, and Big Mac patted his stomach. "That was delicious..."

"I do hope you saved room for desert!" Filthy grinned, clopping his hooves together. More trays were brought in; one had a big, delicious cake on it. Another was like a huge gravy boat, but filled with ice cream of all flavors with chocolate all over it, as well as a few cakes and cookies. Apple Bloom's eyes widened, her mouth watering, as did Braeburn's.

"Excuse me?" Everypony turned to Nightingale, who blushed at the sudden attention, but retained her composure. "If I could, I would like a moment to speak with Macintosh?" Big Mac blinked a few times, clearly confused. Granny gave him a slight nudge with her forehoof, and he sighed.

"Alright."

Big Mac stood from his seat, nodding to everypony, before heading to the other end of the table where he met up with Nightingale, who offered him a smile. Ever the courteous stallion, he smiled back, and the two made their way out into the hall.

They walked in silence for a while. Big Mac tried to remain professional, though he would occasionally glance at a random painting or a statue or an antique suit of armor. "Macintosh, I wish to start by saying that I thank you for coming. It means a lot to my uncle."

"Of course" said Big Mac with a nod. "We're like family, the Apples and the Riches."

"Indeed..." said the mare, coming to a stop to look out a nearby window. Macintosh himself stopped next to her, looking out into what seemed to be a garden. "If it weren't for the Apples, the Riches likely wouldn't be where they are today. We owe a lot of our fortune to you; more even than what my uncle has offered you." Macintosh didn't know if he would agree to that, but he chose instead to let her continue talking. "This entire proposal was my idea, you see. It was I who convinced Uncle this was a good idea, although he took very little convincing..." She smiled and giggled a bit. "If anything, he seemed like he'd wished he'd thought of it years ago."

"It's a mighty generous proposal..." Big Mac frowned a bit. 'Please don't try to make me choose now. I was really countin' on that extra time...'

"Indeed," Nightingale nodded and sighed. "... You know... my Uncle speaks well of you. He's told me about a lot of things... about your family... about... well..." She frowned a bit. "... Please forgive me for saying... but even about the loss of your parents..."

Macintosh retained his stoic expression, but opted not to respond either.

"... But he's also told me about how fair you are, and how sensible you are when it comes to not just work, but your family. He hides it well... but I want you to know, this is not just a business venture for my Uncle. He truly cares about your family." Macintosh lowered his gaze, feeling a little guilt in him; he had to admit, he rarely considered the Rich family. To hear that he might actually care about them? It made him feel as if he had not truly appreciated what they had.

"... I can see it in your eyes... you're a strong, brave pony..." She smiled a bit, and Macintosh turned to face her, her eyes gazing into his. "I can tell, just by looking at you... you'd do anything for love. And that is why I know this is a difficult decision we ask you to make... because either way... you feel you will sacrifice that love." She gently placed a hoof on his cheek, her eyes never leaving his. "... I will not ask you to take his offer... I will only ask that you at least consider it..."

Macintosh simply stared into her eyes, entranced. He wanted to respond, to say something. He didn't know how. Any word he might say disappeared as soon as it came to him. The two ponies continued to gaze into each others' eyes for what felt like an eternity.

'She's so beautiful. So lovely. I don't think I've ever seen a prettier mare.'

Slowly, both ponies began to lean forward.

'What am I doing? This isn't me. I've never done this before.'

Their lips trembled, drawing closer. He could feel the warmth of her body radiating.

'Why can't I stop myself? Why don't I want to?'

Trembling lips pressed together. Big Mac closed his eyes. 'They're so soft...' It was as if the entire world stopped mattering to him. All he could focus on was her. She gently put her forelegs up over his shoulders and around his neck, and pressed into the kiss. 'She's so warm...' Lips parted, and he felt urged to let his tongue mingle with hers. 'When's the last time I kissed somepony like this...? Has it been that long...?' He wrapped his own forelegs around her waist, placing his hooves on her back, gently stroking it. 'She smells like strawberries.'

The two ponies broke the kiss, and Big Mac stared at the mare in a daze, his eyes blinking lazily. Nightingale was blushing madly, but smiling nonetheless. She gave his hoof a tug, and he let her lead him through the hall again, but this time taking him up some stairs. He followed numbly. 'Am I really doing this? I don't think I've ever been so... what's the word? Entranced? Captured maybe? I've never been so captured by a mare before...' They reached the top, and she continued to lead him down the hall, up to the third door. She gently opened it, and he stepped inside with her; it was a bedroom. There was a closet, likely filled with only the best dress for a mare, a vanity with a large mirror, but of anything else in there, the only thing that stood out at the moment was where she was leading him next.

To a large bed.

Once more, their lips met, and his tongue readily danced with hers. She fell backwards, pulling him with her, her legs wrapped around his hips. She pulled him against her, enough that he could feel every contour of her body pressed against his. He was lost, kissing deeper as she hastily undid the buttons to his waistcoat and shirt, throwing them open and letting her hooves caress his barrel and his back.

'Is this... is this love?'

She tugged on his bandanna, and he felt it fall from him.

'... NOPE!'

Big Mac suddenly jumped back, grabbing his bandanna mid-drop, tumbling off the bed and rolling over until he could stand upright. He panted and heaved, holding the green cloth up against his neck, staring at the mare, clearly confused, with a few traces of other emotions (and needs) rushing through him. Nightingale panted a bit herself, staring at him, wide-eyed. "I-I'm sorry, d-did I do somethin wrong?"

"N-no... nope..." Big Mac shook his head, feeling his heart beating like it might break out of his chest. "I... I'm sorry, I don't know what came over me..."

'N-no.. no, it's... it's quite alright..." The mare coughed a bit, shaking her head and working herself off the bed. She sat upright and used her hooves to try to straighten out her somewhat ruffled gown. "I got carried away too. I'm afraid we're both a little guilty on this one..."

Big Mac sighed, feeling a little guilt taken from him. "I'm sorry... I-I've never... I'm not usually so impulsive..."

Nightingale simply giggled and blushed. "Thanks... I take that as a compliment..." She gulped a bit, nervously rubbing a hoof against her foreleg. "... M... Macintosh, I guess I should be straight forward... but ever since my Uncle first told me about you... you sounded like a knight in shining armor to me... and ever since I first met you, I admit I find you... well..." She stopped, blushing more. "... Quite attractive. And... I... I hope I'm not being too forward... but..." She gulped again, looking as if she was working up her courage. "P... Please... lay with me tonight?"

Once more, Macintosh was conflicted. His heart knew that he had just met her, and that he barely knew her; it was entirely possible that, in a few days' time, he'd hate her. But she seemed so nice. His brain knew that given her quickness, there was that slight chance she was in heat, and that if he did give in, the Riches and the Apples would become closer than Filthy likely intended (or would, in fact, appreciate), though it'd certainly make Granny happy. Then other parts of him started throwing in their two bits, and while he knew better, they were very persuasive. He took a deep breath to calm himself, and sighed.

"I-I can't..."

Nightingale frowned. "... Why not...? Am... am I not pretty enough...?"

"Nope!" Big Mac frowned, then fumbled over his words. "I-I mean eeyup! I mean..." He winced a bit, feeling the ache in his throat as well as hearing some of his voice disappearing. "... Y... You're very beautiful... Possibly the single most beautiful mare I've ever seen... but I... I just met you, an' I don't think it'd be right... or smart..."

Nightingale stared at him a few moments, seeming as though she were trying to process just what he was saying. She sighed a bit. "Yes... yes, I understand. Don't worry, I really do understand." She smiled at him, shaking her head and using her hooves to straighten out her mane. "My apologies... I've... I don't think I've ever been so attracted to a stallion before..." She blushed. "You're... quite handsome."

Macintosh blushed a bit himself, smiling some. "Thanks..." he said, though his voice was quite raspy by this point.

Nightingale stepped close to him. "Do you... think we could... maybe... court?"

Macintosh blinked a few times, somewhat surprised by the idea of actually going on a date. He didn't know what to say. 'On one hand, she's cute as a button and seems friendly enough. On the other, she seems sexually aggressive...' He stopped with that second thought, frowning a bit at himself. 'Wait... is... is that a bad thing?' Macintosh noticed her looking at him with hopeful, expecting eyes. He frowned a bit.

"N-not right now..." He shook his head, looking aside a bit, feeling somewhat ashamed of how quiet his voice had gotten. 'I need a drink or I won't be able to say a word...'

Nightingale, however, simply smiled, though she seemed sad. "... I see...." She stepped closer, looking up into his eyes, and him back at hers. He hoped she wouldn't try again, because he didn't know how much strength he had to resist a second time. She leaned forward, and pressed her lips against his. It lingered, but then she pulled back. "... You're a very strong stallion. Perhaps I was too hasty. But... much like my Uncle's offer, mine remains on the table." She smiled. "Mayhaps I'll try again at a later date. Who knows." She turned towards the door, trotting to it and putting a hoof on the knob, opening it, but stopped and turned to face Big Mac. "Also... I hope not to sound rude... but can we keep this encounter a secret?" Once more, Nightingale blushed. "Not that I am ashamed of you... it's simply that if word spreads around, ponies might think... poorly of me." Big Mac simply smiled and nodded. Lacking a voice momentarily, he placed a hoof over his lips and made a slow 'zipping' motion, and nodded to her.

After fixing his clothes and putting his bandanna back on, Macintosh and Nightingale made their way back downstairs, and down the hall to the dining hall. Once they opened the doors, both ponies were surprised to find that bits of various foods were scattered throughout the room, and that the ponies inside were currently locked in a food fight, hiding behind the table and tossing food at each other. Braeburn, Granny, and Filthy Rich were all laughing, though Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara seemed to be venting a lot of frustration. The butlers, ever dutiful, stood nearby, in their usual dignified postures, holding platters and treys to block the food debris.

"What in the world...!?" shouted Nightingale, though she had a big smile on her face and seemed to be trying not to laugh. Immediately, everypony stopped.

"Oh! Nighty! Macintosh! Welcome back!" Filthy Rich laughed, wiping some cake from his face, though smearing some more on it in turn. "Long story short, somepony threw a biscuit, and it all went to Tartarus from there!"

"Only cause I was rainin' it down on yer head!" Granny grinned wide. "I'm still th' food fightin' champion!"

Big Mac smirked, exchanging glances with Nightingale, both laughing a bit at their families.

The stillness of the area was always something of comfort.

The birds flew about, gathering food for themselves and their young, keeping an eye out for potential predators or competitors for food.

Bees buzzed, collecting pollen from even the more unusual flowers in the area.

The wind blew, waving branches and leaves about carelessly.

And the water was still.

Zecora sat, balancing on a bamboo pole on one hoof, her eyes closed.

'The universe in perfect harmony.'

She focused on herself. On the world around her. On all things. She was one with everything, and everything was one with her. In the greater picture, she was but a spec; an inconsequential spec of dust in the winds of time and reality. This did not bother her; this was as it should be. For in accepting this, she found peace. In that peace, she found wisdom. And in that wisdom, she found happiness.

Then, the bamboo pole snapped.

Zecora fell, but gracefully landed on her hooves, staring wide-eyed at her bamboo pole. It did not just break; the middle was splintered, as if it had been broken by great force. She stared, wide-eyed at the image before her, taking a step back, her mouth hanging. "Oh woe is me... is this an ill omen I see...?" The zebra took a few cautious steps forward, prodding the broken pole with a forehoof carefully. Nothing out of the ordinary seemed to happen, though her eyes remained focused on it as if it had started talking to her. She backed away once more, then turned about and, in a brisk trot, made her way towards the path to Ponyville.

"We may all be in grave danger! There's dark magic a-hoof! Can things get stranger?

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 5 - Dark Skies

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The weekend; a time to kick back and relax. To shed one's anxieties and disturbances, and to forget the things that, in the big picture, don't matter. While Big Mac was a dutiful worker, he was by no means a workaholic; no, that title goes to his sister.

'That mare gets out even less'n I do,' Macintosh chuckled, shaking his head as he lay next to a tree, eyes closed, letting the world pass him by for the day. 'From the sounds of it, the only time she's ever really relaxed is when she visits us... and even then, we often hear her mutter to herself about whatever little errands and jobs she has to run back in Manehattan.'

Opening his eye just a bit, Big Mac noticed somepony coming his way; a very familiar somepony. Zecora seemed to be making her way towards him at a hurried pace, a nervous look in her eye. 'Oh no. What's goin' on here?'

"Big Mac, thank goodness you're here," shouted Zecora, placing her hooves on his shoulders, "I've had a bad omen, a dark one I fear!" Macintosh frowned at the little zebra mare, whose eyes seemed as unsure as they did desperate.

"What?"

Zecora let him go and stepped back. "I was meditating by a pond in the Everfree... focusing on my chi and the universe, you see... when out of nowhere should my trusty staff break! A staff from a far away land, enchanted for goodness' sake!" Big Mac stared at the zebra, his eyes betraying that he had absolutely no idea what she was talking about. She sighed, closing her eyes. "My staff was enchanted, from a potion such magic is granted. It responds to magic in the air, responding to the energy we all share. In kind, loving magic, the staff is strong, as tough as steel, I am not wrong..." She frowned darkly at him. "But when there is dark magic about... it builds inside, then expands out."

Big Mac stared at her, putting everything she was saying together. "What you're sayin' is... yer stick exploded... so evil magic is around?"

"'Tis a staff, no mere stick... but yes, that is the tale told quick." She held a hoof up. "I've been here for months without incident, so whatever changed must be recent! A foul wind blows in the air, so in our quest we must take care."

Big Mac sighed, refusing to stand up just yet, hoping to avert a crisis so that he might resume his nap. "What if your stick jus' broke?"

Zecora, however, grimaced at the mere thought. "The enchantment on it keeps it tough! It would take a manticore to break such stuff!"

"An' your staff didn't take any damage from our adventure?" Macintosh raised a brow. "Stress can have long lastin' effects."

"Great care I take of my tools! A staff is sacred; no stick for fools!" Zecora glared at Big Mac, seeming to grow irritated by him. "Please heed me if you will, because darkness looms in Ponyville!"

Macintosh frowned. Once more, she had that intensity in her eyes, but none of the desperation from before; she was angry. 'Whatever's goin' on has her seriously spooked. Even if I don't believe this, I should at least find some way to comfort her.' Macintosh sighed. "What do ya want?"

"The book is the key to our answer you see..." Zecora frowned. "Please tell me you translated; not procrastinated!"

Macintosh's eyes went wide. 'I forgot... again!? Maybe there is evil magic here, because I'm not normally so bad at rememberin' things! "Uhh..."

Zecora frowned, then pulled a hoof to the bridge of her nose. "... This is great... just simply, great..." She looked back up, as if hoping to find an answer in the tree above them. "I can only hope we are not too late." Zecora shook her head, looking at Big Mac with intensity again. "We must hurry and translate them soon, lest forgetfulness spell our doom!" Big Mac felt a twinge of annoyance deep within his soul at this particular moment.

'Great. All I wanted to do was spend the weekend relaxin' and forgettin' my stresses from the past few days. I can't even have that.'

Big Mac sighed. "Alright." Slowly, he pulled himself to his hooves, once more favoring his sprained hoof; he was confident most of the injury had healed by now, but he was cautious enough not to second guess his doctor's orders. "Follow me." Big Mac turned from Zecora and made his way down the hill, the Apple home a distance away. Just this once, he cursed his desire for peace and quiet as he trotted towards home sweet home.

Opening the front door, he stepped inside the house, Zecora following close behind. Immediately, Macintosh caught sight of his grandmother rocking back and forth in her chair, knitting something or other he was not entirely sure of what. The elder nag looked up and saw the two ponies, giving a warm smile. "Oh, hey Big Mac! Back from yer nap already?"

"Eeyup..." He sighed, looking back at Zecora, then to his grandmother. "Granny-"

"Look, I'd rather our name be able t' go on, but if'n she makes ya happy, I'll bless the weddin'." Granny smiled a bit, nodding. Macintosh groaned, slapping a hoof over his face.

"No, Granny..." He sighed, taking a moment to pause. "... Do we know anypony who can translate Old Equestrian?"

Granny Smith stopped. "Huh? Why? You find a new species of critter or somethin'?" Macintosh, deciding to spare himself some voice, decided to hold up a hoof to gesture for her to wait, before turning and making his way up stairs. Zecora and Granny Smith sat silently for a few minutes, the mare turning to the Zebra and smiling. "Yer a very pretty mare, an' if you an' my grandson love each other, I really don't mind."

Zecora chuckled. "I am surprised your eyes I deceive, for I am older than you may believe."

Granny Smith quirked a brow. "Oh? How old are ya?"

Zecora chuckled. "Almost old enough to be his mother..."

Granny's eyes widened. "Get out. How do ya look so dang young!?"

The zebra responded with a simple chuckle. "That's a tribe secret; from one Shaman to another."

Granny Smith laughed, shaking her head. "Well what am I doin' here? Show me where ta sign up!"

"I'm afraid a Shaman chooses her own successor. To assure those she teaches' minds and spirits are not lesser."

"Ah shucks, I was kiddin' anyway." Granny chuckled, shaking her head. "My family keeps me as young as I need ta be!" All at once, the elder mare's head fell slack. Zecora's eyes widened, surprised. She stood their silently, staring at the Apple matriarch, still and unmoving. She slowly moved a hoof towards her, cautiously, carefully...

Then Granny's head shot up, wide-eyes, snorting. "Watch our for th' bees, they got murder in 'eir eyes!" The elder mare blinked a few times, then looked at Zecora. "Oh, hi there. You here fer somethin'?" Zecora only smirked, shaking her head and chuckling, both ponies turning their attention to the sound of a pony moving down the stairs. Macintosh approached them, a book in his mouth, and then dropped it in his granny's lap.

"Huh" said Granny Smith, eying the tome over. "Well lookie here... where'd ya find this?"

Zecora held up a hoof. "We found the tome deep in the Ev-"

Macintosh's hoof in her mouth, however, silenced her. "At an antique store!"

Granny blinked a few times, hummed, then pulled the cover open. "Be careful with them crooks. They'll ask ya for priceless family heirlooms fer two bits, then go an' sell 'em fer a small fortune." She hummed, grabbing a pair of reading glasses from nearby and setting them on her nose, looking at the pages of the book before her, her eyes tracing along the letters. Macintosh and Zecora watched her as she seemed to scan over every detail.

"... Well, this here is interestin'..."

Macintosh raised an eye brow. 'Wait... she can read that?'

Granny looked up to Big Mac and Zecora, smiling. "... I can't make a lick'a sense of any of this. I figured when you said it was in Old Equestrian it'd be like one of them there fancy plays or somethin', but this stuff's like an entirely different language!" Big Mac suppressed a groan; she looked old and feeble, but Granny had a mean right hoof if she was mad at ya, and no qualms against swatting an adult stallion upside the head in front of company. "However, my cousin Goldie Delicious Apple is a history nut, an' she has records an' such from way back..." Granny hummed. "If anypony in our family can read this durn thing, it'd be her." Granny picked the book up, hoofing it back to Big Mac, who took it between his teeth and sat it on his back. "You'll find her outside'a town. She lives in a lil' ol' house a bit west'a here, kinda a museum to th' Apple Family..."

"Thanks Granny." Macintosh smiled and nodded, giving his grandmother a hug. The elder mare returned it, smiling.

"Oh no problem sweetie. You ask fer so little and do so much. Jus' be sure to have a safe journey, an' be home soon. Braeburn's jus' helpless without you 'round to encourage 'em." Granny Smith chuckled a bit, and Macintosh nodded, a smile on his face. He turned to Zecora, sighing a bit.

"I'm gonna grab some supplies. I suggest you do th' same."

"I'm already as ready as I need to be; I came to you ready for a journey." Macintosh nodded a bit, though he felt somewhat dissatisfied that she hadn't even considered if he had refused, or worse yet, needed more time. 'Maybe she was gonna go with or without me?'

Macintosh did not take long gathering a few supplies and necessities for his trip; his new flask (though long depleted of the mix that he had been given by Rich, so he had to fill it with water), some honey (to mix with said water to both add flavor and help sooth his pains) a few apple fritters and a first-aid kit, and, of course, the book (after all, he had to be sure it got there) all nestled neatly within the confines of a saddlebag. He stepped outside, where Zecora had already been waiting for him. He gave his grandmother a quick hug, and was soon on his way down the dirt path leaving the farm. Zecora cast a side-glance to him, a soft smile on her face. "Your family is kinder than most any I see... a love is there, true, carefree..." She smiled more, her attention back on the road. "Until today I've had yet to see in Equestria what your family showed to me."

Macintosh chuckled. "I'm not big on iambic pentameter, but that one was kinda stretched, wasn't it?"

Zecora grinned. "And I'm not versed in the 'silence type' scene, but you spoke a few words too much it would seem." Macintosh chuckled, shaking his head, both ponies focusing on the road before them once more. Big Mac noticed that the sky seemed to be gray, clouds building up as if readying for rain. 'Strange. I didn't know we were gonna have rain today. Wonder if those clouds managed to drift from the Everfree or somethin'? As they made their way through the town, Big Mac found himself in wonder of how fast it had grown. 'To think, when Granny was a young mare this place was still a lil' farm town. It's grown so much since then... even Granny says that she finds herself in awe of jus' how much has changed.'

After some time of walking, they finally reached the wall that lead out of town and into the wilderness. Macintosh looked down the path, towards the hill which it lead, and considered the woods that lay beyond it. 'At least it's not the Everfree Forest. Won't have to worry about Manticores or nothin' like that in those woods. Worst case scenario, gotta watch out for ticks.' The further they got from the town, however, Big Mac had noticed that the clouds seemed to be growing more dense. 'Strange. I don't think I see any Pegasi...'

"Your relative lives a distance from others... tensions between sisters? Cousins? Others?"

"Nope" said Big Mac, shaking his head. "Far as I recall, she likes bein' alone."

"Ah..." Zecora hummed, turning her attention back to the road before them. Once more, silence loomed over the journey. Perhaps for the best; Macintosh didn't require conversation, and he was certain Zecora was much the same. He could appreciate a little silence; it gave him all the time in the world he needed to think about any number of things. However, as they walked, he found himself reminiscing; he and his parents had walked this path many times on one errand or another. Big Mac vividly recalled a trip he and his father had made shortly after Applejack was born to educate him on the Apple family history.

The smile on his face might tell volumes of the joy the memories brought him. As he looked, Macintosh was pleased to see that most of the place had remained unchanged in all those years. He looked up, realizing that in his trip down memory lane he had failed to notice the clouds getting thicker. "Hm. No Pegasi... why's there a storm here...?"

Zecora, however, seemed quite serious, looking back to him. "Within my very bones I feel quite the chill... we must hurry, the clouds bode something ill." Macintosh gave a simple nod, and the two ponies began to trot at a more hurried pace. As they hurried, Macintosh felt droplets of rain hit his skin; not too surprising. No, what surprised him was the fact that the sky was continuing to get darker. 'What in the hay...? Okay, this is just crazy weather. I need to talk to th' weather commission an' ask them if their Pegasi have been lettin' clouds drift around all willy nilly...'

It wasn't long before their salvation appeared over a hill -- or rather, perched on top of one. A small house, not too big at all, stood alone within the edge of the woods. Macintosh felt the moniker 'house' might have been a bit generous; the place was more like a hut, really, and the boarded up windows always made it seem abandoned. Still, it had a roof, and the rain was starting to get a bit harder, so he would be just as happy in there as anywhere else. Macintosh and Zecora drew closer to the house, his smile growing at the mere thought of being indoors. Upon reaching the porch the two ponies gained reprieve from the rain, but not much else as Big Mac lay his eyes on a sign on the door that served to mock him.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ON A TRIP
BE BACK MONDAY!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Well horse-apples..." Big Mac frowned, shaking his head. On one hoof, it meant he would get to enjoy his weekend after all, but on the other, it meant that they had wasted their trip. He sighed, turning to Zecora, who seemed quite understandably disappointed. "I'm sorry."

"No, Macintosh. It is okay... you tried your best, that much you can say..." Zecora turned her attention back out into the rain, frowning. "It is inconvenient, however, that we will have to endure this weather..."

"Mmm... nope." Big Mac put his hoof up above the door frame of the house, searching around. He felt something, which earned a grin, and pushed a key from the top of the door onto the floor below. Taking it into his lips, he pressed the key into the lock, twisting, and pulled it back, placing it on top of his hoof and pushing it up on top of the frame again. He pushed the door open, allowing him and Zecora to walk inside. Instantly, the two ponies were hit by the smell of books and cat urine. "Sorry fer th' smell. Goldie likes cats." Zecora offered a simple nod in response, and Macintosh closed the door behind him.

The living room was an absolute mess; books were scattered all over the place, placed in piles so high one could barely move around or see the walls which, themselves had several pictures of various ponies, most of them presumably Apple family or family friends. The only things that seemed to stand out in the clutter were a couch, a chair, and a coffee table. Big Mac sighed and held a hoof out. "Make yourself at home. She won't mind us usin' th' place until th' rain stops..." Zecora nodded once more, making her way towards a pile of books and looking them over curiously as Big Mac stepped towards the couch and plopping down on it, laying on his side. Macintosh made himself comfortable, laying his head against one of the throw pillows. "Mind if I take a short nap? Didn't sleep too well last night."

"That is fine, be my guest. When the rain stops, I'll end your rest." Macintosh nodded, letting loose a long yawn, then nuzzling into the pillow. The zebra looked at various books, casting a glance back to Big Mac, then back to the books. She picked a few up, opened them, and started reading. The stallion smirked. 'Read all th' books ya want. Jus' a bunch of farmers an' apples in the end.' He let loose another yawn, closing his eyes. He hadn't realized just how tired he was, but he became somewhat more aware of it before he drifted into unconsciousness.

The pitter patter of rain drops on the roof of the house was all encompassing. Hard rain drenched the outside of the house, the sound of wind making the walls occasionally creak.

These were the first signs of consciousness.

Macintosh slowly opened his eyes to notice that it was quite dark, save for a lantern on the table. He turned his head about, looking around the room to find only piles of books. 'Oh yeah. Goldie's house...' He turned his attention to a nearby window, seeing that trees were waving around in the rain outside and that the rain was more like a dense fog than anything else. He looked around, suddenly recalling that he had had company before passing out, and that she was nowhere in sight. The stallion pulled himself from his napping spot, standing up and looking around the room. It was then that he became aware that several strange, scented candles dotted the room. 'That's jus' a fire hazard. Why would Zecora light a bunch of candles an' leave 'em unattended?' He made his way to a nearby window, where three of such candles were standing, and looked outside; he could barely see a thing, it was raining so hard.

'We could be stuck here the entire night.'

Big Mac sighed, shaking his head. He was about to turn away and find out where Zecora had gone to when something caught his attention. He looked out the window once more, swearing he had seen something in the rain. He squinted, trying to focus, to see within the sheets of falling water.

A mare was standing out in the rain.

"Zecora?" Big Mac raised a brow, but then he saw the mare trot away from the house, disappearing in the rain. 'She's gonna catch her death out there.' Macintosh sighed, really not wanting to have to, but he knew he'd have to go out and get her. He looked around the room, spotting an umbrella holder near the front door with a single umbrella to offer. Grabbing hold of it, he pushed the door open and stepped out of the house, unfolding the umbrella and then stepping from beneath the porch. He grimaced at the fact that the device did not stop the rain from hitting him entirely; no matter how he angled it, some part of him was still getting very drenched. "Zecora," he shouted, pressing forward, "You gotta get inside!"

But she did not respond. She continued to walk away from him, and disappeared once more into the fog. He groaned a bit, following after her. 'What is wrong with this mare? Braeburn is right; she's really set on ending badly!' He pressed forward still, intent on bringing her back one way or another. It seemed to take forever, but eventually, he caught up to her again; she was simply standing there, however, her back to him, as if waiting. He smiled a bit, trotting closer. "Let's get you back inside!"

"MACINTOSH! GET AWAY FROM THAT PONY!"

He stopped, blinking a few times, then turned around, seeing Zecora staring at him, wide-eyed at him. He turned once more. The mare hadn't moved from that spot. As Macintosh looked, he realized what he was staring at was not a mare; it had been a trick of the rain. Up close, he could tell it was a stallion in a hooded cloak. Then, the pony turned to face him; a dark-grey coated stallion with a pair of yellow, slitted eyes.

"Give us the book!"

Big mac stepped back a few steps, furrowing his brow. Suddenly, several other stallions who looked much the same as the one before him fell from the trees, landing with wet splashes into the drenched earth. Zecora rushed to his side, then turned around to face behind him. Macintosh glanced back to realize that they had effectively been surrounded. "You have a book..." said one of the stallions. "It does not belong to you. Give it to us."

"What book," said Macintosh, "We don't know what yer talkin' about..."

"Don't be a fool. We know you have it." The strange, grey stallion stepped forward. "Give it to us, and we will let you live."

Big Mac frowned, looking at the strange ponies. "These th' dark magics you were worried about, Zecora?"

The zebra simply shook her head. "I feel it near, but kept at bay... I set up wards to keep it away..." She turned her attention to the stallions surrounding them, eying them warily. "These stallions arrived a few minutes ago... though they are different... how, I don't know..."

"Last chance" shouted the pony who seemed to be leading the little group, "Give us the book, or we will take it from you." Macintosh stared at the stallion a few moment, sticking his bottom lip out as if in deep thought.

"Hmm.... nope."

The stallions surrounding them began to walk in slow circles. "Very well then." The leader simply grinned. "Gentlemen, we have our orders. No survivors."

At that, Macintosh saw motion in the corner of his eye. He turned to see one of the stallions charge him, pulling a sword from beneath his cloak, clenching it between his teeth. His eyes went wide, realizing he had nothing to fight a sword with, and ducked, barely missing the sharp edge as it sailed over his head, slicing off the tips of a few of the hairs on his mane. Pushed by adrenaline, he was quick to deliver a solid blow into the stallion's stomach, knocking the blade from his lips. Big Mac stepped aside, delivering a quick, powerful hoof-punch into the stallion's face, sending him rolling, before he noticed another charge him from behind. He held his rear hooves up, pulling his body in like a spring, before releasing, delivering a powerful apple buck to the stallion's face and sending him flying backwards.

Zecora jumped over one of the stallions as he charged her, delivering a kick to his face and making him stumble backwards. Another rushed towards her, sword drawn, and she ducked below his swing, delivering a quick jab to his throat, causing him to choke, dropping his blade and stumbling backwards, hooves over his neck as he coughed and gagged, not defending from the flying hoof-kick to his face that would throw him backwards. Another jumped into the air, doing a flip with a hind-leg extended, ready to heel-drop her, but she grabbed his hoof and threw him backwards. As he stumbled to regain his composure, she threw several quick jabs at various points of his body, striking pressure points. The stallion froze up, his muscles locked, and fell to his side, unable to move.

Macintosh turned for just a moment to appreciate the mare's fighting prowess, when he turned to see one of his attackers lunge at him, sword ready. He jumped to the side, but he wasn't fast enough; the blade sliced at his flesh, and though he managed to avoid the worst of it, he hissed and winced in recognition of a wound being made. He held his leg up, cursing that he was wearing a coat that made it impossible to tell how bad the wound was, and that the rain was making it difficult to see, but he didn't feel as though the wound was too serious. The stallion lunged again, slashing his sword, but Big Mac ducked, delivering a powerful upward thrust with his hoof, slamming the stallion's jaw onto his own blade, causing him to yelp and drop his sword, staggering backwards and putting his hooves over his mouth. "Ahh ff... I think you broke my teef!" He looked up, just in time, to see Macintosh rush forward and punch him in the face, knocking him out for the count.

Macintosh did not have long to appreciate his hard work, however, as several of the stallions jumped him at once, landing on top of him. He pushed, pulled, and yanked, trying to break free of them, before finally popping out and skidding across the dirt. The stallions climbed from each other, staring death at him. It was then that Macintosh had noticed Zecora dispatch the last of her own attackers.

"Is this the book you want, you nitwit!?"

Big Mac's eyes widened as Zecora pulled a book from her bag and started waving it in the air. "You'll have to catch my striped ass to get it!" The zebra turned about, and started to run away. The stallions turned, their attention no longer on Macintosh, and readied to chase after Zecora.

"Oh no you don't!"

Big Mac was surprised that he was the one to utter those words, though he had no time to think about it as he jumped in the air and threw his weight about, hooves outstretched, delivering a powerful dropkick to one stallion, sending him tumbling against his comrades. The stallions stumbled over one another, but every time one of them stood up, Macintosh would punch or kick him again, sending him back to the ground. "Jus' stay down!"

"That does it!"

Suddenly, one of the stallions sent a hoof upward, striking Big Mac in the jaw, forcing him to back-step. A swift kick to the face threw him backwards, sliding across the ground. Big Mac stumbled back to his feet, but another powerful kick to the face threw him backwards, and sent him rolling, slamming into a tree. He pulled himself to his hooves once more, but then, with blinding speed, he was slammed against the tree, a foreleg against his throat as an enraged stallion stared him in the eyes. It was then that Big Mac noticed that this particular stallion was sporting a pair of large, leathery, bat-like wings. His eyes went wide as he stared at the strange appendages.

'Like a pegasus... but... pegasus wings are feathered...'

The stallion threw Big Mac from the tree, sending him rolling towards two others, who grabbed him by both of his forelegs. It wasn't long before he felt his hooves leave the ground.

'No.'

They continued going higher, and higher.

'No!'

Big Mac began to struggle against his captors, pulling and kicking. "Nope! Nononono, put me down!"

"What's wrong!? Afraid of heights, tough guy!?"

They began to move forward, soaring picking up both speed and altitude. The further he got from the ground, the more Macintosh felt panic rise in his chest. "The ground! Put me back on the ground!" They did not listen; they kept flying higher and higher, and he could see the ground fall beneath him, his anxiety growing to the point he was afraid he might have been having a heart attack. Slowly, however, their descent stopped, and their speed slowed, if only a bit. Big Mac whimpered and began to hyperventilate, eyes darting around. 'I-I'm not too high! I can still see the trees! Even if I fell from here, I could be alright....'

"Turn him to face me."

That was a new voice. Macintosh felt himself thrown upward, his heart stopping for a moment as he spun and felt gravity pull him back down. He stopped, dangling upside down as hooves grabbed his hind-legs. He yelled and shouted, his voice already giving out, his chest heaving back and forth in absolute terror as he stared at the drop; it was moving, suggesting that the stallions were still flying forward. He turned his attention, however, and it was then that he realized something was flying next to them.

A dark chariot flew next to them, a large, round emerald, a cat-eye slit in the middle, adorning the front, lavender decor making it seem imposing, yet elegant. The chariot itself was pulled by two more of the strange, bat-winged, pegasus-like bat-ponies, and its sole occupant wore a thick, black cloak. They turned to look at him, and Macintosh was surprised to see that he could not make out a single detail beneath the hood; save for one. A long, black horn protruding from underneath the covering. The figure stared at him, silently. "Does he have the book?" The voice was definitely a mare, far as Mac could tell.

"No, my queen" said one of the stallions. "The zebra has it, and she fled. The others are below, likely already on her tail."

She hummed, staring silently at Big Mac. "He is of no importance then. Do as you will." A chuckle that emanated from the two stallions made Macintosh's panic return, his chest heaving as they flew even faster. The rain pelted his face, stinging with each drop.

"You shoulda just did what we asked. We would have kept to our word and left you alone."

"Too bad for you, eh?"

Their speed continued to increase. Macintosh felt his body tilt back against the wind, his heart thundering in betwixt his lungs. He had never been so terrified before in his life, far as he could remember; he was even too terrified to faint! But that wasn't the worst of it.

No.

The worst of it was when he felt their hooves let go of his legs.

For a moment, he was completely cold, empty even. For but a brief moment, there was nothing. That moment that his brain tried to register just what was happening. He watched as he seemed to stay airborne for a few scant seconds, before he began to descend. Then, the realization hit him. The realization of what was happening finally came, and at that moment, Big Macintosh screamed. He screamed loud, louder than he had ever screamed before. So loud that his voice quickly gave out, devolving into a tired cry that poured from his vocals as he plummeted towards the trees below. He flailed his hooves helplessly, as if he might grab something or spontaneously learn to fly, but it was useless, and deep down, he knew it to be so.

He fell through the treeline, slamming hard into a branch, breaking it in the process and, bouncing from another one, slamming into a tree nearby. He fell, striking another branch, though this one stood strong; instead, he rolled off from it, dropping a few feet before finally slamming into the ground hard, throwing dust and debris around him.

There he lay. Motionless. Defeated. He stared into the darkness of the woods. Eyes tired. Spirit empty. A few droplets falling into the dirt beneath his face, dripping from his eyes. The world was a blur, details lost to the building liquid in his eyes, born of terror. He heard no sound, so he wasn't sure if he could make anything out anymore. Macintosh tried to move, but his body would not respond to his commands; his limbs lay still, as if he had done nothing at all. He tried to speak, but his throat was fed up with all the effort. He lay there, completely broken, defeated, staring into a vortex of muted, dark colors as darkness crept further along the edges of his vision.

As he lay there, eyes wet with tears he wished to deny, a terrible thought crossed his mind. A thought that terrified him only slightly less than the actual fall.

Am I dying...?

He lay there, unable to do much more than blink, if even that, pondering upon this question. Indeed, he could not move. Indeed, he wasn't even sure he was breathing anymore. This question rang through his head continuously, until something in his broken, blurry vision shifted, something that stood out among all the mixed, muted hues.

Motion.

Slowly, one of the blurs was growing. It was coming closer. Something was coming towards him. Tired though he was, he was desperate to live.

Please, help me...

His mouth moved, but nothing came out. He wanted to say the words, but his throat wasn't allowing it anymore.

I don't want to die...

A few more tears left his eyes as he stared at a blur that he could not identify. He thought of his family, of his grandmother, of his sisters. He thought of how sad they would be if he never came home. A fire burned in his chest, though his body failed to acknowledge it. His strength was fading fast, and as the blur reached him, he could only make out a vaguely pony-shaped being. He pleaded once more, his mouth moving tiredly, voicelessly, begging to be saved.

Macintosh tried to keep his eyes open, but the struggle was lost. He could fight no more, and finally sank into darkness, his thoughts before doing so focused on the family he loved.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 6 - Bedside Mare

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Everything hurt.

He couldn't move.

He was too weak to move.

He tried to talk, but a horrible pain in his throat stopped him.

He whimpered internally.

"... Am I... dying...?"

Slowly, he opened his eyes. It was dark. All he could see was from a light that seemed to burn from a hole above him.

And a head peaked in.

Those eyes, so full of fire, so angry. But then they became wide. They stared at him. Then, filled with horror.

Then, he reached in.

"Hold on. Just hold on."

"I'll save you."

Pain.

He was in tremendous, horrible pain.

The bad thing about pain is that it made it hard to do things. Hard to think. Hard to move. In this case, hard to exist. The good thing about pain, however, was that it meant you were alive.

Slowly, his eyes opened. The light burned them, but it was a beautiful sensation. For a moment, he couldn't see a thing; the room was bright, but his vision was too blurred to see anything at all. Slowly, his eyes adjusted. The first thing he noticed was a stove, a pleasant pop every once in a while as wood inside it burned, giving the room warmth and light. The second thing he noticed was a thick smell of animals, as if he were in a kennel. He tried to turn his head, but he quickly regretted his decision as a sharp pain shot through his every muscle. He decided now was as good as any time to make sure everything was still working. With a little bit of hesitation, he moved a hoof. It hurt, but it was working. And then another. And another. And one more. Satisfied that he was not paralyzed, he had a little room to relax.

"Oh goodness, you're awake!"

The voice startled him, though it sounded pleasant enough. He turned his head, enduring the pain, to see a pony - a mare - make her way into the room. She wore a simple outfit, seemingly just a brown bodice with a green skirt hanging down to cover her flanks, and a white blouse to top it all off. Her coat was a bright, buttery yellow, and she had a long, pink mane.

And a pair of wings.

Macintosh seemed to tense up, but he figured that, given his current condition, if she wanted to hurt him, she would; not that he could move anyway. "Thank goodness. For a while there, I was afraid you were going to.... to...." She stopped herself, biting her lip and clearing her throat. "Um... well, anyway... you're alive, so that's good, right?" Big Mac tried to respond, but all that came out was a rasping grunt. He put a hoof up to his throat, only to find he wasn't wearing his bandanna - or anything else, really. He turned his head really quick, covering his throat more protectively, searching for his belongings, but the sudden motion made every muscle in his body scream at him. He winced, laying slowly back into the bed, but not removing his hoof. "Oh my, don't panic," The mare frowned, hurrying to his side, "I had to do a lot of bandaging, and I only know some very basic first aid... you're quite injured..."

The stallion simply turned his attention to look down; at the very least he was covered by sheets, so he felt somewhat less naked. He moved his mouth, trying to talk, but no words came out. "E-excuse me...?" The mare leaned closer to him, putting her ear near his muzzle. He rasped the word out as best he could.

"Water."

"Oh. Oh! Yes, water!" The mare nodded, blushing a bit, jumping to her hooves and trotting into the other room. Big Mac took this moment to slowly, sensibly analyze his surroundings; he was in a house, likely the living room judging by the stove, windows (which he noted seemed to be boarded up), door, and various nick-knacks. As he listened, he heard the sound of rain outside, though it had grown considerably weaker since he was in the cabin (the only thing making it hard to see outside was the darkness itself). The mare returned rather quickly, carrying a dish that, itself, carried a cup. She set it on a table next to him, then took the cup in her hooves, handling it carefully and with skill that Macintosh only attributed to Earth Pony hooves, bringing it close to him. He placed his lips on the edge, and he drank it, gulping down the refreshing liquid. Quickly, he felt the pain recede, if only a bit. She pulled the glass down, giving him a breather. "Better?" Big Mac gave a simple nod. "Want more?" He shook his head, holding a hoof up. The mare put the glass on the table above his head.

"My clothes...?" The words were still raspy, but at least now he could be heard.

"Oh? Oh!" The pegasus nodded, blushing again. "Your belongings are right next to you... they were kinda torn up when you were brought here, so I had to stitch and sew some of them back together..."

"My bandanna...?"

"Hm?" The mare looked at him, his eyes almost pleading. She noticed he was covering his throat. "Oh!, Oh, o-of course..." She reached down below him, pulling up a green, square cloth. "Here, let me help you..." She helped him lift his head up, placing the bandanna around his neck and helping him tie it on. "There... all set." Macintosh smiled a bit, nodding to the mare. She turned and trotted towards the stove, pulling it open and throwing another piece of wood inside. "Is there anything I can get you? Some food? Some tea?"

"Need t' get home..." he rasped, trying to sit up, but stopping when his back and forelegs set aflame with pain.

"Oh no, be careful," the mare insisted, hurrying to his side and easing him back down, "You're in no condition! You're very hurt, and you need to rest for at least a week, or you might hurt yourself!"

Macintosh groaned. "Friend's in danger..."

The mare blinked. "Friend? You've got a friend?" Big Mac simply nodded, and the pegasus hummed. "Well... the pony who found you didn't mention seeing anypony else out there... "

"Ran off..." Macintosh winced a bit, looking up at her, then gesturing above his head with his eyes. The mare seemed to understand immediately, hoofing him the glass of water and helping him drink it. "... Chased by... thugs... think she ran back to town..."

"Well, I hope she made it okay..." She nodded a bit, as if to affirm that those were, indeed, her hopes. "I suppose I can ask some of my animal friends if they've seen her, if you're worried."

Macintosh blinked a few times. "Talk t' animals...? Wait..." He squinted his eyes a bit. "... Are you the animal mare ponies talk about...?"

The pegasus blinked a few times, seeming confused. "Huh? Is that what ponies are calling me?" She frowned and fidgeted some. "O-oh my... I... I didn't think... I didn't think so many ponies knew me..." She seemed to retreat behind her mane. "Oh.. oh my, I'm... oh..." Macintosh stared at the strange, confusing, and clearly very timid mare as she tried to recompose herself. "Uh... b-but... y-yeah, I guess that's m-me... I-I think?" She cleared her throat. "B-but... m-my name's f... ff... fmmmfmmm..."

Big Mac stared at the mare. She stared back. "Pardon?"

She frowned. "My name.. it's... fflrmmrfmm..." Macintosh grimaced a bit. She closed her eyes, took a deep breath. "MynameisFluttershynicetomeetyou!"

Macintosh sighed, but smiled. "Nice t' meet ya.... Fluttershy."

The mare seemed to tense for but a moment, before relaxing and sighing, smiling and nodding. "And you are...?"

"Macintosh Apple," he said with a nod, "Friends call me Big Mac." The mare nodded a few times in response, smiling again. Macintosh looked around a bit, moving his legs just a tiny bit; sure enough, they still hurt like he had worked the fields for an entire week without so much as a breather. "I certainly hope I feel better in a day... I don't think I've ever felt this horrible before..."

"Well, Macintosh... uhm..." The mare hummed, rubbing a foreleg with her other hoof. ".. I-If there's anything else I could do for you...?" He smiled, shaking his head. "Oh! Oh... oh, uhm, o-okay.... well, I'll..." She looked around a bit, before grabbing the table next to Big Mac's head on the couch and moving it before him, the water still placed there. "Here. And if you need me..." She hurried off into another room. Macintosh stared silently at the glass of water for a few moments, wondering what she had gone off to do. Soon enough, she returned, and sat a bell next to it. "There! If you need me, just ring that bell, and I'll get right to you as soon as I can!"

"Alright..."

Fluttershy smiled again, nodding, before dashing off to do who knew what.

And so, Big Mac lay on her couch, effectively immobilized by his injuries. He decided to test his movement one more time, and slowly brought his hoof up, trying to reach above himself. At first, it was a tiny ache; but the higher the hoof went, the more pain he felt. He grimaced a bit, relaxing it. "How'm I supposed to ring that bell if I can barely move...?" Slowly, he turned his head to look at the ceiling; even this made his neck sore, but at least it was a bit of movement he could still do without feeling like something would break. He slowly lifted his head, taking a moment to survey himself.

Much to his dismay, he was completely undressed, the only saving grace being a cover over his body. What he could see showed that he had a few bandages running up his barrel, and a few over every leg; only his previously sprained hoof seemed to have been spared any damage, likely protected by it's own casing (small blessings). He couldn't tell how much further the damage was without moving, but was certain a visit to a doctor once he could actually get up wasn't quite the worst idea in the world. Slowly, he lay his head back down on what he suddenly realized was one of the most fluffy pillows he had ever used; a fact that somewhat irritated him, as he preferred a nice, firm sleeping space, however, given his condition and the situation, he supposed a firm bed-space might not do him as much good. "Not really much I can do now but wait. Maybe move my limbs around, see if I can't limber out my muscles a bit. Boy, what would Braeburn think if he saw me now..."

At that thought, Macintosh groaned internally. "Ahh horseapples... Braeburn. How long have I been here? Everypony back home'll panic if I don't return for a week! Knowin' Granny, she'll start an entire hubbub, an' th' whole town'll be in an upheaval..." He winced at the mere thought. Then another thought struck him. "What if Zecora ran back to the farm...?" His eyes widened. "Those psychos could be attacking my home right now...!"

Fluttershy sat in her kitchen, a pot of vegetable soup boiling in front of her, eyes fixed on it, making sure it all went right. "O-okay Fluttershy, you have a stallion in your house... in your personal space... looking at everything in your home, basically invading your privacy... but he's injured! He's not invading your privacy, because he's your guest! He looks very nice! Very strong... very... very...." The mare stared off into space for a few minutes, before a deep blush popped on her face. "What the...!? Fluttershy, no! Get your mind out of the gutter! You're not a dirty mare!" She puffed up her cheeks and scrunched her nose. "Right now, there's a stallion out there who needs you! He's like a baby.... if a baby were... really tall... and muscular... with the kind of muscles you don't get from just lifting weights... the kind of muscle that... does things..." She gasped and shook her head. "No! Bad Fluttershy, bad! You don't even know him!"

A loud yelp caught her attention, drawing her from her stupor. Fluttershy's hooves skittered hurriedly, and she rushed into the living room. To her surprise, the stallion was laying next to the couch, eyes wide, filled with tears but an equal amount of determination as he struggled to lift his own weight. "Oh my goodness no! What are you doing!?" She hurried to his side, pushing her body beneath his and shoving upwards, rolling him back on the couch.

"Gotta get home..." He panted and heaved, squeezing his eyes shut. "Gotta make sure they're fine..."

"Who?" Fluttershy stared at this crazy stallion, concern painting her features. "Who might not be fine? Why not?"

"Bad ponies..." Big Mac grimaced. "... Ponies who hurt me... friend ran away... might have gone back to my farm..." He looked to the mare, a deep frown on his face. "My... family might be in danger..."

Fluttershy stared at him for a few minutes more, piecing together what he had said. "Oh... well, if you like, I can ask one of my friends to check on them when the rain stops..." She hummed, tapping a hoof to her chin. "... But until then, I can't do much..."

Macintosh groaned a bit, feeling his body ache, as if in retribution for even thinking of trying to do something it was not ready to do. "... Can't sit here... gotta get home..."

"Oh..." Fluttershy sighed, frowning. "Well... I'm afraid I can't help that... you're pretty heavy... n-not that I think you're fat! Not that you look fat!" The mare gasped, and began to stumble over herself verbally. "I-in fact you're quite handsome and-eep! Oh my, I think I'm going to be quiet now..." She blushed madly, and Macintosh stared at her, quirking a brow. She gulped, taking a deep breath and calming herself down. "I... what I meant to say... was I don't think I can do it. Best I can do is make sure your family gets a message telling you where you are... but beyond that..." Big Macintosh sighed and visibly deflated. Fluttershy frowned, trying to think of something to cheer him up. "Well... if it's any consolation, I-I'll do anything you need me to.... I-I can go out and get food if you need special food or anything, or medicine... I mean, I don't know if you were reading that book that was in your bag or what, but I can also go get you entertainment..."

Macintosh's eyes widened a bit. "Book...?"

Fluttershy gasped. "N-not that I was going through your stuff! Your bag practically fell apart, and I had to gather up the bits and pieces! I'm not a snoop!"

Macintosh shook his head. "Book... with pages written in weird letters...?"

The mare seemed confused, staring at him. "Uh... well... I don't know... I never looked...."

"Could you...?" Macintosh stared at her, his eyes wide, urgent even.

"I'm afraid not..." the mare frowned, shaking her head, "... the pony who brought you here took it from your bag and left..."

His heart sank. "You let 'er take somethin' from my bags...?"

"I thought she might be a friend" said Fluttershy, biting her lip, "She didn't say anything, so I figured she must have known you well enough that she knew you'd be okay with it..."

Tension built up in Big Mac's body; injuries aside, he was struck with a series of new questions. 'Is it possible? Did Zecora pull a fast one? Who is this mare...?' "What did she look like..."

"Well..." the mare turned around, as if trying to remember. "... She was lavender... wearing a blue coat and a hat... had a book hanging from her back.... and she seemed rather... cold for somepony who just brought a horribly injured stallion to a stranger's doorstep asking that they watch over them..."

Macintosh stared at the butter yellow pegasus, processing these thoughts. That description sounded so familiar, he knew it. Then, it came to him.

"Miss Twilight..."

The room fell quiet. One could only hear the tick-tock of a nearby clock as Fluttershy sat, watching Macintosh, waiting for him to say more. 'Is it the same book? I didn't have any other books on me that I know of... what if Zecora took mine and put another one inside my bag just in case...? Wait... does that make sense...?'

Once more, Big Mac pushed himself from the bed and rolled towards his hooves. He gasped and hissed through his teeth as soon as he hit the ground, standing on his legs, though slowly dropping to his own weight. His entire body screamed at him, begged him to stop, tried to tell him it was useless. A tear formed in his eye, though he tried to ignore it as best he could. He reached towards his pile of clothes, wanting to dress as quick as possible.

But the pain was too much.

He yelped and fell to his side, panting and heaving. "Oh my goodness, what's wrong with you!?" The mare's voice was raised a bit more than usual as she hurried to his side and put her hooves on him, checking him over. "Do you even know how badly you're injured!? I'm not even a doctor and even I know you shouldn't be moving around!"

"Gotta get home..." Big Mac grunted, wincing as the pain slowly ebbed down to more tolerable levels.

"You are going nowhere, mister!" The mare shouted. "I honestly thought you'd die on my couch! At least... at least wait until I can get you a doctor..." Macintosh wanted to reject that proposal. He opened his mouth, ready to deny her that request, but then he looked at her eyes. Those gentle, kind eyes staring at him with such concern. Pleading, begging him to reconsider. They were innocent, devoid of any ulterior motive. It confused him.

"Why d'you want me to stay here so bad...?"

She seemed confused, almost upset that he asked the question. "Why wouldn't I? You're hurt... if you went out there as you are now, you could.... could...."

The two ponies stared at each other in silence. Macintosh frowned a bit, shaking his head and hanging it. "I'll wait... but come hell or high water, I'll be in my own bed tomorrow night..." He slowly stood back on his hooves, feeling the pain burn once again, though (with some help) he managed to get back on the couch, into as much comfort as he could in his condition.

"Thank you..." said the mare, smiling a sad, sympathetic smile. Macintosh nodded, gesturing for another drink. The mare gave him his glass, and he took in some of the delicious water. As it was set back, he found himself wondering something that he was surprised he hadn't considered before.

"Where am I...?"

"My house..." said Fluttershy, making her way towards the kitchen, "In the Pegasus District of Ponyville..."

"The Poor District...?" Big Mac raised a brow, staring at the mare like she was crazy, though she looked at him as if he had offended her. "S-sorry... but, how'd I wind up here...? If that pony could drag me back here, why not get me the rest of the way to the hospital...?"

"Well..." Fluttershy put a hoof to her mouth, rubbing it in thought. "... I really have no idea... she knocked on my door, and when I answered, all she said was that she had found you in the woods... I'm honestly surprised she got you here, considering she looked about the same size as me..." Setting the tray on a nearby table, Fluttershy turned and made her way back towards the kitchen. "I was just about to head out to get a doctor before you woke up. I'm going to do that right now, but I'll need you to keep to your promise and stay in that spot."

"Alright..." Macintosh nodded with a sigh. The mare soon entered the room again, wearing a cloak to protect herself from the rain as best as she could. She nodded, smiling, and made her way towards the door. She pulled it open, stepped out, and closed it back behind herself. It was then that Big Mac noticed a little rabbit hop into the room from the kitchen, jumping up on a chair near the door, grabbing the various locks and twisting, turning, and latching them. Once done, the peculiar rabbit hopped down from the chair, through the room, but stopped at Big Mac. He glared at the stallion with evil, murderous little bunny eyes, pointing two little digits at his eyes and then both at Macintosh himself. Nodding in affirmation, the rabbit continued back to the kitchen. Big Mac blinked a few times in utter confusion, unsure of what exactly had just transpired.

Left to his own devices, Big Mac stared at nothing to ponder his situation. 'I'm trapped in the Poor District... I'm injured... and anytime I stand up I hurt beyond all belief. Time to reflect upon the recent events of my life...

... Zecora's gone who knows where....

... That book is either with her or that cold mare from Rich's house...

... And apparently, there's a group of thugs looking for it, so whoever has it may not be an enviable position...'

It was then that Big Mac had a thought. 'Am I maybe better off to let that mare keep it? Clearly, these ponies want it bad enough to do terrible things. I mean, if that is the book, and she has it, then she stole it from me, so she basically invited it on herself...' He frowned a bit, shaking his head. 'But... that mare may not be the only one in danger... and I can't say she stole it with ill intent... besides, if those ponies wanted it so bad, it has to be important...' He looked back down at the boarded up windows. 'When I can, I need to grab Braeburn and we need to find that mare. We went through a lot of trouble to get that book... an' if Zecora's right....'

That last thought struck him.

Getting the book itself had been a task. But that attack? It had come from nowhere. They had told nopony about the book, save for maybe Miss Cheerilee, and somehow these strange, bat-like ponies found them. Tried to kill them for it. '... It's really starting to look like she was....'

'There's more goin' on than it seems. That much is clear... but what?

Just what kind of mess did I manage to get into...?'

He didn't linger on these thoughts for long. A knock on the door in a strange pattern signaled somepony outside; the little rabbit quick to rush back to the room, undo the various locks, and open it. A white-coated mare with a pink mane, wearing a blue cloak stepped inside, Fluttershy following her inside, shutting the door, and locking it. The mare stepped towards him, removing her hood, and eyeing him.

'She looks familiar...'

"Hmm... Fluttershy wasn't lying... you really are banged up...."

"May I take your cloak?" Fluttershy stepped up, her own cloak in her hoof. The mare nodded, pulling the cloth from her body and handing it to Fluttershy, who proceeded to set it on a rack nearby. The mare hummed, looking him over, then smiled.

"You're conscious. That's always a good sign, right?"

Big Mac smiled and nodded. "Eeyup."

The mare froze. She blinked a few times, staring at the stallion. Then her eyes grew wide. "Oh my goodness... Macintosh? Little Macintosh Apple?" Big Mac blinked a few times, clearly confused, but the mare smiled more. "Last time I saw you, you were a small thing... boy have you grown..."

Macintosh squinted a bit. His eyes widened. "Redheart?"

"Well, they call me Nurse Redheart now..." The mare chuckled, waving a hoof. "I've been helping to keep the ponies living in the Poor District healthy..." Her smile suddenly seemed a tad forced. "... At least... as much as I can, given my resources...." And then her forced smile became a pure grimace. "... And my resources often don't care about the 'lower castes'..." She shook her head again, bringing herself back to the situation at hoof. "But... seriously! Last time I saw you... " She stopped talking, staring at him quietly. He frowned a bit, pawing anxiously at his own cover. The mare cleared her throat, pulling a bag from her haunches and setting it on the floor. "Alright... well, we'll catch up as we go. For now, I think it important that we figure out the extent of the damage..." She sat her bag down and looked him in the eyes. "I'm going to have to touch you for this. Are you alright with that?" Big Mac frowned a bit, blushing under his coat, but nodded.

Her hooves gently pulled the sheets on his body down to expose him to her. She placed them on his chest, slowly moving them about and giving the occasional press test. It hurt everywhere she touched, but there were points that made him wince. Each time, she seemed to acknowledge it and treat that area with more care. She moved to one of his forelegs, tracing her hooves around it. He winced as she traced one part of it. "That... hoof was already sprained..." he said, grimacing a bit. She nodded, feeling it over.

"Well..." she said with a smile, "Bad news is it's still sprained..." Big Mac chuckled a bit at that, though it did hurt a bit when he laughed. "Be careful now..." She moved her hoof towards the other leg, tracing and feeling it. While it did hurt, Big Mac was pleased to note that it didn't hurt any more than his sprained hoof did. She let go of his hoof, moving to put her hooves on his hind leg and feel all around it; this, of course, made him tense up, especially as she traced his inner thighs. Any dirty ideas that might otherwise give him, however, were chased away by the reminder that every muscle in his body was in horrible pain. She checked the other leg over, feeling all around.

"Can you roll over a bit? Let me see your back?"

Big Mac frowned a bit, nodding, and tried to roll over. It hurt his ribs to do so, but with some effort (and once more, some help) he managed to get to where the nurse could see his back. She traced her hooves around it, pressing gently and feeling around it; some of it hurt more than others, but none of it as bad as his front did. Once she was done, he heard her sigh and rolled himself back over to face her.

"Follow my hoof..." she said, holding her hoof up and moving it about. Macintosh watched it, following it as she moved it back and forth. She smiled and nodded. "Tell me, do you feel any discomfort? Do you have any visual issues? Any headaches?"

"Well..." Macintosh frowned, "... It hurts to take deep breaths... " The nurse merely nodded, then turned to her bag, pulling it open and pulling a stethoscope out, putting the buds in her ears, and placing the other end on his chest. She checked around, before pulling the buds out and setting the device back in her bag.

"Well..." she said, shaking her head, "This is quite a mess. You've got a few broken ribs, several bruises and contusions, possible hairline fractures in legs..." She sighed a bit, seeming to consider the stallion before her. "If Fluttershy hadn't relayed the story to me, I'd have though you fell off the roof of a house. That you're only in as bad a condition as you are says a lot about either your endurance, your luck, or both."

"Don't talk t' me about luck..." Big Mac grumbled.

"Yeah, well maybe they didn't drop you from too great a height..." Redheart pulled out a piece of paper and wrote some things on it. "You're a wreck. It'll likely be a few days before you can walk, and with the bone damage, even then I would advise taking it as easy as possible..." She pulled out a bottle of tonic, putting it on the table next to Big Mac. "This tonic should numb the pain if you find yourself in need of doing activity that hurts you, or just soothing the pain..." She glared at him. "I would advise not drinking it unless you absolutely need to. Like when you head back home tomorrow and, preferably, make your way straight to your bed."

Macintosh frowned a bit, sighing. "Fine..."

The nurse stared at him for a moment, before her gaze softened into a gentle, sympathetic smile. "And... on a more personal note, if you don't mind my saying so? You're a very strong stallion to endure what you have." His ear perked up, and he looked towards Redheart, who simply smirked, shaking her head. "I remember a small colt... bit of a runt... who cried any time he scraped his knee..." She tilted her head to Fluttershy. "She told me you tried to walk. You've really changed a lot since we were kids."

Macintosh blushed a tiny bit and chuckled. "Farmin' teaches ya how t' deal with pain."

"I imagine." Redheart smiled and gave him a gentle pat on his barrel as not to hurt him. "You take it easy big guy. Hopefully next time we meet, it's under better circumstances." She turned around, facing Fluttershy and giving a nod. "Make sure he gets plenty of food and drink. If you like, I can make my way to his place and tell his family where he is, and they might be able to get him back home."

"Oh, that'd be nice, thank you..." Fluttershy smiled and nodded.

"Excellent." Redheart nodded and smiled to Big Mac, then Fluttershy, and made her way back towards the door, pulling it open and stepping out, shutting it back behind her. Fluttershy turned her attention back to Macintosh, giving him her gentle smile once more. "Well, I suppose that at least it didn't sound like it might be worse than I feared it could be..."

Big Mac quirked a brow. "How bad was you thinkin'?"

Fluttershy frowned. "I was worried about punctured lungs, severed spinal columns, brain damage..." Macintosh stared at her, a somewhat confused, maybe even uncomfortable look on his face. The mare blushed and looked away. "I... tend to be kind of pessimistic..." She cleared her throat, looking at him again. "Right. Well, I'm going to be around the house. If you need anything, do not hesitate to ask for me. Just take it easy, alright?"

"Eeyup."

Fluttershy smiled a bit, giving him a soft pat on the head, before turning and making her way into another room. Macintosh sighed, then saw the rabbit sitting there, glaring at him. "What?"

The first thing she recognized was the sounds of crickets chirping. 'Such a sweet melody.' She smiled a bit, cuddling against her pillow at the sound. She continued to lay there, eyes closed, reaching for dream land with hooves outstretched.

But sleep would not come.

She began to toss and turn. Pulling her covers over herself more snugly. Fluffing her pillows extra fluffy. Grabbing one pillow and shoving it on her head. Grabbing hold and cuddling with that very pillow. This occurred in the span of fifteen minutes, before she finally rose up from her bed, staring half-lidded at the wall.

"I can't sleep..." she said to herself.

Defeated, Fluttershy decided now was as good a time as any to grab a midnight snack. She shoved herself from her bed, stretching and yawning, before making her way to her door. She stopped, remembering her guest, and grabbed a nearby gown and put it on. 'Can't be wandering around too exposed now...' She opened her door, and made her way down the stairs, and into her living room. She looked towards where her guest lay and smiled; his form was nice and snug underneath his cover, though he seemed to have pulled it over his head. She was about to go to get a drink, but stopped when she noticed something. She looked at the lumps on her couch and noticed something. Something off.

'He isn't breathing...

Her eyes widened, and her jaw fell open.

'He might be dead...!'

Slowly, she rose a trembling hoof up. She reached forward, and placed it on his side, giving a gentle shake. 'Oh no! He's softer than he was earlier! He-' She stopped herself at that thought. 'Wait... that... doesn't feel right...' She blinked a few times, biting her lip. She reached a hoof forward, and quickly, she yanked the blanket away.

All she saw were several pillows - probably every pillow in her house (and then some) that she wasn't using. She stared, wide-eyed at the lack-of-pony on her couch, then turned her attention to the table next to it. There, she saw a note.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Dear Miss Fluttershy,

I thank you kindly for your help, and I am surely in your debt; a debt which I intend to pay back someday. Please don't follow me.

-Macintosh Apple

He winced a bit as he felt some of the ache in his body as it lifted its own weight. 'That tonic ain't nearly as strong as I hoped it would be... but at least I can move...'

The streets of Ponyville were almost completely abandoned, save for a few ponies here and there. He noticed a few ponies -- Earth and Pegasus alike -- eyeing him suspiciously. 'I'm not out of the Poor District yet,' thought Big Mac, trying to hold a firm, calm pose; as long as he looked strong (certainly stronger than he currently was) he could, at the very least, keep those away who seek out weakness. He was by no means a small stallion, so the only thing he'd have to be afraid of was ponies who were looking for a fight.

'Poor District. Old Ponyville...' He thought to himself, looking around. The houses here looked slightly older than anything in the newer parts of Ponyville, and most of them looked as if they had been poorly maintained. 'Used to be Ponyville itself... hard to believe when Granny was young, this part of town was supposedly always bustlin' with activity...' He looked at the road he trotted, seeing that many of the cobblestones were scraped up, misshapen, broken, and much of the road was more dirt than anything. 'Kinda sad, seein' it like it is.'

Eventually, he would find himself in Ponyville Market (some liked to call it 'New Ponyville') to see the clock tower; that ever familiar structure that welcomes any and all ponies to the town with open arms. Home was close. So very close he could almost smell the delicious apples hanging in the air. He was about to walk forward, when something caught his eye and made him stop.

A short distance away, a lavender mare stood, wearing a strange, blue coat and a top-hat.

She seemed almost surprised.

"Wait!" He shouted out, and tried to run, but the pain reminded him better, so he simply walked as fast as he could when she suddenly bolted off, around a corner. "Hold on," he shouted, speed limp-walking towards where she disappeared, "I just wanna talk!"

He finally rounded the corner, but when he did, there was nothing to be seen but crates and a cellar door that he was pretty sure was locked. In his condition, if she intended to outrun him, he'd never catch her. Big Mac frowned a bit, hanging his head in defeat.

'Who is she? Why did she take my book?'

Macintosh stared at his hooves a bit before looking up at the sky as these thoughts and questions ran through his mind, demanding answers. It would be a while before he could effectively chase her, and who knew what might happen between now and then; every second she had that book was a risk. If that was the case, he'd need to outsmart the mare.

'I have no idea who she is, or why she wants that book.... but I think I know somepony who might...'

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 7 - Reclaiming Knowledge

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Big Macintosh was never a pony to brag or toot his own horn, but he liked to consider himself a fairly smart pony. Despite his physical capability, he also balanced the finances of the farm, giving payments where due, and he was resourceful enough that if there were tasks he or a family member could not achieve, he could find somepony who could get it done. But a flaw that only the few who knew him well knew of was that sometimes he was stubborn to the point of foolishness.

As he lay in his bed, body aching as if he had been dropped again, Macintosh was reminded of this little little character quirk as he took a small sip of the medicine he had been given to keep his pain at a minimum. 'In hindsight, I mighta done well just stayin' with Fluttershy for the day after all...'

To make matters worse, his absence hadn't gone unnoticed.

"So what yer tellin' me," said Granny, staring at Big Mac suspiciously, "Is that you an' Zecora found somepony ta read that book, an' she went off to who knows where..."

"Eeyup."

"... And on the way home, you was asked to help somepony do some repairs on their ceilin'..."

"Eeyup."

"... An' you accidentally slipped on a shingle n' plummeted about three stories an' got banged up perdy good?"

"Mhm."

Granny stared at Big Mac, looking somewhat suspicious. A bead of sweat formed on his forehead. 'Please buy it.'

She sighed and shrugged. "Well, I guess no good deed goes unpunished... must be gettin' soft though. You don't look like ya feel from a roof; you look like you fell from one of them balloons."

'Not far from it.' "Eeyup."

Granny turned and made her way towards the door. "Well, I reckon we'll get in touch with th' Doctor an' get 'em over here t' make sure yer alright. Nice as a nurse's help might be, you want a real doctor ta look at ya fer a bit more certainty." The elder mare turned and began to make her way out of his room. "I'll send Apple Bloom up here with somethin' fer ya ta eat. Lay down, take it easy, an' let ol' Granny take care o' th' rest."

As she left, Braeburn stepped inside, looking back to where she wandered out, before turning to face Big Mac, wide-eyed. "What in the wide world happened!?"

"Fell off a roof..." said Big Mac, waving a hoof.

"'Fell off a roof' my left berry," Braeburn snorted, shaking his head, "I'd believe ya if it wasn't fer that." He pointed at a healing wound; a blade wound. "Unless I'm mistakin', fallin' off a roof doesn't do that."

"Never know," said Big Mac, grinning, "I coulda fallen on a saw."

"What happened, Mac?" Braeburn spoke in a hushed tone, staring at his cousin with concern. "You disappear all day yesterday, then stumble in here barely alive, and Zecora nowhere in sight. Please, tell me what happened."

Macintosh stared at Braeburn a moment, pursing his lips, looking like he was sizing him up. "Promise not t' tell on me?"

"Promise" said Braeburn with a firm nod. Macintosh remained silent a moment, before sighing and taking a drink from a nearby glass of water.

"Attacked by pegasi..." Macintosh grimaced... "I think they were pegasi. Picked me up, flew me over th' woods, dropped me."

Braeburn stared at his cousin a moment, jaw hanging wide. "Holy... that... had to be horrifying..." Big Mac grimaced at the faint memory of having wet eyes before losing consciousness, but decided to shove it away. "An' Zecora?"

"Gone." Braeburn seemed to wilt a bit, and Big Mac held up a hoof. "She ran away. Don't know where."

That seemed to relieve him of a little worry. "Well... any idea why they attacked you?"

"They wanted the book." The words seemed to silence Braeburn, who seemed confused. He furrowed his brow, looking down at his hooves as if the answers might be written on them. "Did you tell anypony about it?"

"No..." said Braeburn, shaking his head slowly. "Even when I asked Cheerilee, I asked her if she knew anypony that could translate Old Equestrian. I didn't tell her we even had a book, or where we got it, or anythin'." The two stared silently at each other. Braeburn's eyes seemed to fill with a horrific realization. "Mac... y... you don't think Zecora... might have been right, do ya?"

"Don't know." Macintosh looked away from his cousin, towards the ceiling. "All I know is this. Somepony knew we had that book, an' I might have met 'er."

"What?" Braeburn seemed surprised. "You met 'er?"

"Sorta," Macintosh waved a hoof again, "She was wearin' a cloak. But she was ridin' a chariot that looked like it was from a gothic circus."

"So..." said Braeburn, grimacing, "... Where is the book?"

Big Mac seemed silent a moment. He took another drink of his water, then looked towards his cousin. "Remember th' mare from Rich's house? Twilight?"

"You mean the ice queen?"

"I think she has it."

"Oh." Braeburn hummed, quirking a brow. "Why would she want it?"

"No idea. Want you t' find out."

"Me?" Braeburn smirked. "Why me?" Big Mac raised a brow, then looked towards his broken, battered body, then back to Breaburn, who became sheepish. "Oh. Yeah..." The stallion shook his head. "But wait, what if I get attacked too?"

"Doubt it." Macintosh looked towards the window. "They never attack th' farm. Waited until I was well out of the city an' under heavy rain..." Macintosh looked towards his cousin, hoping Braeburn could piece the rest together.

"Think... think maybe they don't wanna make a scene?"

"Eeyup."

Braeburn hummed, putting a hoof to his chin. I imagine you dyin' in the woods'd be hard to track. Bein' robbed just as much."

"In a city filled with eye-witnesses an' guards," added Big Mac, "That might be harder."

Once more, the room fell silent as Braeburn seemed to mull the options over in his head. Finally, he nodded. "Alright. Alright, I'll do it. Jus' tell me what t' say."

"Ask about 'er. Get any answers ya can. Don't mention the Book or Zecora."

"Alright," Braeburn nodded, pushing his hat back and scratching his head. "Sounds reasonable. I'll get on it." Braeburn was ready to leave, walking towards the door.

"Wait!"

He stopped, looking to Big mac.

"Avoid Twilight herself if possible. We don't want her suspectin' us."

Breaburn chuckled. "Well... ya sure? I mean, I bet I can melt the ice queen..."

"Brae." Big Mac was glaring at him now. "This is serious. We don't wanna make things worse if we don't have to."

"Fine, fine..." Braeburn waggled a hoof at Big Mac. "I'll leave her alone. But don't say I never did ya any favors." Macintosh sighed a bit, leaning back in bed and relaxing. "Anything I can do for ya?"

"'Nother glass of water'd be nice. Maybe some honey."

"On it."

As he stared up at the gates, Braeburn found himself feeling tense. He'd never approached the house without Big Mac before, and he'd never really gotten into a lot of conversation with its owner. He found himself cursing his lack of preparation or rehearsal, and considering the guard staring at him, decided it would be best to simply push forward and act. As he approached the somewhat confused pony at the gate, he saluted awkwardly, to which the guard responded, albeit slowly, with a salute of his own. "Can I... help you?"

"Y-yeah," replied Braeburn, trying to calm his nerves. 'Talking to everyday ponies is easy, but nobility? I wish I had Big Mac or Applejack with me right now...' "Is Filthy Rich home?"

"He is..."

"C-can I talk to him? I'm Braeburn Apple... one of his business partners..."

The guard eyed him warily a moment. "Wait right here..." He turned about, making his way down the path and towards the house, stepping inside. Braeburn simply stood where he was, staring at the large house with a bit more anxiety than he thought he'd feel. He seemed to sit there forever before the guard returned, pulling the gate open. "Go on in, and mind your manners." Braeburn nodded, and made his way down the path towards the house, giving it a firm knock. It opened, and he was greeted by the butler from before.

"Right this way, Sir."

Once more, Braeburn was lead into this massive, imposing home, though he was taken down a different hall this time, leading up some stairs to the second floor. He took a moment to admire the decorations; paintings, armor, various knick-knacks, before they approached the end, where a pair of double doors waited. "Sir is in his study. Please enter." He pushed one of the large doors open, and Braeburn stepped inside. The study was an impressive room; bookshelves with various books, a desk that seemed covered in tomes and scrolls, a telescope near the window. A pair of chairs and a couch (with a table) made the room seem more relaxed, and two familiar, tattered banners hang on a nearby wall.

One depicting the sun, and the other the moon.

"Come in, come in."

The door closed behind him as Braeburn's eyes fell on the stallion himself, stepping away from a table with an opened book. "Hello, Braeburn, welcome. I do say, I'm quite surprised to see you here!"

"I figured..." said Braeburn, his nervousness picking up in his voice.

"Nervous?" Rich laughed, shaking his head, and reaching to a nearby bottle, pouring its contents into a small glass and hoofing it to the younger stallion. Braeburn held it between his own hooves, sniffed it, and went wide-eyed.

"Whoa! This is scrumpy!"

"It will calm you down." The stallion smiled kindly. "Normally I don't offer drinks like this to guests, but I consider the Apples as good as family."

Braeburn stared at the drink, then shrugged. "Guess it'd be rude to say no, eh?" He nodded, taking a drink, feeling the warmth slide down his throat. He smiled and licked his lips. "Tastes like some of our stuff."

"Because it is." Rich poured himself a glass, taking a drink. "Best scrumpy I've ever drank. I do believe this particular blend has Zap Apples in it."

"Tastes like it!" Braeburn took another sip, smiling at the pleasant warmth it gave him.

"Feel free to sit, make yourself at home." Rich walked to a nearby chair, taking a seat and patting the one next to him. Braeburn sat down, clearing his throat a bit. "Tell me Braeburn, what brings you to my neck of the woods?"

"Well," said the stallion, feeling a lot less nervous with some liquid courage in his belly, "I was wondering about... uhh... Miss Twilight."

"Oh?" Rich raised a brow. "Twilight Sparkle? I was not aware you knew her."

"I don't, really," Braeburn smiled a bit, feeling just a hint more nervous; to which he responded by drinking more scrumpy. "I just saw her last time we came here for dinner an' got curious. Is she a relative or somethin'...?"

Rich chuckled a bit, waving a hoof. "No, no. She's something of a colleague of mine..." He looked around the room, his smile never fading. "I've been studying Ancient Equestria a lot for the past two years. It's become sort of a hobby of mine since..." He stopped, his smile faltering a moment, returning with not a single trace of mirth as he shook his head. "Well, you know."

"I'm sorry 'bout the Mrs..." said Braeburn, taking his hat off and setting it on the chair.

"Yes, well... she's in a better place." Filthy nodded, sighing. "And she gave me many great memories, and a lovely daughter, before leaving us." The noble-pony cleared his throat. "Anyway... I met her a little over a year ago. She was researching ancient fables, particularly relating to the Elements of Harmony and the Royal Sisters." He took a soft sip from his drink. "Far as I understand, she had done a lot of such research before we even met. Anyway..." He took the bottle, topping off his and Braeburn's drinks. "Since then, we've been going on some interesting adventures. Digging up ancient artifacts, learning of lost secrets, things nopony has known in a thousand years."

"Fascinatin'..." Braeburn put a hoof on the back of his neck, rubbing slightly, trying to consider what he should ask next. 'Really wish I'da rehearsed...' "Uh... what exactly does she do?"

"A few things..." Rich took another sip of his drink. "She's quite well educated. Knows a great deal about Ancient Equestrian lore, can read the texts, and seems to understand how to operate many artifacts. I dare say, I'd have made little to no progress in my studies without her help."

'I really have no idea what it is Big Mac wants me to learn here... unless...' "Well," said Braeburn, chewing his lip a moment, "Anything you can tell me about her?"

"Somepony seems to have taken interest." Rich grinned a bit, taking a sip of his scrumpy. "I imagine she'd be flattered. Perhaps I should tell her?"

"No!" He said it much louder than he wanted, so Braeburn smiled sheepishly. "No, no that's fine. I just... sorta wanna know about her is all. For now. Move at my own pace... please don't tell her though." 'Please buy it...'

"Understood..." Rich chuckled, taking a sip of his scrumpy, seeming to be in thought for a moment. "She's about what one might expect of a devoted scholar. She sticks to her books and takes her studies very seriously... often, I'll go to bed and find her still doing research in my study by the time I wake."

'Sounds like an egghead.' "Interestin'..." Braeburn tried to consider what else to ask. "Any idea where I can find her?"

Rich shrugged. "Who knows. Sometimes, she'll be off to do her own thing. What time she isn't in my study, she's occupying the guest room where she sleeps. She also goes to the library, though I suspect these equate to 'recreational moments' for her." He took a sip of his scrumpy. "She lives in an old castle outside of the city... to the north of Ponyville, up on the mountain... " The noble chuckled, shaking his head some. "Be ready though, it is quite a walk to reach, and a climb to boot. It quickly became no wonder to me why Twilight liked to stay in one place or the other for extended periods, rather than moving back and fourth."

"Thanks," said Braeburn, smiling a bit. 'At least now I know something about her that might be useful.'

"So tell me" said Rich, "has your cousin made up his mind about our offer?" The stallion smiled a bit, not looking up at Braeburn as he took another sip of his drink. Braeburn bit his lip, feeling a bit of nervousness return to him at the mere prospect of having to talk business with Rich without Macintosh present.

"'Fraid not..." He gulped a bit, tapping his hooves together. "I think he's waitin' for Applejack to get home, wantin' to talk to her about it first. Farm's jus' as much her foal-hood home as it is his, y'know?"

Rich seemed to purse his lips in though, giving a nod. "I see. That sounds fair enough." He shrugged. "No rush. I meant what I said about being patient. Now, if there's anything else you might want to talk about?"

"Nah. Much as I'd love to chat more, I've basically got what I needed to know, and I should be runnin' back to the farm before Granny realizes somepony ain't doin' my chores..." Braeburn and Rich shared a chuckle as the yellow stallion stood from his chair.

"Alright then. Teacup will show you the way out then..." Rich smiled warmly. "And remember Braeburn, feel free to visit anytime. The Apples and Riches have spent too long in silence. I'd love for our families to be able to be closer. I'm certain it'd do my little Diamond Tiara a world of good." Braeburn was about to inform Rich of his mistake and cite his daughter's snotty attitude, but he stopped, thinking better of it for a moment, before shrugging.

"Sounds reasonable." He took his hat, setting it one his head. "You have a good day, Mister Rich."

"You too, son." Filthy held up his drink and took a sip. Braeburn laughed a bit, reminded that he was feeling a bit buzzed, though not quite drunk. With that, he made his way out of the study, where he was quickly met by the butler, who lead him from the house, and back outside.

As the gate closed behind him, Braeburn stepped away from the manor, eyes forward, considering everything he just learned. 'Alright... Twilight lives... outside the city, in a castle. And...' The stallion stopped to scratch his head, trying to recall the conversation. '... And... she's basically Rich's study buddy, an' seems to know Old Equestria stuff an' can read old books...' He paused with that last thought. 'She can read old books...' His eyes shot up. "She can read old books!"

Braeburn made a mad dash for the Apple Homestead.

Braeburn entered the house, feeling a great deal better (and somewhat less tingly) than he had a short while ago. He made his way up the stairs, quickly making his way to Big Mac's room. He shoved the door open.

He stopped when he noticed Macintosh wasn't alone.

Mac lay on his bed, covered up as before, but there was also an unfamiliar, butter yellow pegasus mare there. Pegasi rarely came around this area; they weren't very tolerated among the generally Earth Pony population. "And you made it here? All by yourself? Without trouble?"

"Eeyup" Big Mac responded simply.

"You could have hurt yourself! What would have happened if somepony attacked you in your condition?"

"They didn't." Mac nodded. "I'm fine."

"The poor district has a lot more crime than the rest of Ponyville! Who knows what could have happened!" Rather than argue with her, Big Mac simply shrugged. The mare frowned at him, seeming a little upset.

"Ahem."

Both ponies turned around to see Braeburn, who simply smiled and waved. "Sorry to interrupt, but I couldn't help but admire how adorable this scene is." Big Mac snorted, staring half-lidded at his cousin, while the mare blushed.

"Brae, this is Fluttershy," Macintosh nodded, gesturing towards the mare, "Fluttershy, this is Braeburn."

"Charmed," said Braeburn, winking, causing the mare to blush again.

"Likewise..." she said quietly, hiding behind her mane a little. Braeburn stepped in closer, nodding to Big Mac.

"Miss 'Shy? Mind if me an' my cousin have a little privacy?" Big Mac smiled a bit at Fluttershy, who looked at him, then Braeburn, then back to him, and stepped out of the room, gently pulling the door closed behind her. Once they heard the latch, they waited a few seconds before Big Mac looked to Braeburn. "Find anything interestin' about our friend?"

"Eeyup," replied Braeburn with a grin, "an' you'll never guess what I found out." Braeburn stared at Big Mac, silently waiting. Macintosh raised a brow, staring directly back at Braeburn, who simply frowned. "Well? Ain't ya gonna guess? At least ask me?"

"I figured you'd jus' tell me." Big Mac's expression did not shift.

"Fine." Braeburn rolled his eyes, sitting on his haunches. "Twilight's some sort of partner of Rich's. They've been researchin' Old Equestrian stuff for a year, an' apparently, she might be able to read that book'a yours." Macintosh's eyes seemed to widen just a bit. "What's more, she lives in a castle in the mountain just north of here." He grinned a bit. "We know where our book is, an' with any luck, might have a translator!"

Big Mac, however, did not seem so enthusiastic. He looked down at his hooves, the wheels in his head turning. "She can read that book...?"

Braeburn simply shrugged. "Rich says she can." Big Mac seemed to consider this, Braeburn clucking his tongue a bit. "So... what's our plan? Do we steal it back?"

"Dunno..." Big Mac frowned, patting a hoof to his chin. He was in no condition to steal anything, even from a mare as small as Twilight seemed, and while he loved his cousin as if he were a brother, Big Mac had doubts Braeburn would be able to go through with it; even if he could, he wasn't sure he could ask him to do so. "I don't think so." Macintosh sighed, rubbing his temple with his better hoof. 'Why do I feel like we took one step forward and two steps back?' Macintosh took a drink from his glass of water, taking a moment to consider everything he knew.

"We gotta find 'er, and we gotta get that book."

"We?" Braeburn quirked a brow at his cousin. "You're a mess. Even with your particular build an' resilience, I can't imagine you'd be able to pull it off. Didn't you say that nurse said you had broken bones?"

"Eeyup" he said, nodding, "Lotta the soreness is down. Still hurts a bit, but I can stand on my own power."

Braeburn sighed, shaking his head. "Mac, I don't think it's a good idea for you to do anythin' strenuous without a doctor's okay..."

"Brae," Big Mac said, a stern, serious look on his face, "You know how many chores I've done with injuries?"

"Alright, I get it, you're tough stuff..." Braeburn sighed, shaking his head. "I can't stop ya Big Mac, but I'll tell ya now, I don't like it, or agree with it, and I'm going to come with you."

"Fine." Macintosh nodded. "Long as ya do what I say." 'We're gonna need to be pretty clever about this. If that mare's actually in league with those mercenaries, then we'll have to consider her potentially dangerous... but she did save my life, so would she be...?'

"So," said Macintosh with a nod, "Any idea where we can find 'er?"

Braeburn nodded. "Castle in th' mountains, north of here. Rich said it was kinda out-of-the-way, an' a bit of a walk, so if yer serious about this, I hope you're ready for a trip, or hire somepony to take us out there."

Big Mac nodded, smiling a bit as he considered his options. "We leave tomorrow at noon."

"Granny's already mad at you missin' so much work." Braeburn chuckled, shaking his head. "I only hope she don't tan my hide for disappearin' with ya this time."

Braeburn wasn't sure he was comfortable with Big Mac coming anymore as he occasionally turned his head to look to his cousin. Macintosh didn't show any signs of discomfort in his expression, but there was a slight limp in his gait, and the fact he had to take a drink of that stuff he had said he had gotten from the nurse wasn't helping ease his concerns. Still, Big Mac was the brains, and he was going to follow him.

'I just hope he don't go makin' me regret it.'

It was rare that either went directly north of Ponyville - while it was about the direction one headed to reach the Rich residence and the city's institution of education (which also housed it's greatest library), there was little to be found there for stallions whose lives were mostly encompassed by farming. As they walked, both stallions observed all the posh ponies milling about in fancy coats and some with those silly wigs, the occasional passerby giving them a look and a huff. Both knew why; they were out of their element here, and everypony knew it.

'For ponies with 'superior breeding', I can't imagine any of them could work a farm.'

Mac grimaced a bit at himself. He rarely ever thought thoughts like that. 'Bad week.' With a sigh, he made sure his eyes remained forward as he and his cousin continued their pace towards the northern gate - and right next to it, the mayoral mansion. 'Mayor Mare's been so quiet lately. Wonder what's goin' on?' Still, that was unimportant at the moment, so Mac kept his attention forward as he and his cousin approached the north gate bridge, crossing it and heading out into the fields.

The two stallions stared forward at the path set before them; a path that lead directly into the mountain, although neither had ever traveled it before. While Ponyville had begun closer to the Everfree Forest, it's expansion had placed it relatively close to the foot of the mountain. Sure, there was still a great economy of space -- an entire field, some trees, and a small lake -- but how long before that was cleared away to expand as well? It was sort of sad, really. 'To think, all this expanded from one lil' farm in such a short time...'

As they walked the path, they passed a guard, who nodded to them and tipped his hat. "Top of the evening to ya" said the white earth pony stallion. "Heading out into the fields?"

"Eeyup" said Big Mac simply.

"We're climbin' the mountain!" Breaburn grinned.

"Ah!" The guard grinned. "Goin' on an adventure? Explorin'? Best of luck to ya then! Just watch out for marauders, they've been stealin' stuff from passersby lately." Macintosh gulped at that, feeling a little nervous. Braeburn gave him a concerned look and put a hoof on his shoulder, the guard raising a brow. "Somethin' wrong?"

"N-nope..." Macintosh shook his head, trying to put his game face on again. "I-I'm fine..."

"Well, just watch for signs," the guard said with a nod, "Cruel as they are, they often leave little hints to their presence, like tipped over carts, abandoned camp fires, that kind of thing. You should be alright long as you avoid that stuff."

'Or ominous fog...' thought Big Mac in his head.

He and Braeburn continued their journey north, their sights set on the mountain before them. The walk was silent a bit before Braeburn gave a sideways glance to Big Mac. "You sure you don't want to go back? It ain't too late, ya know?"

"Nope..." Macintosh said, shaking his head, "We gotta do this."

"Why?"

"Because," said Big Mac with a grimace, "If there's this much fuss over that book, it must be important."

"And what if it ain't?"

"What if it is?"

Breaburn stepped in front of Big Mac, staring him in the eyes. "Cuz, let's consider this for a moment. We found that book because a crazy zebra got a vegetable thrown at her."

"Fruit."

"What?" Braeburn blinked, confused.

"Tomatoes are fruits." Macintosh nodded.

"I don't care," said Braeburn, waving his hooves around, "What I mean is that we have no reason to do this. Can't we go home and write it off as a loss?"

"If we do that, we'll never know." Macintosh stepped past Braeburn, continuing down the path. "She stole somethin' from me, an' even if it's just a load of bologna, I intend to get it back."

"But she also saved you!" Braeburn said, catching up and walking by his cousin's side. "Can't we consider it even?"

"Brae..." Macintosh stopped, turning to face his cousin. "... I was poisoned by a manticore, went on a drug induced trip, fainted on a bridge twice, an' was hurled from the sky like a doll because of that book. For all that work, I'm gettin' it back." He turned his attention back down the path and walked, Braeburn shaking his head and rushing to catch up.

"But you're just adding more trouble to the list! Even if we don't get attacked, do you think that mare'll just hand it over?"

"Maybe," Macintosh said with a shrug, "After all, she did take the time to drag me back to Ponyville for help. If she did that, I can't imagine she's too bad a pony."

"And if we are attacked by marauders?"

"Give 'em anything we have of value," Macintosh nodded, "We don't have much on us we can't replace."

Braeburn stepped in front of his cousin once more, glaring him in the eyes. "And what if they wanna kill us for kicks n' giggles?"

"Run to the best of our ability." Macintosh nodded, though this only seemed to irritate Braeburn further.

"In your condition, you'd be lucky to see my ass before you turned around!"

"Then at least one of us makes it back home." Big Mac smiled and nodded.

"Mac!" Braeburn frowned, clearly unhappy with that response. Macintosh simply rolled his eyes and shook his head.

"Brae, we'll be fine."

"I wish I believed ya..." Braeburn looked up the path, seeing it wind into the trees, and faintly seeing what might be it on the actual mountain. "... I really do..."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 8 - The Arcane House

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As the pain in his muscles slowly reaffirmed itself, Macintosh felt some uncertainty in him grow as well. They had been walking for longer than he would like to consider, and he wasn't entirely sure how much longer it would be. Much as he wanted to take a drink of the numbing medicine, he had finished that off already, and was simply hoping what he had would hold out until he could get back home. Braeburn walked ahead, occasionally looking back at Big Mac, and to his embarrassment even slowing his pace a bit when he realized he was walking faster. However, all of this was rather low on Macintosh's list of concerns at the moment. No, what had his greatest deal of worry was the growing storm above them.

'Please just be a coincidence...'

The clouds had grown thicker and darker, and a familiar sense of foreboding tempered by past experience gnawed at Big Mac in their presence. 'Only a matter of time before things get ugly.' Desperate to take his mind off of something that only served to increase his anxiety, Macintosh turned to look over the ledge; as long as he did not come too close to it, he wouldn't be afraid. He looked out over Ponyville, over all the buildings and houses. If he focused, he could even see his farm in the great distance. 'Certainly humbles a pony' he thought, nodding to himself, before bumping into Braeburn's rear. He turned around to see that the trail had diverged into a fork, with one path climbing higher, and the other seeming to continue around the mountain.

"Sorry," said Braeburn, scratching his head under his hat, "Tryin' to get my bearings..."

Macintosh nodded, taking a moment to examine their surroundings; a whole lot of mountain on one end, and an abundant supply of falling in another. "Where is this place we're lookin' for anyway?"

"Oh it's... it's here..." Braeburn said without looking back. "Jus' up ahead, ya know? Kind of a walk..."

At this point, Big Mac paused. He stared at Braeburn a moment. "Braeburn?" Braeburn visibly stiffened. "... Where are we heading?" He did not respond. Macintosh groaned and hung his head back. "Tell me you know where the castle is..."

"It's on the mountain, north of Ponyville!" Braeburn spun around, eyes fearful and anxious. "That's what he said! I figured if nothing else we'd be able to see it!"

Macintosh stared at his cousin, his expression trained, indifferent. "So... we came all this way... with no idea just where we were going?"

"No, we have an idea..." Braeburn said quietly, looking away. "Just... just not a 'specific' idea..."

"Son of a bitch, Braeburn!" Big Mac threw a hoof in the air and turned away from his cousin. "All this walking and-- huh?"

Something moved behind a nearby bush.

He stared at the bush a moment. ".... Braeburn, I'm so disappointed, I can knock you upside your head!" He crept towards the bush slowly.

"Mac, what are you-" Braeburn stopped as Macintosh looked back and swiped his hoof across his throat. He gave a silent 'oh' and nodded. "... Look, I'm sorry, I thought I knew what I was doin'. No need to be so mad." Mac did not respond, getting closer and closer to the bush, seeing it move ever so slightly, and hearing the sound of heavy breathing. He readied himself, and then jumped.

"GOTCHA!"

He landed on somepony, who squealed as they rolled across the floor, something falling from their pursuer and bouncing across the floor. Mac pinned them down, held a hoof up in the air, ready to strike.

And stopped.

Beneath him lay a familiar yellow pegasus, holding her forelegs in front of her face, whimpering and trembling. Macintosh looked behind himself to see a first aid bag laying in the dirt, before turning back to Fluttershy, who never stopped holding her hooves up.

"Oh..." he said silently. "H-hi there, Miss Fluttershy..." She slowly turned to look at him, holding her hooves down, if only a little, eyes filled with tears, sniffling a bit. That sad, pitiful face filled his heart with regret. 'I scared her good...' "I-I'm sorry, Miss Fluttershy," he said, stepping from her and offering his hoof, "Though you might... be an attacker..."

She looked at his hoof warily, then to him, before scooting from beneath him and backing up a bit, climbing back to her hooves. "I-i-it's ok-k-k-kay..." she said, still shaking and sniffling. "I-I-I was... I was b-being ssssuspicous..." She hiccuped a bit. Macintosh looked to Braeburn, who simply shrugged, and then back to her.

"Why you sneakin' around followin' us, Miss Fluttershy?"

The mare took a breath, trying to calm herself. "I-I... I might have eavesdropped yesterday... a-a-and figured you'd nnneed help..."

Macintosh felt a strange mix of emotions; he was upset that she had eavesdropped on what might have been a very private conversation, but that sad, frightened look on her face robbed him of any outrage he might otherwise feel. Macintosh sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "It's alright, Miss Fluttershy..." This seemed to make her perk up, if only a little. "Still, could be dangerous... you should go home."

Fluttershy shook her head a bit, seeming to gain a little (if only a little) courage. "You're hurt, even if you don't accept it. I can't sit idly by with you potentially endangering yourself..." The mare made her way towards her bag, lifting it and setting it on her back again, turning to look at Big Mac, frowning. Macintosh rubbed the back of his head, sighing.

"Why?"

"Because you were brought to me." She nodded firmly. "Even if you're not my responsibility, I don't think I could just let you wander into potential danger in your condition without being there to help."

Macintosh chuckled, shaking his head. "Alright... alright. You can follow us."

"We can always use an extra travel buddy" said Braeburn with a smile, trotting next to Fluttershy and waggling his eyebrows. "So... tell me a bit about yourself, Miss...?" However, he didn't get quite the response he expected; instead, Fluttershy seemed to move gently away from him, mumbling something he couldn't understand while retreating behind her mane as her face turned a few shades of red.

"Brae." Braeburn looked to Macintosh, who was shaking his head, though he didn't seem angry at least. Braeburn rolled his eyes and stepped away from Fluttershy, who seemed to ease up once he had given her a little space. Macintosh sighed, looking down towards the fork in the road that currently vexed them. "Problem is, we don't well know how to continue ourselves."

"Oh?" Fluttershy blinked a few times, looking in the same direction. "What's the matter?"

Macintosh limped towards Braeburn and pat him on the shoulder, pointing to his throat. "Huh? Oh! Yeah, ahem, we don't have any idea where to go." He trotted towards the fork, patting at a rock. "We're sorta stuck, got no idea where we're headed."

"And you wanted to reach a castle?"

"Eeyup" said Braeburn, smiling.

Fluttershy tapped her chin a few times, looking around. Her wings began to unfurl, stretching out, and started flapping, bringing her from the ground and up into the air. Both cousins watched as she flew from where she was to a higher altitude, and seemed to fly around the mountain. Mac pouted his lips some, Braeburn clucking his tongue. "So," he said, looking to his older cousin, "You think I got a chance with her?"

Macintosh reached into his saddlebag and pulled out his new flask, taking a swig of the mixture therein to soothe his throat. He sighed, smiled a bit, setting the flask back in his bag. "I think she's too timid for you."

"Hey," Braeburn elbowed Big Mac, who winced at the slight pain in his leg, suddenly reminded that despite his injuries he jumped a pony in a bush as well, "Never know! The shy ones can be pretty freaky in the bed!"

Mac grimaced. "I mean you make 'er uncomfortable. You come on too strong."

"Oh." Braeburn looked up to where she had flown off. "Yeah, I suppose you're right." In the distance, they could see her flying back towards them, before gently touching down before them, smiling.

"There's a castle a bit further up the mountain," she said, looking towards Big Mac, "It's on a nice little spot pretty high up, really beautiful. I can get us there if you like."

"Thanks, Miss Fluttershy." Big Mac nodded with a smile.

"Oh, just call me Fluttershy..." She blushed, smiling some. Big Mac nodded, then turned his attention back to the fork. "So, do we go the path that leads uphill?"

"Yes." Fluttershy nodded, and began to move forward at a trot. "We should hurry though, this storm looks like it might be as bad as the last one." Macintosh grimaced at this, turning his attention back to the ominous clouds in the sky. He turned to follow Fluttershy, feeling the aches in his body slowly returning to taunt him.

"I hope not..."

Macintosh winced as the pains in his body began to become more apparent.

They had been walking for nearly thirty minutes since Fluttershy's appearance, and while it had proven to be a boon, it was not the one that was catching his attention most. His body had begun to scream at him, pain burning in his very bones. 'That stuff sure didn't last long, did it?' Braeburn would occasionally turn to his cousin, worry in his eyes as it became more and more evident Macintosh was fighting his own suffering down, occasionally asking if he'd be alright, and even offering to return with him. 'We'd come too far' he kept responding, urging them forward. 'You've been in worse pain than this,' thought Big Mac, trying to keep his focus on his companions who walked ahead of him, 'You can do this, just try to distract yourself from your injuries...'

However, the more they walked, the more they climbed, the harder it became to ignore the pain, and the more his confidence wavered. His body felt massive on his aching legs, various muscles sending signals to his brain, telling him that he was well beyond his limit.

Then he hit the metaphorical wall.

Macintosh stopped, standing still, panting and heaving. His companions soon realized he wasn't following, stopping and making their way back to him. Braeburn stared him in the eyes. "Mac? You alright?" Big Mac couldn't do it anymore, however. He couldn't stand anymore. And so, gravity wrapped it's cruel digits around him and pulled him towards the ground with a hard thud.

The pain shot through him instantly, what little numbness he still had fading as he could no longer ignore the entirety of his injuries. His entire body was on fire, and every movement, every muscular twitch brought him pain. It was at this point he became acutely aware of just how much pain he was in. "Dammit, Big Mac! I knew you weren't up for this!" Braeburn hurried next to his cousin, clearly worried, sitting on his haunches next to Macintosh running his hooves through his mane. "Oh what in the world are we gonna do..."

Fluttershy, however, moved next to his head, sitting down and opening her bag, rummaging through it. She pulled out a small bottle filled with liquid. "Open your mouth and drink this, please?" Macintosh slowly opened up, and she put the bottle to his lips, pouring the fluid inside, and he drank. He almost gagged at the bitter taste as she pulled it back and closed the bottle. "I spoke to the nurse yesterday about this. She said it wasn't smart of you to do and that you'd likely need a drink of this." The butter yellow mare frowned. "She said this is not quite as potent as the other one, but she hasn't had the chance to make more, and it might take a few minutes to work, so don't become dependent on it..."

Big Mac grimaced. "If that's the case, what good will this be?" Fluttershy seemed to shy away a bit, retreating behind her mane. Mac frowned. 'Guess that did come off as a bit too aggressive...' "I'm sorry... jus' kinda... sore all over..." He smiled a bit, even though it was a forced smile. Still, it seemed to work, and Fluttershy smiled back.

"Well," she said with a nod, "The house is pretty close now. We might be able to reach it soon."

"House?" Braeburn grimaced. "I thought we were lookin' for a castle?"

"A house can be a castle," said Mac with a nod, "Jus' means it's fortified. Built to last. Likely really old."

"It's quite lovely," fluttershy added, smiling, "It's got a beautiful garden, and a tower with a balcony..."

"Well," said Breaburn with a shrug, "Let's go then."

Fluttershy stepped in front of Braeburn, giving him a strangely firm look. "Oh no we don't. Big Mac has to let the medicine work before he can even stand up, so we have to wait."

"Oh... right... I knew that." Braeburn chuckled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his head.

"Actually," said Big Mac, pushing his hooves beneath him, "I think it's already workin'." He slowly pushed himself upward, and while it hadn't hurt as much as it had before, he still felt a great deal of pain as he strained under his own weight. Making it to a standing position again, he winced at the pain in his limbs. 'Gonna have to tough it out. Almost there. Looking to the other ponies, he gave them a reassuring nod. Neither Braeburn or Fluttershy seemed comfortable with it, but both seemed to accept it and step forward, and Big Mac followed.

As they walked, the wind became harder, and the clouds darker. Big Mac nearly jumped at the feeling of the first raindrop striking his hide. "We gotta hurry." he said, looking up at the clouds. They continued to walk for another fifteen minutes, and the rain grew increasingly harder as they did, before their efforts were rewarded.

A great statue stood in the road, the path forking to move around it, then rejoining immediately after. The statue itself depicted a stallion rearing up on hind legs, wearing what looked like a long, flowing cloak and a pointed hat, and a long, wavy beard that seemed to give him a great air of wisdom. Most unusual, however, was the horn jutting from his forehead. 'That a unicorn? Fancy. This Twilight's gotta be a mare with interesting tastes. The trio looked past it, to a great fence that stood from the ground, their path blocked by an arched gate. Looking past it was a grand house, constructed of what seemed to be mostly mortar and stone, a tower in it's center with a balcony, just as Fluttershy had described.

Braeburn approached the gate, giving it a good push. It offered little resistance, screeching open. "Oh, hey, look at that." Braeburn turned to Fluttershy and Big Mac, nodding. "Well, ladies first." Fluttershy smiled and nodded, trotting forward and into the yard, Mac slowly following behind, though he was stopped by his cousin. "How ya holdin' up?"

"Medicine ain't as strong as what I got b'fore, but I'll make it." Macintosh nodded, smiling. Braeburn nodded again, letting his cousin take the lead as they made their way forward. Along the path there was a stone staircase leading up the hill, not quite insurmountable without said stairs. As they got closer, they could see an old, broken fountain in the courtyard that looked as though it hadn't been used in years. The castle itself was relatively small; probably as big as Rich's mansion, though the vines and decay hinted at years of neglect and poor maintenance.

Reaching the door, Braeburn clucked his tongue and turned to Big Mac and Fluttershy. "Well, now what?" Big Macintosh's hope-filled eyes slowly shifted into confusion.

'Well... crap. Didn't think this far ahead.'

"Do we... do we just knock?" Braeburn pushed his hat back, scratching his head with his hoof. "Or... break in?"

"Who's there?"

A voice yelled down to them from above, through the pitter patter of rain. Everypony looked up to see a mare standing on the balcony on the tower above, wearing a familiar, wide-brimmed hat. "Who are you ponies? What are you doing here?" She did not sound pleased.

"A lil' birdy told us that you mighta borrowed a book from my cousin here..." Braeburn tilted his head towards Big Mac, before putting on his most stunning smile and a wink that the mare likely could not see from where she was. "We was hopin' we might get it back?"

Twilight stared down at them, her expression unreadable. "No."

Braeburn blinked a few times, staring up at the balcony. "What do you mean 'no?'"

"No. Negative. Denied. Your request will not be allowed. Do I need to throw a thesaurus down to you?"

Braeburn, however, simply smiled. "Oh come now, ma'am. A fine young mare such as yourself surely can stand to part with a lil' ol' book. I'm sure we can work somethin' out... maybe over a nice dinner for two?"

"No."

Braeburn frowned, eliciting an eye roll from Big Mac, who stepped forward and cleared his throat. "Ma'am, I'm mighty grateful for ya savin' my life an' all, but I need that book. It's very important to me."

"Once again, no." Macintosh frowned at that, not quite sure what he was expecting. "Don't take this personally, but you have no idea what this book is. You have no idea the stories it tells or the knowledge it contains. Quite frankly, I've no idea how you managed to get your hooves on it. I can deduce from your accent you're likely a member of a farming family, a tiller of the earth. Tell me, did you get any proper schooling?"

"Well," Mac frowned, "I went to school up until-"

"Stop right there," she said, holding a hoof up, "That's all I needed to hear. I'm going to assume you can't even read that book, correct?"

Macintosh paused, trying to figure out the point of these questions. "Well... no, but I--"

"And I'm willing to bet," the mare interrupted once more, "you simply got the bare bones of an education, and likely spend your days toiling away in a farm, right?"

His throat was getting sore. "Well, sometimes out of necessity we--"

"And, you expect me to give you, a pony who I can only assume at least knows how to read modern Equestrian, a book that is not only written in a language you have no way of reading, but also houses long lost knowledge that you can likely not only never appreciate, but also might potentially lose because of some careless farm accident or something?"

He grimaced. "That 'readin' thing was a bit personal-"

"Listen," said the mare, shaking her head, "I've been looking for a text like this for a year now. I've personally visited the ancient castle of the sisters and dug through it's library for answers, finding only hints and ideas, all fascinating things but none of it quite what I needed. This book has just what I've been looking for, and I've already learned a great deal more than I knew then, and have so much yet to gain."

"This book is as good as good as useless in the hooves of soil-pushing ponies who cannot hope to even begin to comprehend the knowledge contained within."

Big Mac's eye twitched.

"Now please, go away" she said, waving a hoof, "We're done here."

"Get back here!" Big Mac shouted, though he immediately regretted it as an ache in his throat rose up.

"And please shut the gate on your way out." Twilight turned away, leaving their view of the balcony. Big Mac stared up, jaw moving wordlessly. It was far from the first time somepony had treated him like he was stupid just because of his accent, and normally he could just ignore it. Maybe it was just the anxiety, the pain, or the past few days, but it upset him. He grimaced, looking up at the balcony, wishing he had a little alcohol or something to allow him to forget the pain in his throat and shout at the mare, calling her every name in the book.

Movement averted his attention as he noticed Fluttershy flying above them towards the balcony. He wasn't sure, but she seemed like she might have been... angry?

As Fluttershy landed on the risen platform, she noticed that the balcony door was closed, and made her way towards it, giving it a light knock. Inside, she saw the other mare approach, pulling it open, giving her an irritated stare. "Look, I know you just want to help the friendly dirt pony down there, but--"

"Look here, Missy," said the mare, pushing the door open, visibly scaring Twilight who stepped back as she marched forward, "That poor stallion down there has been through a lot! It was bad enough that you stole his book, but to insult him? That was pushing it. Too. Far." She prodded Twilight's chest to punctuate the last three words, the lavender mare staring at her, baffled. "I won't claim to understand what that book has that's so valuable, but it doesn't belong to you! We have laws for a reason, and what you did is theft!"

"B-but, I saved his life..." The mare said, seeming to become a bit nervous, backing away more.

"And that justifies stealing from him?" Fluttershy stepped forward once more. "Look at what he's gone through to get that book back! He fell over just twenty minutes ago from the pain he's in, because he isn't any better than he was when you found him, and it's only thanks to strong medicine that he's able to walk! He's probably complicating his recovery just to be here!" Twilight backed into a wall, and Fluttershy pressed her nose against hers, staring her directly in the eyes. "He's going through a lot right now. You know what the right thing to do here is, so please, do the right thing."

Twilight stared into her eyes, biting her lip. Fluttershy pulled back, glaring down at the mare as she stood up and fixed her hat. "B-but... he doesn't know-"

"I don't care," said Fluttershy with a shake of her head, "It's still his, and it's his right to have it."

The two mares stared silently at one another for a few minutes, before Twilight lowered her head, grimacing. "... F.... Fine... I'm sure we can work something out...."

Big Mac and Braeburn were surprised when the door slowly creaked open for them, Fluttershy smiling, and next to her a familiar lavender mare, though she was dressed slightly differently, wearing a purple coat with a flared collar, a button-up blouse with a magenta bow-tie - the hat, for the most part, remained the same - and a gold pendant hanging from a necklace around her neck. Her expression countered Fluttershy's, clearly none-too-happy. 'What did she do up there?'

"Your friend has proven quite persuasive," said Twilight, though there was little sincerity in her statement, "Please, come out of the rain. Follow me." Big Mac and Braeburn stepped into the castle, both very happy to be out of the growing storm, although Macintosh still felt anxious at what it might portend. The main hall was quite nice; it looked old and poorly maintained, with cracks and worn stonework, but it looked relatively clean. As they walked up the stairs to the second floor, his attention was turned to a painting on the wall of a mare; she had a yellow coat and red eyes, with a red mane on her head, pulled back into a ponytail, wearing a strange, green coat with a risen collar and strange symbols on the lapels, but what stood out most on her was a horn protruding from her head, with a stone hanging from the base.

"Who's that..?" said Braeburn, staring at the painting.

"Her name was Starburst Shine," said Twilight, sounding a little less irritated than she looked like she was earlier, "She commissioned the creation of this castle about two hundred years ago." Twilight looked up at the painting, a smile on her face. "It is said that where this house was built was to be the starting point for an entire city. The solar princess had plans to build a city called 'Canterlot' on these hills. Starburst figured that being the case, there would likely be remnants about to that extent, though if she ever found anything she didn't leave any clues." She waved her hoof around. "All she ever found is a tomb hidden beneath the house, though I've always suspected that she intentionally built her house over that tomb."

"So wait..." said Braeburn, staring at the painting, "Unicorns are real?"

Twilight merely chuckled. "If only you knew..." The group continued up the stairs to the third floor, where they saw a hallway with various doors. Twilight led them to one such door and pressed it open, leading them into a small lounging room. Inside was a single, old couch, various old books stacked around, and a couple of chairs. "Seeing as you're injured, feel free to take the couch, Mister..." Twilight stared at Big Mac, who simple stared back, pointing to his throat. "... Can't you talk?"

"Eh, he has a sore throat..." Braeburn stepped in, chuckling nervously. "His name's Macintosh Apple, or Big Mac as most call 'em. He'd be more'n happy to introduce himself otherwise, especially to a fine filly as yourself."

"Macintosh Apple..." Twilight looked at him a moment, raising a brow. "... Yes, I thought you looked familiar. You're one of Rich's business partners. I presume the owner, or at least an affiliate, of Sweet Apple Acres?"

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied, though there was a slight rasp in his voice. 'Never shoulda yelled...'

"I see..." Twilight stared at him a moment, as if inspecting him. "... Filthy Rich speaks positively of you. Says you're devoted to your family and farm, and quite the shrewd business stallion... which brings me to wonder both the why and how of you getting this book?" Twilight looked at Big Mac, though if she was more suspicious or curious was uncertain.

Macintosh looked to Braeburn with pleading eyes. The other stallion sighed a bit. "Well, long story short, we ran into this crazy mare in the town square shouting about the apocalypse an' Big Mac, bein' the fool he is--" Macintosh glared daggers at Braeburn, "said he'd help 'er find some mystical artifacts that were supposed to stop it."

Twilight sparkle stared at him with a quirked brow. "Go on?"

Braeburn shrugged. "We went into the Everfree Forest, found some old castle that supposedly played home to some long dead princesses, an' found that book in some sort of secret room."

Twilight Sparkle stared at them for a few minutes, scrutinizing them. "Impossible."

Big Mac grimaced. "Why?" His throat still hurt, but he had to ask.

"Because," said Twilight, holding up a hoof, "I've been all over that castle. I read a bunch of books, did research for months, and never once did I come across a book like the one you had, or a secret room."

"You wrote those notes?" Big Mac said, eyes wide. "'Bout the Tree of Harmony, Discord, an' the mutated princesses?"

That seemed to gain her interest. Twilight stepped closer to him. "You read my notes? You were actually in the castle?" Macintosh nodded slowly. Twilight stared at him a moment, as if considering him. "Why do you even care?"

"'Cause," said Big Mac, though his voice was still quite weak, "I nearly died for that book, an' you stole it, so somethin' must be goin' on here."

Twilight Sparkle shook her head, turning away and walking to the other side of the room, and sat herself on a cushion on the floor. "This book is a diary written by the eldest of the two regal sisters after she banished the younger one to the moon." She sighed, looking out the window, seeing rain pattering against it. "It details her attempt to cope with the loss of her sister and to rule over Equestria alone, a task she was not ready for, especially with the turmoil that rose up as a result."

"Turmoil?" Fluttershy blinked. "What turmoil?"

"Well," Twilight sighed, pulling the book in front of her, looking over its cover, "She had used the Elements of Magic to banish her sister to the moon. To top it off with the emotional damage she suffered as a result, it spread a nation-wide fear of the Princess and the Elements. In time, that fear became one of magic in general. Eventually, the Princess vanished without a trace, and shortly after, the Pegasi and the Earth Ponies joined together to wage war against the Unicorns." Twilight grimaced a bit at that, rubbing one hoof over her foreleg. "... Eventually, any unicorns who weren't hunted and killed were forced into hiding or fled Equestria entirely, and when that happened, Earth Ponies looked at Pegasi with contempt, because though it was passive, they had magic themselves that let them manipulate the weather, resulting in yet another war that ended with Earth Ponies winning due to greater numbers and more resources than the Pegasi had, resulting in a truce that demanded the Pegasi stay above the land and in their cloud cities."

"But wait," said Big Mac, holding up a hoof, "We have pegasi in Ponyville, an' all over..."

"Yes, but we're second class citizens..." Everypony turned to Fluttershy, who blinked a few times and blushed. "Sorry..."

Everypony seemed to fall silent, not knowing what to say, before Twilight caught their attention by clearing her throat. "Anyway," the lavender mare continued, "the tensions decreased when both sides realized they couldn't thrive without one another, but never faded completely." Twilight stepped towards a nearby wall where another painting hung, this one of another unicorn, although this one was a green stallion. "Pegasi are second class citizens down here, and unicorns are treated as either a myth or something of terror."

"Aren't they though?" Everypony looked at Braeburn. "I mean, lots of stories you hear of unicorns, they steal babies an' kill ponies for laughs. Dark magic rituals an' whatnot."

Big Mac simply rolled his eyes, and he looked to Twilight, who seemed to be frowning hard, but she closed her eyes and cleared her throat. "Well, without meeting an actual unicorn, it would be hard to say."

Braeburn pouted. "Well, it's just that I've never heard stories about no unicorn heroes or anything."

Twilight turned away from the group, making her way towards the door. "You wouldn't have," she said in a bitter tone, "and I doubt you ever will." Twilight stuck her head out the door. "Spike? Come in here for a second?"

Everypony waited a few seconds before a new face appeared. All three ponies' eyes became wide when they were joined by a small, bipedal shape, a white dress shirt and earth brown vest covering purple scales.

"A dragon..." Macintosh said, mouthing the words silently.

"Holy cow a dragon!" said Braeburn, stepping back some.

"A baby dragon!" Fluttershy hurried forward, eyes big and starry as she stared at the little drake. "Oh my, what kind of dragon are you? What do you eat? How old are you?"

"Oh..." Spike blushed a bit, rubbing the back of his head. "Heh, I like your new friends Twilight."

"They're not friends," said Twilight, waving a hoof, "They're house guests and potential assets to our mission."

"Assets?" Macintosh raised a brow. "What are you saying?"

Twilight sighed, turning her attention back to the others. "You want this book back because you think it's important, right?" Big Mac and Braeburn exchanged glances, before nodding to her. "Well, the way I see it, we might be able to help one another." She pulled the book from on-top her back, then put it between her hooves, holding it up. "We both want this book translated. By the sounds of it, you want answers, correct?" Macintosh hummed, tapping a hoof to his chin. Twilight sighed, putting a hoof on her nose. "You really had no idea what you intended to do with this book?"

"Well," said Big Mac, rubbing the back of his neck, "Not really, no... I jus' figured it was important an' that if it was I should do somethin'..."

Twilight stared at Big Mac silently, moving her mouth wordlessly. "You.... you're an idiot. You realize this right?"

"Well now-"

"No, you're an idiot." Twilight grimaced, throwing her hooves in the air. "You nearly died to find this book, tortured yourself to get here, and wasted my time, and you really have no idea what you intend to do once you have what you want!?" Macintosh frowned, but looked away, unsure of how to answer that question. "Why do you even want it translated!?"

"Well," said Big Mac, looking at his hooves, "Zecora wanted it translated, an' said it might be able to save the world. I suppose I jus'... sorta kept goin' on that without really thinkin' of it..."

The lavender mare sighed once more, turning away from the others and putting a hoof on her forehead. ".... Alright, you know what? Whatever. I'll translate this book for both of us. After that, we can sort the details out, you can do whatever it is that you intended to do, use the translations to stop a door for all I care." She sighed, waving a hoof. "Spike, could you show them to some guest rooms? I need to go sleep off this migraine..."

"Wait, what do you mean?" Braeburn stepped forward. "Why do we have to stay here?"

"Well, it's raining pretty hard outside," said Twilight, gesturing towards a window, where rain was beating down sideways, "though if you really want to leave, please, be my guest."

Braeburn chuckled nervously. "Oh, no, that's fine..." He stepped close to Twilight, giving her his most charming smile. "Of course, I wouldn't mind keeping you company."

Twilight raised a brow, looking towards the stallion, clearly a bit surprised. "Yeah, thanks but no thanks. Spike, if you'd please?"

"Sure thing, Twilight." Spike turned to the others, smiling. "If you'll follow me, I'll show you to rooms." The small dragon started walking, and everypony followed. Macintosh turned back to see Twilight walk through a door at the end of the hallway, shutting it behind her, and then turned his gaze back to the others.

'What exactly do I intend to do once I get these translations...?'

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 9 - Uneasy Alliance

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Rest was proving quite elusive for Big Mac as he stared at the ceiling. It was odd for him to be spending the night in the home of a mare he didn't know, but a welcome blessing considering the time it took them to get to where they currently were, and the fact he hadn't been looking forward to the walk back. Still, he had a lot to think about now, and these thoughts plagued him.

"What are you going to do with the translations?"

Such a simple question, and yet so complicated. What did he want to do with them? Zecora had disappeared to who knew where. He wasn't even sure she was still alive, truth be told; for all he knew the mercenaries caught up to her and slaughtered her not long after his own fall from the sky. His thoughts were interrupted with a knock at the door, and he turned his attention to see Braeburn stepping inside, shutting the door behind him, smiling. "Hey Big Mac, feelin' alright?"

"Lil' sore," said Big Mac, smirking, "But I think I'll live."

"I imagine. That medicine still workin'?"

Macintosh sighed. "More or less. Had to drink a bit more. Keeps the worst at bay." He looked down at himself, finding himself hoping that he hadn't done any harm to himself with this little trip. "Gonna visit a doctor soon as I can."

"Good thinkin', that." Braeburn sat next to Big Mac, nodding. "So... what do you make of this whole mess?"

Macintosh sighed a bit, laying his head down. "Don't rightly know. Complicated. Confusing." He stared into space for a few minutes, eyes searching for answers that weren't where he was looking. "... Brae... I think we've gotten ourselves involved in somethin' bigger n' we're used to."

"Yeah..." Braeburn sighed a bit, looking to the side. "... Big Mac? If I'm to be wholly honest, I think we should jus' let Ms. Sparkle keep that book. I think we should just wash our hooves of this whole thing an' put it behind us."

"Can we though?"

Braeburn stared to the side silently. "... Brae... what if this isn't just some pony's tale? What if this is all really happenin'? What if the mare I saw was the Mare in the Moon?" Big Mac looked towards his cousin with haunted eyes. "... What if... what if everything Zecora said was true?"

"Well..." said Braeburn, rubbing a forehoof over a leg. "... I reckon if that was the case, we're doomed if we do, doomed if we don't..."

"But do we have to be?" Big Mac almost surprised himself by saying it. "... Braeburn... what if... what if we continued without Zecora?"

Braeburn held his forelegs up. "Wait wait wait, back up here..." He paused a moment, staring at his cousin with serious eyes. "You're kidding, right?"

Big Mac seemed to ponder it a moment. "Nope."

"... You actually want to run towards the danger, instead of away?"

Big Mac shrugged. "Well, where would we run to?" Braeburn held up a hoof, but he paused. He took a moment to think. Then he scratched his head.

"Well..." he said, uncertainly, "... We could always start my town idea..."

"Braeburn," said Big Mac with a roll of his eyes.

"What? Appleloosa's a great idea!" Braeburn pointed at his cousin. "Just you wait, I'll get it figured out an' I'll start my own town an' you'll wish you'd been in on it!"

"Right," said Big Mac with a smirk, "So, Appleloosa... will it be immune to Eternal Night?" Braeburn paused once more. Then, once again, seemed to take time to consider this piece of information. "Tell me when ya got an answer, cause eternal night'd be bad for a family like ours that makes it's livin' on crops that require sunlight."

"So..." Braeburn said quietly, staring at nothing. "... Are you sure you want to do this?"

"I don't know." Macintosh turned his attention to the ceiling. "But if all of this is real... I want to know. I want to know what that book says, what it knows that we don't..." He turned his attention back to his cousin. "... For safety's sake, we have to assume that book is entirely accurate."

Braeburn sighed, shaking his head. "I just don't know, Big Mac... I don't know if I like this one bit..."

Macintosh chuckled. "Me either," His voice was rasping a bit, so he took hold of a nearby glass of water and gave it a few light sips. Giving himself a moment to let the water sooth his throat, he continued, "... I'm not sayin' we'll go on a quest to save the world... I'm just sayin' it's best to know why that book is so darn important is all."

"I suppose that makes sense." Braeburn shrugged. "Well, Big Mac, you are the sensible one, so I'll take that answer for now... I just hope that this don't get us into more trouble than we can handle."

"Me too Braeburn," said Macintosh with a sigh, "Me too..."

As night fell, the rain had continued to pour down with a vengeance. Macintosh found himself constantly twitching at every little sound, his skin crawling anytime a noise occurred that he could not determine the source of. Braeburn had left a while ago to help cook meals for Big Mac and himself, though he hadn't heard word from him sense. Every once in a while, Big Mac would turn his attention to the portrait of the unicorn on the wall and feel like it was staring at him, silently judging him. At times, he had considered getting up and taking it down, but it was not his room, and he would not be so disrespectful.

Plus, it really hurt to move, and he would rather save his strength for eating.

A knock on the door caught his attention, however, distracting him from an otherwise monotonous situation. "Come in." The door creaked open for Macintosh's visitor, revealing the familiar lavender mare that was playing hostess to him and his friends. "Oh. Hello, Miss Twilight."

"Hello," said Twilight with a nod, walking towards the bed. "How are you feeling?"

Macintosh quirked a brow. Perhaps it was a harsh thing to think, but he was a bit suspicious of the mare actually asking him, especially since she didn't seem like she was actually concerned. "Been better, but the accommodations are good. Why?"

Twilight reached into a saddlebag on her side, and produced from it a bottle with a strange, red liquid inside of it. Oddly enough, the stuff seemed to have a slight glow. She approached Macintosh, setting it on the nightstand next to the bed he was occupying. He reached for it, gently taking the bottle in his hooves and looking it over. "What's this?"

"It's a special blend," said Twilight, walking back towards the door, "It temporarily relieves pain and hastens the healing process. Drink it tomorrow, and you should be able to return home without much stress."

Macintosh looked at the little bottle, as if it might house some untold secrets, either dark horrors or the key to true happiness. "I don't mean to sound ungrateful, but... why you givin' me this?"

Twilight stopped and looked back to him, her expression as devoid of concern as ever. "I originally made it to give to you as payment for the book. Then you showed up at my doorstep. Now, it's to assure you leave as soon as possible."

Big Mac grimaced a bit, looking down at the bottle again. "Thanks...?"

Twilight turned and made her way out of the room, and just as she left, the small, purple dragon walked in, carrying a tray with a platter, a glass of cider, and a bowl of soup on it. He frowned a bit, making his way to Big Mac and setting the tray on the night stand. "You'll have to forgive Twilight, she's got a lot of stress she's dealing with."

Macintosh shrugged. "I noticed." The little dragon grabbed the lid from the platter, pulling ut up to reveal a delicious looking salad and a pair of biscuits. "Here you go. I hope you like it! I'll be back in about thirty minutes with desert, and your cousin's helping me with that, so I hope you like it!"

As the little dragon made his way out of the room, Big Mac leaned forward and sniffed the food. The soup smelled alright, tasty even, and the salad as well. He shrugged a bit, leaning forward and taking a little sip from the soup. It was quite delicious, actually. Realizing just how hungry he was, he decided it was okay and dug into the meal. The soup was a vegetable soup, and seemed to have been made quite well; it tasted like it was likely at least overseen by Braeburn. The salad had a nice mix of tomato, carrots, and potatoes, a healthy meal in itself, and the biscuits were cooked to a nice, fluffy texture. Macintosh took drinks between a few bites to wash his food down, and in seemingly no time at all, he had eaten the entire thing.

"Ready for desert?"

Big Mac saw the dragon return, with Braeburn following and smiling. "You won't believe how useful it is havin' somepony with thumbs to help you cook!" Spike set a table next to Big Mac, taking the empty tray and setting it on, then placing a new tray on the nightstand. As the old tray was sat on Braeburn's back, Spike picked up the table. Braeburn smirked, pointing at the food. "I think the lil' guy could be quite the cook if he was taught properly!"

"I can cook well enough," said Spike with a roll of his eyes, "Twilight burns anything she tries to cook." Braeburn snorted a bit, but Big Mac had his attention on the desert; a delectable looking collection of three, tasty looking sweet rolls.

"Mind if I sit with you while you eat?" Braeburn smirked. "Little Miss Grumpy disappeared, an' Fluttershy doesn't seem very talkative."

"Nope," said Macintosh, waving a hoof as a gesture of saying 'go right ahead'.

"Can I sit with you guys too?" The two stallions looked to the little dragon, who bit his lip and fidgeted a bit. "Sorry, it's just that the only pony I ever talk to is Twilight, and sometimes that Rich fella when he comes here."

Macintosh and Braeburn shared a look, but Mac smiled a bit, turning his attention back to the dragon. "Eeyup." Spike smiled wide, and seemed to dance in place. As Brae took a seat on a nearby chair, the dragon grabbed a stool and dragged it in, climbing up on it and sitting down. Big Mac chuckled at the little guy. 'Least he's not so bad. Guess she's cranky 'nuff for the both of 'em.'

Big Mac took one of the rolls and took a bite, finding it to be quite delicious; almost tooth-rottingly so. He secretly wondered if Pinkie Pie had managed to pay a quick visit to bake them herself (it wouldn't surprise him if that was the reality). He swallowed what he had bitten off, smiling a bit. "These are pretty good."

"Thanks," said Spike, smiling at the praise, "I like to cook, and learning new recipes is always pretty fun." Macintosh nodded, taking another bite of the desert. For a bit, the conversation had shifted into a more pleasant string of conversation, starting at cooking, then turning to various other chores and responsibility. It seemed no time at all had passed before Macintosh had finished his entire plate, and the little dragon had taken it to get it cleaned, once more leaving him and his cousin alone.

Braeburn sighed. "Well," he said, looking out the window, "Seems like the rain is starting to let up. Think we should get ready to make our leave?"

Macintosh looked out the window himself; indeed, the clouds seemed to be dissipating -- a welcome sight for him -- although it was clear that the sun was starting to fall, and it would take them some time to reach the foot of the mountain, let alone get to Ponyville. "I'd have to talk to Miss Twilight first. Figure out what it is she has planned."

"What I have planned," said Twilight, stepping into the room once more, the look of her face as cold as ever, "is fairly simple. It will take me some time to translate the book - likely a couple of weeks, possibly a month." She looked towards the window. "Much fun as it is to have you three running around my house, I hope you'll forgive me if I say I'm not thrilled at the prospect of playing host to you until then."

Braeburn grimaced. "Yeah, yer a hoot yourself, Missy."

"Braeburn," said Big Mac with a glare.

"Sorry."

Twilight cleared her throat. "Anyway... what I propose is that I will finish the translations, and when I do, I will make sure you are notified immediately. However, you are not to tell anypony about this book, do you understand?" Twilight looked at both stallions, her eyes more serious than normal. "You said you got attacked by ponies wanting that book, correct?" Big Mac was about to answer, but she didn't seem to allow him. "This book is a particularly special book, and it is within everypony's best interest that it never falls in the wrong hooves."

Macintosh looked to Twilight Sparkle a moment, pondering her advice. "... Mind if I ask a question?"

Twilight raised a brow, seemingly curious. That was good. "Go on?"

"You asked us what we wanted the book for," said the red stallion, pointing a hoof towards Twilight, "but now that I think of it... I'm curious as to why you want it?" She was quiet at first. Twilight stared at Big Mac, her eyes peering more into her thoughts than into him, as if she was searching for an answer.

"Knowledge," said Twilight, though there seemed to be an uncertainty in her voice, "I wish to find answers to questions nopony has asked for a thousand years. Answers that nopony has cared about for a thousand years."

"But why?" Big Mac felt like she wasn't telling the whole story. 'There's more to this mare than it seems, an' she's gotta want that book for more than just knowledge...'

Twilight's gaze shifting slowly away from his, though there seemed to be a bit of sadness to her. "... I've been asking myself 'why' ever since I was a filly..." She grimaced a bit, turning her attention back to Big Mac. He wasn't sure, but there seemed to be a bit of pain in her expression now. "... But that does not concern you."

"And what," said Big Mac, feeling a bit more confident in himself, "is it you intend to do once you translate the entire book?" Twilight paused. She stared at him silently, though her own eyes now seemed as he felt when she had asked him the same question. There was a deep uncertainty. "You said I might be able to help you with a mission, but what exactly is your mission?"

Twilight frowned a bit. "To find the truth. To understand why Equestria is as it is today." She turned away from them, making her way towards the door. "That is why I started working with Rich. That is why I go with him on his excavations and adventures into the depths of ancient Equestria." She stopped at the door, looking back at Big Mac and Braeburn, the pain still in her eyes. The more he looked into those eyes, the more Macintosh noticed a familiarity. Something he saw in his own eyes on occasion when he looked into the mirror. Subconsciously, he brought a hoof to his throat and gently caressed it over his bandanna.

'This mare is hurt... the kind of hurt that never fully goes away...'

"What if," said Big Mac, his voice much gentler than it was before, "we did help you? To find your answers?"

Twilight snorted. "You? What could you do that Filthy Rich couldn't?" She turned around once more, walking back towards the stallions. "He's got the wealth and resources I need to go anywhere in Equestria, places that ponies haven't stepped hoof in in centuries... how can you help me in ways he cannot?"

Big Mac simply shrugged. "Does he know about your quest?"

Twilight frowned a bit. "No..."

Macintosh nodded. "Why is that?"

Twilight stared at him a moment. The frown on her face deepened, a tinge of annoyance entering it. "He's got his own agenda in all this. I can appreciate it, but sometimes I feel like even when we're looking for the same things, he's not looking for them as I am." She sat down on the floor, rubbing a hoof over the bridge of her nose. "... And I have yet to be proven wrong. Any time we find an artifact, his first thought is to add it to a growing collection..."

Braeburn nodded a bit. "Sounds like it's somethin' he's taken to doin' since the passing of his wife..."

Twilight nodded. "Her passing did have something to do with it..." She sighed, putting a hoof to her nose once more. "A month ago, I learned that he might be following a fable in the hopes of reviving his dead wife... after that, I became a bit more 'selective' of what information I shared with him."

"Wait," said Big Mac, eyes widening a bit, "There's a way to bring back the dead?"

Twilight shook her head. "Highly unlikely, to be honest. There's been rumors of unicorns reviving the dead, but almost every tale of such involves terrible prices and curses as a result."

Macintosh nodded a bit, taking a moment to think. He grabbed hold of his glass of water, drinking from it to soothe his throat. "Why don't we help each other? We want answers, and so do you."

"Wait," said Braeburn, stepping between Big Mac and Twilight, "You're kidding, right? First off, you're considering continuing this silly stuff now that Zecora's gone off to who knows where, and now you're gonna get us into more danger?"

Macintosh sighed. "Braeburn, I've not fully made up my mind on anything. I just know that we all want answers here. That book nearly got me killed, so there's likely somethin' important in it." He gestured towards their hostess. "She wants answers. I want answers. Way I see it, we got an accord, at least for the time being."

Braeburn stared at his cousin incredulously. He threw his hooves up in the air. "Fine, what's one more thing, right?" Macintosh grimaced a bit at the yellow stallion, shaking his head, before turning his attention back to Twilight, whose eyes were focused on her hooves.

"What do you say? I may not have the resources that Rich has, but I want answers -- actual answers, just as bad as you do."

Twilight didn't respond for a while, seemingly lost in thought. She looked up to him, her expression shifting once more to something more akin to business. "Are you sure you want this? It may or may not require you to go to the kind of places most ponies would ordinarily stay away from. Places that ordinary ponies haven't set hoof in since who knows when."

Macintosh nodded. "Eeyup."

Twilight stared at him a moment more, as if appraising him. "I will work with you, on the conditions that you never tell anypony about what we find, what we see, and what we do." She stepped closer to him. "Especially not anypony you'd want to endanger, because we may not be the only ones looking for these answers."

Big Mac nodded. "Sounds fair."

Twilight was quiet again, thinking the situation over. "Alright." Twilight reached a hoof out, but Big Mac spat on his first, before bumping it against hers. Twilight pulled her hoof away, staring at it with a look of disgust. "What was that for...?"

Macintosh shrugged. "You don't spit on your hoof before sealin' a deal?"

Twilight shook her head as she brushed her hoof against her coat. "Okay, well, now that that's settled... I'm going to go to bed. Come morning, you should all be ready to head back home. Once I'm done translating the book, I will contact you and we can go from there."

Macintosh nodded, smiling. "Eeyup."

Braeburn and Macintosh stood at the doorway, the latter grimacing a bit at the slight pain in his legs. He had already known the trip home wasn't going to be an easy one, and that he'd likely collapse at least once before finally reaching their destination. 'I probably should have swallowed my pride and brought a cart or somethin'...' He shook that thought from his head. 'Nah, Braeburn'd just accidentally loose it and I'da fallen off a cliff to my death or further injury or somethin'...'

"Well," said Twilight Sparkle, stepping down the stairs with a beg over he back, "I suppose, all things considered, this turned out fairly well. Are you all ready to go?"

"Ready as I'll ever be..." said Big Mac. Twilight seemed to notice his expression. "Are you alright?"

"Lil' sore..." said Big Mac with a smile, "But I'll be fine." 'Until I get outside the gate.'

"Did you drink that medicine I gave you?" Twilight stepped closer, looking him over as if inspecting him.

"Nope," said Big Mac, shaking his head, "I was gonna save it for when the pain got too much."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Yeah, I wouldn't. That medicine should get you back to ponyville if you drank it now and sat around for a few minutes. I'd drink it now."

Macintosh raised a brow. "The whole thing? Ain't that dangerous with medicine?"

Twilight nodded. "Sometimes, but what I gave you is not so much 'medicine' as it is a potion. Your body will metabolize it and use it to strengthen and regenerate damaged tissue." Macintosh's eyes grew wide. "Don't go getting silly ideas - this potion won't heal you completely, it'll just help you with the worst of the damage."

"You can make that sorta thing?" Macintosh said, reaching into his own bag and pulling the bottle out.

"Not easily," said Twilight, waving her hoof. "The ingredients are kind of hard to come by."

Big Mac looked towards the small bottle for a bit. With a shrug, he popped the stopper and put the bottle to his lips, drinking it down. At first, he noted the taste was bitter, but then detected a taste of... cherry? Odd. Once he had drank it all, he pulled the bottle back down, staring forward. "... When's it work?"

Twilight shrugged. "It should start working soon enough... probably enough time for you to wonder where your pegasus friend ran off to."

"Yeah," said Braeburn, quirking a brow, "Where is Fluttershy? I ain't seen her since last night."

As if on cue, everypony turned to see Fluttershy and Spike rush down the stairs, panicked looks on their faces. "Twilight! Twilight!" shouted the drake. Twilight turned around, just in time for Spike to rush in front of her, holding up a strange, stone orb. "Twilight, it glowed!"

"What!?" Twilight's eyes widened. "It did what!?"

"It glowed!" He pressed the stone against her face. "Fluttershy and I were talking, and it just sort of started glowing!"

Twilight took the orb from him, looking it over. "What? You were talking? Did you say anything specific? Something that might be an activation phrase or something?"

"No," Spike shook his head a bit, but stopped himself, "I mean, I don't think we did... we were just talking about dragons and stuff, and then how she was here to help Big Mac, and it just started glowing!"

Twilight stared at the stone orb for a second, looking it over. She looked up to Fluttershy, whose eyes seemed just as curious and panicked as Spike's. Abruptly, Twilight pressed the stone against Fluttershy, who seemed more than a little put off. She rubbed the stone orb up and down over her neck, face, and chest area, before pulling it back and looking it over.

"Are you sure you didn't use something that could be mistaken for an activation phrase?"

"Well," said Spike, looking up as if to go through a catalog in his head, "We talked about dragons, she asked me lots of questions about what I like to do and what I eat and what I won't eat and if I think I'll eat ponies when I grow up, and then we got distracted by an owl that somehow found it's way into your room--"

"She was in my room!?" Twilight shouted.

"Yeah," said Spike, waving a claw, "Well she had to be to help me get the owl out! Anyway, when she noticed that the owl looked like it really liked being in your room, we got into talking about why she was here and why she was so nice to the owl, and about how she was so nice to Big Mac, and then it just glowed!"

Twilight stared at Spike a moment. ".... Alright, so.... you didn't say anything like 'open says me', or anything that might have been confused for magic words?" Spike simply shook his head. Twilight sighed. "Is the owl still in my room?" Spike nodded.

"He looked so happy to be there..." said Fluttershy, smiling a bit.

Twilight stared deadpan at nothing for a moment. "Well, I'll have to deal with that once you're all off." She looked towards the stone orb once more, inspecting it. "You are a curious trinket aren't you...?"

Big Mac found himself curious. "What's that?"

Twilight shook her head. "It's... an artifact. A very special artifact that was hidden in a tomb under this house." She passed it to Spike. "Please, take this back to my room." The drake nodded, and made his way back up the stairs to his task. Twilight looked towards the others. "There's a bit more to it than that, but I'm still doing a lot of research on it for now. That's the first time it's done anything though..." She tapped a hoof to her chin. "I've had it for nearly a year now, and never once has anything I've ever done or said managed to stir it... I wonder what triggered it?"

Fluttershy smiled. "Maybe it responds to acts of kindness?"

Twilight, however, simply rolled her eyes. "It can't be that simple. I've given Spike plenty of treats and treated him nicely since getting it and I never so much as got it to shimmer."

"Oh," said Fluttershy, seeming a little dejected, "Okay, I just thought it was possible..."

"Well," said Big Mac, shrugging, "What if it requires an act of real kindness?" Twilight turned to face him, eyebrow raised. "I mean, givin' Spike a treat is nice an' all, but it's not really a spectacular kindness, is it?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'll be sure to file that away as a possibility for some other time then... so, how are you feeling now, Macintosh?"

Big Mac hummed a bit, just now realizing that in his distraction he had stopped thinking about the pain. He looked himself over. Sure enough, he wasn't feeling too sore. Well, he was still a little sore, but it was a manageable sort of pain. He looked up to Twilight and shrugged. "Not half bad, actually."

"Excellent," said Twilight, smiling a bit, before deadpanning. "Now, if you'd all be so kind as to get home and allow me to do my work?"

Macintosh grimaced. 'An' here I was, thinkin' we was actually gettin' to be on friendly terms.' "Eeyup." He turned to Fluttershy and Braeburn. "Y'all ready?"

"Yessir," said Braeburn.

"Yes," said Fluttershy.

Macintosh turned his attention back to Twilight. "Thank you for your hospitality, Miss Sparkle. Hope that book helps you find the answers you're lookin' for." He turned around, followed by the other two ponies, and together they made their way out the door. Macintosh turned around just long enough to smile. "Have a good day." With that, he pulled the door shut.

Twilight stood there a moment, staring at the door. Her expression shifted slowly from the deadpan irritation it had held to something more tired, more weary. She hung her head a bit, sighing. Turning around, she made her way up the stairs. Up to the second floor. Then to the third. She made her way down the hall, towards a door.

"Even if it has the answers I seek... it won't change what has happened."

She opened the door and stepped into the room, closing it behind her.

Macintosh was extremely happy to be back home. The travel down the mountain had been uneventful - something that Macintosh was happy to say - and his aches were still quiet pains that felt more like a particularly rough day of physical labor than an actual body-wide series of injuries. As he and Braeburn made their way towards the house, Macintosh felt a strange sense of foreboding overcome him. A sense that something was off, that something was not right, though he couldn't place his hoof on it. As he stepped onto the porch, he kept wondering what it could be. He tried to pull the door open, only to find it locked. Not a usual occurrence at this time of day. Wary, Macintosh brought a hoof up to the door and knocked.

The door swung open, and Macintosh smiled, if only for a moment. Slowly, however, his smile receded when he realized what he was looking at.

"Oh... hi Applejack... you're here early..."

A hoof across his face caused him to stumble aside as the orange mare stepped from the doorway, fury painted into her green eyes, her mane hanging down in a ponytail, wearing a green blouse.

"You got some explainin' to do, Big Mac!"

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 10 - Homestead

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"You've got five minutes, Big Macintosh Apple," said the angry orange mare as she glared down at her elder brother, "Why did you run off, damn near get yourself killed, an' disappear again without so much as tellin' a soul where you was goin'!?"

Macintosh stared at his sister, frowning wide, rubbing the side of his face she had hoof-slapped. "Well, I-"

"An' you," Applejack pointed at Braeburn, who balked a bit, "What were you thinkin', leavin' Granny an' Apple Bloom alone!? You know those two can't be trusted without supervision! I came home to find them hatchin' a twofold scheme to not only find an' rescue you guys from pirates, but also ta scare Diamond Tiara an' Silver Spoon so badly they wet - and potentially soil - themselves!"

"It was a really good plan" shouted Apple Bloom from the upstairs window. Macintosh looked up at her, and the filly quickly bolted inside, shutting the window back.

"Woulda gotten away with it too if it weren't fer those meddlin' kids!" said Granny.

"What does that even mean!?" Applejack shouted back, shaking her head, before turning her attention back to her brother and cousin. "Better start up, an' I'm gonna be fair and warn ya, I've had a rough week, so if yer story ticks me off, I might hit ya in the berries." Macintosh and Braeburn instinctively shifted their hooves to protect their nethers.

"W-well..." started Big Mac, trying to pick his words wisely, "We... went to meet one of Rich's associates to try to see about gettin' translations for a book."

"Y-yeah," said Braeburn, nodding frantically, "A book!"

"And," said Applejack, holding a hoof up, "This book couldn't wait until y'all was... I dunno... not in worse shape than a fish in a desert?" She focused on her brother, daring him to lie to her, to tell her something she could figure out. Macintosh let out a sigh, deciding nerves weren't going to help anything.

"Yer right," he said, sounding absolutely humbled, "I coulda waited, but I was so anxious..."

Applejack stared at him for a bit, as if considering him. Macintosh kept his expression as calm as he could, not so much as twitching, doing nothing that might give him away. The mare then shifted her attention to her cousin. "Braeburn..." she said in a deceptively friendly tone, quirking a brow, "what isn't he tellin' me?"

Braeburn started shaking like a leak. "N-nothin', nothin' at all! That's the gist of it! Absolutely nothin' goin' on, beyond findin' that book, an' definitely no shady business here!" He turned his eyes away from Applejack's, who continued to stare at him. She stepped outside completely, shutting the door behind herself.

"Braeburn..." she said, a dangerous edge creeping into her voice, a smile on her face. "Big Mac's got a good poker face, but you don't. I know yer lyin' to me."

Braeburn was trembling harder. "I-I-I'm not llllying," he said, laughing nervously and sweating profusely, "Promise!" It was then that he noticed Applejack step very close to him, staring him dangerously in the eyes. From the corner of his vision, he could see her reel one of her forehooves back, dangerously close to his-- "He almost got killed by highwayponies in the woods for some old book an' it was stolen by a crazy mare that also saved his life so he wanted to go confront her an' now they got a deal worked out so that they'll both have copies of the translations or somethin'!" He turned his legs about, shielding his precious family jewels and whimpering, on the verge of tears. "I'm sorry Big Mac!"

Macintosh, however, grimaced. He knew Applejack would not likely do it -- never once has she ever lived up to the threat. All the same, Braeburn was not about to call her on her bluff. 'Oh Braeburn, who was I kiddin' bringin' you along?

But now Applejack's attention shifted to her brother, eyes wide. She zeroed in on him quickly, pulling him up from his side and setting him on his hooves. "My stars, you were attacked!? Granny said you just fell off th' roof of a house helpin' somepony fix the tiling! I thought I was hittin' ya for bein' an idiot, not bein' a victimized idiot!"

Macintosh sighed, shaking his head. "Don't tell Granny..."

Applejack stared at him, clearly upset. "Wha-why!? Big Mac, you got mugged! How bad did they get ya!?"

"They didn't get him too bad," said Braeburn, clearly still shaking, "until they picked him up, flew him into the sky, and threw him..."

"You got thrown from the sky by pegasi!?" Applejack gasped. Macintosh winced once more, personally preferring not to be reminded of it. "B-but, you... your--"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac, firmly, clearly not wanting this particular part of the conversation to continue. Thankfully, Applejack seemed to catch on quickly.

"Big Mac, you damn fool!" She punched him in the shoulder, causing the stallion's eyes to shoot wide open, a pained hiss escaping his teeth. "Oh my goodness--I'm sorry! Force of habit!" She shouted, biting her lip. Macintosh blinked back some tears, forcing a smile onto his face, though there was a hint of both pain and irritation in his expression as well.

"Salright..."

"But why," said Applejack, stepping closer to her brother, "wouldn't you want Granny to know?"

Macintosh shrugged. "... She'd worry. I don't want her to worry."

"Well darn tootin' she'd be worried!" Applejack almost punched him again, but she stopped herself when she noticed Macintosh back away a little. "Lookit you! How far did they drop ya? Should you even be alive?"

"Can we please not talk about that...?" Big Mac stared at her, his expression partly demanding, partly begging her to drop it. She seemed to want to continue, but with a sigh, she relented.

"Sorry..." Applejack bit her lip again, shaking her head. "It's a good thing I decided to come here early, otherwise who knows what kinda hijinks you two'd move on to from here?"

"Well," said Braeburn, slowly recovering from the fear of being kicked in the coin purse, "None immediately. The mare said it'd take a few weeks, probably a month, for her to translate that entire book."

Applejack quirked a brow. "That long, eh?"

"Eeyup," Macintosh responded, thankful that Braeburn might have actually calmed his sister down. "An' with it out of my hooves for now, I'm gonna jus' get back to work an-"

"Work!?" Applejack balked. "Boy, you look like a train wreck and a blimp crash had an ugly baby! You're not gonna be doin' no work until you're better!"

Macintosh frowned. "What...?"

"That's right!" Applejack pointed a hoof at Big Mac. "I'm gonna be here all week, maybe longer if I gotta be, an' I ain't lettin' you strain yourself too heavily durin' that time!"

Big Mac sighed. "An' your job...?"

Applejack waved a hoof. "I'm a hard worker. Long as I come back before the month ends, I'm pretty sure I'd still get a raise." The mare grinned a bit, crossing both a foreleg and a backleg. "I'm one of the best they've ever had. I'm pretty sure if I threatened to quit they'd give me anything I asked 'em for."

Big Mac rolled his eyes. "Don't get too cocky. I'd hate to see you fired."

Applejack stuck her tongue out. "Yeah, well, I got enough money in my savings account that even if I did get fired, I'd be able to ride unemployment out until I found a new job, and even then I'd be livin' comfortably." She turned, pulling the door open. "Besides, Uncle Orange is real good friends with my employers, so even if I did make 'em so angry, I'm sure they'd cut me some slack long as I didn't push the envelope too far."

As the ponies made their way back into the house, they saw Granny rocking on her rocking chair, smiling at them. "Y'all have a good conversation?"

"Eeyup," said Applejack, in imitation of her brother. "I gave these two a good talkin' to, and I think we've come to an understanding."

Granny Smith just chuckled. "Well, be nice to 'em sweetie, they ain't got yer college edumacation, so you've kinda got an unfair advantage over 'em."

Big Mac stepped into the house, looking around a bit. "Where's Apple Bloom?"

"Upstairs, mindin' her own business after a day-a showin' her lil' friend around the farm," said Granny Smith. Macintosh visibly tensed. "Big Mac, I won't go tellin' ya how to be a big brother, but if ya want my advice, I say leave th' girls alone. The filly's real sweet, an' she an' Apple Bloom get along real well."

Big Mac frowned. He so wanted to chase the filly off, but wanted Apple Bloom to be happy too. "... But... she's a thief..."

"Maybe she is," said Granny with a shrug, "But she's also Apple Bloom's friend."

"She might steal our apples..." Big Mac added.

"Why steal 'em when we feed 'em to her?"

"You what!?" Macintosh's nostrils flared.

"Don't get yer bandanna in a bunch there, sonny," said Granny, looking up at Big Mac with wizened eyes, "She's just a lil' filly. She ain't stolen nothin' since then -- at least nothin' we noticed missin'." She chuckled a bit, smiling. "Why, she reminds me of myself when I was younger! Lil' rascal knows jokes that'd be lost on most fillies her age!"

"Now she's teachin' Apple Bloom dirty jokes?" Macintosh grimaced.

Granny, however, gave him a judging gaze. "Oh? Like she needs Scootaloo to do that? 'Specially after your last birthday when you an' Braeburn had your fair share of some of our personal hard cider stash?"

At this, Big Mac blushed, biting his lip and looking aside. "That was different..."

Granny smiled. "So a five-legged stallion walks into a bar--"

"Alright!" Macintosh blurted out, putting a hoof over his face. "... Fine... I'll let it go... but I won't like it..."

Granny Smith simply chuckled and shook her head. "You don't have ta like it, boy. Just gotta like that it cheers yer sister up. Should be all that matters, right?" Rather than argue a point that he was not entirely sure how to argue, Macintosh conceded to his grandmother, although he was clearly not happy about it. "So, dija talk to Applejack about the deal?"

Applejack raised a brow. "What deal?"

Big Mac seemed confused a moment, looking towards his grandmother, but then remembering what she was talking about. "Ah... " He looked down to his hooves, trying to think it over. "Well... Filthy Rich... he wants to form a partnership with Sweet Apple Acres..."

Applejack seemed confused, staring at her brother for a moment. "Don't we already have a partnership? Or did that change while I wasn't lookin'?"

"We do... but...," Big Mac put a forehoof over the other foreleg, feeling his throat get sore. He looked up to Braeburn. "Could ya finish?"

"Oh!" Braeburn nodded, turning his attention towards Applejack. "He wants it to be more 'equalized.' His offer is ta buy the farmland, an' we would have a 50/50 share of all the profits made by Sweet Apple Acres apples. We'd keep the farmhouse, but legally speaking, the rest of the land'd be just as much his as ours."

Applejack was quiet a bit, looking towards her brother and cousin. "... Did you agree?"

"Not yet," said Braeburn, "Big Mac wanted to see what you thought before agreeing to anything."

"He wants to hire a buncha hooves to work the farm instead of have it run by the family what has tended it fer all these years," said Granny with a sigh, "An' in turn, he wants to offer us a lot of money fer even agreein' to it, never you mind the profits from the shares."

Applejack seemed curious. "How much we talkin'?" Big Mac leaned towards his sister's ear, placing a hoof over it and whispering. Her eyes shot wide open and her jaw fell, and she turned to her brother. "Yer jokin'."

"Nope."

Applejack turned her attention back to the other apples. "Wow... with... with that kinda money, you could improve the house... give Apple Bloom top tier education, Granny could go on that world tour she's always wanted... an' heck, I bet Big Mac could finally find that tree!"

"What?" Granny frowned, looking towards Big Mac. "Boy, she better not be talkin' about the tree I think she's talkin' about! You know that story's gotten lots of members of the Apple Family killed!"

Big Mac rolled his eyes. "One in the same, but I really don't-"

"You crazy!? That story's gotten lots of members of the Apple Family killed!" Granny flailed her hooves in the air.

"Granny," interrupted Big Mac, glaring towards Applejack momentarily before setting his attention back onto the matron of their little home, "I ain't wanted to find that tree since I was a foal. You don't have to worry."

"Oh..." Granny hummed. "Well, good then. Don't."

Applejack cleared her throat, turning everypony's attention back to her. "What I'm tryin' to say is... that with that kinda money, we'd be set for life. There wouldn't be closed doors anymore. Our family would be nobility."

Big Mac sighed. "So you wanna do it?"

"I didn't say that." Everypony seemed confused by the statement, but Applejack simply shrugged. "Fancy as all that sounds... this is still our home..." She looked down at her hooves. "I always feel happier back here. I feel more comfortable when I'm with y'all than when I have to go to those offices, hide my accent an' smile while snobs talk about how fancy they are." She looked up at her family members, frowning a bit. "For all the good that money could do, I gotta be honest... I don't think I'd want to give up even the barest fraction of this farm..."

Big Mac smiled, and past his sister, he could see his grandmother smile too.

"So..." he said with a nod, "We're all in agreement? We keep the farm?"

"Yessir," said Applejack, smiling a bit.

"Darn tootin'," said Granny.

"But what about all those bits?" Braeburn frowned. "That's not a small amount of money he's offerin' us just to sign on with 'em."

Big Mac raised a brow. "You really wanna sell the farm? I figured you'd be just as happy to keep it as the rest of us, cause you kinda grew up here yourself..."

Braeburn blinked, biting his lip. "I love the farm, don't get me wrong. But we get to keep the house. Why do we want the land? He's literally gonna pay us to stop havin' to do work."

"Well," piped Applejack, stepping forward, "I wouldn't say that, Braeburn. You'd likely still have to do some work. I mean, you'd have to meet a bunch of important, snobby ponies who'd think they're better than you, smile an' tell them that they're important even." She walked circles around the stallion, who seemed to be uncertain of himself now. "You'd also be held in higher regard, which means more responsibility, so your little sojourns to the bar'd probably be looked upon as scandalous and shameful to the Apple Clan and yourself, an' ponies both noble and common would consider ya a bit of a weak link. And that's assumin' one of these little trips didn't result in any.... 'unwanted apple-seeds' if'n ya catch my meanin'."

Braeburn gulped. "If that happened," added Applejack, grinning almost wickedly, "why, you'd be considered a right shame to your kin. Suddenly, your money actually would take away the respect and dignity you'd otherwise get. An' you know Granny's rules..."

Granny smiled sweetly. "If any of you boys gets a mare knocked up, ya best get hitched or you're dead to me!" Braeburn seemed to visibly pale.

Applejack laughed a bit. "Plus, everypony will be paying constant attention to you. Every sneeze, every butt scratch, every accidental--"

"Alright!" Braeburn threw his hooves in the air. "Alright, I get it! I get it. Money isn't everything..." He slumped a bit, clearly beaten. "I reckon this farm is worth keepin' after all."

"Great!" Applejack laughed, trotting towards her brother as Braeburn skulked his way towards the kitchen, likely to get a pity snack.

Big Mac watched his cousin leave the room before he leaned towards his sister. "All that stuff true?"

Applejack smirked mischievously, giving him a sideways glance. "I may have exaggerated a bit. Sure ponies'd pay more attention, but they'd focus more on the head of the family, which'd be you in the public eye. Braeburn'd be a debauchee at worst." Macintosh simply laughed a bit, to which Applejack grinned. "In my line of work, you gotta be able to be a good liar sometimes."

Letting his chuckling subside, Macintosh stopped as a realization dawned on him. "So wait... ponies'd pay more attention to me?"

Applejack nodded. "You're the main proprietor, an' as far as the public is concerned, you're the most responsible and capable pony here. By most ponies' standards, what you do reflects the entire family, and I reckon that if yer anything like me, you don't feel like takin' on that much attention."

Macintosh hummed to himself, wondering how he felt about that possibility. In his mind, he envisioned himself in a fancier suit, with his hair brushed back all proper-like, wearing one of those fancy green ties... and laughed. "Don't think it's my kinda look."

Applejack smirked. "Didn't think so..." She turned her attention to Granny, a smile now playing on her face. "Well, I'm hungry! What say you an' me make a good meal to celebrate a good day?"

Granny laughed, however. "Hey youngin', yer here ta relax! Leave the cookin' to me!"

"No," Applejack said, smiling, "I relax all the time. Jeeves does all my chores for me, I gotta sneak around to do anything myself half the time. Trust me, cookin' a good meal is about as relaxed as I'll get!" Macintosh smirked at his sister. Applejack was always an independent mare, though it occasionally bordered into the workaholic zone for her. Still, if she wanted to cook, more power to her.

He made his way up the stairs, intent on returning to his bedroom to rest for a bit until lunch was ready. As he made his way past the door to his sisters' room, however, he stopped when he thought he was hearing sounds. He stood stock still, holding his ear up. It almost sounded like whispering? Macintosh grimaced, slowly moving towards the door and pressing his ear against it. He wasn't normally one for eavesdropping, but he was curious. He didn't hear anything now. He gave the door a good knock.

"Apple Bloom," he said inquisitively, "May I come in?"

There was a thunk, and the clattering of tiny hooves on wood. "Uh... h-hold on a minute..." It was in his better nature to barge in, but Mac was curious, and pretty sure he knew what was going on. So, he pushed the door open. "Apple Bloom? You in here?" He looked to see his sister staring at him wide-eyed. She was standing next to her closet, with a big, forced smile stretched across her features. The stallion quirked a brow. "'Bloom. You hidin' somethin'?"

"No..." said Apple Bloom, before giving her brother a glare. "And do you ever knock? I coulda been indecent in here!"

Macintosh rolled his eyes. "Bein' naked ain't embarrassin'. It's just polite to wear clothes is all."

"Then why do you get so darn embarrassed when others see ya without yer coat?"

Macintosh bit his lip and fidgeted. "I'm self-conscious. Different story."

"Why?" Apple Bloom frowned inquisitively. "Is it cause yer fat?"

Macintosh snorted, quirking a brow. "Now Apple Bloom, I ain't fat."

"Well," said Apple Bloom with a roll of her hoof, "You say that, but I've seen lotsa other stallions about yer size, an' you got a bigger barrel than most of 'em." She looked at his side. "I mean, I guess you could say that was all muscle, but that sure looks like pudge to me."

Big Mac grimaced a bit. "Uh, yeah, I'm... gonna go somewhere else." He nodded, turning around and stepping out of the room, shutting the door behind him. Once outside, Macintosh sighed a bit, hanging his head. 'Well, my self-confidence is shot.'

On the other side of the door, Apple Bloom was looking under the crack. She watched her brothers' hooves make their way out of her line of sight before scooting towards her closet and opening it, looking up. "Okay, he's gone now!"

An orange blur fell from the ceiling and landed in a pile of clothes. Scootaloo pried herself up from the pile, sighing. "Dang. You called your brother fat? That's just cold."

"Yeah, well," Apple Bloom smiled and blushed, "it's the only thing I felt I coulda said that didn't sound like I was actually trying to be mean..." She frowned a bit, looking to her side. "I sort of... made him feel bad a little while back about somethin' I shouldn'ta made him feel bad about."

"Oh?" Scootaloo rose a brow in curiosity at her friend's words. "What'd you do?"

"Well," Apple Bloom gulped a bit, looking to her side with a hint of shame, "I'd rather not say if it's all the same to you." Scootaloo seemed to ponder it over, before shrugging it off, much to Apple Bloom's relief.

"Well, I better get goin' soon," said the little orange pegasus with a nod, "I gotta be home soon." The pegasus smiled and held a hoof up. "Smell ya later, right?"

Applebloom smiled back, bumping her hoof into the pegasus'. "Smell ya later."

The two fillies giggled a bit, with Scootaloo making her way towards the door. "Wait," said Applebloom, stepping forward, "I gotta make sure my brother don't see ya." Applebloom opened her bedroom door, peaking out a bit. Seeing no sign of danger, she stuck her head out and looked around. Gesturing towards Scootaloo, the two fillies hurriedly (and quietly) made their way from the room, down the stairs, and towards the door. They exchanged goodbyes and hugs, and the filly moved towards a nearby bush and pulled her scooter from it, her tiny wings buzzing as she darted down the path.

Applebloom shut the door and turned around, bumping into her big sister, who smiled down at her. "Well, yer friend sure seemed nice. Who was she?"

"Oh," Applebloom smiled a bit, looking out the window, though she was clearly nervous. "Her name's Scootaloo... could you not tell Big Mac about her?"

This seemed to catch the orange mare's curiosity. Applejack scratched her head a bit. "Why not?"

"Well," Applebloom bit her lip, not certain how Applejack would feel, "he doesn't like Scootaloo. She stole some apples from him..." Applejack held a hoof up to talk, but Applebloom tried to cut her off. "I know it ain't right that she stole apples, but she's been nothin' but nice to me, an' hasn't taken anything from us since that we ain't offered! She even promised never to steal from Big Mac again!"

Applejack frowned a bit. "Well, long as ya know it ain't right, an' long as you keep an eye on yer things. Also, don't go learnin' from her, ya hear?"

"I won't," Applebloom nodded, crossing her heart and sticking a hoof in her eye (which she closed beforehoof).

"Good," said Applejack with a nod, turning and making her way back towards the kitchen. "Lunch'll be ready in a bit. I'm gonna try to keep Big Mac from doin' anymore work than he needs, so I'll have you take him his."

Most of the day had come and gone. Another day of doing virtually nothing on the farm. Another day where so much work he could be doing was being delegated to Braeburn, who wasn't as good as bucking apples as he was, and Applejack, who should have been resting at the moment. After all, she was on vacation! Who spends their vacation working?

Still, Big Macintosh figured if he couldn't get any work done, he might as well enjoy the stars.

The medicine he had been given was already starting to wear off, and slowly all the pains and aches were beginning to set back in, although they were at least tolerable now. Big Mac lay underneath his favorite tree as he looked up at the stars, letting his thoughts wander here and there, too and fro. He then let his attention shift towards the moon. The great half-orb shone brightly in the sky, giving illumination to the night.

"The moon sure is lovely tonight."

Macintosh let his eyes shift towards the unknown intruder to his silence. Standing before him was none other than Nightingale, dressed in a fine magenta dress and wearing a fancy quartet of horseshoes. "Mind if I join you?"

"Nope."

Nightingale moved towards his side, lowering herself into the grass and pressing up against him. She let her head lean down and rest against his neck, letting out a soft sigh. 'Well, I guess I didn't tell her she couldn't user me as a pillow...'

"I do love the night sky..." she said almost wistfully. "It is so... serene. So calm. Mysterious even...." She looked towards Big Mac, smiling. "What do you think?"

Big Mac simply shrugged. "It is pretty."

"Pretty?" Nightingale smirked. "Nothing more to say?"

Big Mac pouted his lips a bit, seeming as if he was in thought. "Not much more needs to be said." His answer seemed to appease the mare, who smiled and nodded, snuggling against him and pressing closer.

"I suppose not."

The two ponies sat in silence for a few minutes, simply enjoying the night. Macintosh observed a shooting star, smiling a bit. "Did you see it?"

"I did."

"Well," he said with a nod, "Make a wish."

The two ponies sat in silence a few minutes. Macintosh almost chuckled at how Nightingale seemed to actively make a wish by closing her eyes and looking like she was trying to force a wish with her thoughts. She opened her eyes, and looked towards him with a smile.

"Well," he said with a nod, "What'd ya wish for?"

"Silly," she said with a giggle, "I can't tell you, otherwise it won't come true!"

Big Mac shrugged, conceding to her point. The two ponies' eyes met. She stared at him, her emerald eyes seeming to reflect the light of the night sky. 'She has such beautiful eyes....' The thought would not leave him. No matter how he tried, he could not think of anything but her eyes. She slowly leaned forward, and placed her lips against his.

'This again.'

Macintosh pulled away, frowning some. "Nightingale, I--"

"Shh," the mare said, pressing a hoof gently to his lips. Letting that hoof trace down his chin, she leaned forward, and their lips met once more.

'Do I pull away? Do I keep kissing? This mare clearly won't take no for an answer.'

'Do I want to say no? Or am I just doing it because I feel obligated to?'

She broke the kiss this time, smiling towards him. Macintosh's gaze was far off, almost as if he was entranced. He blinked his eyes unevenly. The mare pushed him over onto his back, climbing over top of him. He continued to stare until the pressure on his barrel caused his injuries to sting, and he gasped. "Aha! G-get off get off...!"

"What!?" The mare hurried off, shocked. "What's wrong?"

"Broken ribs..." Macintosh hissed, clenching his teeth and squeezing his eyes shut, tears creeping from the corners.

"Oh my goodness, are you alright...?" She leaned closer, looking him over.

"I-I'm fine..." he said, slowly rolling back onto his front in a vain attempt to protect his torso. "Just... very, very sore..."

'Well, that worked better n' any cold shower.'

The mare looked him over a bit more, seeming both confused and worried. "How did you break your ribs?"

"Long story," he said, feeling the aches ebb to something more tolerable, "kinda rather not talk about it if its all the same... but not just my ribs, lots of broken bones." Thankfully, she seemed to accept his answer, offering a gentle nod. 'I'd rather not have to relive my nightmares more often than I have to...'

An awkward silence fell over the pair as they continued to stare out into the starlit sky. Macintosh wasn't sure what to say to a mare who seemed really infatuated with you after begging her to climb off of you for fear of bodily harm, but whatever it was that he was supposed to say, it never seemed to make itself known. Still, she gently pressed her head against his shoulder again, letting out a sigh.

"Sorry," she said, nuzzling against him.

Macintosh was silent for a moment, but responded with a simple "Salright."

They continued to sit there for a while on that spot. Macintosh wasn't sure how he felt about this strange mare. She was clearly very forward, and not too shy. Plus, she seemed to take a liking to him.

Before he could continue however, she stood up and offered a small nod. "I think I shall return home for the night." She gave him a little smile. "Come visit me sometime?"

Macintosh hummed, tapping his chin with a hoof. "Alright."

That seemed to make her smile wider. With a goodbye, she turned and was making her way out of the apple field. Macintosh watched her leave, letting a sigh escape him. 'Don't know what to do about that mare...'

Deciding to set that to the side for now, he turned his attention back to the night sky, simply enjoying the company of the stars.

The stars were lovely tonight.

And yet the moon told a story a thousand years old that scared her.

Twilight Sparkle stood on the balcony of her tower, staring up into the night sky, a worried frown painted on her face. Nothing happened outside of her house. The night was still, quiet, peaceful... it was almost haunting to the mare, her thoughts circulating a thousand miles a second in her head as she focused on the moon above.

"You're up late..." Twilight turned to see Spike step into the room, wearing simple white pajamas and rubbing his eyes. "Something wrong Twilight?"

'Of course something's wrong. Everything is wrong. And yet nothing is wrong. And that's what's wrong.' Twilight stepped away from her balcony door, which shut itself behind her. She made her way towards a nearby pedestal with a stone orb on it, looking it over. "I've been reading the journal of Princess Celestia... and I'm glad to say that it confirms my theory of the nature of our little artifact here... I suppose I should have guessed as much, however, given the events earlier today..."

"Oh..." Spike blinked the sleep from his eyes. "... Why do you seem so upset then?"

"Because," said Twilight, turning from the stone back to Spike, "if this really is an Element of Magic, then the chances are that Celestia, royal princess of the sun, is also real." Twilight seemed to stare into the ether as her thoughts were spinning once more. "And if Celestia is real.... that means so too is Nightmare Moon. And to make matters worse..."

Twilight gave one last look at the moon outside, its surface surprisingly blank.

"... She isn't where she's supposed to be."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 11 - Cider Blues

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"Goodbye everypony. Apple Bloom, remember to keep with your studies. Big Mac, you take care of yourself an' let yer injuries heal up before you take on any big work, I've already paid Caramel to stand' in for ya for a week at least. Granny, you keep doin' what you do, but take it easy on th' dancin', lest ya throw out yer hip again. Braeburn... don't do anything stupid."

Everypony hugged Applejack, standing on the departing platform for the train. She smiled a bit, ruffling her younger sister's hair, and turned her attention to Big Mac, giving him one more hug. "And thank you for makin' this a good week." Throughout Applejack's stay, Big Mac had made a point of trying to remain active, while not putting stress on himself. True, he wanted to work, but his sister's happiness was more important, and since this was her week to relax, he had to relax to help her do that.

"Eeyup," he said with a smile.

With one more round of goodbyes, Applejack made her way from the group and towards the train, boarding it. Moments later, the departing call was made, and the train hissed to life. Slowly, it began to push forward, slowly building up speed. Soon, it had pushed away, and was making its way out of the station. Big Mac watched it disappear, before letting loose a tired sigh. He missed his sister when she left. It was always fun to have her around, and it seemed anytime she was gone, life was just a little less full.

"Well," said Braeburn with a sigh of his own, "Guess I'm off to the bar to grab a drink."

"You'll do no such thing."

"What!?" Braeburn shifted to look at Big Mac like he had just grown a second head. "You got to rest the whole week! I've had to pick up for your slack! Applejack's been workin' me ragged on anything she couldn't do herself!"

"Yeah, well," Macintosh said with a shrug, "her job don't take a lot of physical labor. She ain't used to farm work like you are."

Braeburn snorted indignantly, shaking his head. "Fine. I'll just... go home and drink some of my personal stash..."

"Much better."

The family made their way through and from the station, Apple Bloom stopping momentarily to watch an airship take off. "Whoooaahh...."

Big Mac smirked a bit, looking towards his sister. "You like airships?"

"I've never seen one takin' off b'fore..." The filly stared wide-eyed as the balloon-carried carriage drifted into the sky. "I bet it's like bein' a pegasus! But... your house flies instead of you!"

Big Mac simply chuckled at the very notion, shaking his head. "Well, maybe. If I ever meet a pegasus, I'll be sure to ask."

Applebloom frowned a bit. She knew he had met at least Scootaloo, but thought better of bringing her up. "What about that one pegasus mare that came here for ya last week?"

Macintosh quirked his brow. "Hm?"

"You know... uh... Butterfly?" Applebloom seemed to squint, as if she could see the answer written on a far wall.

"Oh. Fluttershy." Macintosh shrugged. "If I see 'er again, I'll ask."

"Ya know," said Granny with a firm nod, "we Apples ain't none too concerned about the pegasus kind. She looked like she'd birth some strong young Apples, pegasus or Earth Pony!"

Big Mac raised a brow, looking towards Braeburn. "She rejected Braeburn already." It was a cheap tactic, but it would divert attention away from him for a moment.

"Course she did," said Granny with a chuckle, "Boy has no tact! Don't know how to treat a lady!"

"Hey," whined Braeburn, "I got tact. She's just really shy is all..."

"Well then what ya need is to be more sensitive an' nurturin'." Granny nodded. "Mares are like plants. You can't set 'em all in the exact same place an' think they're gonna be okay. Each one likes to be treated diff'rntly. That's why ya save yer big guns until you've figured out how they tick." Granny nodded towards Big Mac. "Take yer cousin fer example. He dated that Cheerilee filly for a while, an' they was cute as could be. If it weren't for..." She stopped, puckering her elder lips. "Say, boy, what did happen 'tween you two?"

Well, that plan backfired, and now Macintosh was forced to discuss something he'd really not talk about. "Just didn't work out."

"Oh." Granny frowned a bit. "Darn shame. She was a cute one she was."

"So, Apple Bloom," said Big Mac, trying to change the subject. "How'd you like to stop n' get ice cream on the way home?"

Apple Bloom smiled wide. "Ya really mean it?"

"Eeyup," Big Mac said, punctuating with a nod. Apple Bloom giggled with excitement and jumped a bit, seeming to trot a bit as she walked. Big Mac smiled a bit. He did enjoy spoiling his kid sister.

"So I told 'em, you're g- *hic*..... gonna... gonna eat thoshe wordsh....!"

On any other day, Macintosh would have let his cousin drink alone. When he didn't have a drinking buddy, Braeburn would usually just drink enough to get buzzed and call it a day. However, Big Mac had been having a tough time of things this past month, and felt the unusual need to indulge in drink to take the edge off. Fortunately, he could hold his drink better than Braeburn.

"Braeburn," said Macintosh, a bit warm from the cider, and a bit more talkative to boot, "Y'all seem t' have so much fun... how ya do it?" It was a question he might never ask without a little alcohol in his system. This seemed to dawn on his cousin, who seemed almost shell shocked at being asked the question.

"Well," said Braeburn, trying to keep his balance after his head swayed a little too far to his left. Once he was certain he was upright, he continued. "Well... I jusht... do shtuff. I go out, an' I find shomethin' or... shomepony... an' *hic* I jush do shtuff."

"Just... do stuff...?"

"Eeyup..." Braeburn snickered. "Eeyup! Eeeeeeeyup! Hey... hey Big Mac... guess who I.... oh... yeah... it'sh you."

Big Mac took a swig from his own mug, following it with a sip from a glass of water. "Ya know... I don't talk about it often... but sometimes, I think I really might be boring..."

"Whaaaaat?" Braeburn's jaw hung wide open. He scooted closer to his cousin, placing a hoof on his back. "Y-.... you... are not boring. You're... you're Big Macintosh. Your name ish Big Macintosh...."

"Braeburn... yer drunk..."

"N-*urp*... No, yer drunk," said Braeburn, in a moment of inebriated brilliance, "also, Big Macintosh. Big Mac?" Braeburn seemed to pause, combing his alcohol drowned brain for something to say. "Big Mac. You... you are a great guy. Th' besht shtallion I know."

Macintosh nodded, looking down in his drink a moment. "Miss Nightingale... I'm pretty sure she has a crush on me. Everytime we meet, she kisses on me."

Braeburn seemed to gasp. "You dog! D-d.... did you do any-anything...?"

"Nope," Macintosh shook his head a bit, "But she wants to..."

Braeburn slapped Big Mac's back. "Why not buddy? Ya know, it'sh not everyday a mare jush... throwsh hershelf at ya! Go for it!"

"Nope..." Macintosh sighed a bit, still looking at his drink as if it had the answers he sought. "I don't know how I feel about 'er. She's attractive an' all... but I barely know the girl, but that don't seem to stop 'er."

Braeburn laughed drunkenly. "Sho... what... you an' Cheerilee ne-*hic*.... never did nothin'...?"

Big Mac took a drink and sighed. "Y-yeah, I guess we did... not that it's any of yer business." Yet another secret he might not have divulged had he been totally sober. "But this mare's not like Cheerilee. When we kiss, it's like somethin' else is takin' over. My heart beats real fast... an' it gets real hard to think..."

"It'sh looo-*hic* ..... ooove...!"

"Nope," said Big Mac, shaking his head, though he paused for a moment. "Least, I don't think so." He and Braeburn both took another drink from their mugs. "... When me an' Cheerilee kissed, it felt like I had knots in my stomach. With her, it's like instinct."

Braeburn seemed to consider this a moment, though how deep he could possibly think in his current condition was up for debate. "Well," he said, wavering a bit, "Pershonally... I'd... I'd jush do it to get it outta my shyshtem.... but if-*hic*... yer not sure... jush talk to 'er... tell 'er how ya feel, an' that you wanna take it shlower..."

Mac stared at Braeburn with relative surprise. "That's... surprisingly well thought out considerin' how drunk you are."

"I'm not drunk," said Braeburn, waving a hoof, "Yer drunk."

A knock at the cellar door. Both stallions turned to see Granny Smith descend into the basement, the smile she was wearing as she entered shifting into one of mild annoyance. "Oh dag nabbit, Big Mac! You know it's a bad idea to indulge Braeburn!"

"Sorry..." Big Mac hung his head a bit.

Granny sighed. "It's okay. You sober enough to talk to ponies? Cause there's somepony here to see ya. It's a pretty mare, an' if yer not presentable, I'd rather not ruin yer chances."

Macintosh waved a hoof, standing up and making his way towards his grandmother. "I'm a bit buzzed, but I think I can still talk. I been offsetting the drink with water." Macintosh nodded towards a glass of water sitting next to his mug.

"Alright," said Granny with a sigh though she didn't seem entirely convinced, "Just remember, don't do anything silly. This could be the filly. She's awful cute, though she seems a kinda cold." Granny was quick to spit on her hooves and brush at Big Mac's mane to his ire. Once she had it all slicked back, she looked at the top of his head for a moment until the mane seemed to pop back into place. She smiled, satisfied. "There. Yer all presentable now."

Macintosh sighed, making his way up the stairs and out of the cellar. He rounded about towards the back door of their home, stepping inside and finding a familiar purple mare at the kitchen table, sipping tea. She wasn't wearing the strange coat she was at her house this time, rather the coat she was wearing when he first saw her in Rich's house. "Ms. Sparkle?"

"Mister Apple." Twilight nodded in acknowledgement, taking a small sip of her tea. "How are you this morning?"

"I'm fine, thanks for askin'." Macintosh nodded, pulling a chair out, readying to sit. However, Twilight stood up instead.

"May we go for a walk?"

Big Mac raised a brow, looking down at the chair and shrugging, pushing it back in. "Eeyup." Twilight nodded to him, pushing her own chair back in, and both ponies made their way out of the house, and into the garden. They passed a pig pen, which Macintosh noticed Twilight looking at for a moment, as well as some of the Apples' personal vegetable gardens, and into their famous orchards.

"This is a lovely farm you have," said Twilight, as if trying to strike up conversation. The sentiment didn't seem to reach her eyes, however, so Macintosh found it hard to tell if he should feel complimented or not.

"Thanks."

"It is my understanding you produce what is considered the best apples in Equestria?"

Macintosh nodded, grinning a bit proudly. "Considered for reason. Our farm's the top of the apple market, an' we're the only producers of Zap Apples the world over."

That seemed to catch her interest. Twilight raised a brow, giving a sideways glance to Big Mac. "Zap apples?"

Big Mac chuckled. "Never heard of 'em?" Twilight simply shook her head. "Well, we got some special trees that don't seem to grow nowhere else. Every once in a while, they bloom, an' with a lil' ritual Granny performs, they sprout Zap Apples."

"Oh?" Twilight said, seemingly intrigued. "You mean like magic?"

Big Mac nodded. "Granny says they are. Lotsa ponies don't think so, an' imagine they'd grow all the same without 'er, but they ain't seen it happen." He smiled a bit, looking at the trees. "Them trees are magic."

It got silent for a bit. The two ponies climbed up a hill, where one might see the vastness of Sweet Apple Acres. "I've finished translating a third of the book," said Twilight, still staring forward. Macintosh didn't respond, simply giving her a sideways glance. "It looked like a diary at first, but the truth is what you found is more along the lines of an Autobiography."

"An autobiography?" Big Mac raised a brow. "What do you mean?"

"Well," said Twilight with a nod, "It's like a diary, but--"

"I know what an Autobiography is."

"Oh." Twilight blushed a bit, though she kept her indifferent look otherwise. "Well, it doesn't seem like she was writing this particular book as she went along. Rather, it seems it was written particularly to tell a tale, and maybe give instructions..."

"So she was expectin' somepony to eventually find and read it?"

"Seems like it. It gives a lot of basic detail about who she was. How she reigned. How she lived... we're in possession of a tome most historians would spill innocent blood for."

"Well," Big Mac shrugged, looking down at his own mending injuries, "Guess that makes sense."

"Most importantly," said Twilight, looking off into the distance, "I've confirmed something I've feared for a while."

"That is?"

Twilight remained silent. Macintosh looked towards her, wondering if she heard him. "Nightmare Moon is among us."

"Pardon?"

"You heard me. An age old fairy tale sorceress is somewhere in Equestria right now." Macintosh fell silent, turning to face the horizon. "One with the power to engulf the world in eternal darkness and claim her reign over Equestria."

"But where is she?"

The stallion looked towards Twilight, who didn't move her gaze from the horizon before them. "The mare on the moon stopped appearing almost two years ago. Very few ponies actually noticed it, and of the few that did, only so many actually took it seriously, though when they took to the streets screaming about the end of days, they were quickly written off as lunatics."

'Just like Zecora,' Big Mac thought to himself.

"By all means, they should be right." Twilight shook her head, turning to face Big Mac. "... My... colleagues and I have every reason to believe she is here. Since the disappearance of the Mare on the Moon, there have been days when the moon lingered slightly longer than it should have. The average pony wouldn't notice, but ponies who pay attention to this sort of thing catch it happening once in a while." She turned and started pacing a bit. "Then there's the rumor of ghost castles that appear for short periods of time and disappear afterwards. Upon researching, their descriptions lead me to believe they're all the same castle and it's moving around.

Big Mac stared at this strange mare as she continued to pace. She stopped, turning to face him. "They're all connected. I know it. Nightmare Moon is among us, but for some reason, she isn't doing anything."

"Well," said Big Mac, waving a hoof, "If she ain't doing anything, is that really a problem?"

This seemed to surprise Twilight. "Not a problem? Not a problem!? You've got an ancient sorceress possibly buying apples from you who could turn you inside out with a thought, and you're not bothered by it!?"

Big Macintosh shrugged. "Well... sure, it sounds scary when ya put it like that, but I reckon if she ain't hurtin' nopony, why should I care what she did? She spent a thousand years on the moon, I reckon she did her time."

Twilight stared at him for a moment, seemingly confused by the statement. "So, as long as she wasn't hurting anypony, you wouldn't be bothered by her?"

Big Mac simply shook his head. "Don't see why I would."

It was odd. The mare suddenly shifted from being so much business, to being almost panicky, to looking unsure of herself. She looked at him like he was an anomaly she couldn't figure out for a moment; like a filly who had broken her toy and didn't know how it broke. Eventually, however, she shook her head and regained her wits. "Well, nontheless, I highly doubt she'll be pleased with doing nothing. If nothing else, we're better off preparing at least for when she does do something, and that's part of the reason I'm here."

"I've determined," said Twilight with a nod, "that the stone orb that Fluttershy supposedly made glow is, in fact, an Element of Magic, as the journal states one was hidden in Harmony's Tomb."

"Harmony's Tomb?" Big Mac raised a brow.

"It's a tomb that was under my house," said Twilight with a shrug. "Celestia wrote she 'left a kindness buried in the grave of Canterlot, for anypony who mourned the loss of harmony." The mare seemed to consider this a moment. "I'm not sure she thought that one through, because the house had been abandoned some time by the time I found it, and I've never been able to discern what happened to the previous owner. For all she knew, nopony would have ever found the thing."

"And you found it?"

Twilight shrugged. "Technically, my predecessor found it. Whatever happened to her, it was left perfectly alone, and she even left instructions on how to open the tomb."

Macintosh nodded. "So... discover anything else?"

"I know of the locations of two more Elements of Magic."

"You mean Elements of Harmony, right?"

Twilight simply shrugged. "Some ponies call them Elements of Harmony, some call them Elements of Magic, it differs from pony to pony."

Big Mac frowned a bit, looking at the little purple mare. "Don't think I've ever heard anypony but you call 'em that."

Twilight shook her head and rolled her eyes a bit at the stallion. "Forget about it. I just wanted to tell you these things to let you understand the gravity of the situation surrounding this thing." The two ponies stood quietly on the hill for a moment. Macintosh had the question in his head, and he decided to ask it.

"You were looking for them, weren't you?"

It was quiet for a bit. He already knew the answer, he was sure of it. "You weren't just lookin' for historical documents. You were lookin' for those Elements, just like Zecora was."

Twilight's expression remained indifferent. "I was. Though, if it's all the same to you, I'd still like to finish translating that journal."

"Feel free to it."

Silence once more as the two ponies stared out into the distance.

"Are you going to look for the others?"

Twilight nodded. "I intend to. If I actually find or obtain them is another matter entirely."

Big Mac stared out at the horizon for a moment. "Do you believe in fate?" Twilight turned to him, clearly confused by the question. "I ran into two mares lookin' for the same thing that could save the world. What are the odds of that?"

"Well," said Twilight with a shrug, "better than you'd think, given the circumstances." Big Mac nodded silently, acknowledging the logic she proposed, so he continued to stare into the fields.

"What do you intend to do when ya find all the elements?"

The lavender mare simply sighed, shaking her head. "Your guess is as good as mine. On the off chance Nightmare Moon does remain passive, I'll simply research the Elements and figure out their workings... but if she acts out, well, I'll do what must be done." Twilight turned around, and she made her way down the hill. "If you could, please come by my house tomorrow. I could use your help with something."

"Hm?" Macintosh raised a brow, seemingly confused. "What do ya need me for?"

Twilight turned to face him as if he had said something stupid. "Remember? You offered to help me? As it so happens, I might be able to use your help. Unless, of course, you changed your mind." Admittedly, Macintosh wasn't sure how much help she'd actually need. A promise is a promise, however, and all things considered, he was certain she wouldn't need him for very much.

"Okay then."

Satisfied by his answer, Twilight gave him a little nod, and continued on her way into the direction of the town. Macintosh watched her leave, giving a small nod to nothing in particular before turning his attention back to the fields.

"Wow, she seemed nice!"

The large red stallion nearly jumped out of his skin, the color drained from his face as he turned to face a familiar pink pony. "P-Pinkie! You scared me!"

"Yeah, I do that sometimes!" Pinkie nodded enthusiastically. "So, Macky Wacky is going on another exciting adventure?"

Big Mac shrugged. "Guess so. Seems like it."

Pinkie grinned a bit, turning to look to where Twilight had left to, and then looking back to Big Mac. "You know, I'm kind of surprised you and Twilight Sparkle are hanging out! She doesn't usually talk to other ponies!"

Big Mac didn't know why he would be surprised, but he had to ask. "You know her?"

"Sort of," the pink pony shrugged, waggling her hoof around. "She's not as elusive as your marefriend, but she does seem to like to keep to herself. She's even crankier than Cranky Doodle Donkey, but she's a nice pony once she's comfortable with you, and I've been making it a point to be her friend since she helped the Cakes out."

Big Mac didn't like to pry, but he was curious. "What did the Cakes need from 'er?"

Pinkie's smile deflated a little, and she seemed to become quiet. "I can't say. I know you wouldn't tell anypony... but it's not my secret to share." She looked to Big Mac, and at this moment he realized there was something off about her smile; joyful, but also kind of sad somehow. "Let's just say... Twilight helped them with something nopony else in Ponyville could have helped them with." It left more questions than answers, but Macintosh supposed that if the Cakes had their secrets, they were entitled to them.

"Alright."

"Speaking of," Pinkie said, her bubbly nature returning in full force, "can I come with you when you go to Twilight's place tomorrow?"

"Why do you wanna go?"

"Well, Spike really likes these little cupcakes with gems in them, and I never really get to make cupcakes like that, so it's fun making him some once in a while, plus Twilight stays locked up so long that I think she forgets to have fun, and I figure she needs to be reminded she has a friend!"

Big Mac almost seemed shocked. "You know about Spike?"

Pinkie stared at him. "Spike? Who's Spike? I don't know about a Spike. Unless you know Spike. But if you don't, there is no Spike and he doesn't exist."

Macintosh rolled his eyes. "I know Spike. He cooked me a meal."

Pinkie grinned. "I taught him how to make sweet rolls last time I visited, did he make those?"

"Eeyup."

Pinkie's smile widened. "Were they good?"

"Eeyup."

"Yay!" Pinkie threw her hooves in the air. "I knew he had it in him! He's such a nice dra--pony! Pony! Normal pony!" She looked around really fast, as if trying to find spies, then leaned in close and whispered into Big Mac's ear. "Dragon, really!" The stallion rolled his eyes and chuckled.

"Welp," Pinkie said, bouncing for emphasis, "I've gotta go! You take care of yourself Macky!" Without another word, she was bouncing away, humming a little tune to herself. Big Mac could only shake his head, smiling as his maybe-cousin left for whatever devices she had arranged. It was at this moment he realized he never actually gave her permission to come, and she hadn't asked him again. Maybe that was for the best?

He gave a final glance out at the fields, staring silently. "Guess I should head inside myself." With a nod as if to confirm his own statement, Big Mac made his way down the hill, towards the house. Braeburn was likely passed out by now, and Granny was likely already working on lunch; the mere thought of which made his stomach growl.

With some luck, maybe things wouldn't be so bad?

Rich stared out the window of his house, watching as the sun set. He sighed a bit, sadly, as it went down. 'She used to love watching the sun set,' he thought to himself, letting himself become lost in his memories. Memories of a better time. Memories that seemed to be so long ago. He was drawn from these memories by the sound of a knock at the door. "Come in."

The door opened, and a butler stepped in. "Master Rich, Lady Twilight Sparkle." Rich turned around, nodding at the butler, who stepped aside, pushing the door open further to allow Twilight into the room. The mare stepped in, her expression cold and stoic as usual.

"Twilight. This is an unexpected surprise." Rich smiled, sitting down and pouring a liquid into a glass. "Care for a drink? Hard Cider."

"No thank you." Twilight took a seat across from the table. "I've been wondering what your niece has been doing stalking the Apple house lately?"

Rich simply laughed, shaking his head. "Nightingale? She seems quite taken by Macintosh. I dare say, I've had to talk her down from buying the poor colt elaborate gifts, knowing that he'd likely be either unimpressed by the display or intimidated by the extra attention."

Twilight nodded a bit, staying quiet a moment. "You and the Apples are friends, correct?"

"Indeed." Rich took a drink, sighing. "Macintosh's father and I were the best of friends in our youths. We did everything together. He was my best colt, I was his..." He seemed to get lost in memories, a distant, almost sad smile on his face. "The night he died... tore me apart."

The mare sitting across from Rich seemed interested. "... What happened to his father?"

Rich shrugged. "Murdered on a delivery. Bandits. Killed him and almost murdered Macintosh..." He frowned a bit, seeming almost disturbed by the thought. "It was... painful to lose my friend. And to see his son so close behind..." Twilight could see the look on the stallion's face, the pained expression speaking volumes.

"I... never knew."

Filthy Rich sighed, taking another drink from his glass. "Why the sudden fascination?"

Twilight was silent a moment. "I took an interest in the town's history. After running into the Apples earlier, I realized I had never even considered the idea of interviewing the other half of the founders of Ponyville. It's only unfortunate that when I found him he was covered in bandages."

"Ah yes.... Nightingale told me of him being injured. I was considering sending a gift basket to him, a sort of 'get well soon' gathering."

The two sat in silence for a few moments. Rich looked down at a satchel she was wearing, when he noticed something; the edge of a book, and on it, strange letters. "What have you there?"

Twilight seemed surprised by the question. She looked down at the book, then shut her satchel over it. "Oh, an old book I'm trying to translate for a friend." She sighed, her expression seeming quite annoyed. "Is it too much to ask other ponies take an interest in learning that the ponies who can actually translate these things can't be counted with one pony's hooves?"

The noblepony laughed, shaking his head. "Well, I imagine you could possibly start charging if it becomes too burdensome. I like to imagine the funding I give you for your research and experiments makes dealing with my errands worth it?" Twilight nodded, though she did not say anything immediately. "Speaking of experiments and research... have you found anything more on our little venture...?"

Twilight was silent for a bit. "I... have some leads."

"What kind of leads?"

"Well..." Twilight gulped a bit, looking off to the side, "... the catacombs of the Castle of the Sisters was empty. Plenty of books, but none of them said anything useful. Some accounts of the Princesses' lives, some of the trials they faced..."

Filthy Rich frowned. "And the Elements of Harmony?"

"The most I can say," said Twilight with another sigh, "is that they seem to have been in the castle at one time or another."

Rich frowned a bit, brushing a hoof through his mane. "And we turned that place upside down last time we were there... I fear your theory of looters may hold some ground. Surely something of such importance wouldn't be hidden away so nopony could find it." He turned his attention back to the window, staring out into the town that seemed so small beneath his gaze. "Where would she hide them...?"

Once more, the room became silent. "I think I need to go. I've got a lot of work to do, and I'd rather be back home before it gets dark."

Rich smiled to the mare. "Why not stay here a night? You know I've always got a little guest room prepared for you with plenty of books to keep you occupied."

"Thanks, but I have to pass." Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "Spike is alone back home, and apparently, I've adopted a new pet owl, and he doesn't seem to care for him very much."

Rich nodded, tapping his hooves together. "I see. Allow me to do this then... Teacup!"

The door opened, and a butler pony stepped in. "Yes, sire?"

"Please, have somepony escort Miss Sparkle to a carriage driver and have them ride her to her home."

"Of course, sire." Teacup stepped aside for Twilight, who stood up and made her way to the door. The two ponies left, and the door was gently pulled shut behind them, leaving Rich alone with his thoughts for a moment.

"Oh Twilight... I am all too aware you aren't telling me the whole truth..." Rich sighed a bit, taking another drink of his cider. "I will give you a chance, though. You've been an honest and noble mare, and the least I can do is let you tell me yourself."

He turned his attention back to the sunset. "You'll be helping me. Even if you don't realize it."

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 12 - Ancient Magic

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Macintosh wasn't entirely sure he should be walking so much with his current condition; a fact he only ever considered when he wasn't working (which he tried to do, and it went pretty well until his body decided to tell him he was overworking and he could feel his muscles straining as if he had been bucking nonstop for days), and that Braeburn was keen to remind him of. Pinkie bounced along with the two of them too, of course; something Macintosh wasn't entirely sure was okay, but if she knew Twilight and Spike, he couldn't imagine what harm could come of it.

It took them some time, but they finally managed to reach the desolate house. They pushed the gate open (which Pinkie closed back behind them) and stepped onto the property, making their way towards the house, and giving a nice knock on the door. They were met with silence for a bit, before a familiar purple head peaked out over the balcony of the tower. "Oh! You're here! The door's unlocked, come on up."

Macintosh pushed the door open, and all three ponies made their way into the main room. They climbed the stairs up to the top floor, where Twilight stood, waiting for them. "Oh, hello everypony... and Pinkie Pie... I wasn't expecting you?"

"I know," said Pinkie with a nod, "I just had to come up to visit you with my favorite maybe-cousin, and brought you and Spike some muffins from the bakery, and they're fresh! Well, as fresh as they can be considering it took us forever to get here, but it's not like I can afford a balloon to get up here faster, although I do have a propeller bike that could get up here faster, it couldn't carry three ponies, or one pony of Big Mac's particular mass I imagine, but I suppose you make do with what you have!"

Everypony sat quietly for a moment, trying to figure out what she just said. Big Mac merely frowned. "I ain't fat."

"Of course not, Macky! You're big boned!" Pinkie giggled, hugging the big red stallion, who merely scowled at the pink mare. Braeburn seemed to be suppressing laughter, and Twilight was rolling her eyes a bit.

"Well," she said with a sigh, "I only really needed Big Mac's help, but I suppose I can find a way to incorporate you two into the experiment as well." She turned, gesturing into the room. The three ponies followed her in, and up a set up stairs into the tower structure.

The room was different from the rest of the house; almost a living quarters in its own right. Near the balcony was a telescope that seemed to be set aside for the time being, several tables were covered with beakers, vials, and test tubes, a nearby table was covered in scrolls, books, and other parchment, a map of Equestria hung from a wall with various notes tacked to it. Several bookshelves seemed to line the walls, a keg nearby with an apple painted on it hinting that she might have spent extensive periods of time in this room alone. Another set of stairs led up to a second floor, where a bed sat, a few more book shelves, a dresser, and some other personal affects, though none of them saw this at the moment. A familiar yellow pegasus stood there, smiling at the others as she petted an owl. "Oh! Hello!"

Macintosh seemed a bit surprised. "Miss 'Shy? Why are you here?"

The yellow mare made her way towards the group, leaving the owl alone. "Oh, Twilight asked me to come. She was trying to figure out what happened with that over there..." She pointed towards a familiar stone orb on a pedestal. "She's been questioning me a lot about who I am and what I do trying to figure out what might have made it glow, but it doesn't seem to be doing anything..."

Macintosh nodded. "I see. Well, you try." He looked from the pegasus towards the stone for a moment, staring at it curiously for a moment before turning his attention back to Twilight. "So, how's that research goin'?"

"It's going..." Twilight sighed a bit, putting a hoof on the bridge of her nose. "I've... more or less got ideas of where the others might be, but all of the elements' locations seem to be displayed as some kind of riddle. Bits and pieces I really can't make sense of." Twilight trotted towards her desk, staring at some parchment that sat next to the book that had seemingly started this whole mess. "As you know, the stone here was said to reside "In Canterlot's grave; the resting place of Harmony'. This seems very vague, but those who were fascinated in ancient Equestria might tell you that this mountain was to be home to a city." She turned around, looking at all the other ponies. "It was Celestia's dream to build a city that represented unity and harmony among the tribes. But, with the growing tension between ponies, she left before she could build it."

Macintosh, Braeburn, and Fluttershy exchanged glances, and Pinkie seemed to tap her chin inquisitively.

"The others are a bit more... difficult..." Twilight frowned a bit, looking back towards the parchment. "One is said to 'reside with my blood; heirs to throne despised, and rulers of a crumbling kingdom'. Another 'among the clouds with warriors proud and strong'...." She shook her head. "I've... basically determined that that second one is likely Cloudsdale..."

"Cloudsdale?" Fluttershy's eyes widened just a bit. Macintosh noticed her slowly put a hoof on her chest, and the look on her face seemed... almost longing.

"Guess Fluttershy will have to get that one." Braeburn said with a shrug, looking to the pegasus, whose pupils shrank to pinpricks.

"No no no no," Fluttershy said, shaking her head, "I-I-I can't go there! Ever! Never again!" The room fell silent. Everypony exchanged glances, then looked to Fluttershy.

"Why not?" Braeburn smirked, shaking his head. "You can fly, right? You're a pegasus. Why wouldn't you be able to?"

"She can't because she's not in Cloudsdale."

Mac, Braeburn and Pinkie looked to Twilight, who seemed to be looking towards the orb again. "Cloudsdale and similar Pegasus settlements have strict rules about who can come and go. Only pegasi with special permission can leave Cloudsdale and come back, mostly for trading purposes. Any pegasus who leaves without such permission is labeled an exile, and not permitted to return. Some sort of method to keep their city 'pure' by not polluting it with earth-born pegasi who might potentially have earthpony heritage, which is just as well since an earthpony born in Cloudsdale would never be able to be put set without falling to its death."

Everypony was quiet a bit. Nopony knew what to say. Macintosh merely rubbed the back of his neck, and Braeburn bit his lip, clearly feeling some level of sympathy for the poor yellow mare. "Well," said Pinkie with a sigh, "guess that's one we're not gonna get!"

"Don't be so sure." Twilight smirked a bit, looking towards the others. "I've got a trick or two up my sleeve, and I've already got a few plans lined up for getting into Cloudsdale." She stopped a moment, blushing. "Though... it might take me some time to arrange it."

"Well," said Macintosh, "what about the others?"

Twilight cleared her throat, looking back at the parchment. "'One was said to be entrusted to a family of nomads, so in-tuned to nature that they seemed to breathe life into it wherever they went. And another one, left 'where disaster began, and her doubt blossomed'." Twilight looked up to the others. "I'm not certain, but I'm pretty sure that, judging by some other things written in that book, that what this is describing is supposed to be the Castle of the Sisters."

Braeburn groaned. "We have to go back!?"

Macintosh seemed to turn pale. "Into the Everfree?"

Twilight waved a hoof. "Yeah, well, don't worry about that. I set up a little something to make a journey like that far more expedient." She grinned. "You're talking to a pony who has access to unicorn technology."

The room fell silent. Macintosh and Braeburn exchanged glances once again, and Twilight blushed. "Uhm, but keep that under your hat. I'm really not supposed to have a functional magic mirror."

The group made their ways into the house's cellar. There stood a single, lonely mirror, it's frame golden, yet somewhat damaged, worn by time. Twilight stepped before it, waved a hoof at it, and smiled. "Well," she said with a sigh, "Here it is. One of the old unicorn relics. Found it in the Castle of the Sisters with Filthy Rich. He let me keep it, and I restored it." She seemed to wilt a bit, frowning as she looked up at the strange mirror. "Unfortunately, it only connects to that one mirror."

Macintosh stared at the mirror, curious. He stepped closer to it, eyeing it, taking the entire thing in. "So... did all unicorns have something like this?"

"Well, no..." Twilight giggled, waving a hoof towards the mirror halfheartedly, "these mirrors were usually kept only by certain unicorns. Those who could make them, and those who were given them. A few Pegasi and Earth ponies had some too, but I imagine most of them were either destroyed or no longer work."

"Neat..." Braeburn said, tapping the mirror, though his hoof got smacked for his efforts by an angry looking Twilight. He chuckled a bit, pulling away from it. "How does it work?"

"Well," said Twilight with a nod, "there is another magic mirror in the castle of the Royal Sisters. It's basically how I got back and forth from there without having to go through the Everfree Forest repeatedly." She looked towards the ponies, clearly enjoying the explanation. "All we really have to do is approach it, and it should react to our innate magic and open a doorway."

"Neat." Braeburn grinned. "So... why not jump on in?"

Twilight looked towards Braeburn, raising a brow. "I'm ready whenever you guys are, but I hope none of you have eaten in the past forty five minutes. I'd rather nopony throw up on thousand year old carpet."

"Wait, we're going in there right now?" Macintosh said, grimacing at the prospect of such an impromptu adventure -- especially one through something he has never used before that seemed guaranteed to be unpleasant. He wasn't entirely sure he was comfortable with the idea of trusting his well being to an artifact that does something he had never even imagined as possible before.

"Yep." Twilight turned, and trotted towards the mirror. As she approached it, the glass rippled as if it were water. She looked back at the others, giving a little smile. "Well, see you on the other side!" With that, she turned and stepped forward. Much to Macintosh's (and everypony else's) surprise, she passed right through, the mirror rippling once more as if it were just water, until she was gone.

Three ponies stared in shock at the mirror. None knew what to say or how to respond. Before they could figure out a proper response, however, they noticed the pink pony sticking her hoof into the mirror and wiggling it around. "Ohh, tingly!" She giggle-snorted, moving her hoof around, causing it to ripple like water following her leg. "Well, last one in is an expired muffin!" Pinkie simply lunged forward, shouting a 'Woohoo', though she only got to 'woo-' before she passed through and her voice was lost to long-distance spacial displacement.

The remaining three ponies exchanged glances, some parts frightened, some parts curious. Braeburn gulped. "Mac? I don't think I want to do this no more..."

"Nope..." Macintosh said with a gulp. The three looked towards the mirror, and Macintosh grimaced hard. "But I said I would." He took a deep breath, scrunched his nose, and squeezed his eyes shut. With that, Macintosh made a brave charge forward, lunging through the mirror's surface.

The world seemed to spin around him, as if he were in a vortex of endless power. He could feel it; the energy coursing through him, permeating him... no, what he felt was something else entirely. A natural sense of wrongness. There was no ground. His heart would race, but he didn't feel it beat at all. There was no gravity, there was no up, there was no down; only a forward. One that he was being pulled to.

All of this happened in but a blink.

Macintosh stepped from the mirror, eyes wide. He wobbled a bit, before falling onto his side. Nearby, Pinkie Pie lay on her back, giggling and waving her hooves around as if she were drunk. "That was fun! Again! Again!"

Twilight stood firm, unaffected, rolling her eyes. "Yeah. We'll be going back through soon enough."

"That was..." heaved Macintosh, eyes wide, "Horrifying..."

Twilight merely shrugged, then turned about, making her way towards a nearby door. "It is kind of scary at first, but I feel it's also beautiful in a way."

Macintosh looked back at the mirror, panting. Visions of a shifting, endless reality, of a swirling vortex of nothing. 'I thought heights were scary... but at least then I know where the ground is...' "What was that...?"

"Well," said Twilight, seeming to ponder the question over a moment, "there are very few known theories... but texts suggest that the unicorns who made them were masters of teleportation magic. They theorized that as breaking down the matter of a pony might potentially be lethal and that rearranging it may not in fact be restoring the original that they needed some way to assure continued existence, so the mirror works by creating a temporal and spacial rift that--"

"Not to sound rude," said Macintosh with a tired groan, "But the short version?"

Twilight frowned, clearly upset that she was interrupted. "You basically stepped out of this dimension for a moment. Think of it as a bridge."

Big Mac's jaw hung limp as he stared at the dirty ceiling above him. "I wasn't..."

"Yeah," said Twilight with a shrug as she turned to make her way towards a nearby door, "it's a little surreal, but it's ultimately nothing to worry about." Suddenly, screaming turned everyone's attention to Braeburn as he stepped from the mirror and stopped, standing tall, wide-eyed, mouth agape, and letting out a small whimper, before falling on his side.

Braeburn panted and heaved. "Wh-where was I?"

Macintosh continued to stare at the ceiling, trying to fully comprehend the fact that, for a moment, he was not in Equestria. "Edge of reality. Between dimensions, in the ether, the void, the vast eternal nothing."

Braeburn nodded, his expression not changing for a moment. "Oh." He lay there silently for a moment. His expression slowly shifted towards what seemed like disgust, before he jumped to his hooves, stepped away, and vomited on the floor.

Twilight grimaced at the sight. "Oh for the love of-- you ate before you came through?"

Braeburn panted and heaved. "Y-yes, I di--" he stopped as he let loose another wave of purging.

Twilight rolled her eyes, shaking her head. "Oh well. Everypony get your bearings and we'll continue on. First off, I want you boys to show me where you found that book. We very well may find our answers in the same room." Another sound turned everypony's attention towards Fluttershy, who stepped through the mirror, wobbling a bit. Macintosh slowly lifted himself up, walking towards her. Surprisingly, she simply held up a hoof.

"I-I'm okay," she said with a nod, "J-Just... give me a moment..." Everypony was silent. Fluttershy closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and exhaled calmly.

"You okay?" Macintosh raised a brow, looking towards the timid little pegasus with concern. She looked back towards him and smiled.

"That... that was... exhilarating!" The sudden energy was a bit surprising as the little mare looked back towards the portal. "I-I mean, it was scary but... for a moment, it was like... like I was seeing into the very fabric of the universe!"

The group had made their way into the small, round room. Twilight stared at a stairwell that seemed to descend into the floor, wide-eyed. "You found a hidden path?"

"I found a hidden path!" Braeburn said, grinning and brushing his hoof against his chest. "Does the brave adventurer get a kiss?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Not even if you didn't recently get sick. However, I can't help but notice nopony thought to close it back." Nopony responded, though Macintosh had the decency to rub the back of his head in embarassment while Braeburn simply seemed confused. "If you leave things like this open, then treasure hunters can come in at any time and start looting! We're not even sure that if anything was in there it's still there!"

"Well, guess we gotta go make sure nothing's been stolen then!" Pinkie hopped down the stairs, though she missed a step and tumbled down the rest of the way. Everypony rushed after her, worried, to find her laying against a wall upside down, grinning sheepishly. "Whoops, guess I'm a bit clumsy today!"

Twilight seemed to stop all at once, her expression becoming alert. She looked about, eyes darting left and right, on edge, and clearly uncomfortable. "No... there's... there's something off here..." She walked towards the lever slowly, as if it might lunge out and attack her. "Something... in the air..."

Macintosh grimaced, looking around the small elevator chamber. He didn't feel anything at all. He looked towards Braeburn and Fluttershy, who seemed equally confused. "You sure?"

"Yes," said Twilight, touching the lever cautiously. "... Everypony... be ready. There's something powerful here..." Macintosh raised a brow, curious how Twilight knew this. Still, he supposed she was the expert on magical unicorn artifacts here. The mare grabbed the lever and pulled. The ground jolted a bit, then slowly the platform began to descend down into the depths.

Macintosh looked to Twilight, noticing something strange about her. The mare was tense; very tense, like a long tailed cat in a room full of rocking chairs. Was she expecting something? He looked towards the others, curious as to how they were faring. Pinkie seemed to enjoy the elevator, at least watching the walls rise up. Braeburn was looking back at him, shrugging once he noticed his cousin was looking back, and Fluttershy seemed partly curious, but also kind of anxious, likely made worried by Twilight's claims.

The elevator came to a halt, and once more Macintosh and Braeburn gazed upon the sanctuary beneath the castle. Twilight and Fluttershy gazed in awe upon the castle that seemed to be built beneath another, though Twilight seemed a deal more fascinated. She stepped toward the building, eyes wide, silent for a bit.

"I-it's.... it's amazing..." she said, her words quiet, as if afraid that if she spoke too loud, she might ruin the moment. "Of all the tales... all the legends... nothing ever mentioned this being here..." She began to hurry forward, and everypony made sure to keep pace. They moved quickly, entering into the sanctuary. Inside, Twilight seemed like she might pass out. She let her eyes roam the place over, and turned about, making sure she got it all. Macintosh almost smiled at the sight; the mare before him seemed to be in her element.

"There's so much here," she said, still quiet, "So many books... so many things we might learn from this..." She slowly brought a hoof to her chest. "... Maybe... even the things we lost..."

Macintosh raised a brow, but Braeburn seemed to take it upon himself to say what they were both thinking. "What did we lose?"

Twilight paused and looked back at the others. She seemed to ponder this a moment. "N-nothing... we lost... just a part of our history..." She turned around, looking at it all once more. "Rumor has it that after Celestia's disappearance... much of Equestria's history was smoothed over in the span of centuries in order to preserve an ideal image of Equestria as it is and was..." She cantered down the steps, towards a book shelf, letting her eyes scan all the books there. "Some more recent historians have dug up inconsistencies and evidence that some events may not have happened quite as we envisioned them... although they're often heavily debated because the authenticity of their claims is hard to prove."

"So..." said Braeburn, rubbing the back of his neck with a hoof, "What does that mean?"

"Nothing at the moment," said Twilight, keeping her eyes locked on all of the history before her, "but it could mean anything with the right information..." Everypony stepped further into the room, Twilight continuing to take it all in as if it were oxygen. Macintosh took a moment to look around himself; he noticed a few things here and there that he hadn't paid attention to before, but for the most part it was nothing new. "Where did you find this book...?"

Big Mac turned and pointed towards a small table, covered in bits of parchment, scrolls, and a few other books. The lavender mare made her way towards it, observing it with deep interest. She gently put a hoof on one of the scrolls, careful not to put too much strain on the ancient piece of paper for fear it might crumble to dust. She seemed to read it over before gently pushing one of the scrolls open. Macintosh let his eyes wander the room once more, absentmindedly occupying himself (as his other two companions were) while the local smart pony figured things out. He looked towards a mural on the back wall, depicting what looked like a tree, but with six gems hanging from its branches. Slowly, he stepped towards it, looking up at the image of the massive tree, beneath its branches a beautiful field, and three ponies surrounding the tree, rearing up -- maybe dancing or playing? Upon closer inspection, Macintosh realized that one of the ponies had a pair of wings, and another one had a horn. He could not place what, but something about the image seemed to make something in him stir. Some sadness he could not place.

"Aha!" Macintosh was broken from his trail of thought as he turned to look towards Twilight, who seemed to be looking towards him. "I think I know what to do next, and I think that mural is a clue." Twilight approached Macintosh, stepping at his side and eyeing the wall thoughtfully. The stallion took a few steps back to let her do her work. Twilight looked at the mural, before looking behind herself and finding what she seemed to be looking for. Macintosh turned his attention as she made her way back, to realize there were three platforms sticking up from the ground; something he had failed to realize earlier.

"Here we are..." She said, looking over each one. All of them had a symbol etched onto them; one depicted what looked like a star, another one a cloud, and the last one a budding plant. Twilight looked over each one a moment, though she seemed somehow apprehensive. "Oh... I see....." She stepped back a bit, staring at the platforms, looking back towards the others. Twilight looked to Pinkie, biting her lip, the mare stepping closer and inspecting the platforms herself, before letting out a silent 'ohh' and stepping back.

"Maybe," said Pinkie Pie, rubbing the back of her neck, "we should go home? Try another time? I'm sure we can--"

"N-no..." Twilight said, shaking her head. "No. No, I.... I think I have a plan. I think we can still make this work." The little purple mare seemed a bit tense; almost scared even. Twilight looked towards Fluttershy and gestured towards the platform with the cloud on it. "Fluttershy, could you stand right here?"

The little yellow pegasus did as asked, though she seemed a little concerned. "Twilight? Is something wrong?"

"No..." Twilight shook her head, clearing her throat. "Pinkie, if you could, please stand on the one over there?" Pinkie did as asked, hopping towards the platform and standing on it. Twilight looked at the last platform, the one in the very middle. She frowned, getting very nervous for a moment before stepping onto it, and turning to face the wall.

"O-okay girls... are we ready?"

"Yep!"

"No!"

Twilight looked back at the stallions. "Boys... you might want to look away. find cover if possible. This could get... messy..."

"What!?" shouted Fluttershy.

"Not for us!" Twilight responded, giggling nervously. "W-we're in a safe zone." She looked back towards Mac and Braeburn, her expression a bit more firm. "Seriously though, please, go hide. I have no idea if this will work, so we're taking big risks here." The two stallions shared a look of confusion. Neither knew what to make of her request, though neither thought to question her either after their trip through a magical mirror. They both walked towards one of the nearby statues and stood behind it.

Nothing seemed to happen at first. But then, Macintosh noticed a glow from the side of the statue. Curiosity had struck him, and he wanted to look out, to see what was happening, but he thought better of it. Suddenly, he noticed a bit of a draft as wind seemed to spiral around the room... a gentle breeze, calm and almost comforting. He looked back to see Braeburn somewhat confused, squinting at something. Macintosh turned his attention to whatever Braeburn was staring at; something in the ceiling. It was a bit dark and hard to see, though whatever was going on now seemed to illuminate it just a bit.

That was when he noticed something dart down from the ceiling and towards where the others were.

He didn't think. His body acted on its own, and before he could stop himself, Macintosh had leaped from behind the statue to see the mural rumbling, though he stopped when he noticed a fading light in the direction of the girls. Fluttershy simply stared at Twilight quietly as she fixed her hat, head hanging, with Pinkie Pie smiling towards the yellow mare, though something in her eyes seemed worried. Twilight looked towards Fluttershy, who then looked towards the stallions. As Twilight looked back, she noticed Macintosh's worried look. All at once, Twilight's expression became fearful. ".... I... "

"Miss Twilight," said Big Mac. In a strange shift, the purple mare seemed to react as if physically struck by the use of her name.

"... Yes...?"

Macintosh looked past her, towards the mural. "... Somethin' was on the ceiling. It moved towards you girls. I jumped out to warn you but I lost track of it." He looked around, his expression a bit confused, but still focused. "Did you see a little... black thing run across the wall or anything...?"

The mares all exchanged nervous glances, though Twilight and Pinkie both looked towards Fluttershy last. She looked towards them a moment, quietly, seemingly confused. Fluttershy looked towards Macintosh. "What did it look like? A small critter?"

"Heck no," said Braeburn, stepping forward. "It was... weird. It was quick, but it didn't look like no sort of animal. Kinda... blobby?"

A loud clack made everypony jump to turn their attention to where the mural was. It was gone, and in its place was a blank wall that was trembling and shaking, a square hole in the floor before it where the other wall had dropped into. Then, that wall fell, revealing another wall that itself fell, and another, and another. This happened a few more times, each one falling lower than the other, forming a staircase that led to a hidden door. The group shared looks once more. Twilight looked towards Fluttershy, then seemed to suddenly looked down at her hooves. Pinkie looked worriedly towards Twilight, then back to Fluttershy. The yellow pegasus simply smiled and put a hoof on Twilight's back.

"Let's go find that element, huh girls?"

Twilight looked up a bit and smiled, though she still seemed a little tense. Pinkie seemed more than a little relieved. Macintosh and Braeburn exchanged glances for a moment, before deciding to ask about it later. The five ponies turned their attention towards the new room.

As they entered the hidden chamber, the ponies saw a sight unlike anything any of them had seen before. The floors were flooded with knee deep water in a large, circular chamber that seemed big enough to fit a small party in, a bridge filling the gap from the door towards a raised dais in the center of the room, standing out from the water. Surrounding that platform were three statues, old and worn, though still standing, and looking quite sturdy. As the group crossed the bridge, Macintosh noticed there was a pedestal on the platform, and on that pedestal rested something round.

"There it is..." said Twilight, her voice quiet, as if trying not to wake a sleeping foal. "... An Element of Harmony... hidden in a room nopony has been in for nearly a thousand years..."

Macintosh looked over the bridge into the water. Despite the age of the room, he couldn't help but notice the water itself looked clean, and didn't smell stagnant. "Wonder if there's some sort of sewer system in here?"

As the ponies stepped onto the dais, Twilight took the lead and stepped towards the round stone. She gently raised a hoof up, pressing it against the stone orb. She seemed confused a moment as she gently picked it up and held it towards herself. She looked it over inquisitively, curiously. "Strange... it's... not doing anything either..."

"Was it supposed to?" asked Braeburn.

Twilight continued to examine the stone, looking it over, hoping to find something. Nothing stood out, however; it was completely identical to the other one that currently lay in her home. She sighed, shaking her head as she turned back to the others. "Well, I suppose we can't expect it to do very much. I think... maybe we have to have all of them?"

"But if that's true," piped Fluttershy, holding up a hoof, "why did the one in your house start glowing?" This question seemed to stop whatever trail of thought Twilight had, as she looked down at the artifact between her hooves. It was definitely an excellent question, though it was one none of them knew how to answer at the moment.

"What say we think about the 'why' somewhere a lil' safer?" Braeburn stepped away from the group. "This whole place is givin' me the creeps."

Twilight sighed, looking down at the orb in her hooves again. "I suppose. We won't get much done here. Just let me gather my things and--"

"Nopony move."

Everypony froze at the unusually commanding tone in Fluttershy's voice. Macintosh stood stock still, wondering what had brought on this command. Slowly, he turned to face her. "What's wrong?" She replied with a hush, staring up at the ceiling with wide, terrified eyes. Slowly, Macintosh followed her gaze, and when he saw it, he felt his heart sink into his stomach.

Something was staring back at them.

A single, massive green eye stared down upon them, seeming to be part of the shadows in the ceiling above them. It blinked once, it's massive eye staring down at them. Slowly, the shadows on the ceiling seemed to creep down in the form of small, dark tendrils along the walls with tiny clawed hands. Then, just beneath the eye, something white appeared and grew, until it revealed a toothy grin.

"What do we do...?" whispered Pinkie Pie.

"Run!" Shouted Twilight.

All at once, the beast above let out a loud scream - not a roar, a scream - as the shadows themselves fell from the ceiling. Everypony made a mad dash across the bridge, the weighty mass slamming onto the dais behind them destroying the bridge and launching Big Mac (who had fallen behind somewhat) the rest of the way. Everypony hurried back to help him up, before continuing their escape. After fleeing into the room, Fluttershy looked to Twilight with wide eyes. "Close the door! Close it!"

Twilight, however, stared at the platforms, looking from them to the wall. "I don't know how!"

"What!?" Pinkie jumped next to Twilight, shaking her. "You're the smart one! You know this weird magic stuff! Close the ugly in!"

But it was too late. Slowly, a black mass seeped through the doorway as if it were almost liquid, and it peeled open, revealing that massive green eye once more. Everypony ran as tendrils rushed forward, grabbing for each of them, everypony being quick and trying to avoid them. The ponies hurried away from the door as the massive black form moved to follow, thankfully slow enough to allow them to make distance from their pursuer, though quick enough to be terrifying and encourage them to run as fast as their bodies would allow as it's amorphous shape shifted and jiggled like some kind of gelatinous dessert.

Quickly, all of them hurried out of the sanctuary, across another bridge, and onto the elevator. They pulled the lever and turned in time to see the wall explode outward, and their hunter, continuing to give chase, though now it seemed to be trying to move faster. As the elevator climbed, the walls would disrupt their visual contact of the beast.

Things became quiet. Ponies could hear the heart beats of their friends. Nopony said a word, fearful that any breath out of place might bring misfortune upon them. Slowly, the door leading upstairs was revealed to them, and the elevator stopped.

"Whew! Hahaha!" Braeburn laughed hysterically. "I thought we were goners for sure!"

Several loud metallic bangs on the floor beneath them made the ponies jump. Several tendrils cracked through the floor and grabbed the elevator, and the room shook, and the door pulled up just a bit.

Macintosh grimaced. "Dammit, Braeburn!"

"Move," shouted Twilight, running towards the door and jumping up, gesturing the others to follow. Fluttershy and Pinkie filed out first, followed by Braeburn. Macintosh hurried towards the door where the others waited, but another shake caused him to tumble a bit, and the door rose even higher up. He shook his head, looking up at Braeburn and Twilight, staring wide-eyed at him.

"Grab our hooves!"

Macintosh hurried, feeling the elevator shake, but not give. He jumped up, both ponies grabbing his hooves and pulling. He could see just beyond them that Fluttershy and Pinkie were pulling them as well. With a strong yank, Macintosh was pulled free from the elevator, just in time to hear the platform squeal as it was pulled free of it's holdings. Everypony hurried the rest of the way up the stairs, Braeburn giving the book stand a kick to set it upright, closing the stairs behind them. Quickly, they hurried out of the tower room, back down the stairs, and soon, had made it back into the main lobby. The sounds of screams and walls breaking kept them running, Macintosh feeling his heart beating in his ears, his lungs burning. A few weeks ago this wouldn't be a problem, but he hadn't been working as much as he should and he suspected he was paying for it now.

After a run through the halls and making their way back to the room with the mirror, Twilight was quick to turn her attention to the others. "Everypony, get through!" Brokering no protest from the others, Pinkie and Fluttershy were the first to jump through, with Braeburn close behind, following Macintosh. As they all entered into the basement of Twilight's house, a loud scream told them that the creature was present. Twilight yanked the mirror and was quick to jump through as everypony saw the ground come towards their doorway. As it met the mirror's surface, a sudden blue flash of light emitted from the reflective glass, and then all they saw was their own reflections staring back at them.

Macintosh helped Twilight back onto her hooves, who then quickly adjusted her hat on her head. "Well," said the lavender mare with a sigh, "That was more adventure than I'm used to."

Big Mac panted a bit, trying to gather air. He reached into his bag and produced his flask, taking a quick swig from it, looking to the mare. "You mean.... that doesn't happen often?"

"Not very," said Twilight, who hung her head as she tried to regain her composure. "Still, without that mirror, at least we know that thing will never find us."

Fluttershy frowned hard, her eyes widening. "What... what if it leaves the castle? Comes to Ponyville?"

"Not likely." Twilight stood firm, looking back at the mirror for a moment. "I would have thought that some kind of guardian... but something about it seemed far too sinsiter to merely be a protector." Twilight paced a bit, eyes on her hooves as she seemed to piece it together in her head. It was then that Big Mac's eyes widened as he remembered something.

"I saw somethin' shadowy run along the walls towards you girls."

"What?" Twilight, Pinkie, and Fluttershy turned their attention to Big Mac, though Twilight seemed the most curious, if also the most anxious. "You did?"

"Eeyup. That's why I jumped out when I did." He pointed a bit at the mirror. "But it was too bright and I lost track of 'em. I reckon it went in that room an' got bigger?"

Everypony shared glances, though Twilight seemed to consider the idea. "It's a possibility. But a guardian doesn't do that sort of thing... they're always alert, always ready.... which would mean..."

Twilight looked up, then at all the others. Her expression seemed almost concerned. "... Somepony was either after the element too, or seeking to stop others from taking it." The lavender mare was quick to get on her hooves again and trot out of the cellar. "Let's go. If my fears are true, then our adversary knows what we're doing."

As everypony followed the mare up the stairs, Big Mac stopped a moment to look back at the lonely mirror behind him. His reflection looked back, just as worried as he felt. Shaking his head, he followed the others up, and the cellar doors shut behind them, encasing the room in complete darkness.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 13 - Secrets

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"Remember, your injuries are healed but I wouldn't be running out there and pushing yourself to the limit just yet. Just take it easy for a few days, and you should be fine."

Macintosh smiled and nodded. "Thank you."

The doctor smiled back, returning a nod and turning to his desk, writing on some papers. "Alright. Well, you just go on home and take it easy for a day or two, and you'll be ready to seize the day. Remember, don't strain yourself too much. Hate for ya to rebreak something."

With a polite farewell, Macintosh had his coat back on and stepped out of the doctor's office. Back on the streets of Ponyville, he stretched his hooves in confidence for the first time in a while. It had been a week and a half since his adventure in the castle of the sisters, and quite frankly he was pleased to have it behind him, and looking forward to the normalcy that came with life. As he trotted, however, he was joined by a somewhat unexpected companion.

"Why hello, Macintosh!"

Big Mac looked to the side and smiled at a familiar blue mare in an elegant, purple dress as she approached him. "It is nice to see you finally removed the bandages?" It seemed to be phrased as a question; likely, she was inquiring as to if he were well.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a nod. This elicited a giggle from Nightingale, though Macintosh wasn't sure what was so funny about a bill of good health, he supposed it was a good sign anyway.

"Well, that's good to hear. Say, would you indulge me in a walk?" Macintosh responded with a light nod, and the two ponies started a walk at a leisurely pace through the streets of Ponyville. They would get the occasional look from others, though none seemed to focus too long. Macintosh knew in his heart that many were questioning why a noble would walk so close to a commoner such as himself. Still, what they thought was of no concern to him. Nightingale gave him a sideways glance, speaking the first words after a bit of silence. "My uncle was a bit disappointed in your denial of his offer." It was a simple statement; there was no malice in it, in fact, she seemed more curious than anything.

"It was a kind offer... but we love our home too much to just give it up... even partially."

"But Macintosh, think of all you could have." She stepped in front of him, stopping his progress with her presence and a smile. "You could be wealthy, healthy, and provide endlessly for your family. Your grandmother would have the best care money could buy, your baby sister would never work a day in her life..."

Macintosh smirked a bit, shaking his head. "Sometimes a day's honest work is good for the soul."

The comment seemed to confuse Nightingale, who stared at Big Mac with a quirked brow. "So..." she said, as if trying to wrap her mind around what he said. "... Are you saying you like to work?"

Macintosh shrugged a bit. "Sometimes." He didn't consider himself a workaholic of any description, but for Big Mac, working was more than just a tedious chore for income.

Nightingale stared at him for a moment, still seeming confused. A soft smile seemed to build on her face though. "You are a noble pony, Macintosh. Nobler than most who consider themselves such by birth." This made Big Mac blush a bit, though it might be hard to notice beneath his red coat.

"Shucks, Miss Nightingale."

"And stop calling me miss," she giggled, bumping her flank against his, "I like to think we're close enough that you can just call me Nightingale... my uncle calls me Gale sometimes." Macintosh seemed to consider this, and responded with a polite nod.

"Alright, Gale."

Nightingale let out a soft yawn, shaking her head a bit. Big Mac quirked a brow. "Didn't get much sleep last night?"

"Nope," the mare said, imitating his voice poorly before giggling. "... I don't most nights. I consider myself a night pony. I work better in the night than during the day."

Macintosh nodded. "Some ponies are like that. My cousin would tell you the same, though he don't work then either, jus' goes to bars and flirts with mares." Nightingale tried to stifle a second yawn, to which Macintosh responded with a little smirk. "You go on home then. Take yourself a nap." Nightingale seemed to consider this, but responded with a gentle nod.

"Yes, I suppose I've been working hard enough to deserve a nap." She leaned up and placed a soft peck on Macintosh's cheek, eliciting another (yet unseen) blush. "Fare well, Macintosh! I may visit you later tonight, if you're around." The mare turned about, and made her way off, leaving Macintosh alone once more. Bereft of a conversation partner, he started his trot home.

The walk was thankfully uneventful for Macintosh. As he made it into his home, he was greeted by a thankful sight; no Twilight Sparkle, no Fluttershy, no Pinkie Pie, no Braeburn... this was one of those rare days that he needed. Where he could end the day quietly, with no worries, no concerns, no end-of-the-world terrors, nothing.

It meant he could get some work done and forget the past month.

He removed his coat and set it on the coat hanger, leaving only his favorite shirt on. He made his way out of the farm house and towards the barn, pushing the doors open. Inside was a cart he had been wanting to use for weeks, with several empty baskets inside. Hitching the cart to his yoke, he made his way out past the fields, into the orchards.

For hours, he bucked apples from trees into the baskets. When one basket filled, he started filling another. If all baskets filled, he would return to the shed and grab more. It was technically an off day, but he hadn't actually done any real work since he first went to the Everfree. He needed to work.

For now, it was therapy.

The sun had started to set by the time he finally stopped, and had made his way to the barn to place his last harvesting for the day. The sweat on his face told him he had done good, and the ache in his muscle was the welcome burn of work, not of injury.

As he made his way inside for his dinner, he felt happy. Maybe now, his life could return to some degree of normalcy.

The meal was good. Big Mac expected nothing less from his granny. His cousin would talk about whatever he heard over the course of the day, while Macintosh and Granny would humor him with nods or scold him for bad conversation topics at the table and in front of Apple Bloom. When he was finished with his meal, Macintosh decided to finish the day early and made his way up the stairs of his home, into the upstairs hallway, and towards his bedroom. The door beckoned him with its siren song, promising comfort, peace, a night of rest where he had nothing to worry about. He almost cried tears of joy just thinking of it. Slowly, he reached for the knob. His hoof touched it. He turned.

He heard a knock at the door. His granny was cleaning dishes, Braeburn likely helping, and Apple Bloom likely already off to her own devices. Macintosh let out a sad, defeated sigh. "I got it!" He turned about and made his way back down the stairs, and towards the front door, setting aside his desperate desire for a peaceful sleep and putting a smile on his face as he pushed it open. The smile on his face drooped just a bit when he saw Twilight standing on the other side, though she was quick to step past him and into the house, shutting the door behind them and closing a nearby curtain. He was about to ask her what was wrong, but she spoke before he could utter a syllable.

"Before you ask, can we get to the cellar?" Her voice was tense, and she seemed on edge. "I really, really would like to see what's in the cellar."

Braeburn happened to peak his head in at the time. "Oh? I can show you the cellar!"

"No," she said way too abruptly, but she corrected herself, "No, thanks, but I want Macintosh to show me. The cellar."

Braeburn raised a brow, but smirked nonetheless. "Ohhh, I see. Don't mind me, you two. Just, ah... don't make too much noise?" Macintosh blinked a few times, utterly confused. He lead Twilight towards the basement door, pushing it open. She was quick to hurry in and drag him with her, and close the door back. As the mare hurried down the stairs, he followed, wondering what was going on. She turned to him, igniting a lantern she had pulled from her saddlebag and setting it on the floor.

"We're being watched."

"What?"

"Watched!" Twilight said, waving her hooves around, looking towards both exits. "For the past week, I've noticed things happening. Trees moving around, things in my house being moved, and-and-and--"

"Twilight," he said with a little more firmness than he probably intended. The mare stopped panicking, looking at him, panting and heaving. "Miss Twilight... calm down. Are ya sure yer bein' watched? Maybe ya just moved things around an' forgot about 'em? Maybe wind blew 'em around?"

Twilight grimaced hard. "Oh, sure, what kind of wind is going to blow a globe from one table to another?" Macintosh didn't respond, taking a moment to consider that. "I'm not talking papers Macintosh, I'm talking things that have no business being moved around! Things that have been in the same spots for long periods of time! I found my bedsheets on the floor when I came home from shopping, and books were scattered around!"

Big Mac didn't readily know how to respond to any of that. He imagined she would remember doing these things. He placed a hoof to his chin, tapping a few times in thought. "Well," he said, raising a brow, "Are the elements okay?"

"Yes," she said with a nod and a sigh. "I left them in a special safe only I can open, so I cannot imagine anypony will be able to get to them without pulling that safe from the wall, and even then they'd have a safe they can't gain entry to." Twilight seemed to fall silent for a moment, before she turned from Macintosh and began to pace in small circles. "I've done some research on our other targets... the family of nomads were likely a group of ponies Celestia had run into during her travels. I couldn't find any recorded documents of Celestia having any children or siblings beyond Nightmare Moon herself, but my sources indicate there is a pony who claims to be descended from ancient royalty..."

Big Mac watched this mare pace frantically back and forth as she continued to pace silently for the next few seconds, her eyes on the floor and her mind on matters that seemed above his head. "So," he said with a nod, "How we gonna find 'em?"

Twilight stopped, looking up at Big Mac. "Well, I just have to figure out where our self-proclaimed 'prince' is currently hiding before I can approach him. The nomads might take time without knowing more about them and being able to discern a possible relation..." The next few minutes were quiet. Macintosh simply looked around the room at the various things they kept there; some barrels of cider, Big Mac's work bench and tools, nothing that he hadn't seen before of course. 'This whole thing is way over my head' he thought, trying to ignore the biting feeling of concern he got over the whole scenario.

"Big Mac," said Twilight, drawing his attention back to the mare, "If anypony questions you about anything unusual, like the Elements of Harmony or the castle of the sisters or anything, feign ignorance and come to my house as soon as you are able. Trust nopony, not friends, not family, not Mister Rich or Nightingale, nopony."

Big Mac raised a brow. "Why not trust the Riches?"

"Because," said Twilight, turning to face him, "I'm pretty sure he knows I'm keeping something from him. He's not a bad pony, but he's a shrewd business-pony, and if he learns I'm holding out on him, he'll almost certainly force me to choose between losing the elements or losing access to his resources." Big Mac pondered that for a moment. He supposed it made sense that Rich would want a piece of whatever his help was going into, and while he would normally be happy to oblige in that sort of thing, this wasn't quite something any of them had any right to offer him.

Macintosh turned his gaze back to Twilight, who stared at him with an expression of urgency. She really meant what she said, and he could tell that she took this whole situation seriously. That she took him seriously. Big Mac offered a nod in response. "I won't tell a soul."

"Excellent." Twilight nodded towards him, and sighed a bit, relaxing some, at least as relaxed as she might typically be. The mare made her way up the stairs, and Big Mac followed. As they stepped from the basement, Twilight stopped and looked at something on a nearby shelf; a photo. A very familiar, very dear photo of two ponies. One a stallion of a rust-red color with white-furred fetlocks and muzzle, orange eyes, and a yoke around his neck, and a yellow coated mare with green eyes, freckles, and orange hair. She looked at the photo for a moment, almost entranced.

"My ma and pa," said Big Mac with a nod and a proud smile. "Nicest ponies you'd ever meet..." Twilight stared at that photo for a few seconds in silence. Macintosh looked a the photo himself. He was proud of his parents and loved them dearly, but even now he still felt that twinge of sadness looking at the old photos. He let out a sigh, shaking his head. "An' the best parents that ever were."

A few more seconds of silence passed, before Twilight broke it. "Macintosh... I... I feel I owe you an apology." Big Mac raised a brow in confusion, the ear adjacent to Twilight perking up. "When we first met... I... said some things that were uncalled for. Some things that... having spent time around you, I feel, were wrong."

Big Mac snorted. "Didn't you already apologize for this?"

"I did," said Twilight in acknowledgement, "but it was a forced apology. Fluttershy is... very persuasive..." She chuckled a bit at that, though it was a mirthless one. "... That's why I feel I owe you a more sincere one. It was irrational of me to assume what I did... and you didn't deserve any of it, even if at the time I would have said otherwise."

It was a bit unexpected to hear her apologize as sincerely as she seemed to be able. Big Mac smiled a bit, eyes back on the photo in front of him. "It's alright. I'm used to those assumptions by now." This seemed to make the mare curious, she looked towards him, one brow quirked, the edges of her mouth pulling slightly down. Still, she decided it best not to prod upon that for now. She cleared her throat and nodded.

"Well," she said looking towards a nearby clock, "I suppose I should make my way back before it gets too late."

Big Mac turned his attention to the clock, noticing it was already almost seven. "Ya sure? It'll be dark by the time you get to the mountain." He smiled a bit and gestured towards the stairs. "We got a guest room if'n ya want. Be no trouble."

Twilight suddenly seemed very tense. She placed a hoof on the rim of her hat and cleared her throat. "Ah, no, that won't be necessary thank you. I'll just walk at a canter, I should get home before it gets too late." She sighed a bit, rolling her eyes. "Besides, Spike has been waging war against Owlowiscious lately. Last time I left him alone for the day I came home to find a bunch of toy mice thrown about covered in ketchup."

Macintosh nodded in acknowledgement of her choice. "Well, if'n ya change yer mind, offer stands."

The two walked to the door, and just as Big Mac opened it, they were both taken by surprise to see none other than Nightingale standing on the other side, holding her hoof up as if ready to knock. Big Mac smiled. "Oh, hello Nightingale."

The mare, however, simply stared at Big Mac and Twilight. "Uh... hello Macintosh... I..." Whatever she had ready to say stopped at her tongue, and she paused for a moment before clearing her throat. Macintosh couldn't help but notice the mare was a little tense, leaving him to wonder if she were being watched too. "I... I had something I wanted to say and forgot all about it... I'm sorry if I was interrupting anything...?"

Big Mac simply shook his head. "Not at all. Miss Sparkle was just leavin'."

"Yeah," said Twilight with a nod, before looking to Big Mac and giving another silent nod towards him. "I'll see you when I see you, Macintosh." The mare stepped around Nightingale, and started on her way down the road. Nightingale had her attention once more on Big Mac, smiling, though something about the smile seemed unusual.

"So... Twilight. I didn't know you two were friends?"

Big Mac pondered a moment, pouting his lips. "Well... we're friendly acquaintances..."

"I see, I see..." said the mare, nodding, looking once more down the road. "So... there's... nothing going on between you two?"

Macintosh was confused for a moment, but then it struck on him what she was implying. "Oh! Nope, she's just helpin' me with some things."

Nightingale seemed quiet a moment. He couldn't tell, but Macintosh was certain that for a moment, she seemed almost contemptuous, although it was only for a moment. With a sigh and a nod, Nightingale's eyes were back on him. "Okay... yes, I suppose it was a bit... hasty of me to assume anything. I suppose I was not aware you two had business together and I drew some rather quick conclusions."

"It's alright," said Macintosh, another simple nod to confirm his own statement. "Easy mistake to make."

The two ponies were quiet for a moment, which he assumed was mostly Nightingale trying to gather herself. With another sigh, she turned her eyes back to him and smiled weakly. "... I had come here wondering if you had any plans for tomorrow?" Macintosh seemed confused, to which she held her hoof up. "I wished to invite you to my home for dinner." Big Mac held a hoof up to say something, but the words did not leave him before she could interrupt him. "Before you say anything, it's no trouble. And, I'm afraid that this is just a date for us, so it will be just the two of us. So, does that sound agreeable?"

Macintosh pondered upon it for a moment. Ordinarily, he felt stallions should ask mares to dates, cook for them, etc. However, he also knew he didn't have the coin or the resources she did, so any date he could offer her was novel compared to what she could do. He had momentarily considered rejecting her offer, but then he considered what Braeburn had said before. 'I'm not sure how I feel about her just yet... but I suppose dinner wouldn't hurt. After all, she's a nice enough pony...'

"Alright," he said with a nod, "I'll be there. Just gotta tell Granny."

Nightingale smiled and nodded in confirmation. "Excellent! Shall we say.... seven? Eight?"

"Seven sounds nice."

"Great!" The mare smiled more, leaning forward and placing a gentle peck on Big Mac's lips, though not lingering. She turned and started down the path, off the farm. He watched ler leave, keeping his eyes on her. Once she was out of sight, he shook his head, feeling as if he was waking up from being stupefied. It never ceased to amaze him how every time she was near his whole world seemed to focus on her. Deep down, he pondered if maybe Braeburn was right? What if this was love?

'A mystery for another time' he thought as he made his way back into his house.

The trip back home had been uneventful. Uneventful was good. It meant nothing had happened, and that she was at least relatively safe.

Twilight trod the path of the mountains carefully. She wasn't foolish enough to believe that she was absolutely safe from anything, but she was smart enough to know that if anypony had any intention of doing anything, they likely wouldn't wait long once she was in the mountain. She pushed the front gate to the ancient house open, closing it back behind her as she approached it. 'Only a few more steps' she thought to herself as she came closer to the house. She reached the door, and placing a hoof on it, pressed it open. As she stepped inside, she was quick to shut and bolt the door behind her.

"Safe," she said to herself out loud, with a sigh of relief.

"Why? Something dangerous out there egghead?"

Twilight almost jumped out of her skin and turned to face the one who had addressed her. She was approached by a mare, dressed in a dirty grey coat, a pair of goggles on her head, and a leather vest on her barrel. She was a pegasus, leaning against a wall, eating from an apple (likely stolen from Twilight's pantry) ,although that wasn't the thing that stood out most of her; rather, it was her strange, rainbow-colored mane.

"You must be an heir of the Rainbow family," said Twilight, hoping that she understood enough about pegasus history to land right on the mark. "Cloudsdale Nobility? High blooded pegasi?"

The mare blinked a few times and smirked. "Didn't expect an Earther to know anything about Cloudsdale, let alone about noble families... impressive." She held up the apple she was eating, taking another big bite from it, chewing on it. "So, you know I'm a pretty big deal?"

Twilight grinned inwardly, though she kept her expression level and stoic as she could. "Not if you're down here, you're not."

The mare pursed her lips and gave a nod. "Fair 'nuff. I suppose I did technically lose my title coming down here..." She took another bite from her apple, lacking the common courtesy of not talking with her mouth full, she continued. "You'd think the rules'd be different, but apparently they're actually harsher in this case, because now I'm a shame of my clan."

Twilight grimaced. "You don't sound bothered by this."

The mare laughed, throwing her half-finished apple on the floor. "Why should I be? I chose to come down here." She stepped slowly towards Twilight, her grin calm, relaxed, and yet menacing. She stopped just in front of Twilight, staring the mare in the eyes. "After all, there's only so much fun to be had in Cloudsdale. Down here, I'm only limited by my imagination." She paused a moment, pursing her lips together. "And I suppose the edges of the continent...? I hear it's pretty cold up north too...." She waved a hoof around.

Twilight, however, was feeling more than a little irritated, and an equal measure of worried of why this pegasus was in her home. "Who are you? Why are you here?"

"Who, me?" The mare put a hoof on her chest. "I'm nopony you need to worry yourself about..." She grinned a bit, arrogance seeping into her expression. "I mean, I am a pretty big deal, but that's kinda why you not knowin' is good for the both of us. Last thing we need is you peein' yourself and me having to kill you for knowing too much."

Twilight's expression became dangerous.

"You can try."

The mare grinned at her, meeting her eyes. That gaze, that cold, piercing gaze. Rainbow's grin fell a bit. She shook her head, glaring back. "Look here, egghead, I'm not here to make threats. I'm just here to collect something. Something I'm told you have."

Twilight stared at this strange, rainbow maned pegasus quietly. She had a pretty good idea what she was after, but she didn't want to say more than she had to. Worse yet, no matter what she was after, it would only bring up more questions. How did she know? Who sent her?

"The book," she said, nodding. "Give it to me."

The book? Why would she want the book? As alarms went off in Twilight's head, she recalled Big Mac's story of being attacked by pegasi. 'But those weren't pegasi, they were bat-ponies,' she thought. "What book?"

The mare only rolled her eyes. "Oh for-- really?" Twilight didn't respond. The mare stared at her a moment. "You know very well which book." Twilight was quiet, and she watched the mare's face twist. There it was. Doubt. 'She has no idea what she's even here for,' Twilight thought to herself. She began to devise a plan. It would likely only be temporary, but it would allow her time to consider alternatives, set up defenses, disappear, whatever she had to do.

"The book with the weird, Old Equestrian script, dweeb."

Twilight growled inwardly. She turned to see another mare-- no, wait, that wasn't a mare. It was a gryphon. Dressed in a black, skin-tight jacket with a hood over her head, allowing only her beak and piercing yellow eyes to peak out from it. "Dash, you gotta remember this stuff, otherwise somepony's liable to pull a fast one on you."

Dash rolled her eyes, however, grimacing at the gryphon. "Well, Gilda, thanks for telling her my name first of all. Secondly, I remembered the thing about the letters." She snorted, shaking her head. "All the other books here are either sciency things, chapter books, and the occasional dirty novel..."

Twilight blushed madly. "Wha-you went through my pri--" She stopped, looking around, and leaning inwardly, whisper-shouting. "You went through my private selection!?"

All at once, Twilight was slammed against a wall, the gryphon pinning her with one foreleg and the other holding a dagger. Dash seemed authentically surprised, but the gryphon's eyes screamed horrible things. Twilight's heart beat a million miles an hour as the gryphon stared into her soul with those eyes. "Listen here, trash. We're not playing around. You give us that book, and we leave, and nopony gets hurt. Don't give us the book...?" The knife slashed forward, causing Twilight to yelp as it cut into her cheek. "And we get unpleasant."

"Gilda--"

"Dash, not now," shouted the gryphon without looking back, "we're on the clock, and we can't wait forever for you to talk her into giving us the book!" Twilight looked back to see that Dash seemed... hesitant? But she did not seem like she would step in. Twilight gulped, thinking to herself of her options.

"M-My saddlebag," she said as evenly as she could. "I-it's in my saddlebag..."

"Dash."

Dash walked towards Twilight, and stuck her hoof in Twilight's bags. She was quick to pull out a text, on it's spine letters that neither mare... or... whatever... understood. "This has gotta be it," Dash said, turning it over a bit. "Really kinda... old." She opened the book, eyes scanning over the contents. "Ugh. Can he read this stuff or something? Because it's all written in gibberish."

"Dash," said Gilda tensely, "just take the book so we can leave." Dash simply nodded, putting the book underneath her coat, likely in a hidden pocket, and nodding. "Good." The pressure on Twilight ended, and she fell to the floor with a thud. Gilda nodded towards the lavender mare. "You really are smart. Let's just hope you're lucky and we never have to see each other again."

The gryphon nodded towards the pegasus, and both made their way to the door, pulling it open and stepping out, shutting it back behind them. Twilight watched them leave. She lay there for a few minutes on the floor, and put a hoof up to her face, over her cut. It stung, and as she drew it back, she saw a small spot of blood stain it.

Her first thought was to curl into a ball and cry. However, her second thought halted that before it could begin.

"Spike!?"

Her energy returned, Twilight hopped to her hooves and ran up the stairs. "Spike? Spike!" She shouted her charge's name as she hurried about the house, looking in every room, in her tower, in a broom closet, but no luck. After several minutes, she felt her heart sink. She hurried back down the stairs. "Spike!? Please, say something!"

"Twilight?"

It was faint, but she could hear it. "Spike!? Where are you!?"

She heard sounds coming from the kitchen of pots and pans being moved around, and was quick to hurry in that direction, seeing Spike climb from out of a cupboard, spilling cookery out that he had likely used to hide himself as best he could. The two quickly rushed towards each other, jumping into a strong hug. "Oh Twilight, it was so scary," shouted Spike, tears in his eyes, "I-I heard them arguing in your room, a-and I ran down here and hid in the cupboards, and... and..."

Twilight shushed him gently, holding him tighter and rocking him back and forth gently. "Shh.... it's okay Spike.... they're gone now...."

"I heard you scream..." he whimpered, clutching her coat tighter, "I... I thought.... I....." His mouth moved quietly, trying to find the words, and instead he opted to bury his face into her chest. Twilight gently stroked his back.

"It's okay, Spike," she whispered as assuredly as she could, "I'm fine..." She gulped a bit, ignoring the slight sting on her cheek as her own tears crossed paths with it. "... We're going to be okay... we're going to be just.... fine..."

'But they have the book.'

Those words. She thought these words. She knew they were important. Maybe even more important than she was. Than Spike was.

But at this moment? This was the most important thing in the world to her. She held the small dragon close as he silently cried into her coat.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 14 - In the Dark of the Night A

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"Now remember, ya wanna be polite an' make sure ya pay attention to every word she says! Hang on to 'er like ye'd fall to yer death if ya let go." Macintosh grimaced a bit at his grandmother, lamenting her particular choice in analogy and wondering if it was intentional or accidental. Granny spat on her hoof and brushed Mac's mane down, much to the irritation of the stallion in question. She stared at it in judgement for a few seconds, until it popped back into place like a spring, earning an approving nod from the elder nag. "Also remember, try to talk, but don't overexert yourself. I dunno if she knows about yer condition, but a mare don't need her coltfriend t' give her big long speeches, he jus' has t' say enough t' let 'er know he cares."

Macintosh sighed. "Not technically her coltfriend..."

"Oh hush," said Granny chidingly as she stepped back to appraise her grandson. He was dressed in a blue coat, designed more for appearances than any form of function, with his beloved green bandanna still wrapped around his neck as it always was. "Yer jus' like yer pa was when he was young. 'She ain't my mare friend' he'd say. 'We're just friends' he'd say... then I caught 'em neckin' in the barn!" Macintosh grimaced, trying to avoid any mental images that might conjure up for him. "Next thing ya know, I wake up to the sound of a baby cryin' an' them scramblin' to feed his bottomless stomach!" She stepped beside Macintosh and gave him a pat on the back. "Always wondered where you put it all, you was so dern tiny!"

"It was a delayed reaction," said Braeburn with a nod and a grin, "he got fat as he got bigger."

Macintosh denied his cousin any satisfaction in an expressive response, remaining stoic as always. "I'm not fat."

"Oh hush," said Granny, swatting Braeburn's side before smiling re-assuredly towards Big Mac. "Most of all though, you jus' remember to have a good night, an' be on yer best behavior." Granny stepped forward and gave Big Mac a hug, which he returned. She pulled away and smiled at him with those gentle, caring eyes that a grandmother always seemed to have. A knock at the door, however, brought everypony's attention back to the world. "Aw shucks, you finish dressin' up, an' I'll answer that." Macintosh nodded, turning his attention to the mirror on his grandmother's table and looking himself over. He was certain he had everything he'd need. He had his canteen in his pocket, filled with honey water just in case, and a pocket watch to keep the time. "Big Mac," he heard from downstairs, "You got a guest!"

"Hm?" Macintosh was a bit surprised, as he wasn't expecting anypony to come for him. The stallion gave himself one last quick look over in the mirror, deciding he was good enough as is, before making his way out of his grandmother's room. "Didn't expect her to send for me. Wonder if somethin's wrong?" Big Mac descended the staircase and into the living room to find something that he wasn't really expecting. Twilight Sparkle was sitting on his grandmother's rocking chair, waiting for him, and while he did not consider himself one to be a critique of appearances, she definitely had seen better days. Bags under her eyes suggested she hadn't slept recently, her disheveled mane much the same, and the hat she always seemed to wear even seemed slightly tilted, but when he saw the scar on her cheek, his head started racing with possibilities.

"Twilight? Y'alright?" He moved towards her, looking her over a bit. "Ya look awful..."

Twilight, however, grimaced hard. "Yeah, like you couldn't stand to lose a few pounds." Big Mac winced just slightly, looking off to the side a bit, though Twilight wilted and sighed in dejection. "I-I'm sorry... I haven't slept in twenty four hours, I-I'm not thinking clearly..." The words had stung, though, and Big Mac still seemed visibly hurt. Twilight frowned. "I'm being honest, I-I really am sorry, you look fine, I'm just very, very terrified, and I really, really am sorry..."

As he looked at this mare, this disheveled, shaken mare, Macintosh decided it best to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Salright," he said with a nod and a smile, though his expression shifted quickly back to concern. "Now," he said, his tone gentle enough not to make her tense, but firm enough to let her know he's taking her seriously, "tell me what's wrong? What happened?"

Twilight took a deep breath and let it out as a long sigh. She was silent a few seconds. Macintosh considered re-iterating himself just to be sure she heard, but she spoke on her own. "I was attacked, and the attackers stole the book."

Well, that was certainly not good news. They had worked so hard for that book, after all. Heck, Big Mac had nearly died for it on a few occasions. Still, he turned his attention to what was in front of him right now; he could worry about the book later. "Are ya okay?"

Twilight quirked a brow, seeming confused by his question, though Macintosh couldn't imagine why. "What?"

Big Mac stepped closer, looking her over a bit once more. "Are ya okay? How badly did they hurt ya?" She noticed he was paying a lot of attention to her cut, so she put a hoof on her cheek and brushed it; it had healed for the most part, but Macintosh could tell by looking at it that it might leave a scar.

"How I am is unimportant," she said, shaking her head, "They took the book! The book that could very well lead to Equestria's salvation or destruction! How I am is kind of inconsequential when the safety of Equestria might be in jeopardy, don't you think?" Macintosh stared quietly at her for a few seconds, and she noticed he was frowning. He seemed almost upset at her response even. 'Great,' she thought to herself, 'what did I say this time?'

Macintosh, however, simply shook his head at the mare, placing a hoof on her shoulder. "How ya are is not unimportant at all, Miss Sparkle." Twilight looked up to him, a bit perplexed. This was a book that could possibly unmake the world for all he knew, and he was putting weight on her own well-being? What logic was there in that? What was one pony's life against the whole of Equestria? The world? If she died today, the world would continue to spin, but if Nightmare Moon got hold of that book the same probably could not be said.

Twilight was quiet for a bit, staring at the stallion a few moments. Whatever tension she usually exerted, however, seemed to relinquish a bit as she gulped and looked a little off to her side. "Y-yeah," she said, soft and uncertain, almost bashfully even, in a way Macintosh had never seen her act before; almost vulnerable. "I-I'm fine... a little shaken... kind of scared... little sleepy..."

Big Mac nodded, looking around to make sure they were alone. When he didn't see any of his family members around, he leaned forward and whispered so that only the mare before him could hear. "And Spike?"

Twilight smiled a little, more relief visible than anything else. "He's fine... Pinkie's watching him until I can secure the house. It was tough sneaking him into town without anypony noticing, but I'm used to being sneaky." She gave a light nod to punctuate her point, before looking down at her hooves. "When you mess with the things I mess with, you kinda have to be..."

Macintosh nodded, pulling back a bit, giving Twilight more space. "Now, tell me what happened."

Twilight took a breath and released it as a shaky sigh. She relayed the story to him; her tense and uncertain trip home, the thieves, the injury, the book, everything. When she had told him that one of the thieves was a pegasus, she could see his muscles tense, and the addition of the griffon seemed to confuse him more than anything else. When the story was done, the room was quiet for a few minutes. He reached into his coat and withdrew his flask, opening it and drinking some of the liquid inside to soothe his throat. "This pegasus," he asked, seeming almost cautious as he spoke, "was she...?"

Twilight shook her head in response. "No, she... she was an ordinary pegasus... feathers and all..." Twilight paused at that, then shook her head again. "K-kind of... she's a noble... or a former noble, anyway, from the Rainbow Clan." Big Mac's confused expression was an indicator that he had no idea what she was talking about. Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "I research Pegasus history on top of everything else I study..."

Big Mac nodded, looking off to the side, moving his jaw around nervously. "I see." He was silent for a few moments, before he looked up at Twilight, frowning. "So... what happens now?"

Twilight bit her lip. She seemed as if she hadn't really come up with an answer herself, likely too tired and scared to think properly. "W-well," she said, gulping, "I took notes, and I still have all the information that I could find in the book relating to the Elements of Magic, so I can still find them... but now I'm in a race against somepony else who wants them, possibly Nightmare Moon..."

That wasn't reassuring. It was difficult doing what they had already managed to do, but he figured it would be downright impossible for Twilight do do the rest by herself. "You mean we're in a race against somepony else." Twilight looked toward Big Macintosh in uncertainty. He simply nodded to the mare. "I promised I'd help, an' I intend to do so."

Twilight frowned, shaking her head. "You've done too much already... I-I didn't expect this, it's too dangerous--"

"And that is why I'm going to help," Macintosh interrupted Twilight. The mare stared at him silently, so he decided to continue. "If it's so dangerous, than you doin' it alone won't help nopony. Might even get you hurt. I'd be no kind of stallion to let somepony go off and get hurt when I coulda done something." Macintosh looked towards the window, seeing that it was already too late to be leaving town. "I suggest for safety's sake you don't leave the town 'til tomorrow. Go to a hotel, or stay with Pinkie if ya can."

"Y'all can stay in th' guest room t'night, if it's any help."

Big Mac and Twilight jumped, turning to see Granny smiling at them. The elder mare made her way into the room, chuckling a bit to herself. "Sorry t' eavesdrop, but I heard some of what ya said, an' I jus' can't send a poor girl so frightened outta her gourde out into the streets at this hour!"

Twilight was a bit surprised, and she shook her head a bit. "Oh, n-no, I'd hate to impose--"

"Oh hush," said Granny, waving a hoof at the reluctant mare, "ain't no thang! We Apples are one-a the most hospitable families in all Equestria! Just feel free to take off yer hat an'--"

"No!" Twilight said, perhaps too loud. It seemed to catch Granny by surprise. She giggled nervously, placing a hoof on her hat and straightening it a bit. "N-no, no thank you," she said with a nod, blushing at bit from her own outburst as she cleared her throat, "I-I don't like taking my hat off... not to be rude, but it... it comforts me..."

Big Mac looked to Granny, who stared silently at the mare a moment before shrugging. "Yeah, I hear ya... kinda like Big Mac with that there bandanna 'round his neck." She pointed at the piece of cloth in question. "Never takes it off if he can help it." This urged Macintosh to half-consciously brush his hoof against the cloth that he wore around his neck. Granny saw this, frowning somewhat and looking back to Twilight. "... I guess some ponies jus'... have lil' things that give 'em comfort." Twilight nodded gently, still holding onto her hat. Granny Smith cleared her throat and trotted towards Macintosh. "Alrighty, well, we'll take care'a Twilight here. Y'all go enjoy yourselves." Macintosh nodded, looking towards Twilight who offered a mirthless smile. He frowned a bit, wondering if she was going to be alright, before stepping outside the door with his grandmother's urging. As he stepped outside, Granny Smith sighed happily, watching him trot down the dirt path off the farm, towards the city. She closed the door, stepping inside, and past Twilight, into the kitchen, where Braeburn sat, eating an apple fritter. She pulled him close, much to his surprise, and spoke quietly.

"Brae," she said, trying to make sure he was listening, but continuing on without an answer, "there's a sweet lil' mare in there who's very scared, an' very vulnerable, who could use a nice, strong stallion to sweep 'er off her hooves!"

Braeburn swallowed his bite of fritter, sighing and shaking his head at his grandmother. "I've tried to flirt with 'er, I think she's a lost cause."

"'Cause you act like a dog with a bone, boy!" She swatted him in the back of the head, earning a hiss from him. "Sometimes it's th' simple stuff that matters! Now, go in there an' lead 'er up to the guest room, ask 'er if there's anything you can do for 'er, an' if she needs ya to come find ya! The rest is up t' you to figure out!"

The golden stallion didn't seem entirely convinced, but a shrug and a sigh convinced her he would try. Braeburn stepped out from the kitchen and into the living room. "So, Twilight," he said, trying hard to repress a lot of his usual 'charm'. "Need me to show you to your room while you're staying with us?"

Granny watched as Braeburn and Twilight made their ways up the stairs. She looked away, grinning slyly. "Any luck, by th' end of this night both mah boys'll have mare friends!"

Walking down the now familiar hall of the Rich mansion did not leave Big Mac any less impressed than he was last time. While he still felt he had made the right decision in turning down the Riches' offer, seeing the manor from the inside often left him wondering if it was the best one. 'Eeyup,' he simply thought to himself, 'Apple Bloom doesn't need to grow up spoiled... even if a house like this'd be nice.' Led by a servant into the house, Macintosh was greeted halfway to the dining hall by Nightingale, who seemed almost joyful at seeing him. She wore a purple dress with black trims, her mane pulled up into a bun, with a hint of makeup on her face. "Macintosh," she said happily, curtsying him. He was not used to such treatment, so he responded by bowing just slightly, hoping he was being proper without being overly dramatic. "Sorry I could not greet you at the door, I had to be sure I looked perfect."

"Salright," said Big Mac with a nod, smiling. "You look lovely tonight." Nightingale smiled and nodded in thanks, before turning around and continuing forward. To his surprise, they stepped past the dining hall, and made their way out into the garden of the mansion. There waited for them a table, two plates, and a candle in the middle. Nearby was a group of ponies playing various instruments; the gray mare with the cello struck Macintosh as familiar, but he didn't linger on it. The servant pony seated them both, and Macintosh took a moment to admire his surroundings.

"Is everything to your liking?"

Macintosh looked towards her, seeing the mare staring intently at him with those big, beautiful eyes. He simply smiled. "It's nice," he said. He considered telling her that it was all unnecessary, and that a simple dinner would be nice, but decided against essentially telling her the extra effort was wasted. It wasn't long before a couple of servants were by their sides, filling their glasses with a familiar liquid, asking Macintosh if he needed a side of honey-water (to which he accepted), and making sure they were comfortable.

"The chef will be done with our meals momentarily," said Nightingale, her full attention on Macintosh, "until then, I was hoping that we might converse a little? Just get to learn a bit about each other?" Big Mac smiled a bit at the mare before him. 'She actually wants to get to know me? Maybe she is serious about this whole 'relationship' thing...'

"Well," said Macintosh, nodding, "Why don't you tell me a bit about yourself then?"

Nightingale nodded, sighing a bit and looking up at the stars. "Well," she began, looking as if she were trying to pick a memory or story to tell in her mind, "I'm educated, as you may have well guessed, a graduate of Manehattan University. I grew up admittedly pampered, but never lacking a love for adventure..." She giggled a bit, smiling as the memories seemed to run through her mind. "Why, once, when I was a filly, I followed a turtle around all day just to see what turtles did when nopony was watching."

Macintosh smirked. "Anything happen?"

The mare only smirked. "I watched it get snatched by a bird, likely intent on challenging it's nature-granted shell by dropping it on a rock or something, but nothing more." She waved a hoof dismissively, shrugging. "I like to think myself an artist, skilled in poetry, painting, music, as well as an intellectual, with a fascination in philosophy and history." Macintosh whistled a bit, impressed. He could only imagine being able to do all of that, let alone just bits of it. "I admit, I've never really wanted for anything, but I like to think I'm not a mare of needs. After all, money is a means, not an end."

Macintosh nodded, smiling at the mare. It was nice to get to know more about this mare who, up to this point, seemed to have more carnal interests in mind. After a few seconds of silence, he realized that she was staring at him, smiling, as if waiting for something, though he knew not what. It then hit him she likely wanted him to say something about himself in return, though talking about himself was not something he was used to. "Well," he said a bit nervously, rubbing the back of his neck a bit with a hoof, "Not much t' me... I work on a farm, didn't finish school, an' I play poker with some friends once a month."

Nightingale stared at him silently a few seconds. "So," she said at length, "you never finished school? Why not?"

Big Mac frowned a bit. "My pa died."

Nightingale bit her lip, clearly regretting her choice of questions. "I... I'm sorry, I didn't--"

"Salright," he said, holding a hoof up and smiling at her. "Been years, after all. Neither my pa or my ma would want me t' worry over 'em after this long."

Nightingale, however, seemed to tense up more with this statement. "... Your mother too?"

Big Mac nodded. "Died during child birth... though we kinda suspect it was half because she lost 'er will to live when she lost pa."

If the Rich mare wasn't uncomfortable before, she was now. She shifted visibly, and seemed at a loss for words. "I'm... sorry for your losses..."

"Salright," he said with a shrug, looking at the table for a moment before switching his attention back to her. "Granny was all we had left to tend the farm. Applejack hadn't even gotten her cutie-mark. I was old enough to work, so I decided to quit school an' help Granny." Nightingale looked off to the side, rubbing a hoof over her foreleg. Macintosh grimaced some, looking at his hooves. "Sorry, I reckon that's not th' best story to tell at a date is it?"

"No," she said softly, much to Big Mac's surprise. "It is a great story. I... I just didn't know..."

Big Mac smiled. "Don't talk about it much cause it doesn't usually need to be said." This, however, did not seem to ease the tension. The stallion leaned forward. "Me an' my pa were champions of the six-legged races at our family reunions though." This seemed to make the mare's glum demeanor shift. 'Good, that worked!'

The rest of the night had been a rather great one, at least by Big Mac's standards. The food was delicious, the music was relaxing, and he and Nightingale had such fun conversations. They enjoyed sharing various stories, jokes, and other conversation topics. He had even shared with her a drink of some sort of fancy foreign wine -- it tasted awful, and the two spent a good time talking and laughing about how terrible it tasted, comparing terrible things they've tasted before, while continuing to drink the terrible tasting liquid as if it were some masochistic ritual, laughing and enjoying themselves (and the looks on their faces with each drink) all the while. Eventually, however, it was getting too late, and Macintosh realized that he could not simply stay there all night, enjoyable though his time was being.

"Are you sure you must leave? The night is still young," said Nightingale, a frown on her face as she and Macintosh stood at the front door to the manor. Much as he would like to stay, he knew that he needed to get home eventually.

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a nod. "Got a full day of work tomorrow, and I'd hate to give Apple Bloom any reason to stay awake past her bedtime."

"Before you go," said Nightingale, stepping closer, "Let me give you a parting gift?"

Big Mac frowned, hearing the tone in her voice, the look in her eyes. These were hints she usually gave when she dragged him to hidden places, and each time things got progressively more intimate, and it was hard enough to refuse her advances as it was. "'Gale, I don't think--" She pressed a hoof gently to his lips, shushing him. She leaned forward, and placed a soft kiss on his lips.

She lingered for a bit, but pulled away.

Macintosh blinked a few times, and saw her smiling at him, realizing only now that the look in her eyes was not sultry, but soft. "Of everypony I've ever met, Macintosh... I suspect you are among the most noble."

Big Mac smirked, rubbing the back of his neck. "Shucks, 'Gale..."

"Please," she said, brushing his cheek with a hoof, "if you ever need anything... please come to me. A stallion like you deserves so much more than he gets." Big Mac didn't know if he agreed, but he nodded in acknowledgement. He placed a hoof on hers, smiling down to her.

"I will."

Macintosh bid farewell once more and turned, walking down the path. He looked back to see her wave once more, shutting the door, but watching him until it was closed. As he left the mansion that night, Big Mac found himself looking up at the stars on his trip home. It really was a beautiful night, wasn't it? He smiled at the starry sky, letting his cares drain away. The worries, the fears, the terror of the past month? It all seemed so small now, so insignificant.

He didn't know if he was in love or not, but for some reason, he felt exceptionally happy.

Big Mac walked along the empty streets of Ponyville that night, feeling unusually joyous. Perhaps there was something there? Perhaps. Still, he would not forget his mistakes with Cheerilee. The thought made him frown a bit. 'No,' he thought to himself, 'no reason to think that way right now. Tonight's too good a night to waste on the past.' Raising his head, Big Mac gave a firm nod to affirm this decision, and continued his stroll home. His pace stopped though when he noticed something in the corner of his eye; a familiar orange filly heading into an alley. As soon as he saw her, he felt tense, and curiosity edged into his mind. 'What's that little trouble-maker up to bein' out so late?' Children were all sleeping by this hour, and even he didn't feel particularly safe wandering the streets this late. Big Mac thought for a moment that the wise thing to do might be to let it go...

But what if she did something wrong?

That question burned in his mind. Perhaps he was still angry about her stealing from him, but deep down he knew she was trouble. 'You may have Apple Bloom n' Granny fooled, but not me,' he thought to himself.

Macintosh skulked into the alley she had disappeared in. As he turned the corner, he caught sight of her just turning one herself, and from the brief glimpse he caught he saw she was carrying something. 'Likely stolen,' he thought as he crept along, trying to be quiet but trying not to lose track of the filly. He would follow her through a few twists and turns, enough to leave him wondering where she was going; many of the turns they took seemed to be made to intentionally lengthen the trip, perhaps to confuse pursuers? Did she know he was following? Or was she just cautious? If she was leading him to her home (he could only hope) he would make a point of telling her parents of her misdeeds. The little trouble-maker has a spanking a long time in the making, he knew.

His journey came to an end at a rather unexpected spot. She had led him into a back-alley, somewhere on the edge of the Pegasus District. He followed her, stopping as she turned a corner and peaking past. There, he saw Scootaloo approach a small, rather broken down home that had certainly seen better days. He watched her open the door and step inside, checking behind herself. He ducked behind the corner, hoping she wouldn't notice him. After a few moments of quiet, he slowly peaked back out to see the door had shut, and there was a faint glow in one of the windows. Macintosh quickly, but quietly, made his way to the broken old home, staying low and close to the walls to best avoid suspicion. As he reached it, he skirted along the house's walls until he reached the window. Slowly, he eased himself up to look inside.

And he paused.

The filly sat her scooter against a nearby wall, and set a box that he recognized as one of Pinkie Pie's bakery's boxes on a nearby box. Close to her was a mangy-looking dog that was missing bits of hair and looked like it hadn't eaten in a long time that sniffed at the pie, but amazingly did not touch it, only whimpering a bit, and on the floor was a pile of hay with a simple cloth. "Well, Mister Buttons," she said with a sigh, "I'm just really lucky that the crazy pink baker pony wanted to bake a late night pie, aren't I?" She frowned a bit, rubbing a hoof on her fetlock. "I was gonna steal it but... she just gave it to me. She said I could have it, free of charge, and smiled. She wasn't acting sorry for me or anything, it was like she was just being nice."

Mister Buttons responded with a whimper.

"You're a good dog, Mister Buttons," said Scootaloo with a smile. "You know, I'm going to be honest, I don't have many friends, so it's really nice to have you around. Give me somepony to talk to." Scootaloo looked at the dog, who only stared at her with big sad eyes. "You know, my friend has a dog. Her name is Winona. I bet you'd like her." She giggled a bit, much like a little filly. "I bet you two'd be a real cute couple! Maybe even have cute puppies!" If the dog knew what she was saying, it did not make it obvious. Scootaloo merely sighed. "Yeah, I know, I wish I had a family too."

Macintosh felt his heart sink a bit, and the edges of his mouth pulled down. He let his eyes look over the small hovel again; there was a hole in the roof that likely made it very wet during the rainy season, the walls were crumbling, almost every window in the place was either boarded or broken, and the smell hinted that this place had been used for a great many unpleasant things.

'Where is this filly's family...?

"Well," said Scootaloo with a sigh and a smile, "Let's eat!" She opened the pie box, and reached a hoof to scoop out some of it. However, at that instant, the dog knocked it off the makeshift table and away from her, leaping after it and started eating it greedily. "Hey, Mister Buttons," shouted Scootaloo as she turned after it, "We're supposed to share that!" The dog ignored her, however. She took a step forward, and in that instant, Macintosh's eyes widened in horror as he saw the look on the dog's face. It's jaws bared, it's snarl ravenous.

All at once, the dog was on her. Scootaloo let out a horrified shout and tried to run away, but the dog lunged and grabbed her rear leg and started thrashing wildly. Macintosh jumped through the window, breaking it and cutting himself along the way. Quickly, he rushed forward and struck the dog in the head. It let go of Scootaloo and stumbled a bit, and quick as he could, Macintosh turned around and kicked it with his hindleg, sending the creature tumbling across the room and hitting a nearby wall with a disturbing crack.

His heart was racing as he watched the creature lay limply on the ground. It wasn't moving, and he couldn't even see it breathing. 'D-did I just kill a dog...?' Macintosh felt a bit of guilt well in his stomach. He could barely kill a spider without feeling bad, but a dog? What kind of world was this when pony kills his best friend?

Macintosh's attention turned to the cause of this whole situation. Scootaloo lay on the floor, clutching her hindleg and whimpering. There was a lot of blood on her and on the termite-ridden wood below. He leaned down and looked her over. "How bad are ya...?"

"I-it hurts..." she whimpered, clutching the leg tight. As Macintosh looked it over, he saw that the dog had indeed gotten her deep, perhaps even bitten harder when it was struck. It was grotesque to look at the damaged, torn flesh on the filly's leg, but the sight only served to fuel the fire.

"Can you stand?"

Scootaloo let go of her leg, still whimpering, tears brimming in her eyes. Slowly, she rolled herself to favor the injury, but the moment she tried to pressure the leg, she yelped and fell back, gripping it again. Macintosh looked around the room frantically, seeing only her scooter and a wagon. 'That'll take too much time,' he thought to himself, as well as the mere indignity for the poor filly to be carted around like that, and the idea of running her around in it seemed almost as problematic as it was helpful. He leaned down next to her, close as he could. "Climb on. If it hurts, try to tough it out, we gotta get you to a doctor."

Scootaloo was slow moving, but she did get her hoof on his back. She let out a pained whine as she pulled herself onto his back, her injured leg trailing blood on his coat. He stood up, looking back at her. "I need you to hold on tight as you can. I'll be careful, but the longer we let that linger the more it stands to hurt you, alright?" The little filly merely nodded, breathing with shuddered breaths.

Big Mac hurried from that small house and out into the night. He cursed his lack of familiarity with the general area, and trotted from the alley and into a street. As soon as he got his bearings, he began to consider the layout of the town in his head and the location of the doctor's home. As he turned corners and passed homes, he would look back at the little filly on his back, and noticed she wasn't moving as much and seemed to be acting more sluggish.

"I'm gonna need you to stay awake," he said, worry creeping into his tone, "Whatever you do, stay awake!" The little filly merely nodded slowly, though that did little to cease his worries. After several more minutes of searching, he finally saw a familiar house in the distance. He hurried down the street and towards the familiar house.

Macintosh gave the door a strong, rapid knocking. When nopony answered, he knocked again. "Doc," he shouted, panting and heaving, "I got an injured foal here! Lemme in!" He looked back at Scootaloo. "How you holdin' up?"

But she didn't answer.

His eyes widened. "Scootaloo? Say somethin'!" But she continued to be silent. The door opened quickly, and once the doctor saw Macintosh and the filly, his eyes widened.

"Oh sweet mercy, get her in here right away and onto the couch!"

Macintosh was quick to get into the house, making his way towards the couch and gently easing Scootaloo onto it. The doctor rushed to her side and looked her over. "What happened!?"

"Dog bit her," said Big Mac in a raspy voice, his throat burning from the shouting.

"Oh dear..." The doctor leaned down and placed his ear close to her mouth, placing a hoof on one of her fetlocks. "She's still alive but she's clearly lost a lot of blood, gotta move fast!"

The doctor hurried across the room, gathering together various items from his desk and other spaces Macintosh couldn't keep track of. He kept his eyes on the little filly on the couch. Her breathing was so weak it was hardly noticeable, and much of her coat was darkened red by her own blood. This filly whom he practically hated since this had all begun was so horrifically injured. Barely alive.

And Macintosh had antagonized her ever since he met her.

His guilt would have to wait for later as the doctor returned to the filly. "Now, if you can hear me, this is going to sting..." The pony poured some disinfectant on a cloth and brought it down against the wound. Scootaloo only winced; something Macintosh knew was a small reaction with her particular wound, and it only served to raise his fears of her chances. The doctor then took and put another liquid on it; likely a numbing agent. As Scootaloo's expression relaxed, Big Mac felt worry overtake him more, uncertain if that was good or bad.

Big Mac spent several minutes pacing back and forth, glancing occasionally towards the doctor and the filly. He had to turn away when it came to the suturing, admittedly having a weak stomach and fearing throwing up would complicate matters. Soon, the wound was stitched up, and the doctor was taking another chance to look her over.

"Well, she won't likely get an infection, and we've done what we could," said the doctor with a sigh, looking at the filly with worry, "but she lost a lot of blood, and the injury looked pretty nasty..." He looked towards Macintosh, his expression one of concerned professionalism as Macintosh had ever seen. "She's in no condition to be moved around. She'll have to stay here overnight, and I'll watch her, make sure she improves."

Big Mac nodded. "Th......y...." His mouth moved to the words 'thank you', but nothing came out. His throat hurt too much. In all the stress, he might have taxed himself a bit more than he realized.

The doctor frowned. "Voice die on ya?" Big Mac responded with a quiet nod. The doctor merely sighed. "Follow me to the kitchen. I'll fix you a drink."

Macintosh had drank tea with the doctor for an hour. The doctor had asked him several questions; where he found her, what happened to the dog, if it looked rabid... he had told him everything, although he decided to leave out that he had followed her thinking she had stolen something and simply supplied that he had wondered why she was out so late (it wasn't technically lying). The doctor would check on her every fifteen minutes, and would always report she was still alive, though critical. Macintosh himself would look into the room at the poor little filly once in a while. The doctor had placed a blanket on her and given her a pillow, trying to make her comfortable. The more Big Mac looked at the filly, the more he felt guilt burn inside him.

"Would you like to rest here for the night? Make sure the filly gets better?"

Big Mac looked towards the doctor, shaking his head. "No, that won't be necessary." The doctor merely nodded, and Big Mac sighed, looking back at that little filly. "You think she'll be okay?"

"Who can say," said the doctor, his tone uncertain. "She looks to be in pretty poor condition... so it's really out of our hooves for now."

"Oh..." said Big Mac, frowning.

"Do you know her family? Certainly they would like to know."

Big Mac continued to look at the filly, his heart sinking a bit.

"No..."

The doctor responded with a quiet nod, looking at the filly again. "I suppose," he said with a sigh, "that if nopony comes looking for her or something, then I shall notify you of her condition tomorrow?"

"I would like that..."

As Macintosh said goodbye, he gave one last look at the little filly. That poor, broken little thing on the couch, clinging to life. The mere sight of her brought pain to his very core. Guilt. Self-loathing.

'I'm so sorry...' he thought to himself.

As he left the doctor's house and wandered back into the streets, he could only focus on that empty pit in his stomach, a guilt he couldn't place, and could not ignore.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 15 - In the Dark of the Night B

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The night was long, and it was uncomfortable. That was all she could think as she tossed and turned. It was annoying at first, but now it had become all consuming. Earlier, it had been difficult staying awake, but now she could not sleep to save her life.

All she wanted was a little sleep.

Twilight grimaced hard as she finally felt the urge to give up seep in. She sat up in her bed, and reached to the side, picking up her hat and placing it over her head, situating it just right. Looking at the nearby curtains, she could tell that it was still dark outside, though there was a small amount of light that made her wonder if the sun was already coming up. Twilight silently cursed her luck and the undoubtedly harsh day she was looking at at this point. 'Why is fate so cruel? Is sleep so much to ask?' With a defeated sigh, Twilight eased herself from her bed, putting her blouse on as well as her waistcoat, and taking a moment to adjust her hat to make sure she was presentable. Confident that she was at her best, Twilight trotted towards the door that lead into the hallway, unlocking it and pushing it open. Any thought, any course of action she had planned ceased to be in that instant.

Twilight stared in abstract confusion and uncertainty as she beheld the halls of the Apple home; pristine just hours ago, they were now damaged and broken, muted in color and life, as if neglected for a long period of time. The pictures of friends and family that once hung proudly from the walls were tilted, or had fallen completely from their spots on the wall onto the shredded, detritus covered floor below. The floors creaked in protest to every step, as if the next one might cause the boards to split on a whim and send her plummeting to the floor below. Many thoughts raced through Twilight's head, but there was one that quickly became prioritized in her mind.

Twilight had to find out if any of the Apples were okay, and perhaps discover what had occurred.

Twilight gingerly stepped towards Braeburn's door, which was situated right next-door to the guest room she had occupied last night, and held a hoof up, ready to knock, though she paused. She had no idea what was behind that door, if it was friendly, or if anything was indeed behind that door at all. Logically, there could be nothing in there, but logically the Apple house should have been in the same condition it was in when she fell asleep. Slowly, Twilight took hold of the knob with her hoof and turned. Slowly, gently, she pushed it open and, with no shortage of caution peaked inside the room. It was empty, however, with only the bed broken, the window shattered, and various odds and ends scattered about that may have hinted a pony might have once occupied this space. Twilight stepped inside the decaying room, looking it over for something of use; clues, hints, anything that might answer her increasing list of questions. When she had deemed it empty of anything useful, Twilight stepped back out and made her way towards Apple Bloom's room. It too was empty, sans the damaged bed, a broken closet, and a few bows laying about the floor. The same with Granny Smith's room, though without the bows.

Twilight stepped from the Apple matriarch's room and looked towards the last door. Her heart seemed to beat faster as uncertainty overwhelmed her. Slowly, Twilight approached Big Mac's room, reaching a hoof to the door. She was surprised to find that the door was not only not locked, but opened a crack. Her heartbeat quickened, and she felt her body shake as she slowly pushed the wooden gate open. What she saw here was a bit different, however, from the previous rooms; the wall was broken out, exposing the room to the elements, a chunk of the floor missing, exposing the floor below, with the broken bed and mattress laying over the damaged remains of whatever had been down there. Outside, the grass was dark and dead, the sky blotted out by ominous clouds, and all of the trees in the orchards were skeletons of their former selves, black, rotted, and barren of leaves or fruit. What stood out the most, however, was the words painted on the wall in red paint.

ALL MY FAULT

Twilight's jaw moved wordlessly as she slowly backed out of the room. This was getting surreal, and she was now very, very worried. Twilight made her way down the hall quickly, and down the stairs, into the living room. It was in much the same state of neglect as the upstairs, with the furniture damaged and broken, bits of debris laying about and various nicknacks littering the floor. As she stepped past the couch, Twilight noticed something in the corner of her vision, turning to see a small skeleton laying on the sofa with a tattered old cover over it, as if to keep the remains from the cold. Her heart sank at the sight of it, and she backed into a nearby wall, feeling her stomach lurch in protest. Turning, Twilight made her way out of the house, seeing the outside world once again. Looking in the horizon, she could see Ponyville. The gray skies made it seem so much duller, almost forboding at this distance, but she couldn't imagine how it could be any worse than where she was.

Without so much as a second thought, the mare made a mad dash down the dirt path towards town. Her heart raced in fear and anxiety as she took in the rest of the orchard; the barn was mostly fallen in on itself, the fence was broken in places, and she passed cow bones that seemed as if they had stopped to rest on the side of the road. As Twilight stepped into the town proper, however, her fears did not wane as she was greeted by crumbling homes with boarded windows, cracked and broken streets, the broken remains of carts and stalls, and the occasional bone.

"Is anypony here?" She shouted at nothing, but nothing answered in kind. "Macintosh? Braeburn? Pinkie Pie? Anypony?" Silence returned to her. Twilight started to breath faster, and she shook her head in denial as she hurried from house to house, looking in windows in the desperate hope to find somepony, anypony to break the lonesome. She was rewarded with more skeletons, bones of dead ponies, many huddling in corners, hiding under tables, or simply laying against the walls, some grouped together, likely families, waiting for whatever end had come to them, or otherwise looked to find the homes empty and damaged as if whoever had lived there had fled in a hurry.

Twilight ran once more, reaching the next stop on her mental list of places to go; Pinkie's bakery. As she reached the store that was shaped as if it had been made from the very sweets it sold, Twilight knocked on the door frantically, her patience and sanity wearing thin. "Pinkie Pie! I want in! Can you hear me?" But nopony answered. Twilight was growing frustrated and worried by the second, and was sure that any moment her heart would give out, so she did the only sensible thing she could think of. "Pinkie Pie, I'm coming in!" Without further warning, she pushed the door open, stepping into the bakery, and was greeted by the worn remains of the once colorful walls, which had lost much of their luster like the rest of Ponyville, and in similar fashion was broken, battered and damaged almost beyond recognition. She hurried, fast as she could, past the broken counter and up the stairs to the second floor, making her way to Pinkie's apartment. She pushed on the door, expecting it to give in easily, but her efforts were met with resistence; something was pushing back. Hoping against hope, Twilight banged against the door with her hoof as hard and loud as she could. "Pinkie!? Pinkie Pie, let me in! It's Twilight! Please, let me in!"

But nopony answer.

Twilight scrunched her nose and pushed once more, but the door would not budge. Desperate, she pushed harder and harder, trying to place as much of her strength as she could into the door. She heard a screech, and slowly the door gave way, until finally something fell over and she tumbled into the room at the same time as hearing the crash of a shelf falling over and breaking glass on the floor. Twilight stood up and dusted her blouse before adjusting her hat, making sure it hadn't fallen off her head, and turned her attention to the room. Whatever hope she might have had drained as her heart sank at the sight of a pony skeleton, wearing a tattered pink, yellow and blue dress laying on the floor with the bones of a small animal cradled in its arms almost protectively. Twilight stepped towards the bones, her lip trembling as she tried to process the weight of the situation, though she soon noticed that words had been painted on the walls here, much like at Big Mac's house.

FORGIVE ME

Twilight stared in disbelief at the sight before her, and slowly she backed away from the bones, before quickly turning and fleeing the apartment, the bakery, into the streets of Ponyville once more. The more she saw, the more she felt herself unravel. The more decay and destruction she bore witness to, she felt herself die a little inside. She hurried once more, rushing past houses and buildings, into the noble district. If the rest of Ponyville was a shadow of its former self, this place was almost unrecognizably so, as once glorious and beautiful homes were now collapsing into themselves in such manners that they were about on par with the Old District on a bad day. She had one destination in mind, however, one place of refuge. Things were grim, but hope may yet lie in that place, that last sanctuary.

As she rushed past the broken gates, Twilight set her sights on the aged remains of Rich Manor. To its credit, it was in better condition than the rest of Ponyville, standing firmly tall as a lord among the dead, despite being in a fair state of disrepair itself. Twilight pushed the doors open and stepped into the house, having decided to set pleasantries aside for the time being. "Rich? Rich! Rich, are you here!? What happened!? Where is everypony!?"

Once more, only silence answered back.

At haste, Twilight rushed up the stairs to the second floor, down the halls of the manor, and towards Rich's study. She pushed the doors open and hurried into the room, but skid to an immediate halt. There was no sign of Rich in the slightest; the massive window that lit the room was shattered open, books and papers littered the floor, and Rich's various trophies seemed either damaged, scattered, or missing. What little hope Twilight had left seemed to fade away. Nopony had been in this house for a while.

As Twilight stepped from the broken mansion, she felt a deep, burning pain in her chest and a profound sense of loss. The whole world was broken. It was as if there was nothing left, as if anything and everything was gone or dead, and had left behind only the barest hint that anything had ever been here in the first place. Twilight took a few tired, weary steps from the house, but her strength quickly left her, and she dropped to her haunches, staring at the skeleton of the world in shock.

"It's all gone..." she said to nopony in particular. Saying the words out loud made her hurt in ways she could not even fathom. Her eyes began to burn slightly, and she felt her body tremble at the realization. The urge to simply lie down and die was overwhelming. What reason was there to go on? "It's... all gone...." she said, quietly.

"Not all of it. Just a lot of it."

Twilight nearly jumped from her skin in surprise, looking in the direction the voice had come from. Near her, standing in the door to the house she had just stepped from was a strange figure, wearing a cloak that hid her features, though she could tell it was at least vaguely pony-shaped. Slowly, the figure stepped forward, though Twilight did not move. She had seen too much as was. What left was there to lose? "What happened...?"

The figure did not respond immediately, simply turning to look out over the dead and poisoned land. "At it's beginning? Nightmare Moon happened. Of course, as with all tragedies, she was not the end. Many problems arose afterwards, old evils rose from their ancient tombs and prisons, killing and destroying the land, bringing war and turmoil among its population. Her return simply marked the beginning of the end."

Twilight's stared out with the figure, cold and empty. Nightmare Moon was not even the big evil? There were worse things at hoof? Did she ever even have a choice? "... Why did all of this happen...?"

"Because," said the figure, her voice calm, gentle, and yet firm, "you died."

This response confused Twilight, and she dared to look towards this mystery creature. "I... I died...?"

"Yes," said the figure, stepping forward a bit, down the dirt path that lead from the Rich estate, "you died, because you decided you needed to work alone." The initial shock slowly vanishing and her curiosity peaked, Twilight pulled herself up from the ground and gave chase after the figure.

"But why would my death do this?"

"The path to Hell is paved with good intentions." The figure paused, looking back at Twilight, who stopped herself once she had caught up. "And you hold the best of them in your heart. You intended to leave the Apple home alone the next morning, did you not?" Twilight did not respond, simply staring back at the figure with an empty gaze. "You did leave that morning. The fear of the previous days had left you fearful of bringing harm to others, and so you sought to finish the work yourself, facing powers beyond your breadth of knowledge. Powers that both outrank and overshadow you. And when you finally met those powers, they wiped you from the board."

Twilight looked from the hooded being back to the broken world. Her heart raced, but the rest of her did not seem to acknowledge it. "This is all my fault?"

"No," said the mare in a gentle, sympathetic voice, before turning her gaze off into the distance. "It is her fault." Slowly, she lifted a grey, withered hoof, and pointed in the distance. Twilight followed where she had gestured and squinted. Just beyond the hills, small enough to miss, but big enough to see, she saw it, on the mountain that once bore her own home, built into the side was a massive, black fortress, dark clouds seeming to form around it as if to give warning of what lie inside, a seemingly endless thunderstorm brewing above it.

"Nightmare Moon," said the figure, her voice tense and on edge. "She grew in power, in wealth, and amassed an army the likes of which Equestria had not seen in a thousand years, formed of creatures that had long lived in the shadows, in secrecy, and in fear. An army that she promised a new future, a future without fear, where those loyal to her could walk the streets tall and proud, and only be judged for their loyalty to her." The hooded figure looked back towards her once more, and Twilight felt her stomach tighten as she returned the gaze.

"... Were any of them....?" She did not want to ask, and worse yet, she feared she already knew the answer. The hooded figure was quiet for several minutes. "Oh..."

"They chose what they thought to be the lesser evil," said the figure, solemnly. "Many blame ancient and forgotten Celestia for their woes and the decay of harmony. I cannot say I would not understand why many would choose to side with her ancient enemy if she offered them the freedom they so craved." Twilight did not respond. She couldn't. There was so little left in her to do that with, that she feared letting it go. "There are those who followed your example," said the figure, though her tone did not seem reassuring. "Ponyville burned for their actions. The mares who followed you to the castle, the Apple family... almost everypony in Ponyville... all killed with spears and arcane fire to make an example."

"Why," said Twilight, allowing a single tear to roll down her cheek.

"Because," said the figure, "that is where their resistance was. All your friends rallied together, continuing your mission. As far as Nightmare Moon was concerned, the rest of the town was guilty by association." The hooded figure sighed, looking towards Twilight, who could almost feel a sadness emanating from the shadows beneath the cloak, even if there was no visible face to judge that from. "I'm afraid I have one more thing to show you..."

When Twilight blinked, she was startled to find she was not near the Rich mansion as she was before. Instead, she was in a grand, dark hall, with purple banners hanging from the walls with a moon emblazoned on them. Torches that burned with eldritch blue fire lit the area, although it seemed to make the room only more terrifying by expanding the shadows of empty suits of armor. On the far wall was a painting of a black-coated mare with a massive horn and a grand set of wings. The hooded figure moved past Twilight, whose attention followed her as she stepped into a random door, and with no other idea of how to continue, Twilight followed the mare. The two ponies walked a long, dark hall that seemed to exist merely to fill space, and they soon approached a stairway that lead down into a dark sub level of the castle, which they had taken at a leisurely pace.

They came into a room that Twilight could easily recognize as a dungeon from ancient times, complete with various cells and torture implements scattered about. She scanned the room, seeing almost all the cells were too dark to look into, though the various little sounds suggested there were indeed ponies... or other things... inside them. As she scanned, she noticed that there was a light cast on a single occupant at the far end of the room who seemed to be hanging from the wall by shackles. She looked towards the hooded figure, who only offered a nod. Twilight turned and, slowly, began to make her way toward the mystery pony on the wall. As she drew closer, she noticed that what was before her was a stallion, and though she could not place it, he looked familiar, although he was thin and emaciated as if he hadn't been eating well, if at all. His coat was a dull red color, with small bald patches here and there, his mane long and messy, hanging over his face. As she drew closer, she noticed his body was covered in lines; scars where fur did not grow back, signs of torture and abuse that had not fully healed or had not done so properly.

"Excuse me?" Her voice was quiet and timid, as if afraid he would shout at her, but alas, the stallion did not respond. "E-excuse me...?" Still nothing. Twilight gulped nervously, stepping forward, and bending down, looking underneath all the hair that blocked his face. At first she couldn't tell who she was looking at, but slowly realization dawned on her. Twilight stepped back, placing a hoof over her mouth and widening her eyes. She paused for a few moments before stepping forward cautiously, placing a hoof under the stallion's chin and lifting it, using her free hoof to brush his mane from his eyes so she could see his face.

Staring back at her was a scarred, damaged face with white freckles with milky eyes that seemed vaguely green that seemed to gaze off into the ether. He was almost hard to recognize through all the damage, but something about him was unmistakable.

"Macintosh," she whispered, feeling herself get a little dizzy. If he heard her, he did not respond. In fact, he did not seem to react to her at all. Twilight placed a hoof over his neck and saw that he still had a pulse, and was still breathing, albeit weakly. He yet lived, and yet she could see nothing alive in him.

"This poor thing's mind has long since been lost. To torture, starvation, and the depraved needs of his queen." The mysterious being stepped beside Twilight, her gaze on the stallion on the wall. "After you disappeared, he continued to live happily for a while, caring for his family. He might have lived a full, happy life had Nightmare Moon not begun her conquest." The mare rose a withered hoof, placing it gently on his cheek and brushing it, though he did not seem to react to her touch at all. "This brave soul fought her once her darkness came to Ponyville. He lead his friends... your friends... into war. He could not find you or the Elements, and so he tried to rebel against her with numbers. In time, this lead him to trying to challenge her directly. He fought through many of her warriors, spilling much of his own blood to reach her." The figure bowed her head. "He wouldn't have stood a chance at full strength, much less considering he was half dead when he reached her."

"And now, she keeps him as a trophy, tortures him daily, beating him, starving him, and using him for more base desires, trying to break his spirit, trying to make him swear fealty to her, beg her forgiveness... but she will never get it." The figure looked toward Twilight. "Not because he is strong, because she had broken this stallion long ago... no, she will only ever get silence, because this poor creature cannot speak. He cannot speak the words she wants to hear, the words she promises will free him from his torment." The hooded figure bowed her head, almost solemnly. "Unable to give her the only thing that would relieve him of his suffering, his spirit and his will disappeared, and all the while, the Nightmare does not realize she has been torturing, violating and starving an empty shell for several months for a response he can never give her." Twilight's eyes began to burn. Her mouth moved wordlessly, and slowly, she reached a hoof forward, placing it on the side of his face. For a moment, his milky eyes seemed to look up to her. She wondered if anything of him was left, if even a fraction of the stallion still remained. Big Mac's jaw moved, his lips looking as if they were trying to form words which could not leave his mouth. Twilight noticed he was saying the same thing over and over, and so she tried her best to read his lips.

'All my fault.'

Twilight stepped backwards and wavered a bit as she watched Macintosh wordlessly mouth those words over and over again, staring at nothing with that sad, empty, soulless gaze. She stumbled and fell on her haunches, staring sadly at the broken shell of a stallion in front of her. The hooded figure turned to face her, being certain to not block Twilight's view of Macintosh. "Just a week ago, he stopped eating what little scraps she offered him. He no longer even has the will to live. Soon, this stallion will die of starvation. Only then will he be free. Only then will he escape the torment."

Twilight lay down on the floor and curled into a ball, huddling her legs close to her, and began to shake. It was all too much. Ponyville, her friends, her family... it was just too much to bear. None of this was right. She let loose a rattled breath, squeezing her eyes shut. "But why...?"

"Many things," said the hooded mare, looking at Big Mac. "The most recent reason was to avenge the death of his friends and family. But it all began because of you." Twilight did not budge from her spot, but continued to listen. "He blamed himself for getting you involved. Every time he thought of you, he told himself that had he not brought you that book, you would yet live. He might have found another way. He might have saved Equestria without endangering you. He failed you in his mind, and blamed himself for every failure that resulted." The mare looked to Twilight. "The burdens of an entire nation were his fault. It is something he thought every night before he went to sleep. And now, it's the only thought left in him, and will be so, replaying over and over again in his mind, without end, until his heart stops beating."

Twilight's chest began to shudder and shake as she drew breath, curling tighter, blocking her ears. "No more," she begged in a cracked, broken voice as tears trailed down her cheeks. "Please, I can't take anymore..."

"You are right when you say one pony's life is as nothing to the greater good," continued the figure.

"Please..." she sniffed.

"But one pony's life can make all the difference. One pony's life can mean the world."

"I'm begging you..."

"This is an enemy the likes of which you cannot face alone. Only through harmony will the world be saved. Your friends dying by your side is terrible... but it is a mercy against what they will face if you die alone."

"I said no more!"

Twilight sat up quickly, glaring at a wall of wood. She paused, and quickly looked around herself, suddenly noting that she was not in a castle, but back in the guest room of Sweet Apple Acres, laying in the bed she had fallen asleep in. Twilight felt her head to find her hat was not there, and saw that it still sat on a nearby table, waiting for her. She looked down to see she was wrapped in covers, if only partially so as they had shifted about. She looked at her pillow to find that it was damp, urging her to bring her hooves up over her face, to find that her cheeks and eyes were soaked. She panted heavily for a few seconds, slowly asserting that this was indeed real. Twilight rubbed her eyes, drying the moisture from them.

"It was all a dream," she told herself quietly.

Slowly, she pushed herself up and from the covers and bed and, grabbing her blouse and putting it on, followed by her hat, she made her way to the bedroom door and reached for it, though she paused, her hoof on the knob, but unable to turn, not by force, but by fear. The last time she had opened this door, she was privy to a world of death. To horror beyond horror. Nervous and reluctant, she slowly turned the knob, and pushed the door open.

The halls were dark and empty, and it was quiet, but she could hear the ticking of a clock downstairs, something she hadn't heard last time. What she could see of the walls were in relatively fine condition, pictures hanging in their proper places, slightly tilted at worst, and none of the wear and tear one would associate with long periods of neglect. Twilight stepped from the room, closing the door quietly behind herself in the hopes to not disturb or jinx the situation. She made her way down the hall, and down the stairs, into the living room to see that it too was dark and hard to see in, the rest of the Apples likely having gone to bed to be ready to get up early the next day. Twilight walked to a nearby oil lamp that sat on a table and lit it up to illuminate the room, which she could now clarify was in great condition, whole, unharmed.

Twilight was silent at first, but let out an involuntary laugh of relief after the realization fully sunk in that everything was fine. "It was just a dream," she whispered to herself, brushing wetness from her eye, a shudder running through her body from the sheer joy to see everything was fine. There were no filly bones on the couch, the windows were unbroken, and though it was likely too dark outside for her to see, she was almost certain that if the pattern held true, Ponyville would be there. Twilight relaxed, feeling as if a grand weight was lifted from her shoulders.

Then the sound of the door creaking open caught her attention.

Twilight turned her attention, slightly startled by the sudden intrusion to see Big Macintosh standing at the doorway. She cleared her throat, trying to collect herself and to maintain some air of dignity, until she noticed his current state in the lamplight. The stallion's coat was stained in something dark that seemed to be smeared all over one side, as were his front hooves, his clothes looked slightly messy as if he had been in a fight, and the frown accompanying the slight shimmer in his eyes reflecting from the light of the lantern brought any relief she felt to a halt. Macintosh simply nodded to her. "Miss Sparkle," he said in a tired, cracked voice. Macintosh then turned his attention to the stairs and made his way up to the second floor.

As she watched him ascend, Twilight caught sight of his back, which had yet more dark stains smeared all over it. The mare stood there silently for a few minutes, alone in the living room, her mind trying to comprehend what was going on. She wondered if she should follow, if she should see what was wrong. After all, it was his business, and if it was important she figured he'd say something, right? It wasn't that she was heartless, simply that she had no idea what the context of the situation was.

Twilight considered for a moment to just leave him to his thoughts, but then she remembered just a few hours earlier, how he had been concerned enough to ask her about herself. 'He went insane for you in an horrific dream future. The least you could do is talk to him.' Twilight frowned slightly towards the staircase, questions now churning in her head. 'All it takes is one pony.' With a sigh, Twilight nodded to herself to affirm her choice of action.

Twilight made her way up the stairs after Macintosh. She moved slowly through the hall, ear pirked, trying to see if she could hear something. She remembered where the guest room was, and where Braeburn's was. Deciding to take a guess, she stepped towards the door just past Braeburn's, to find that it was slightly ajar. Raising a hoof, she tapped on it. "Macintosh?" Nopony answered. "Mind if I come in?" No response. "I'm coming in." Twilight gently pushed the door to the room open, and the first thing she was was the stallion in question, sitting on the edge of his bed, his face in his stained hooves, his coat hanging from a nearby chair.

"Macintosh...? Are you okay...?"

Big Mac didn't respond immediately. He let loose a rattled sigh, clearly shaken about something, though Twilight had no idea what. Twilight stepped closer, hoping she wasn't being disrespectful. "Lil' filly," he said, his voice weak and scratchy, "got mauled by a dog." That was certainly unpleasant news, and admittedly only stepped further with Twilight's field of understanding.

"I'm sorry to hear that..." she said quietly, not knowing what else to say to this shaken stallion, who remained silent for a minute or so before shaking his head and huffing.

"She stole apples from me. Called 'er a thief. Made friends with Apple Bloom, an' I chased 'er away, forbade my sister from talkin' with 'er." He lowered his hooves from his eyes, staring down at the ground. Twilight leaned down to get a better look at his face, but he looked off to the side. "Caught 'er sneakin' around. Thought she was up to trouble. Followed 'er, an' found 'er alone. No family, nothin'... just a dog." Macintosh shook his head and let loose a mirthless, sad chuckle. "Stupid, mangy dog... prob'ly trusted it ta fill a void in 'er life..." He looked up to Twilight. He was silent for a few seconds, but she saw his lips start trembling, and his eyes becoming wetter. "Prob'ly never thought it'd attack 'er for a pie..."

Twilight stared silently at Big Mac, her jaw moving wordlessly. He shook his head, looking off to the side. "I-is she okay...?"

"Don't know," he said, his voice starting to grow weaker. "Got 'er to a doctor. Did what he could, but..." He shook his head once more, looking off to the side and releasing a frustrated, rattled sigh. Twilight looked at her hooves for a moment, not sure what to say to him. This was not admittedly something she knew a lot about, as the most she had ever had to do was comfort Spike after a nightmare or, more recently, after a scare. She looked at Big Mac again though, and despite his attempts to look away, she could tell it was hurting him deeply. He looked so tired, so much older than he normally did; he was torn up inside. Just looking at this stallion, she felt something strange tug at her. An odd and unusual urge, but one she decided was best to follow.

Twilight took a seat next to Big Mac on his bed, turned so she was facing him, and she wrapped her forelegs around him gently and pulled him close. He tensed at first, probably surprised by the gesture, but slowly, he eased up, and wrapped his forelegs around her, lowering his head over her shoulder. Twilight felt his grip tighten, and then felt his body tremble and shudder as he released another shaky breath. She didn't know what to say. This was all she knew to do right now. When she heard the stallion sniffle, she decided maybe it was all she needed to do. Maybe this was all he needed right now. Twilight considered her dream for a moment. How the strange being had told her about how one pony could make all the difference, even if they were only so big in the eyes of the universe.

Twilight had considered leaving that following morning to continue her quest alone, leaving the Apple family, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, and even Spike behind so that she could endure the dangers alone.

That had been her plan. But sometimes, plans change.

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 16 - New Information

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Twilight had spent an hour with Macintosh the previous night trying to comfort him. She stayed with him until he finally fell asleep, making sure he had somepony to speak to if he needed it. It was not something she was used to, comforting a hurt pony, but she felt a little proud of herself for at least calming him down. If nothing else, she thought, she might have a future in psychology.

When she woke up the next day, however, Twilight was surprised to find the entire Apple family already up and about. She supposed it made sense, seeing that they were a farming family, though the very moment she saw Macintosh she could see the uneasy look on his face. He had washed his hooves and dressed in clean clothes, but the look on his face was one that said that he still felt unclean. Twilight would see him steal glances at a clock once in a while, and anytime anypony asked him what was on his mind, he would simply say 'nothing' and be done with it.

After breakfast (which Granny had insisted she eat), Twilight was back in the guest room trying to decide her next move. When Macintosh seemed ready to talk, she would approach him for his own ideas on the matter. While she wanted to return to her house, she was a bit terrified of the prospect, fearful that if she did return, they would be waiting for her again. A knock at her door drew her attention, so she made her way towards it and pulled it open, revealing a nervous Big Mac.

"Macintosh," she said as politely as she could with a nod, "is there something I can assist you with?"

Big Mac was quiet for a bit, looking at the nearby wall. "About last night," he started, grimacing hard at the thought of it. Twilight smirked, shaking her head at the stallion.

"It's okay, think nothing of it."

"No," he said, shaking his own head in response, "you... you helped comfort me while I was in a bad place... an' I appreciate that highly... and please don't be offended, but I also didn't really expect it of you."

Twilight couldn't help but chuckle at this. Sure, it sort of assumed she was cold and heartless, but she supposed that given their past interactions she hadn't given him much reason to believe otherwise. "It's okay," she said, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "As long as you're feeling better, that's all that matters."

"Actually," said Big Mac, clearing his throat. "... I... was kind of hoping that you'd follow me to see the filly?" Twilight seemed confused by the question, raising a brow at the stallion who seemed almost unsure of himself. "... I... I'll be honest... I'm scared..."

Twilight frowned at this. "... You're afraid she won't be alright?" Macintosh didn't say anything, but his defeated expression told her she was right on the money. Twilight mulled her head over, trying to think of the right thing to say; she wanted to comfort him, but she did not want to give him false hope. After all, cruel though it was to think, it was entirely possible that the poor filly did not make it through the night for all she knew. "I'll come with you," she said. She wanted to add the rest about planning for their quest, but decided against it for the time being. He needed this, and she knew it.

Macintosh smiled, even if it wasn't a happy smile. "Thank you," he said to her quietly. Twilight simply nodded in response. Macintosh turned to leave, but stopped. "I'm thinkin' of goin' to check on 'er in an hour. Meet me at the farm's entrance." The stallion took his leave, leaving Twilight alone. The mare let out a sigh, shaking her head and sitting on the bed that she had slept in the night before.

"Well, Twilight," she said quietly to herself, "seems like you picked up quite a bit of drama you had not anticipated." Twilight did not consider herself heartless, but there was a level of guilt in her for the fact she didn't honestly feel too worried about the filly. Perhaps it was her own separation from the incident, but she knew in her heart of hearts her life would continue as normal regardless of the foal's condition. When she considered this, she also considered how, despite his own kindness, the same could be said for Big Mac. She barely knew the stallion, and they were friendly acquaintances at best; he could keel over today and her life really wouldn't be effected.

'Except the fact that you're afraid of it being your fault.'

Twilight sighed, placing her hooves on her face and dragging them. She almost wondered if maybe she was heartless? She looked at the door where Macintosh had stood seconds earlier, thinking about the subject. That dream she had was very surreal, but it was a dream. She had been very stressed lately, so it's possible that the dream was entirely constructed of her worries and fears mixed with what she knew of other ponies, right? Maybe not even knew, simply assumptions. It was possible that dream meant nothing at all. But what if it did? After all, the only real reason she had to not take him with her right now was to keep his death off her conscience. If it was possible such a thing would happen anyway, would it not be better to bring him with her and increase the odds of survival? On that note, it might be better to bring as many ponies as she could.

Twilight considered this for a moment. 'Fluttershy is very polite and gentle, and seems to have a proclivity towards animals that could come in handy. Pinkie Pie is fairly unpredictable, and surprises me almost constantly with how resourceful she can be. Braeburn is a hopeless lech, but he... well, he makes another pony?' Internally, she considered that in the off chance she encountered those thieves again, it might do her some good to have as many ponies available to her as possible.

At least it was something to consider. With a sigh, Twilight reached into a nearby bag and withdrew from it a book. After all, she had something important to learn before she went into potentially risky territory.

Macintosh chewed on a twig as he stood near the front gate of the farm, waiting for Twilight. It had been ten minutes and she still hadn't come down. He half considered going back to the house to see what she was up to, but just as he turned his head, he caught sight of her running down the dirt trail towards him. 'Better late than never,' he thought as she eventually caught up to him, panting and heaving.

"S-sorry," she gasped, hanging her head, "I was... I was caught up in reading something and lost track of time..."

Macintosh smiled and nodded towards the mare, figuring she was only a few minutes late. Nothing would likely change with being a little tardy; indeed, that might have given more time for the filly to wake up. "Sokay. No harm done."

The two ponies strode through Ponyville together in relative silence. Macintosh would occasionally glance sideways at the mare, feeling a little awkward. He had never been much of a social pony, but at this particular moment, he was on edge. There was so much to worry about, so much to consider. Talking would at least allow him to distract himself. "So," he said at length, looking back towards the streets, "dawned on me I don't really know much about you."

Twilight merely shrugged. "I've not said much about myself."

"Mhm," said Macintosh. It was silent for a few seconds. "Anything to tell?"

Twilight shook her head. "Not much, I'm afraid."

Macintosh pursed his lips together, keeping his eyes on the streets. He didn't want to pry, he just wanted conversation. "Where'd you grow up?" Twilight was quiet for a bit, so Macintosh looked back at her. She was frowning slightly, and seemed a bit tense.

"I'd rather not get into my history, if it's all the same to you," she said. The two remained quiet, Big Mac silently chastising himself for prying and possibly drudging up memories best left forgotten. He wanted to apologize, but he knew doing so might only make things worse, so he decided it probably best to remain quiet or change the subject. Any thought he had, however, dissipated as he and Twilight approached the home of the doctor. Macintosh felt his heart beat faster, and his chest tighten, and a slight tremble. This could be the moment of truth. This could be a moment that plunges him in guilt or redeems him. He wanted so desperately to turn around and run, to return when he had more time... but he had to know. He took a deep breath, raised a hoof, and knocked.

After a few minutes, the door clicked, and then opened. The doctor stood before him, and Macintosh was quick to notice that he looked tired and worn, and had a frown. His heart froze, and his mouth trembled. His eyes began to burn, and he felt the world crumble.

"Wha? Oh, hi Macintosh," said the doctor, his frown turning to a smile. "You're here! Thank goodness..."

Big Mac swallowed hard, afraid to ask that all important question. The question he had come to have answered. The question that could make or break him. "D-doc... is... is she--?"

The doctor smiled a bit and nodded. "She's fine."

Those words left Macintosh's heart joyous. A tremendous weight was lifted, and his spirit soared with relief of the news he had hoped to hear. He was so caught up he laughed and grabbed and hugged Twilight, who stiffened in his grip (and might have been having a little trouble breathing) before he set her down. "That's wonderful news!"

"Yes, yes" said the doctor with a sigh. "Come in?" Big Mac and Twilight stepped into the doctor's home, and he shut the door behind himself. There on the couch was the little orange filly eating a bowl of oats hungrily, her mane frazzled, and a cover on her legs. As soon as she noticed him though, she paused for a moment. It was tense, and he knew why. She knew why. After all, up 'til then they hadn't shared much in the way of healthy interaction.

"Woke up in the middle of the night when she knocked over a vase trying to get out. Gotta give 'er credit for makin' the effort, but she was runnin' on fumes as was so I had to come down here and help 'er back into the bed an' explain the situation." The doctor stepped next to her. "Also, resew some of the stitches she'd torn."

Scootaloo grimaced. "I said I was sorry..."

"Yes, and then you tried to do it again."

Scootaloo scrunched her nose. "Had to be sure."

"And I had to restitch you again." The doctor looked to Macintosh, who was quiet for a bit. "Though, to be fair, I think the pony you really want to thank is mister Apple here."

This only seemed to draw attention to the silence. Neither Scootaloo or Macintosh could look at the other. Thrilled though he was to find that she was okay, he had not anticipated how awkward it would be for her in this situation. The doctor stepped to Macintosh, placing a hoof on his shoulder. "The dog got her pretty good, and it may take a while for her to heal. Even then, the damage was pretty severe. She might make a complete recovery, but it's possible she might end up with a limp in her gait." Big Mac grimaced a bit at that. Sure, she was alive, but it seemed such a shame to have to be alive and injured in such a way one would have to carry for the rest of their lives, especially so young. "But..." he said with a sigh, looking back at Scootaloo and leaning close to Big Mac, "I'm afraid that's not my biggest fear right now." Macintosh leaned closer, curious. The doctor frowned, looking back at the filly one more time. "This filly has no family." This much Macintosh had learned already, even if it was only last night. "Talked with the girl... learned that she's an orphan. No aunts, uncles, siblings, nothing. Nowhere to go."

"I see," said Macintosh quietly.

"Thing is," said the doctor, pausing as if trying to choose his words. "I'm afraid I've no idea what to do with her. Where to send her. While I can keep her here while she heals, It's been a long time since I've had a drifter in here, and never before an orphan." Macintosh looked past the doctor at the little filly for a moment. He hadn't really thought of that. He certainly couldn't send her back to that little hovel and leave her to the mercy of the world. Similarly, he had always heard cruel tales about orphanages being careless with their charges... and downright merciless with pegasi.

"I... suppose I can keep 'er on th' farm until I figure somethin' out," he said uncertainly.

"Alright," said the doctor with a nod. "I'd like to keep her here for another day if it's all the same to you though. Make sure there's no complications that arise from the admittedly hasty work I had to do." Macintosh nodded in agreement; it would certainly be better for him to know as soon as possible if something like that happened. There certainly wasn't much Macintosh himself could do in such a scenario.

"I'll see you tomorrow then," said Macintosh with a nod.

"You too," said the doctor.

Big Mac looked to Twilight and nodded, and the two ponies turned about and made their way to the door. Macintosh placed his hoof on it, but stopped when he heard "Excuse me?" Turning, he looked to see Scootaloo looking at him. The expression on her face was one with a hint of guilt and shame, and she was trying to avoid eye contact. "... Thank you... for saving me..."

It was as sincere a thanks as he had ever heard. In that moment, Macintosh had remembered their past. Her stealing his apples, leading him around town, making him destroy (and subsequently repair) another pony's cart, sneaking into his home, eating his food, conspiring to steal a pie from Pinkie... and then he thought of that face. He turned around, and made his way towards the filly, who seemed to be uncertain of his intention. Big Mac sat on his haunches before her and lowered his head.

"Never try to take food from a hungry animal," he said his eyes staring into hers, no malice in them, only a deadly seriousness.

Scootaloo nodded. "Y-yeah... okay..."

Macintosh continued to look at the little filly, who suddenly seemed so sullen. He sighed, closing his eyes, and gave a soft nod. "You're welcome. Listen to the doctor, because he knows what he's sayin'. Come tomorrow, you'll be stayin' with my family on the farm until we can sort somethin' out."

"What?" replied Scootaloo, her expression both confused and a bit disbelieving, "Why do you think you can tell me what to do?"

Macintosh pursed his lips a little, nodding as if in acknowledgement of her argument. "Good point. Suppose I can't." Macintosh turned to Twilight and nodded at the confused mare as he made his way towards her. "Well, Twilight, let's head on back to the farm--"

"Wait!"

Macintosh stopped by Twilight and looked back at the filly with a sideways glance. "Hm? You say somethin'?"

"I-I'll do it..." said Scootaloo, her gaze downcast as if trying to avoid eye contact.

The red-coated stallion smiled at the little filly and gave a nod. "Okay then." He looked towards the doctor who seemed to have a smirk on his face at what had transpired. "I'll be by to pick 'er up tomorrow." The doctor nodded in acknowledgment, and Big Mac turned back to the door, opening it and turning to Twilight, who stood, watching him as he waited for nothing in particular, looking at her, until she realized he was holding the door open for her. The lavender mare seemed to jump a bit upon the realization before she stepped out of the house, clearly embarrassed she had missed the gesture for even a second. Big Mac gave a nod to the doctor and Scootaloo, exchanged final goodbyes, and stepped outside.

As the two ponies made their way back towards the farm, Twilight cast a sideways glance to Big Mac. "Would you really have let her just go?"

Big Mac shrugged. "No idea. Was hopin' she wouldn't make me find out."

This seemed to surprise the mare, who hurried in front of Macintosh and blocked his path. "What? You don't know? You were counting on her bluffing you or something?"

"Pretty much," he said matter-of-factly. "Not the best plan in the world, but best I had at the moment."

"But what if she didn't agree to it? What if she decided to go her own way?" Twilight almost seemed indignant. "With that injury her life would no doubt be so much more difficult, especially if she really is homeless!"

Big Mac sighed and shook his head. "What would you have done?"

Twilight stared at him for a moment. She opened her mouth to speak, but paused. Her eyes stared into his, clearly trying to come up with an answer. Twilight frowned, looking to the side. "I... I don't know."

Big Mac nodded. "I figured she'd pick what she needs over what she wants."

"But how do you know?" Twilight shook her head, looking past him at the little house a distance away. "She's a foal, and foals are not known for good decision-making skills!"

"Yes, but she's also homeless. I doubt she's as spoiled as most foals." Twilight did not respond, and a glance at the torn look on her told Big Mac she wanted to argue, that she might not be satisfied with his answer, and yet could not actually contradict what he said. Reluctantly, she stepped aside so Big Mac could continue his walk, and she resumed following him. It was quiet for a bit, and Big Mac looked off to the mare, smiling weakly. "Thanks for coming with me," he said just loud enough for her to hear.

"You're welcome," said Twilight with a nod and little else. The two ponies' walk continued in silence, both ponies staring forward at the path ahead of them. Several minutes passed, and Macintosh was convinced the little mare had nothing more to say, likely as satisfied as she would get with his answer and the little thank you he offered.

"Zauberstadt."

The phrase confused Macintosh, so he gave a sideways glance at Twilight, his ears perked up. "What's that?"

"The town I grew up in," said Twilight, her tone as stoic and casual as it ever was. "It's called Zauberstadt."

Macintosh hummed to himself as he poured his knowledge for something to pin the name to, although it proved fruitless. "Never heard of it."

Twilight sighed and nodded. "It's... isolated," said the lavender mare, the tone in her voice almost seeming uncertain, as if the information might be sensitive. Macintosh looked to her from the side, and he could see that while she tried to mask it, there was a level of sadness in her eyes. "Not a lot of ponies know about it, and it's so out of the way it's unlikely you'd come across it unless you were wandering aimlessly..."

"Homesick?"

Twilight smiled mirthlessly and sighed, shaking her head. "There's not much there for me to miss, really. Whatever family I have is scattered, so all I'd have to go back to is an empty house." Macintosh fell quiet, not sure how to respond to that. What did that mean? Did she lose her family? It was something he would have to look into later, but for now he decided it best to switch to focusing on the road. He knew it wouldn't be long before they could see the fence that led to Sweet Apple Acres. It bugged him really. He couldn't imagine not having somepony you'd miss, or a place to go back to for comfort and respite. The idea just seemed so foreign to him, so unusual.

So lonely.

"Maybe," he said with a smile, "you can go back there sometime? Me an' Braeburn could come with ya if ya like." This seemed to make Twilight chuckle, though he wasn't sure what she had found so funny; he was being serious. There was part of him that was curious to see what this mare called home, and she seemed to miss it, even if her words said otherwise.

"Twilight! Big Mac! Oh! Over here! Over here!"

Twilight and Big Mac turned to see a familiar face bounding towards them. Pinkie had decided to forgo her usual method of travel - bouncing - and was running towards them, although she tripped over her hoof, face-planted, and then picked herself up and made the rest of the trip towards the duo as if nothing had happened. "Oh! Thank goodness I found you two! I went to Twilight's place, but she wasn't there! I knocked on the door for fifteen minutes, passed out for five, and then remembered that Spike was with me and that Twilight said she was going to stay in town, so I went to Mister Rich's house and knocked on his door, and he said he hadn't seen you, so I ran by Sweet Apple Acres and they said you two had left, so I ran all the way here and I tripped and fell on my face (it didn't hurt, I'm fine I promise!) and then I started telling you this story, and here we are!"

The two ponies stared at Pinkie Pie, Big Mac as stoic as ever, and Twilight rubbing the bridge of her nose. "So," said Big Mac with a nod, "What did ya want?"

"Hm?" Pinkie blinked a few times, confused. "Oh! Yeah! Well, when we went to that spooky castle and got that rock, I thought it looked really familiar! Like, super familiar! I mean, I remembered how it smelled, how it looked, and how it felt to brush it with a comb and everything! While I was baking one day, I remembered, and said, 'Oh wait! My family has a rock just like that!'"

This caught their attention, though Twilight's more than Big Mac's, who took Pinkie's face in her hooves, whisper-shouting at her. "What!? Your family has an element!?"

"Maybe?" Pinkie seemed to ponder on that for a moment. "Not sure! But it was similar enough!" Pinkie frowned some, shaking her head. "It's a family heirloom that my mama got from her mama, and so on, and so forth, aaaalll the way back to when my great great great great grandmother, stole it from her family and eloped with my great great great great grandfather!"

Twilight stared at Pinkie for a few moments, as if trying to piece something together. "B-but... you're not from Cloudsdale... don't seem like royalty..."

Pinkie shrugged. "I was told Great Great Great Great Grandma Pecan Pie was a gypsy, and that's why I can sing and dance so well!" To make her point, Pinkie pulled a tambourine from no where, stood on her hind legs and danced a bit, tapping the instrument on her hoof and hip, then shaking it, looking to the two confused ponies for a reaction. When all they did was seem... well... confused, she decided she'd made her point and shoved the tambourine back in her mane and fell back to her hooves, smiling. "Six generations removed and I still got the magic!"

Twilight and Big Mac shared a look. Macintosh had a light-hearted smirk on his face, though Twilight seemed more astonished by their luck than anything. She looked to Pinkie, swallowing her anxiety, and smiling in what seemed to be excitement/relief. "P-pinkie, this is amazing! Do you know what this means?"

"Oh Twilight, don't worry, I won't put any curses on you!"

"What?" Twilight blinked a few times confusedly at the pink mare, then shook her head. "No! Pinkie, I need you to take me to see this! I need to see the Element!"

Pinkie paused and hummed, tapping her hoof to her chin. "I don't know," she said, squinting her eyes. "Papa maybe married, but he's prone to being really flirty with younger mares!" Pinkie giggle-snorted at the very thought. "Mama acts jealous, but she knows she's number one in his heart, so she never minds, but it's soooo embarrassing!" She groaned at the last part, putting her hooves over her eyes. "Stallions can be so weird sometimes!"

Twilight turned away, trotting a short distance, looking at the ground as she spoke to nopony in particular. "B-but we already have two! Two of the five! If what you're telling us is substantial, that means we'll have three! Three Elements of Magic!" She looked back at them, and Macintosh saw the little purple mare wearing a grin bigger than he had ever seen her with before. "Pinkie, when do you think you can take us?"

Pinkie seemed to consider this for a moment, though she seemed uncertain of herself. "Well, I suppose it's been a while since I've visited them... I guess if I disappear for a day or so nothing too bad can happen..."

"It's settled then!" Twilight clopped her hooves together, grinning excitedly, looking at both Macintosh and Pinkie. "We're making such quick progress, it's almost unreal! I theorized it would take at least another half a month to find any leads on where to begin looking for the next element! That we might already know where it is? We could have the entire set within the next two months!"

This seemed to give Big Macintosh pause, who seemed to stop to look into himself. "Two months? That long?"

"Well, yeah," said Twilight, her grin dissolving into a simple smile, "you didn't think we'd just get it done and over with, did you?" Macintosh didn't respond, only looked off to the side as if caught with his hoof in the cookie jar. Twilight sighed, shaking her head. "I know it's frustrating, but these things take time. Even what I estimated could be wildly off! Unlikely though it maybe, we could find every remaining Element in an antique store tomorrow!" Macintosh seemed to smile at the idea; it certainly would make his life a little less difficult to find them that easily. "Or," said Twilight, bringing Macintosh's day dreaming to a screeching halt, "it could take us longer. Months, years even." Macintosh's eyes widened at that; clearly, he didn't like the idea of their little venture taking that long. Truth was, neither did Twilight, but there was precious little in her power to change that.

"Which is why," Twilight added, trying to think up some silver lining to boost morale, "you should just go on about your life as normal until something comes up. After all, even I take a break once in a while to read a book."

Macintosh raised an eyebrow at the mare. "You take breaks from reading books... to read books?"

Twilight blinked confusedly at the stallion, almost as if uncertain why he would ask. "Uhh... yeah? Isn't that what most ponies do?" The stallion sighed, closing his eyes and shaking his head. "What? What did I say?"

"Pinkie," said Big Mac, smiling towards the pink mare who, up until this point, was occupying herself with a bit of string she had found, "can ya take this one?"

Pinkie nodded, stepping forward and clearing her throat. "Twilight," she said with a smile, "that is no way to have fun and enjoy yourself!" This seemed to confuse the lavender mare even more, though Pinkie was clearly not done. "Remember how I keep telling you you need to go out more often? Meet other ponies? Live a little?"

"Y-yes," said Twilight, frowning a bit and suddenly seeming tense, "but Pinkie, you know why that's not such a good idea..."

"I know why you think it's not such a good idea," said Pinkie, holding a hoof up as if she were lecturing Twilight; the mere idea making Big Mac smirk a little. "But that doesn't mean you can't have some fun! Live a little! You don't have to go around telling everypony in the world all your secrets or anything!"

"Pinkie, I appreciate the gesture," said Twilight with a somewhat nervous look on her face, "but if it's all the same to you, I'd rather just keep to myself as much as possible, okay?" Pinkie Pie stared Twilight down for a moment, who in turned looked her back in the eyes. The pink mare sighed and relented.

"Alright," she said sadly, shaking her head. "If you say so."

"It's not that I don't appreciate the thought," added Twilight, clearing her throat, "it's just that, as you know, I'm not very good with ponies." Pinkie simply sighed an exasperated sigh, pouting her lips at Twilight like a sad child. Twilight made a point not to avoid her eyes and instead cleared her throat, turning her attention to Big Mac. "As I was saying... just go about your business, unless you feel inclined to do otherwise. I've fortified my house, so nopony should be breaking into it a second time, but I can't be certain." She looked back to Pinkie. "I'll be stopping by later to pick up Spike, if you wouldn't mind?"

Pinkie's poorly veiled attempt at acting depressed continued with a glum 'Alright Twilight,' which she ended with yet another sad sigh. Twilight was currently at odds as to if it was more funny or annoying.

"Well, I'm glad that's settled," she said with a nod, turning her attention back to Big Mac. "I'll be heading back to your house to pick up my things, if that's okay with you? I don't want to impose upon your family any further than I already have."

Big Mac merely chuckled, shaking his head with a smile. "Not imposin' at all, Twilight." This seemed to make the mare smile a bit, though she seemed to catch herself and revert to her somewhat stoic behavior. Big Mac, however, couldn't help but smirk to himself. 'Not so stone cold as ya like to act like ya are, are ya Twilight?' The world spun, however, and Mac suddenly found himself face to face with his maybe-cousin.

"We can't let her go home without doing something fun!" This seemed to confuse the stallion, who looked back at Twilight as she continued down the path towards Sweet Apple Acres, then back to Pinkie. "She smiled! She smiles now! I've never seen Twilight smile where a book or secret wasn't involved!"

"So?"

"So!?" Pinkie pressed her face to Big Mac's so her eyes were staring right into his. "That girl is about as isolated as a cherry on the top of an ice cream sundae! Sure it's tasty, but it's lonely up there on the top of that hill of delicious sweetness!"

"Well," said Big Mac, his expression remaining the very image of stoicism, "I suppose that explains why you been puttin' two to three cherries on yer ice creams..."

"This is serious!" Pinkie shook Big Mac mercilessly, leaving the stallion dazed. "This maybe Twilight's chance to get to know other ponies! To see what it's like to actually be one of a group instead of living outside of society! This is her chance to be a pony!"

Macintosh sighed a bit, pulling Pinkie's hooves from his face. "Pinkie, it's her decision."

"What!?"

"If she don't want it, you can't force 'er" said Macintosh with a nod. "It'd only upset 'er an' make 'er nervous. You gotta do things on her terms."

Pinkie Pie scrunched her nose and crossed her forelegs, clearly disappointed in the answer. "... But she'd be happier..."

"Maybe, given time," said Big Mac with a shrug, "but she's still havin' trouble jus' talkin' with us. You can't expect 'er to be a social butterfly so quickly."

Pinkie remained quiet, the unamused look on her face almost comical, though Macintosh kept a straight face. Finally, she sighed, responding with a clearly disappointed "Fiiiiine..." Pinkie stood up and huffed, glaring at Big Mac. "But she will get a party one day! A big one! Lots of ponies! Lots of friends! And she. Will. Like it."

Big Mac chuckled a bit at Pinkie's declaration and shook his head. "Alright, Pinkie, but do me a favor and talk to me about it first?"

Pinkie snorted, but she nodded to acknowledge him. He supposed she wouldn't have relented if she didn't see the logic, so he accepted it with a smile and a nod of his own. "Gotta get home. Throat's hurtin', need a drink, too much talkin'."

"Okay," said Pinkie with a sigh. "Oh, when Twilight comes to get Spike, will you be coming along as well?" Macintosh simply shrugged in response. He hadn't thought of it, after all, he figured Twilight knew her way around Ponyville well enough. Though, he considered for a moment at how this had all started to begin with, and wondered if maybe she should have somepony with her when she went back?

"I'll likely escort 'er back home," he said with a nod, "but that's all I know to say."

"Okie Dokie Lokie," said Pinkie with a nod of her head. "Well, I gotta go, Big Mac! The Cakes are probably worried sick about me!" With a final farewell, the two ponies parted ways, and Big Mac headed home once more. The day wasn't even half done and already he felt like he had a lot on his plate; another potential adventure, a possible enemy that seems to be paying attention to them, and Scootaloo having to stay with his family while she healed.

That last thought, however, gave him pause; what about after she got better? What would Big Mac do then? He couldn't very well say 'Glad you're better, now hit the road', could he? He groaned and put a hoof on his aching head. Things had happened so fast he didn't even think it all out. He considered the possibility of sending her to an orphanage, but the horror stories of how those places worked (especially in regards to pegasi) suggested the poor filly might be better off in the cottage he found her in. Big Mac wasn't sure their orchards were doing well enough to feed another hungry mouth.

Before he had realized it, Big Mac had made his way all the way back to the acres, and was already nearing his doorstep. He opened the door and stepped into his home, taking his coat off and hanging it from a nearby coat hanger. The stallion made his way up the stairs, intent on making it to his room, though he stopped when he heard something strange. It sounded... unusual. Like a pop, maybe, though he wasn't sure that was the right way to describe it, simply the best way he knew. He pinpointed that the noise had come from around the bedrooms, though he wasn't sure which. The next thing he knew, the guest room door opened and Twilight stepped out, turning to him and then jumping in surprise. "Big Mac!? Wha--how long were you there!"

"Just a minute," said Big Mac, tilting his head and looking around a bit. "You hear a noise? Like a pop?"

"Noise? I-I-I have no idea what you're talking about..." Twilight tried to hide her concern, though Big Mac could see that she was worried about something. For an instant, Big Mac felt a strange tingle, and the hairs on his body stand on end.

"Twi," he said, looking at her inquisitively, "what did you do?"

"Nothing!" said Twilight, though she cleared her throat and put on her most straight face. "Absolutely nothing. Why do you ask?" Macintosh, however, didn't seem convinced. He looked towards the little mare for a moment, pursing his lips in thought.

"You didn't break the mattress in there, did ya?"

"N-no," she said, biting her lip. "Not at all." Suddenly, there was a ripping noise from the guest room, and a loud twang of a spring letting loose of it's confines. She stared silently at the stallion for a moment, before sighing and lowering her head. "I may have... fallen on it with a tad too much force and accidentally damaged something though... went in there, was so exhausted from the walk that I threw myself on the bed..."

Big Mac sighed, shaking his head and stepping past her, looking into the room. There, he saw the mattress with a single spring sticking out from it. "Salright. Just gonna have to patch it up is all." He heard Twilight sigh in relief and smiled a bit inwardly. 'Poor mare stresses herself out too much over lil' things. She needs to lighten up.'

"S-so, Big Mac," said Twilight, as if trying to change the subject, "I was thinking that when I go to Pinkie's, you should come with me. We need to discuss the next Element of Magic and what we're going to do, weather her parents have it or not."

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a nod. He supposed that was a perfectly reasonable request, although he had no idea what he could contribute to their plans. He was good with business and farm management, but this whole 'magical artifact' thing seemed to be her area of expertise. Still, he figured she knew enough of what she was doing. She made her way back into the guest room and closed the door, and Macintosh continued his trek towards his room, stepping inside and shutting the door behind him.

Big Mac lay in his bed and sighed, staring up at the ceiling as if it held all the answers to all the questions he could ever ask. Things seemed to be in motion once more, and he had no idea where they were being pulled; at one time, he had assumed that it would be like some sort of scavenger hunt. But those thoughts disappeared with that creature from their last trip to the castle. 'Wonder if that thing is still in there?' It was a strange thought; what does a horrific, giant monster do when it's treasure is gone? Come looking for it? 'Well, I suppose if it does it won't be hard to notice.'

Mac chuckled to himself lightly, letting out a soft sigh before closing his eyes. Scootaloo, the Elements... things seemed so topsy turvy right now. Big Mac pondered on this a moment, before getting out of his bed and making his way towards the door. 'Well, better talk to the family, get things sorted out for Scootaloo when she gets here.

Another night passed, welcoming in a new day. A new day of promise, of hope, of life.

And hopefully, the beginning of a new life for a little orphan filly, though a certain somepony secretly hoped it would not hit too close to home.

'Even if Apple Bloom would absolutely love it.'

It was almost surreal, Macintosh thought to himself, that he would be bringing the very filly he once despised and chased away back to his home that she might heal. Maybe despised was too big a word; Macintosh didn't like to think he could feel so negatively to a mere foal. Of course, the more he thought of it, the less he could think up a better description, and the more shameful he felt of himself. Still, what's done is done, and now Scootaloo was going to be coming home with his family to recuperate.

Granny Smith and Apple Bloom were with him at the time, with Granny making sure young Scootaloo (who was riding on Big Macintosh's back) was comfortable the whole way back. Apple Bloom, meanwhile, kept talking to her about all the fun stuff they'd do while she stayed over; once in a while, the two foals would need a reminder that Scootaloo was currently crippled and would be unable to move around too much, which would force them to contemplate activities less strenuous on the foal's injured leg.

Macintosh had originally planned to set Scootaloo up in the spare room, but Apple Bloom had begged she be allowed to share her room with her. Granny insisted it was a good idea, seeing as she never got to spend time with Applejack, and that it might be like an extended sleepover. Macintosh inwardly cringed at the thought, realizing that if something didn't happen it could end up being an impromptu adoption, but kept it to himself. Still, he supposed he couldn't argue with his grandmother (even if he did have to put the spare bed in there anyway and place a cot in the spare room). Hopefully, he'd figure something out soon so that little Scootaloo would be able to find a family.

Back home, he was setting Scootaloo in her new bed as Granny went over the details. "Apple Bloom wakes up every weekday at about seven o' clock fer school, which is about when we have breakfast. If'n ya need anythin', there's a bell on the nightstand fer ya to ring, an' one of us'll get it fer ya. Doc says you shouldn't strain yerself too much, so if ya need to use the bathroom or anythin', me or Apple Bloom'll help ya get there. We have dinner 'round five or six every day, an' we can bring ya yer meals. Any questions?"

Scootaloo shook her head. "No ma'am," she said, being courteous enough that it was almost surprising. Granny smiled and ruffled the filly's mane.

"Alrighty! Well, jus' give that there bell a ring if ya need anything! I'm gonna go downstairs and fix ya up some lunch." Granny Smith left the room, with Macintosh following after her. Apple Bloom stayed with her, and once the door was shut, it wasn't long before the two were getting into a spirited conversation.

Macintosh made his way into the kitchen below, pouring a glass of water and mixing some honey in with it to soothe his throat. He made his way out of the house, taking a seat on a chair on the porch and staring out into the orchards as he took a sip of his drink. He had already finished his work for the day before fetching Scootaloo, so there was nothing for him to do for the day. No work. No chores. No tasks. No Twilight Sparkle. No Nightingale. No crazy adventures. The rest of the day was his to do with as he pleased. And so, Macintosh smiled, staring out into the calming, soul cleansing orchard, letting the scenery take his cares away.

Then he saw a familiar shape trotting down the path to his home.

'No.'

The closer it got, the more he could see; purple, a hat of some sort. Macintosh frowned.

'I just sat down.'

It got closer; a mare, a familiar mare, with a saddlebag over her back.

'If we live in a fair world where good things happen to good ponies and every dog has its day, you will not be dragging me away from home. At least not for another day or so.'

Twilight Sparkle approached Big Mac, a smile on her face. "Macintosh? Pack your bags, we're going on a trip!" Twilight was about to turn around, but stopped herself. "Hm? Macintosh? Are you crying?"

TO BE CONTINUED....

Chapter 17 - Cracked

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The fields moved unevenly before Macintosh's eyes. Trees, bushes, the occasional building, anything closer seemed to zip by before he could give it a proper thought. In the distance, the hills moves slower, enough that he could contemplate them, but not enough to linger on them. Further off, hills and mountains almost seemed to sit still, as if frozen in time while the rest of the world changed around them.

It would be beautiful on any other given occasion, more so if he didn't feel the wet spot on his shoulder. He groaned, shaking his cousin awake. "Braeburn, yer droolin' on me."

Braeburn shot up, snorting, blinking his eyes groggily. "Huh? What? We there yet? Where are we?"

"Not yet," said Big Mac with a sigh, leaning on his hoof and staring forlornly out the window.

"We're close though," shouted Pinkie, hopping up in her seat, much to Twilight's annoyance. "I remember that rock we just passed by! And that one! And that one! And that one! Oh, that one's new!"

"So tell me, Pinkie," piped Fluttershy gently, a soft smile on her face, "is there any kind of critters or animals that live near your home?"

"Nope!" Pinkie smiled big. Fluttershy seemed confused by this, and seemed to want to ask more, but before she could, Pinkie jumped across the aisle and past Macintosh, pressing her face into the window. "We're here!" Indeed, the train screeched as it began to slow it's pace, until it eventually crawled to a stop, letting loose a loud hiss. It wasn't long before ponies were milling about, leaving the train, gathering their belongings, and disappearing to wherever it was they were off to. Macintosh was thankful that he didn't need to bring much; anything he could need could be shoved in a saddlebag. As the group left the train, Big Mac looked upon their new surroundings, and found himself somewhat surprised by the sight before him.

It was a bustling town, similar to Ponyville, although much smaller in scale. Judging by it's size, he gathered it must be a relatively newer settlement, although much like Ponyville did it seemed like it might be growing quickly. As the group left the train station, Macintosh caught sight of a statue of a stallion; he had mutton chops, a wide-brimmed hat, and wore a modest coat, with a pickaxe in his mouth and one hoof on a rock that was cracked. A plaque at the bottom of the statue caught his eye.

'Founder of Ponyrock
Igneous Rock Pie'

Everypony stared at the plaque for a moment before turning their attention to Pinkie Pie, who smiled brightly up at the statue. "Oh! Papa had the statue made! I was wondering if he'd go through with it!"

"Papa!?" Everypony shouted at once. Pinkie noticed they were all staring at her.

"What? Didn't I tell you? My Papa founded Ponyrock!"

"But how!?" Twilight looked up at the statue and back to Pinkie Pie, her mind seeming like it was trying to process what was going on. "Didn't you say your family farmed... well... rocks?"

"Mhm," said Pinkie, nodding her head wildly, "the best rocks in Equestria! We got rocks that make some of the best building material! In today's society, stone work is becoming very important in processing and using as building material!" She hummed a bit, tapping a hoof on her chin. "Plus, to be fair, he sort of discovered a mine when he was young and the news of valuable ore brought travelers from all around and Papa made a killing off of it! He may act like an immature colt half his age, but he's a shrewd businesspony!"

Everypony stared at Pinkie, then to the statue, then back to Pinkie. All at once, everypony decided to simply leave it alone and accept it as it was; chances were if they talked any more about it, they would all go bonkers. Macintosh set his sights back on the town, seeing several homes and buildings that seemed new, even compared to Ponyville's 'New Town'. "Well, let's get to my parents' place! I'm sure they'll want to see their sweet little baby pie after so long!"

As the group made its way through town, Macintosh found himself unable to not look around. It was amazing to see that this place had grown at such a rate. Given Ponyville had grown just as fast (if not faster), it still amazed him to see how many ponies could flock to this place in a few short decades. His attention came quickly to a local blacksmith, who had just handed a pony a pickaxe. Back in Ponyville, the local Blacksmith typically only made horse shoes, as well as a few weapons for the guard. Braeburn's attention fell quickly on a tavern, 'Rock Bottom', that seemed rather cheery and energetic for it's otherwise sad name.

Eventually, the ponies stopped before a gate, and all eyes were on a manor off in the distance. Pinkie approached the guard, smiling wide. "Hiya, Stahlrim! It's been a while!"

The ice-blue stallion smiled at Pinkie Pie, tipping his hat to her. "Lady Pinkie, it has been! How has your venture been going?"

"Oh, well, I moved to Ponyville, helped fund a bakery, moved into said bakery, lost said bakery in a game of poker, won it back in another game of poker, adopted an alligator, found a bit under a couch cushion, stubbed my hoof, and have been hunting fabled magical artifacts for the good of the world!"

Everypony was quiet for a moment, the stallion staring at Pinkie, pursing his lips together. Then, he smiled, shaking his head softly. "Lady Pie, you're a wild card. Never lose that spirit." Stahlrim stepped from his booth, and pushed the gate open for the group, gesturing for them to help themselves in the rest of the way. The yard had a cobblestone walkway that circled around a flower bed with some beautiful flowers, then joined again to form a path towards the manor. The group approached the manor, with Pinkie taking point, and when they finally reached the front door, she gently reached a hoof towards the door, but put it back on the floor and stepped forward, banging her head against the wooden blockade.

"Pinkie!? That's how you knock on doors!?" Twilight stepped forward, observing the pink mare. "I thought you just... you... are you okay!?"

Pinkie looked towards Twilight as if confused by the question. "Yeah, why wouldn't I be?"

Twilight stared at Pinkie for a few moments in silence, before shaking her head slowly. "That... explains a lot..." This response seemed to confuse Pinkie Pie, though any response she might have had died when a creak sounded the opening of the door. Everypony turned their attention to see a stallion at the doorway - he was a golden brown color, wearing an earthy brown jacket with a gray waistcoat beneath, a wide-brimmed hat, and a pair of grayed mutton chops on his jaw - he hardly seemed the kind of pony that would live in a mansion at all! He looked towards Pinkie Pie, and gave a silent nod.

"Pinkie Pie."

"Papa!" Pinkie jumped forward, throwing her forelegs around her father's neck and bringing him into a tight embrace. The stallion returned the hug, but it seemed like an empty attempt of a reaction, with no real emotion or anything in it. "Oh Papa, I missed you! How've you been! How's mama? The girls? The family?"

"We're all fine," said Igneous neutrally, almost monotonously, "still keepin' the mines goin'. Still rich."

"I noticed," said Pinkie with a nod, her grin never fading, an energy about her making her seem like she might explode, a fact that Macintosh noticed was heavily contrasted by her father. Igneous turned to look at the others.

"These your friends?"

"Yep!" Pinkie bounced towards Twilight. "This is Twilight Sparkle, my nerdy friend! She knows lots of cool stuff about science and books, and I bet you and her would have hours of exciting conversation!"

The stallion simply nodded, his seemingly emotionless attitude never shifting. "Nice meetin' ya, Miss Sparkle."

"PAPA!" Pinkie groaned, throwing her hooves over her eyes as if in embarrassment, "she's young enough to be your daughter, stop being such a weirdo!" If Igneous had heard Pinkie's reaction (which seemed impossible to miss), he did not acknowledge it. The pink mare huffed. "Now, if you're done being a dog... the other is Fluttershy!" Pinkie waved a hoof at Fluttershy, who suddenly seemed to freeze, her cheeks turning pink. She had no idea what to do. Was Pinkie overreacting? Or was there something she couldn't see? Macintosh could see the emotions warring in her eyes. Igneous simply nodded, and everypony turned to Pinkie, who seemed to accept that reaction. "Thank you! And this is Braeburn," she waved a hoof at the golden stallion, who tipped his hat, though Igneous was quiet. "And, last but not least, Big Macintosh!"

Big Mac held a hoof forward. "Howdy."

Igneous, however, simply stared at the hoof. He turned his eyes towards Big Mac, still as stoic as ever. "Big Macintosh? As in 'Big Macintosh Apple?"

Big Mac was a bit surprised that he knew who he was. He knew the Apple family was well-known throughout Equestria, but he didn't think anypony would know his name. He smiled proudly, and gave a firm nod. "Eeyup."

Igneous was quiet for a few moments, looking back at all the other ponies, and then to Pinkie Pie, then back to Big Mac. "Get off my property."

Macintosh's smile fell, his confidence now shaken and replaced with uncertainty. "What?"

"You heard me," said the stallion, though any emotion his words might convey never reached... well, any of the rest of him beyond his words, "go back outside of that gate. I'd prefer ya leave town if possible."

"Papa?" Pinkie stepped between Big Macintosh and Igneous, her smile strained and her eyes confused, "Why are you doing this? Big Mac didn't do anything wrong, did he?"

"Can't say," said the stallion, cold as ever, "but Apple family ain't welcome here."

"Now wait," said Breaburn, holding up a hoof, "I'm Apple family too, an' you didn't say a word!"

Igneous looked to Braeburn, looking him over a bit. "I'm afraid I'm gonna have to ask you to leave too, Miss Apple."

"Miss!?" Braeburn's cheeks turned red, and he stepped forward. "I'm a stallion!"

Igneous was quiet for a few moments. "They just don't make Apples like they used to anymore." As Braeburn suffered a rage breakdown, Igneous turned to the mares. "You girls are welcome here, but the Apples ain't allowed in here."

Twilight frowned, looking to Pinkie Pie and then to Big Mac. "Uh, I don't know if--"

"Go on ahead," said Big Mac, sighing and shaking his head. Twilight looked to him with a raised eyebrow, silently asking for his certainty. "Jus'... do what ya came to do, an' we'll get out of here soon as we can." Twilight looked between Big Mac and Braeburn, seeming oddly torn at the idea, but her expression became firm and she gave a nod.

Pinkie stepped towards the Apples as Fluttershy and Twilight walked into the house. "I am so, so sorry about this! I have no idea what's gotten into him! He's always so friendly and kind, I've never seen him--"

"Pinkie," said Big Mac, holding a hoof up. "It's okay." Pinkie Pie, however, did not seem convinced. Macintosh smiled a bit, putting a hoof on her shoulder. "Me an' Brae will jus' hit the local pub. When y'all do what ya came here to do, we'll leave." Pinkie's lip trembled a bit, big sad eyes staring back at Macintosh, making him chuckle and shake his head. "Don't worry, we'll be alright. We'll take the time to look 'round town." Pinkie Pie stared at Big Mac silently for a moment before sighing and hanging her head, nodding. She gave Big Mac and Braeburn hugs, before making her way towards the house and past her father. Igneous looked to Big Mac and Braeburn, that cold, stoic expression on his face not shifting even in the slightest. He turned, went into the house, and shut the door.

"Well," said Braeburn with a sigh, "that's kinda discouraging." The Apple stallions turned, making their way out of the property, the sound of the gate being closed behind them barely worth noting. "Came all this way an' her old man hates us?"

"Strange," said Big Mac with a nod, "considerin' we might technically be kin."

The two stallions made their way into the center of town where most of the businesses and bustle seemed to be. There was only one place on their minds right now, one place to go, one place to calm down; the local pub. While Braeburn loved to go to pubs to flirt with women and get as inebriated as he could without succumbing to alcohol poisoning, Macintosh used such visits as an opportunity to do a few things, such as seeing if his family's products had reached so far, or occasionally learning some town gossip. It was something he intended to do tonight, though he didn't expect much to come from it.

As they pushed the doors open and stepped into the town tavern, they were greeted by the sounds of conversation, laughter, and a pianist playing a tune on the piano. The Apple Stallions made their way to the bar, each taking a seat, and the tender was quick to greet them. He had a dark grey coat, wore a dress shirt with a waistcoat and a small, ribbon-like bowtie, and had no mane to speak of. "Hello newbies, ain't seen you here before. What can I get ya?"

"Got any Apple Family Apple Cider?"

The stallion nodded, making his way towards the bottles on the wall, grabbing one bottle and returning to the stallions with it. "How many?"

"Two," said Big Mac with a nod. The bartender poured two glasses of the amber liquid, and gave them to the Apple cousins. The bartender sat the bottle out of the way, but kept it nearby as he went back to work cleaning an empty mug. Macintosh and Braeburn took sips of their drinks, enjoying the familiar flavor of their family's trademarked drink. "You wouldn't happen to know anything about Igneous Rock, would you?"

The tender smirked, shrugging. "Well, I hear a lot these days, and that pony is pretty much connected to the roots of this town, so I may know a thing or two. Why do you ask?"

Big Mac considered for a moment asking what he was about to ask. How could this bite him in the flank? Could it turn on him? Could he get chased out of town? He decided that it was not likely; otherwise they wouldn't serve his family's drinks. "You wouldn't happen to know why Igneous hates the Apple family, would ya?"

The bar tender pursed his lips a bit, humming. "Well, now that's new. 'Fraid I wouldn't know anything about that." Macintosh sighed and nodded, supposing it was too much to hope that somepony in this town would know something like that about a stallion who seemed to be as expressive as the very rocks he built his town over. It was almost an oddity that Pinkie Pie was related to him! Still, he supposed he had done all he could do for the time being.

So, Macintosh and Braeburn drank. Once in a while, Braeburn would flirt with one of the waitresses, though such attempts bore no fruit. Macintosh was content to simply relax, enjoy the piano music, and wait. For what, he wasn't sure, but waiting is what he would do, just as he said he would. Time seemed to move at a crawl though, and Big Mac found himself missing home; at least then he could leave and return home, do some chores, read a book, something. Here, he was at the mercy of whatever the town offered, and he knew too little to take advantage of that. Perhaps he would look around later on?

An hour passed, and both stallions had long since finished their drinks, which meant Macintosh had to convince Braeburn to eat rather than drink himself stupid and make an idiot of himself in a new town (possibly damaging their already wounded reputation with the Pie family). Macintosh then became aware of somepony sitting next to him, so he turned to give a sideways glance to see Twilight Sparkle having taken a chair next to him. "Oh, hey Twilight," he said, smiling a little to have something change things up a little, "how's things?"

Twilight responded with a sigh, placing a hoof on the bridge of her nose. "Well, there was an.... argument...? Something that happened between Pinkie and Igneous that his lack of emotion can best allow as an argument happened," said Twilight, waving her hoof, "but long story short, she's grounded."

Macintosh raised a brow. "Grounded? Ain't she a grown mare?"

"Yeah," said Twilight, rolling her eyes, "but Pinkie Pie loves her family too dearly to challenge them any more than she already has." Big Mac frowned some, staring at the counter in thought as he tried to think of something he could do. "It seems," said Twilight, drawing Macintosh's attention back to her, though she seemed like she was trying to pick her words, "it seems there was some sort of falling out between Igneous and a member of the Apple family. That's about all I learned, though."

Macintosh sighed, hanging his head. "So. How long is Igneous gonna keep Pinkie here for?"

"Your guess is as good as mine," said Twilight, shaking her head, "and to make matters worse, we've yet to learn the location of the next Element. With all the drama, I haven't been able to ask Pinkie Pie or Igneous about it." The two ponies let out a joint sigh of irritation.

"Should we go back home?"

"No," said Twilight, shaking her head, "the only way I'm leaving is with an Element or with the knowledge it's not here. I refuse to leave otherwise, even if I have to set up a camp on the Pie manor's lawn." Macintosh frowned at that; sure, she was fine with that, but he had things to get back to, so even if he had the will to do it, he certainly didn't have the freedom. He turned his attention to the bar tender.

"'Scuse me, Barkeep?" The tender looked towards him, grunting as if to acknowledge he was listening. "I need a place to stay the night. Any idea where I can find an inn?"

"Just across the street," said the tender with a nod, "tell ya what, hope ya don't mind my eavesdroppin', but y'all sound like ya've had it rough. Why don't ya tell them ol' Brewskie sent ya? They'll give you a discount."

Macintosh smiled a bit at the kindness and nodded. "Thanks, Stranger." It was odd how uplifting a simple, random act of kindness was to the spirit, and Macintosh certainly felt better for it. "So, you stayin' with Pinkie for the night?"

"Yes," said Twilight with a nod, "though it seems Fluttershy and I will be sharing a room with Pinkie Pie..." Twilight paused for a moment, then seemed oddly nervous. Before Big Mac could say anything, however, Twilight stood up and cleared her throat. "Gentlecolts, I'm afraid I have something else I must attend to." The mare turned around and, without another word, made her way out of the bar. Macintosh found himself utterly confused by her rush, or why she was so quick to leave, but decided for the moment it was best not to wonder; if it was important, she'd tell them. He turned to Braeburn, whom he quickly noticed was staring at the backside of one of the waitresses, so he gave him a healthy swat on the side of the head.

"Ow, hey...!"

"Stop gawkin'."

Pinkie Pie approached her father's study, intent on getting answers from him, or at the very least changing his mind about not letting Big Mac into the house. After all, Big Mac was one of her bestest friends! He was always there for her, as she was for him, and the Apples had always treated her like family. It seemed only right in her head that her real family like them like the family they weren't, but possibly were, though that was still an unanswered mystery best left for another time.

The study had many books - most of which revolved around geology in one form or another - as well as a few rocks that were on display. Pinkie Pie looked towards a statue that sat near her father's desk in a display of its own, something she hadn't seen before; a statue of a strange, serpentine creature, though its head resembled that of a pony, it had an eagle's talon and a lion's paw for arms, and a goat's leg and a dragon's claw for legs, as well as mismatched wings and horns. The strange creature seemed to be singing. Her father must have caught her staring, because he spoke up.

"Got that statue from some wandering traders a few years back," he said, looking towards the stone oddity, "they said it was some kinda statue of a spirit of disharmony what terrorized Equestria a millennium ago. The stone's unusual."

"Oh?" Pinkie approached the statue, looking it over. It certainly seemed odd. "Why'd ya buy it?"

The stallion sniffed. "They said that it supposedly brings good luck."

Pinkie stared at the statue for a few more seconds before turning her attention back to her father. "Papa, I wanted to talk about Big Macintosh..."

"Pinkie Pie," said Igneous, looking towards Pinkie with that ever-stoic expression, "I know your heart is in the right place, an' ya mean well, but those Apples are no good. I won't have them or their ilk in my home."

"Funny you say that," said Pinkie with a grin, "because technically the Apples might be family! We're not sure, because the records were kinda smudged, but--"

"But nothin'," said the stallion, shaking his head. "If they are kin, they're at best well-removed cousins, an' if they are, they're cousins I want nothing to do with."

"But Papa, they're my friends!" Pinkie stepped closer, giving her father the best pleading eyes she could. "Big Macintosh is one of the nicest and most dependable ponies I know, and Braeburn is fun and silly and dopey! I promise, if you take the time to get to know them, you'd love them!"

Igneous did not shift, did not change in any way. "I don't need time. I don't need to know 'em. I've gotten by for not knowin' an Apple since before you was born, and I'm pretty sure I'll die happy without hearin' of the Apple clan ever again."

"But Papa-"

"But nothing, daughter," said Igneous with a nod of finality, "that's just how it is, and you can't change my mind."

"But Papa--"

"And," he interrupted once more, "I'm afraid that I'm gonna have to ask you to stop associatin' with the Apples."

Pinkie's eyes widened in surprise. "Papa, no!"

"They'll cheat and swindle you and stab you in the back," he said with a nod, "an' I don't want to see my little filly hurt like that."

"You can't do that!" Pinkie pulled her father close, staring him in the eyes. "They're my friends! You can't tell me to not be friends with them!"

"I can, and am," said the Stallion with a nod, "an' just to be sure, I'm gonna have to ask you not to return to Ponyville."

"What!?"

"Stick here," said the old stallion, "stay with us, with your family. Lotsa nice pony folk around here, lotsa ponies to make happy. You don't need those no-good Apples or their no-good town to be happy."

"But Papa-"

"No buts," said the stallion with a shake of his head. Pinkie Pie stared at her father quietly for a few minutes, though he could see the water in her eyes begin to well up. Her lip trembled, and she turned around and ran out of the study. She said nothing, simply fled the room sobbing. Igneous sighed a bit, slowly easing himself back into his chair. It hurt him to do that to his daughter, but he knew it was for the best. He only cared about her happiness.

He pondered on that. On the ignorance. On her lack of understanding. And sighed.

He loved her, and he wanted to protect her. That was all he knew.

Crack

His ear twitched, and he looked around, confused. Turning his attention towards the strange statue in its display case, he noticed something; a small crack, just on its surface. This made him frown. "Hm. That's new. Maybe some kinda mood stone reflecting the situation?" He considered this a moment, though decided to think on it later. He'd have to consider patching that crack up. Still, it could wait for now.

Macintosh stared up at the ceiling of the small room he and Braeburn were spending the night in. He wished that there was a cot or something he could sleep in - or at least a couch - but all they had available was a single bed room. The bed itself was big enough to fit both of them, but to be so close to a snoring Braeburn was going to keep him up all night.

'Don't matter much that I ain't really sleepy to begin with,' he thought to himself grumpily. Giving up on the concept of sleep, Big Mac pushed himself from the bed, standing up and hearing a creak as his weight left the mattress. Braeburn, unsurprisingly, did not wake up. Making his way towards the dresser, he put on his shirt and favorite bandanna. 'Maybe a stroll around the town will do me good?' Seemed as good an idea as any. If he was back home, he'd just work himself tired, burn the energy productively, but it would be several hours and a train ride before he'd be back home.

He stepped from his room, out of the inn, and into the town. Big Mac had no idea what he would do, but if nothing else it was a nice night for a stroll. So, he wandered about town, taking in the sights and sounds. It was very quiet, only the sounds of chirping crickets breaking the otherwise silent environment. He simply wandered around town, taking in the sights, enjoying his surroundings for the time being. Then, he found himself before the house of the family Pie. That house from which he was barred from ever entering. It was curious, what Pinkie's father might have against his family. He had never heard mention of her family before, or anypony in it.

He sighed a little, turning around and making his way away from the house. Something he would have to address later.

"Big Macintosh?"

Big Mac turned his attention towards the voice calling to him to see none other than Fluttershy standing at the gate as one of the guards opened it for her. "O-oh, it is you! Sorry if I startled you..."

Big Mac chuckled, shaking his head. "Not at all."

"Oh? Oh! Good!" Fluttershy smiled a bit, making her way towards the stallion. "Say, have you seen Twilight or Pinkie Pie? They disappeared a few hours ago and I haven't seen them since.."

Big Mac quirked a brow. "Nope?"

"Oh..." Fluttershy seemed to wilt a bit, clearly concerned. Big Mac frowned a bit, wondering what might have drawn them away from Pinkie's house this late at night. It wasn't like them to just take off without saying anything. As if on queue, the two ponies turned to see somepony running towards them. It was hard to see her at first, but as she got closer, they could tell it was none other than Pinkie Pie herself. She panted and heaved as she galloped as fast as she could, until stumbling and falling flat on her face in front of them, gasping desperately for air as if she had been dunked under water. Big Mac and Fluttershy shared a look for a moment, before Fluttershy put a hoof on Pinkie's back. "Breathe Pinkie, just breathe, take a moment..."

Pinkie pulled herself up, panting and gasping, forcing the words out as best she could. "I-it's Papa... he's... he's acting really weird, and... and he's got Twilight... I think he's going to hurt her!"

"You thought you could just march into my town. Corrupt it's people. Spread seeds of wickedness in their hearts and minds, and turn them to darkness? You have some nerve, demon."

Twilight winced whens he felt the pain in her head pull her to consciousness, and she was surprised to find she was still wearing her hat. Small blessings, perhaps? Of course, it was situated just right. Still. As she slowly felt the world readjust itself, she tried to bring her hoof up to her head to the injury, but found herself unable to move, chained to a rock in a clearing in a wooded area. Igneous was showing the only expression Twilight had known him to express in the short day she had known him. His eyes were angry, filled with judgement and righteous fury. Steeled with the resolve of a pony who thought himself just. But beneath that was a wickedness. A cruel, careless wickedness, but on his surface, he seemed duller, as if some of the already dull color had fled him. "But I am on to you. I know your secrets. I know what you're hiding."

"What..." grunted Twilight, wincing as the pain in her skull ebbed, "... what are you talking about..."

"You know very well what I'm talking about, witch," said Igneous, steeling his gaze upon Twilight, whose pupils shrank to pinpricks at the accusation. "You're a harlot! A trickster! Deceiver of stallions and mares, hiding your true self from the world while you put bile in their souls and vomit lie upon lie at them!"

"I... I have no idea what you're talking about..."

"Oh? Don't you?" The stallion chuckled a sinister chuckle. "The statue told me. The statue told me!" He rushed Twilight, pressing his hoof against her throat, choking her. She struggled to breathe, but couldn't. She struggled to free herself, but failed. She tried to do something, anything to free herself, but anything she tried only made her head hurt more, and made her aware of a stinging sensation on her brow.

"P-please...." she rasped, tears filling her eyes, "... please... don't kill me..."

"You will die," said the stallion, his voice calm, quiet, and disturbingly kind as he said it, "... I will free you from the torment of this world, and you will spread evil no more..." She felt his hooves press against her throat harder. She felt the world swim. The world grew black. Her struggles grew weaker. Her breathing became tired.

'I'm going to die.'

Twilight's eyes stared, horrified at this stallion, who looked back at her with a cold, empty gaze. Those eyes, cruel, careless, watching her as her life faded.

And then, he was tackled.

Two stallions rolled in the dirt before breaking apart from each other, rolling a short distance away. Twilight gasped and coughed, panting and heaving in desperation for the oxygen she thought she would never get again. Fluttershy hurried to her side as Big Mac and Igneous stood up, facing each other. "You! What are you doing here!?"

Big Mac snorted, glaring daggers at Igneous. "Savin' a mare's life, I imagine. What about you?"

Igneous growled. "I am purging darkness from our land! A wickedness that brews just beneath the surface!"

"What are you talkin' about," Big Mac growled, his temper flaring.

"The creature behind you?" Igneous laughed, pointing towards Twilight, whom Fluttershy was in the middle of trying to unchain. "That foul beast?"

"Stop callin' her--"

"It's a witch!" Igneous grinned an almost malicious grin. "It's a witch, and I saw it with my own two eyes! I followed it out into this clearing. The statue, it told me, it told me she was keeping secrets! It told me you were all keeping secrets!" Igneous looked towards Pinkie, and his eyes became softer. Sad even. "... It told me... you were all trying to corrupt my pure, sweet, innocent daughter..." He frowned, looking almost ready to cry, but then his emotions reverted to rage and he turned his eyes on Big Mac. "You... you're trying to make her like you. Deviants, witches, and sick... freaks! All of you!" He prodded Big Mac's chest. "Especially you! You vile son of a bitch! Bile and poison run in your veins! Your family is one of lies! One of wickedness!"

Big Mac swatted his hoof away, gritting his teeth. "What the hell is yer problem with my family!?"

"Because," shouted Igneous, "an Apple betrayed me and stole the girl of my dreams away from me!"

Everypony fell silent. Big Mac stared at Igneous for a long while, wide-eyed and confused. But none were as shocked as Pinkie Pie.

"What?"

Igneous' rage seemed to soften, though only a bit. "I was young, strong, handsome... but he stole her from me. He knew I loved her, but he stole her from me anyway. My best friend, and he betrayed me." He spat at Big Mac's hooves, the stallion choosing not to react to the gesture. "And I hate him for it. I've hated him ever since. I curse him, I curse his name, and I curse all of his bastard children! May Big Alexander Apple and that whore Clementine rot in an early grave!"

Nopony talked for a moment. Big Mac's anger seemed to soften, to the point he almost seemed sad. He shook his head a bit, looking off to the side. "Well. It may cheer ya up to know he's dead." Igneous' fury seemed to fade all at once, suddenly replaced by confusion as the information processed in his head. "Big Alex is dead. Died some years back, killed by bandits."

Igneous stared at Big Mac for a few seconds. It seemed as if he wasn't sure what to do with this new information. Several emotions played across his face; anger, confusion, sadness, anger again, but slowly he stopped to look at the ground. He seemed as most stallions would who wished death on another, but never really meant it, upon learning that their wish came true.

"He.... he died...?"

"Eyup," said Big Mac with a nod. He fell quiet again, looking down at his hooves. "Big Alex died... trying to help a stranger. Got killed for an act of kindness." Silence continued. Pinkie Pie held a hoof up over her mouth. Fluttershy continued trying to help free Twilight from her reigns. Big Mac looked up towards the stallion, his expression almost bitter. "His wife... longtime sweetheart... Clementine Apple... died givin' birth to his daughter a few months later."

Igneous' confusion seemed to shift all at once. Sorrow. Guilt. Hurt. "Oh... oh Clementine..."

Big Mac trotted towards the stallion. He grimaced hard, and then brought his hoof up, striking him upside the head and knocking him off his hooves and into the dirt. Igneous, shook his head, staring wide-eyed at Big Mac. "My pa didn't mind bein' called names, but if you ever call my ma a whore again, I'll lay you out."

Big Mac and Igneous stared at each other for a long while. Macintosh staring daggers down at the older stallion. He snorted, turning around and making his way towards Twilight and Fluttershy. He stomped a hoof on some of the chains a few times, until he broke the links enough for Twilight to free herself. "You okay, Twiligiht?"

"Y-yeah," said Twilight, nodding a bit. "My head hurts a little..."

"You girls are stayin' with me an' Braeburn tonight. We'll figure somethin' out. You too, Pinkie."

"But Papa--"

"Forget yer Pa," said Big Mac, looking towards the stallion who hadn't stood back up since he was struck, "I think he needs a little time to himself and his statue, since it's such a good friend."

Big Macintosh helped Twilight get on her hooves, though she still seemed a bit dazed, so Fluttershy helped her balance. The group made their way away from the clearing in the woods. Pinkie paused for a moment to look back at him, and their eyes met. Her own eyes held something he had never seen her give him before in his life; disappointment. She hung her head shamefully, turning her gaze away from him and following her friends. Igneous watched them leave, laying alone in the cold dirt.

He slowly lay his head in the dirt, staring out into the darkness. And shed a single tear as color began to come back to him.

"Dead..."

"You ready, Pinkie Pie?"

Pinkie sighed and nodded, looking at her bag. It was just as stuffed as it was when she got here, but it didn't seem to have the same life. Neither did Pinkie, for that matter. "Yes... I'm ready."

"You sure you wanna go now?" Big Mac leaned down and looked at her face, clearly concerned. "I wouldn't begrudge you for stayin'..."

"Yeah," said Braeburn with a roll of his eyes, "no offense, but your pop's kind of a good example of where that leads."

"Braeburn," said Twilight angrily, "you weren't even there, so shut it." Braeburn clenched his lips together, earning a nod of approval from Twilight, who had to have Fluttershy bandage her head for her. "Pinkie... you do realize if you just run away that it may be difficult to return, right?"

"I know," said Pinkie quietly, her eyes on the floor. "I don't care. I don't think I want to come back here again." Everypony shared a look of concern and sympathy. What could any of them say? There was no denying that what had happened last night was extreme. He had planned to kill Twilight. He had said such horrible things. Pinkie would need time to recover from all of this, but how could you completely recover from learning all of that about your father? A knock at the door turned everyone's attention.

"I got it," said Braeburn, before hurrying to the door. He pulled it open, and standing on the other side was Igneous.

"I'd like to--"

The door shut back on his face and Braeburn turned to face the others. "Well, looks like he's here for round 2. Want me to kick 'em in the teeth?"

"Braeburn," grunted Big Mac, stepping past his cousin and pulling the door open. Igneous stood there, looking back at him, though none of the vitriol that was in his eyes the night before was there anymore. In fact, nothing was there anymore. He was emotionless, empty, soulless...

He was normal. Or, at least, what passed for normal for him.

Big Mac, however, would not pretend he wasn't angry. He stared daggers at the stallion, keeping himself calm, still unable to forget the night before. "What do you want?"

Igneous was quiet for a moment, before closing his eyes and sighing. "I want to apologize for last night. I wasn't acting quite myself."

Big Mac quirked a brow in disbelief. "Not quite yerself? So, all that stuff you said to me was B.S.?"

Igneous shook his head thought. "No. I was best friends with Alexander Apple. I hated him for what he did. I despised him. But I never wished him harm, nor Clementine." Igneous hung his head shamefully. "Last night... something came over me. I'm not sure what, but it came from no where. I heard... voices... and they told me that my daughter was in danger."

"Voices can be a symptom of serious psychological issues," piped Fluttershy. When everypony looked toward her, however, she eeped and withdrew behind her mane. "Sorry..."

Big Mac turned his attention back to the stallion, his frown not fading, though it did become softer. "I don't think it's me you need to be askin' forgiveness from. There's four ponies you need to apologize to, an' I'm afraid two of 'em are dead." Igneous frowned a bit and nodded solemnly. Big Mac stepped out of his way, allowing him to walk into the room. Twilight became visibly tense, and Pinkie seemed to sense this, so she stepped in front of her friend.

"Miss Twilight," said the stallion, sitting on his haunches and pulling his hat from his head and placing it against his chest, "I know it may mean precious little to you, but I am dreadfully sorry for last night. I've never hurt a mare before in my life."

"C'mon dad," groaned Pinkie Pie, "you're married..."

Igneous didn't seem to react to Pinkie's statement. "I... if there is anything I can do to make it up to you... please... I'll do it." Twilight didn't say anything at first. She looked away, and Big Mac looked past Pinkie; the look on her face... she was thinking. Something deep.

"Well," said Twilight, reaching into her bag. "I'm looking for something like this... would you happen to have one?" She produced from that bag a stone orb, and held it in front of Igneous. For a moment, his eyes almost seemed to widen as he looked at the object.

"That looks just like the old family heirloom..."

Twilight nodded. "Yeah. I know it maybe asking a lot, but if you really want my forgiveness, I'm gonna need that."

Igneous stared at it for a few seconds, but frowned and shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't give it to you because I don't have it."

"What...?" Twilight's eyes shot wide open. One of them twitched a little.

"I gave it to my daughter, Maud, when she left for school in Manehattan," said Igneous, looking towards Pinkie Pie. "I originally intended to give it to Pinkie Pie, but she insisted it stay with us." Pinkie, however, didn't respond. In fact, she still seemed to be upset, something that made even Igneous wince a bit. "If you like, I can send a letter to her and tell her you want it...?"

"No!" Twilight shouted, louder than she intended. She bit her lip when she saw everypony staring at her and giggled nervously. "Uh, no... no, w-we can pick it up ourselves..."

" But Twi," said Big Mac, raising a brow, "why not just let 'em send it to us?"

Twilight hurried across the room, grabbed Big Mac and brought him in close. "Because, we might have enemies, remember? If that thing travels by post we could lose it before we even lay eyes on it!" Big Mac let out a quiet 'oh' before Twilight turned her attention back to Igneous. "I think I should just... go there and get it myself."

"Oh." Igneous nodded a little. "Well, then I suppose I could send a message to my daughter, explain the situation, and tell her you're coming."

"That would be appreciated," said Twilight. She stared at the stallion for a minute, clearly still thinking. "And... one more thing... can you show me this statue of yours?"

Igneous frowned. "The statue...?" Twilight simply nodded, and the stallion considered it for a moment. "Sure... I suppose that seems fair..." He turned to Pinkie Pie taking a deep breath and sighing. "But first... Pinkie Pie...?" Pinkie didn't react. She simply stared at him with her sad eyes. It was almost strange to see Igneous himself sadden a bit at the sight. "Pinkie Pie... my sweet, baby girl... I'm so sorry for what you saw..."

Pinkie looked towards him, and sniffled a bit. "You said such terrible things..."

"I know," said Igneous, shaking his head, "and I didn't mean to hurt Big Macintosh's feelings."

"Not about him! You hurt me!" Pinkie threw her hooves forward. "You held a grudge over Big Mac's mom for how long? Before you even knew mama!? What, was she just the consolation prize!? Were we just a consolation family!?" Pinkie's lip quivered and her eyes welled with tears. "D-don't you love us...?"

"Pinkie, sweetie..." Igneous was quick to get to Pinkie's side, and wrap his forelegs around her. "No.... no... I love your mother and you girls with all my heart. You're my world. You're my everything. I liked Clementine, but I moved on. I met the mare of my dreams, and she gave me four beautiful baby girls..." He nuzzled Pinkie gently, holding her close. "I wouldn't trade you girls for anything." Pinkie Pie sniffled, and wrapped her own forelegs around him, pressing her face against his neck. "I love you, Pinkie Pie, and your sisters, and your mother... and never forget that."

Pinkie sniffled a snotty sniffle and nodded. "We love you too, Papa," she said in a weak voice. Despite the previous night, Big Mac couldn't help but let a small smile creep onto his face. It would take him time to forgive Igneous for what he said the other night. But, if what he saw right now was any indication, he was a good stallion.

"Now," said Twilight, stepping forward, "about that statue..."

Everypony stood outside of the small study, except for Twilight and Igneous. The serpentine statue stood there, on display, which made it simple for the mare to get around and look at it. She hummed, ooed, and ahhed every once in a while, before stepping back, and giving a nod.

"Yep," she said with certainty, "it's magical alright."

"What?" Braeburn stepped forward, staring at Twilight, "how can ya tell?"

"Because," said Twilight, pointing at the statue, "I can hear it right now. It seems to only whisper into your mind if you're close to it, and it says some very..." Twilight paused for a moment, frowning a bit and not taking her eyes from the others, "... Disheartening... things..."

"Oh..." Braeburn rubbed a foreleg over the back of his neck, looking off to the side.

"So," said Igneous, looking up at the statue, "what do I do with it?"

"Get rid of it," said Twilight, stepping away from the statue as if in a hurry, "bury it, throw it in a lake, put it in an iron box, I don't care what you do, just get rid of it and make sure it's difficult for ponies to get near it, because it's not messing around, it knows just what to say to get to you."

This seemed to unsettle Igneous a bit, who pursed his lips at the statue. "Those tradesponies said it was good luck. Kinda figured that was a lie, but didn't expect the reverse to be true."

"It's not technically bad luck," said Twilight, holding up a hoof to show she was entering lecture mode, "it's just manipulative, tries to instigate distrust, anger, and paranoia, likely to incite as much chaos as it can." She looked back to the statue, her expression shifting once more to one of concern as she seemed to take a step or two away from it. "Just remember, if you must get close to it, ignore what it says, because it will say anything to make you do what it wants."

"I see..." Igneous shook his head, turning from the statue and walking towards the exit. "I'll have to go tell the girls an' Ma to stay outta the study, quarantine this room until this thing is gone."

"Excellent," said Twilight, clopping her hooves together, "well then everypony, I suggest we get as far away from this house as physically possible, because I don't want to be anywhere near this thing anymore, alright?" Macintosh was almost surprised by the look of anxiety on Twilight's face. It was tense, fearful, worried... just what did that thing say to her. Everypony started to follow as soon as the mare made a hurried trot out, though Big Mac felt curiosity take hold as they passed. He looked towards the statue; an innocuous, simple statue of a weird mash-up of several creatures. It seemed so happy, so light-hearted. How could something like that be malevolent?

It was just a statue. Was it really that special?

He stepped into the room and approached it, looking at the serpentine creature it depicted. It seemed so harmless, comical even. What could be so terrible about this statue?

Ever wonder what it's like to be a dog?

Big Mac froze.

You know, they sit around all day, they do what their master tells them, they eat, they sleep, they poop all over the place, and they're happy. Don't you just wish--

Big Mac flipped around and hurried away from the room to catch up with the others. Only one word was needed right now to respond to this situation. One, all-saying word that said anything he would ever need to say about what had just happened, and it was a word he felt would be necessary to drive him out of this house as quick as possible.

"Nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope nope..."

And so, the statue was left alone in the study. Sitting. Ever still. Ever cold.

But no longer silent.

Well... damn... I really hope they don't bury me... that would make my little 'time-out' a little more troublesome than it already is...

TO BE CONTINUED...

Chapter 18 - The Fearful Scholar

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"Oh come on! I swear, you're cheating or something!"

"I'm not cheatin'! You jus' got a bad poker face!"

"No way! You're the one with the bad poker face! I can never tell what you're thinking!"

Scootaloo glared a promise of a painful death at her hoof of cards. Truth be told, she had absolutely no idea how to play cards, but it seemed that was just as well as a lot of it seemed to be up to chance anyway. Still, if she knew more it would be slightly less so, because then at least she could tell when she had to check, fold, raise, and whatever else this crazy stupid game asked of her, all to her advantage. Meanwhile, Apple Bloom was like a pro, helping her any time she was getting things wrong, and even telling her when they worked to her advantage (rare as it seemed to be). A crimson hot rage filled her heart, the kind of rage that would only be undone by the spilling of blood.

But cards were made of cardboard. They had no blood to spill.

Maybe if she ever got some money, she'd buy them from Apple Bloom, for the sole purpose of destroying them?

"You two playin' nice?"

Both fillies' attention was turned to Big Macintosh as he entered the house, wiping sweat from his brow after another long day of work. Apple Bloom smiled and nodded. "Eyup! Scootaloo can't play to save 'er life though!"

"Hey," shouted Scootaloo, glaring at the cards, "it's not my fault these cards hate me! I can't even tell what the hell is going on half the time!"

"Ah!" Both fillies jumped, looking to Big Mac, who glared daggers at Scootaloo. "Language." Scootaloo grimaced and grumbled a bit under her breath, which did not escape Big Mac's notice. "Repeat that?"

Scootaloo sighed, not making eye contact. "Sorry..." It was not really a sincere apology, but that was fillies for you. Big Mac smiled and stepped up to the couch, patting the little filly on the head.

"Atta girl."

Once Big Mac left the room, Scootaloo looked towards Apple Bloom. "I don't get it. Why can adults swear but we can't?" Apple Bloom simply looked at her like she was crazy. "What?"

"Big Mac n' Braeburn never swear," said Apple Bloom, "'least not in the house!"

Scootaloo smirked. "I've heard Braeburn swear a few times."

"Yeah," pointed Apple Bloom, "but Big Mac always hits 'em when 'e does, especially if there's fillies about!"

Scootaloo quirked a brow. "Wait... but what about Big Mac if he swears?"

"Then Granny hits him," Apple Bloom held up a hoof as if to emphasize her point, "not that it ever happens!"

"And what if Granny swears?"

Apple Bloom simply stared into space. Scootaloo looked at her for a few minutes, before the yellow filly responded. "If Granny Smith swears, we didn't hear it, an' it never happened. It's just a figment of our imaginations, and we should go on about our lives."

"That bad?"

Apple Bloom nodded. "She knows words that even make Braeburn embarrassed to be seen with 'er."

Outside of the house, Big Mac took a moment to take in the orchard air. It was a rather beautiful day today, the weather feeling just right, a slight breeze, cool and refreshing. If he hadn't just recently finished doing work, it would have encouraged him to do so. 'Such a lovely day', he thought. It was almost a shame that little Scootaloo was injured; those two would likely have a lot of fun on a day like this in this orchard. 'Just like Applejack an' I used to.'

He smiled and sighed, remembering his younger years. Him and his kid sister roaming the farm, playing hide and seek, climbing trees. Memories like that always made him smile. But that smile faded slightly when he remembered the day she left. The house had always felt somewhat emptier without her presence, even all these years later. That only made him smile a bit more; when they went to Manehattan, he'd visit his sister in her own place. If home was where the heart was, then it didn't matter if they were on the farm or in a fancy apartment in Manehattan, right? Gonna have to bring Granny an' Applebloom on that trip, he thought to himself, Maybe ask Fluttershy to watch Scootaloo while we're gone.

Macintosh made his way towards his favorite chair, where he would often sit and just stare out into the fields with his thoughts. He turned, ready to sit, but stopped. As he stared out at the fields before him, he found his eyes down the path, looking towards the town. Maybe it was all the adventure as of late. Maybe it was something he ate. But today he felt an odd desire.

Why sit down? It's a good day. I think I'll just mosey into town for a bit.

Big Mac stepped down from the porch, and began to make his way down the path. It was far from the first time Big Mac had ever decided to take a stroll through town. Indeed, he would do so regularly, be it while doing errands or because his cousin dragged him along. But today he felt something of a wanderlust overcome him. Just the need to walk around, and so, he trod the dirt path leading from the Acres into Ponyville proper.

As his legs wandered, so did his thoughts. The past while had been so unusual for him. Visiting ancient castles, taking ancient books, running away from cursed statues... they were not the things that normally happened. These were things from story books one read to foals, not things that actually happened, right? And yet he had seen those very impossible things with his own eyes. It left him to wonder how much he had done in such a short amount of time that so many will not do in the course of their entire lives?

"Oh! Big Mac!"

Big Mac turned around to the voice calling him, to see Fluttershy and Pinkie Pie approaching him, with Pinkie wearing saddlebags. "Howdy girls," he said with a nod, "how are ya?"

"Just peachy," said Pinkie with a flare. "We just got back from Twilight's place from a sleepover!" She grinned wide. "I've been begging her to have one forever, and she always said 'no', but lately she's been hosting them a lot! There's lots to do in her house!"

Fluttershy, however, seemed to frown. "She often seems so nervous though. I caught her looking at windows a lot..."

Big Mac frowned a bit and looked to Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy. "Wait... does she ever say why she's holding these sleepovers?"

"Nope," said Pinkie with a shake of her head. "Why?"

Big Mac's eyes settled on Pinkie a moment, confused at the seeming lack of understanding the mare offered. "Pinkie, a while back you babysat Spike at a sort of 'last minute' deal for Twilight, right?"

"Yeparooni," said Pinkie with a nod, "Twilight said she had to do some research and she wanted to be sure Spike wasn't alone that night!"

Big Mac stared at the mares quietly a moment. They both seemed equal parts confused, though Fluttershy almost seemed concerned. They don't know, he thought to himself. That itself wasn't too surprising, but what did bother him is that it meant Twilight was still scared, not that he could blame her of course. She lived in a big house all alone on a mountain; any number of terrible things could happen, and nopony would be around to help her.

If he was the only one who knew, then that meant he might very well be the only one she can talk to at the moment. Big Mac looked between the two mares, smiled and nodded. "Well, sounds like you girls had fun. I hate to run, but I got somethin' I need to take care of."

"Okie dokie lokie," said Pinkie Pie with a nod, grabbing Fluttershy, "let's go to the tavern! They don't mind serving pegasi, and with how cute you are, I'm sure you'll get lotsa nice compliments and attention!"

"W-wait," shouted Fluttershy, her eyes shrinking to pinpricks, "I-I-I don't want attention!" If Pinkie heard her, she didn't acknowledge it, and the two ponies were off in a flash. Big Mac smirked, shaking his head as the two ponies hurried off into the distance (one less willingly than the other). Turning, he looked upwards, over the tiled roofs of the houses and towards the mountain that stood just north of Ponyville.

Macintosh stepped past the gate to the manor and into the garden proper. The old manor seemed as it always had; as if nopony had lived her in a very long time, and yet it somehow managed to maintain a strong vigil over the land. It had a sort of charm about it that one could not deny, and every time he came here he felt a similar feeling to being in that old castle in the Everfree. That castle that's now inhabited by a horrible blob-monster. Pushing one terrifying thought out of his mind for the time being, Big Mac made his way up the cobblestone path towards the house, up to the door.

Big Mac gave the door a gentle rapping, then he paused for a few moments to wait for a response. Nothing, so he knocked again. "Who's there?" responded Twilight's muffled voice from the other side of the wooden door.

"Big Mac," he said simply.

For a few seconds it was quiet, but then he heard the sounds of various bolts and locks being undone; probably more than was needed, really. The door pulled open, just slightly, with a single purple eye peaking outside. "Oh, hello Macintosh. I wasn't expecting you," came Twilight's voice, a little uncertain.

"Nope," said Big Mac with a shrug, leaning his head to the side as if trying to see into the house. "May I come in?"

"Hn? Oh, sure!" Twilight opened the door a bit more, though not by much. "Just get in as quickly as you can please?" Big Mac nodded and wasted no time getting past the little mare into the house, with Twilight shutting the door behind him and locking it up once more faster than he expected she would. "Sorry for the caution," said Twilight with a sigh as she checked each lock to make sure it was in place, "can never be too careful."

Big Mac turned to face Twilight, and before he could say anything, he was surprised by the way she looked. She seemed very ragged and worn; her mane was askew with several hairs sticking out of place, there were dark spots under her slightly pinked eyes, and she seemed incredibly tense to boot. The stallion frowned a bit, looking down at the disheveled mare. "Kinda... why I'm here.... everything okay, Twilight?"

"Okay? Why wouldn't I be?" Twilight waved a hoof at him, as if he were talking silliness, though he responded only with a concerned look in her direction. The mare seemed to wilt a bit, looking off to the side somewhat. "Uh, well, I admit things could be better, but... you know."

"No, I don't," said Big Mac, shaking his head and stepping closer, leaning down and trying to meet her eyes. "Wanna talk about it?" Twilight shied away from his gaze a bit, a grimace plainly etched onto her face. Macintosh stepped back a bit, deciding not to push too hard; he wanted her to talk to him, but he couldn't force her.

"There's nothing to talk about," she said simply. Big Mac pouted his lips at that, and Twilight turned to face him again, smiling, though it was not a happy smile. "I'm fine, really."

"Ya sure? Pinkie and Fluttershy worried enough to send me up here." Once more, Twilight seemed to try to look anywhere but Big Mac's direction. He smiled sympathetically at the mare, tilting his head once more to try to meet her gaze. "You worried those thieves'll come back?"

"No," said Twilight quietly, though she shook her head a bit, "I mean, yes, but no... maybe...?"

Macintosh frowned a bit. "Twi, have you been sleeping well?"

The lavender mare chuckled mirthlessly, shaking her head. "Is it that obvious?" Big Mac didn't respond, not knowing if she actually wanted him to respond to that. She seemed to pick up on this and sighed, shaking her head and putting a hoof on the bridge of her nose. "It's... complicated, okay?"

Big Mac's frown deepened. He wanted to help her if he could, but it would be difficult if she wasn't going to be more open with him. "Well, maybe you can help me understand?"

Twilight seemed to consider his words a moment, then put a hoof on her hat, adjusting it a bit. "Remember the.... the statue?"

At the mention of it, Big Mac shuddered. Of course he remembered that statue. The very few words it had said to him felt wrong, perverse, and yet struck his curiosity from time to time on what it was going to say. "... Eeyup..."

Twilight remained quiet for a few seconds, seeming to ponder over her head on her next words. "Have you... do you ever...." She paused for a moment, and groaned, sitting on her haunches and rubbing her temples with her hooves. "Big Mac... do you trust me?"

Macintosh raised a brow at the question. It seemed so silly, and at the same time it certainly had a depth he wasn't anticipating. "... Of course I do."

"You hesitated," said Twilight quickly, her eyes worried, "why did you hesitate?"

"It caught me off guard is all," said Big Mac, his voice beginning to crack a bit. He reached into his pocket and pulled out his flask, twisting the top off. Twilight certainly couldn't have missed it.

"Now you're drinking," she said, clearly becoming anxious. "Why are you drinking? Are you lying?"

"Nope," said Big Mac, furrowing his brow a bit, getting somewhat concerned at her tone, though his voice was cracking the more he talked, "Twi, what's wrong with you?"

Twilight grabbed Big Mac by the shoulders and shook him, causing him to drop his flask, spilling its precious contents on the floor. "What's wrong with me is that I don't know who my friends are!" Macintosh's eyes fell on the flask and the wet spots near it. He quickly snatched it up and held it over his mouth, but only got a single drop for his efforts. This seemed to make Twilight angry.

"What is wrong with you!? I'm having a panic attack, and you're just... just trying to get drunk!?"

"It's not..." Macintosh gasped a bit, the tension of the situation drying his already parched throat. He put a hoof over his throat and rubbed it, wide-eyed and biting his lip as he realized he had been doing a lot more talking than he was used to lately, ".... not...."

"Not what!? Huh!?"

Big Mac frowned, continuing to stroke his throat under his bandanna. Twilight was in a frenzy, and he didn't know what he could say or do. He looked up to her, uncertainty in his eyes, and did all he could think to do.

'Water.'

He could not say the words; only move his mouth in the hopes she could read his lips. Twilight seemed confused a moment, looking at him like he had grown a second head. "Water? What does water...?" She paused, taking notice of him stroking his throat. She sighed a bit, shaking her head. "Lose your voice?" Big Mac looked off to the side somewhat and nodded. It wasn't happy, but she was no longer furious, just annoyed, so it was a victory. "Follow me."

The two ponies walked through the manor into the kitchen. Twilight opened the door to the ice box and began rooting around. "Well, I'm afraid that I don't have any water unless you want to go out and use that old well, but I do have some cider. If you want something harder than that I have a stocked wine cellar."

Macintosh raised a brow at that, which Twilight caught in looking back towards him. "What? I can appreciate a good drink." Macintosh merely shrugged. The mare withdrew a glass from her cupboard and poured some cider into it, passing the glass to him, which he took and drank down, slowly, trying not to choke on it and let it work it's wonders. When he drank enough, he sighed in relief and smiled to Twilight.

"Thanks for that."

"No problem," said the mare halfheartedly, shaking her head before looking off to the side with a sigh. "I'm... also sorry if I overreacted."

"Sokay," said Big Mac, smiling a bit in assurance. She didn't respond, however, and just seemed as tired and defeated as before. Macintosh held his glass between his hooves and swirled it about a bit, watching the contents spin. "Also, I hesitated because I felt like the question was silly."

Twilight seemed confused, looking towards Macintosh as if he were crazy once more. "Question?"

Big Mac chuckled, shaking his head at the mare. 'She really does need a good night's rest, doesn't she?' "You asked me if I trusted you, and I hesitated, because I felt it was a silly question."

"Oh." Twilight nodded a bit, though she seemed to stare off into space for a moment before giving him a half-confused glare. "Wait, what's so silly about that? It's an important question!"

"I know," said Big Mac nodding, his smile not wavering in the least, "but I figured you should already know I trust ya." This seemed to catch the mare off guard for a moment, as if she didn't expect that answer. Macintosh pondered if he should be insulted or not, but decided to leave such a question for another time, as Twilight seemed to relax just a bit.

"Oh..." Twilight's head hung just a bit, all the tension in her slowly ebbing away as if that little answer made a world of difference. She then chuckled a bit, shaking her head, looking down at her hooves. "The worst part is... I don't even remember why I asked you."

Macintosh frowned a bit, furrowing his brow at the mare. "You need a good night's sleep."

"I know," said Twilight with a slight groan, shaking her head again and looking towards him. Her expression suddenly seemed somber on top of the pre-existing exhaustion, and it made her seem all the more world weary. "Macintosh... have you ever... had a strange experience that you can't really place...?" Macintosh's response was a simple deadpan look, to which Twilight almost laughed. "Besides... you know, the... castle and the statue and... yeah..."

The stallion seemed to stare off into his own little world, pondering that question. "Can't say I have. Why?"

Twilight bit her lip a moment, looking at her hooves. She still remembered the dream. Seeing a destroyed Equestria, the others dead and scattered. Then the statue, whispering poisoned words into her ears...

'You realize that they only trust you because they don't know what you are, right?'

Twilight squeezed her eyes shut for a moment and let out a breath. She shook her head, looking towards Big Mac and forcing a smile onto her face. "It's nothing," she said uncertainly, her eyes drifting off to the side as she said it, "I guess I'm still a little shaken at the whole..." her forced smile drifted away, "... almost... getting murdered bit..."

Macintosh nodded a bit, frowning, looking off to the side. "Well, why not occupy yourself with work?" Twilight snorted at that and laughed a bit, causing Big Mac to raise a confused brow. "What?"

Books everywhere.

It was hard to believe that anypony could even skim that many books, but there they were. They littered the floors, some haphazardly strewn about, though still in a manner of care; the only ones that remained opened were on Twilight's desk, with various sheets of paper and scrolls. Macintosh almost felt dizzy at the sight of all the books.

"That's... a lot..."

"Yeah," said Twilight with a nod and a sigh, shaking her head. Spike lay in a nearby basket, fast asleep. "The first few nights I invited the girls over, I at least pretended I wanted their company, but it didn't take long for me to start occupying myself with this room even when they were here."

Big Mac's eyes continued to trace all the books, and he took a few steps forward, looking over their covers. Many of them had strange names, like The Equestrian Bestiary, Clover the Clever's Encyclopedia of Magical Constructs, and Potion Making for Complete Buffoons, and a few of them were written in letters he recognized as Old Equestrian. He shook his head, his mind trying to process what he was seeing before him. "H... how much of this have you read?"

"Well," said Twilight with a sigh and rubbing a hoof over the bridge of her nose, "I've been mostly researching, so I haven't completely read any of them, but I've probably looked over half of the books in this room at least once since yesterday."

"I see..." Macintosh shook his head, in complete awe of the idea. He was by no means a stupid pony; he had to know enough to run the farm, and learning a thing or two about history was Apple tradition, but it looked as if Twilight had potentially poured over half a library's worth of books. Given it would be a small library like back in Ponyville, it still seemed to awe him. As his eyes wandered, he noticed a book with a title that caught his eye. Macintosh approached it, wondering if he was seeing things, and lifted the book up, squinting as he read the title.

'Unicorns: the Lost Tribe.'

"What? Oh, give me that!" Almost as fast as he could blink, Twilight threw herself towards Big Mac and snatched the book away from him, confusing the stallion as she held the tome protectively against her breast, eyes wide as if he had assaulted the book. "Don't you know better than to snoop around another pony's belongings!?"

"I'm sorry, Twilight," said Big Mac with a polite nod, "I didn't mean to offend."

Twilight stared at him a moment, still a bit tense, but she sighed and shook her head, looking down at the book. "Sorry, I-I guess... I overreacted. I didn't mean to, I just..."

"It's alright," said Big Mac with a nod and a smile, "I was bein' nosy." This seemed to make Twilight smile a bit, though she hugged the book tighter still, her eyes seeming somber. Macintosh frowned a bit, looking down at the book she cradled in her hooves and back up to her. She giggled a bit, shaking her head, situating the book on a nearby pile of... well, books.

"It's... a rare find," she said with a sigh, looking at the book. "It was a study done by a stallion named Golden Quill, who gained a deep fascination in Unicorn legend and myth and decided to dedicate his life to researching them." Twilight placed a hoof on the book, smiling at it. "They say he spent his whole life searching for 'the Lost Tribe', Unicorns, in the hopes of one day finding out where they had gone." She looked to Big Mac, a soft smile on her face, though there was a somberness to her eyes. "... He researched unicorns his entire life. Met ponies who claimed to encounter them." Her muzzle scrunched up a bit, as if she were annoyed. "Many of them were... questionable, seeming more like deceit to cover up murders, crimes, and dishonest wives... but..." She lifted the book once more, holding it against her chest and smiling. "... It also tells of... softer tales. Things of adventure. Of romance. Of mystery."

Twilight opened the book, reading over a few notes. "... But no matter how hard he looked, he never found a unicorn. Only rumors. During his final days, he stated his only regret in life was never having the chance to meet those elusive ponies." Big Mac frowned a bit at that. He couldn't imagine what it must be like to spend one's whole life searching for something, only to never find it. He looked towards Twilight, who seemed to have similar thoughts in her mind.

'It would be like dying without ever tasting an apple.' The mere thought made him shudder.

"Eventually, his grandson found his notes," said Twilight, stroking the book like a beloved pet. "He continued his grandfather's research, compiling everything into this one-of-a-kind journal." She looked at the book lovingly, smiling fondly at it. "He disappeared one day. Simply left without saying goodbye, and nopony ever heard from him again. All they found the day he disappeared was his journal, which detailed his and his grandfather's research into unicorn legends, rumors, and history."

Twilight looked to Big Mac, noticing the stallion seemed to be paying the utmost attention to her tale. In a moment that was almost too rare to miss, Twilight seemed to blush a bit. "So," said Big Mac, nodding his head, "did he get anything concrete in that book?"

The lavender mare chuckled, looking down at the tome again before setting it neatly on her nightstand. "That's up for debate, I suppose." She stepped away from the book, towards another pile of books, taking them one by one and stacking them into smaller piles. "Many ponies looked at this book as the works of a madpony, more like a parody of the scientific method rather than actual research." She sighed and shook her head, looking back at the book sadly. "They said his research was entirely based on wild dreaming and misinterpretation of historic facts. They say he was insane, who likely one day went so mad he wandered into the wilderness and died."

Macintosh was quiet a moment. Twilight looked towards him to notice he was staring down at the ground intently, as if deep in thought. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath and sighed. "Fairy tales. Right."

The tone of his voice almost seemed... disappointed? Twilight leaned over a bit, trying to to get a better look at his face. "Something wrong, Macintosh...?" Big Mac simply looked up towards her. He gave her a reassuring smile, shaking his head, though she didn't seem to buy it.

"So," he said, trying to change the subject, "What about you? You hopin' to find a unicorn someday?" Twilight paused a moment and bit her lip. She brought a hoof up to the back of her mane, brushing it gingerly. Macintosh smirked. He had caught her red-hoofed on that one. "Salright to admit it. Nothin' to be ashamed of." Twilight merely giggled nervously in response, unwilling to meet his eyes. Big Mac frowned a bit, seeing that she wasn't convinced and worrying that he may have made her nervous. "Hey, it's not a bad dream."

Twilight shook her head. "You have no idea what you're talking about..."

"Yes I do," said Big Mac. He turned to look around, as if making sure nopony would hear him, even if the only other things here were a sleeping Spike. He gestured for Twilight to come closer, which she did, and he leaned forward and whispered into her ear. "Several generations of the Apple Family have made it their life goals to find the World's Biggest Tree."

Twilight seemed to stare at him a moment, confused, as if what he said were the silliest thing she had ever heard. "The... world's biggest tree?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a proud nod. "Every generation has hooffulls of Apples who want to find that tree, and at least one who tries to."

Twilight seemed authentically curious, raising a brow. "Do they?"

Big Mac, however, shrugged. "Well, if they do they either lie or don't return to tell the tale." He waved his hoof about. "Either way, they never come back in the same condition they left in. Always either completely broke, crippled, insane, or in one freak occurrence, start a family, but otherwise they usually disappear and are considered dead or lost."

The little lavender mare pondered on this a moment. Seemed like an odd tradition to carry on if it usually ended with misfortune. "And you share this insane goal?"

"Well," said Big Mac, holding a hoof up and waving it around, "Kinda. It's on my bucket list to at least look for it, but I don't figure I'll ever find it." Twilight raised a brow for a moment, staring at him. Big Mac stared back, glancing off to the side a moment, then back to her. "Somethin' wrong?"

"No," said Twilight, shaking her head and smirking, "it's just that I don't think I've ever heard you talk about yourself in such detail." Indeed, it was something Big Mac didn't do often. He hadn't considered it, but despite their many conversations, he didn't talked much of himself. Really, neither did she. The two had known each other for nearly two months now and they barely knew one another. The thought almost made him chuckle.

"Not much to say," he said with a shrug, though he frowned a bit at a thought. A hoof brushed against his throat for a moment. Now that he was thinking on it, he had been talking more these past few months than he normally did. Enough that sometimes he forgot about his injury, and by the time he remembered it his voice was already fading. Even now his voice was becoming more strained and, with his mind unclouded by conversation, he realized just how much he had been taxing himself verbally.

"... It hurts to talk, doesn't it?"

Big Mac didn't say anything right away. He didn't know if he could. It was really not one of his favorite subjects, and it was something he tried his best to not talk about. He gave Twilight a sideways glance; she seemed cautious and concerned, as well as curious. The stallion let loose a sigh, continuing to rub his throat.

"Sometimes," he said, quieter than normal.

Twilight didn't say anything in response. The room became very quiet, and both ponies found themselves strained to say anything more. Twilight had questions, he could tell, but she wasn't saying anything. 'How much does she know?' Macintosh realized that as an associate of Rich's, she might know at least enough about the situation. He was uncertain if this knowledge should comfort him or upset him.

"I could use another drink," he said with a raspy voice. Twilight responded with a nod, and the two ponies made their way back out of the tower. When they reached the kitchen once more, Twilight grabbed a bottle of cider and held a hoof out.

"Give me your flask. I'll fill it up for you."

Not one to reject a kind offer, Big Mac held his flask forward, and Twilight carefully filled it with the sweet nectar; he could tell the smell of Sweet Apple Acres apples anywhere, any form. He took a drink from his flask, feeling the coolness run over his sore throat. Twilight stepped past him, towards a door, opening it and stepping inside. When she stepped back out, she was carrying another bottle, though this one bore a different look, it was still familiar.

"Is that Whiskey?"

"Yes," said Twilight, opening one of her cabinets and pulling out a mug, pouring some of the liquid into it, closing it, and setting it aside, taking a drink of it, making a sour face, and shaking her head. She sighed a bit, looking to Big Mac and frowning. "Hope you don't mind."

"No," he said, shaking his head, "just didn't peg you fer an alcoholic."

Twilight rolled her eyes. "I'm not an alcoholic, I seldom have a drink, I just could really use one right now." She looked at the glass, shaking her head as she took another drink as the room descended into silence. Big Mac looked off to the side, taking another sip from his flask. 'Well, she is kinda stressed. Guess I can't blame her.'

Big Mac hummed, tapping a hoof to his chin. "Mind if I have a mug?"

"Sure," said Twilight, pulling another glass from the cabinet and filling it, she passed it to Big Mac. He took the container and looked at the contents inside. Shrugging, he took a drink of it and felt the warmth crawl down his throat. There was a bit of spice to it, but nothing he hadn't drank before.

"Not bad," he said with a smack of his lips.

"Filthy Rich gave me this for my birthday," she said with a shrug, taking another drink from her own mug. "Pinkie insisted on him helping do something for me because he said I spend too much time reading books and doing research."

Macintosh didn't know how to respond. He wasn't sure he had noticed it himself, although to be fair his interactions with Twilight up until now had mostly been limited to when they were going out on an adventure or when she was distraught. "You do seem the bookish type."

Twilight snorted, rolling her eyes. "That's what Rich said. 'Twilight, you're so diligent, and a dear friend, try to have fun once in a while.' Ha!" Twilight sighed, taking another drink. "I don't have to do what others call 'fun' in order to be happy. As long as I enjoy myself, isn't that all that matters?"

Certainly a sentiment Macintosh could agree with, though he found himself wondering something. An odd question in his mind. "Do you enjoy your life?"

Twilight didn't respond. She was quiet, staring at her drink, as if thinking. "With Rich's resources, I have no shortage of books to read, as well as my own personal collection, and my research into ancient lore could one day change the world."

"Maybe," said Big Mac, nodding, "but is that all you wanna do in life?"

Once more, Twilight was quiet. Her eyes seemed to focus on nothing and everything, as if searching her mind for an answer. The sour look on her face told him that she either didn't know or didn't like the answer. She poured a second helping of the whiskey into her mug and drank from it. Macintosh looked down at his own drink, pursing his lips together.

"I can kinda understand ya," he said with a nod. Twilight raised a brow, looking towards him, and when he noticed he chuckled a bit. "Not 'bout the book stuff. I'm no dummy but most of what I know revolves around the farm. But that's it." He took a drink of his whiskey and smirked. "Braeburn says I'm a workaholic."

"So you like to work?"

"Guess so," said Big Mac, shrugging.

"Seems to me to be a good trait to have."

"Yeah," said Big Mac with a sigh, looking up at the ceiling, "but everypony else agrees with 'em, and sometimes I wonder myself." He looked back down at his drink, seeing his reflection in the liquid. "Didn't used to, but after nearly fallin' to my death, I had a lotta time to myself an' more than once I kept thinkin' 'I wish I could pull a plow'."

Twilight seemed confused by this. She stared at Big Mac as if he was a strange thing from a story of strange things. "You mean you wanted to do physical labor?"

"Eeyup," said Big Mac with a shrug. This only made Twilight more confused. 'I guess she's not a very physical pony though.' "The routine and rhythm is easy to follow. I think better when I'm workin'." 'Or maybe it's less?'

The lavender mare shook her head, taking another drink. "Maybe that's a good thing. A pony with a fondness for physical work is definitely better suited for this little adventure of ours than a pony who would rather spend his days in a pub."

Big mac laughed at that. "Oh, Braeburn'll still go on adventures, but he'll be starin' at your backside the whole way."

Twilight groaned. "Don't remind me. I've caught him staring at mine, at Fluttershy's..." She paused a moment, tilting her head a bit. "Though never Pinkie's. In fact, he seems to go out of his way to avoid looking at her..."

Big Mac sighed, rolling his hoof around a bit. "We're fuzzy on details, but Pinkie may be a cousin." Twilight stared at him, wide-eyed. He frowned. "Yeah, we found some records... one of her relatives mighta been an Apple."

"Wait," said Twilight, holding up a hoof, "how far back does this possible blood relation go? How closely are you related?" Big Mac was now confused, but Twilight seemed to be in one of her moments of intellectual revelation. "Because if she's like your second or third cousin, I could understand, but if you can be uncertain about it and Pinkie herself isn't adopted, and both of you are pretty in touch with your cousins and other relatives, then theoretically wouldn't her blood relation to you be so thin that it might even be negligible, possibly a non-issue?"

Macintosh was quiet, staring into the ether. They weren't sure how closely related they were to Pinkie - if at all. It did make sense though; after all, if the Pies had been separated from the Apples long enough to be unsure of if they were related or not, would it not be plausible that their blood relation to Pinkie Pie was pretty much non-existent. He laughed a bit, shaking his head.

"Do me a favor?"

"Yes?"

"Don't tell Braeburn this," he said with another chuckle, taking another drink of his whiskey. "It may give him ideas."

He wasn't sure if it was the alcohol or the conversation or what, but after half an hour of talking and drinking, Twilight had become noticeably exhausted. He lead her to her tower, noting that she was a bit wobbly so certainly at least a little drunk, and once she was in bed he left her alone. Fortunately, she had allowed him the use of one of her keys to lock the door behind him on his way out, so her safety was not a major concern.

As he closed the large door back behind him and locked it, Big Mac turned around to find a strange sight; a cyan pegasus mare wearing a black jacket that seemed to fit her form firmly, wearing a mask that hid her face but had holes for her eyes, muzzle, mane and ears, flapping her wings to gingerly drift downward before landing before him. Her cutie mark seemed to be hidden by the jacket. "Hey, is the bookworm home?"

Macintosh raised a brow. "Maybe. Who's askin'?"

"A friend," said the mare, waving a hoof. "That's all you need to know."

Despite her claim, Macintosh felt his fur bristle at the sight of the mare; something didn't feel right, and he couldn't tell what. "Funny, I don't think Twilight ever mentioned you before."

"Yeah? She's never mentioned you before either." She seemed calm and collected... or was it arrogant?

"Well," said Big Mac, squinting his eyes, "certainly if you're her friend you'd know--"

"Look," said the mare, holding a hoof up to gesture him to stop, "I'm going to make both of our lives a little easier. I've got a message for the egghead, and it's a doozy." The mare reached a hoof into a satchel on her other side that Macintosh hadn't noticed until now, withdrawing an envelope with nothing written on it. "Give this to her. It's time sensitive, so try to make sure she sees it as soon as possible."

The mare hoofed Big Mac the envelope, before turning around and spreading her wings, shooting into the sky like a bullet. The stunned stallion turned his attention to the paper he now carried, looking it over, wondering if there were any clues as to who sent it, but no such luck; the only way he could think to find out what it said would be to open it up and read it himself, but would that be right? After all, it could be extremely personal.

Relenting to his good nature, Macintosh stepped back into the house. He would leave it on her nightstand in her room, and come back first thing in the morning.

Something wasn't right. He could feel it in his core, and somehow he knew something big was going to happen soon.

Chapter 19 - Terms of Employment

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A hoof pounded against the hardwood door of the manor, trying to catch the attention of those who dwelled inside. Macintosh stared patiently at the door, waiting for a response. A few seconds passed that he thought nothing of, but after a minute or two, he knocked again, certain somepony simply didn't hear him. When he knocked a third time, he began to become curious. Had Twilight actually left the house? Maybe their conversation the night before put some sense into her, and she had decided to travel Ponyville?

He paused and considered it once more. Certainly if that was the case, Spike would answer right? Could he go with her anywhere? Dragons were a rare enough species as it was, especially after most of them were hunted into endangerment, so he wasn't sure how safe the little drake could be moving around in public. Then he remembered the night before when that strange mare visited the house and left that note. 'I wonder if this has anything to do with that note?'

Suddenly, a loud clatter brought Macintosh's attention towards the balcony of the tower.

"Macintosh!? What are you doing!?"

Macintosh looked up to see Twilight peaking over the balcony, her mane a mess and her hat sloppily fixed on her head. "Checkin' on you."

"Get out of here!" Twilight winced at the sound of her voice. "Go away! You shouldn't be here!"

Macintosh raised a brow. "What? Why shouldn't I be here?"

Twilight groaned and hurried inside, the doors slamming shut behind her. Almost immediately, the door in front of him burst open and she yanked the stallion into the building, closing the doors behind him. He fumbled a bit, evidently confused as Twilight locked and bolted her door shut. "How'd you get there so fast?"

"No questions, just listen!" Twilight peaked out the window, which Macintosh noted was now partially covered by an armoire, with a crack just big enough to peak through. "I have bad news! Very, very very bad news! I was given a letter that told me that the ponies who robbed me before intend to attack again today, and that I should leave the house and get as far away as I possibly can!"

Macintosh felt his chest tighten up. "What? Really?"

"Yes!" Twilight waved her hooves around frantically. "This note said.... it said...." She stopped, staring at Macintosh a few moments. The stallion wasn't sure why she was staring, but Twilight seemed to sigh and shake her head. "... Well... the note said I was deemed 'too dangerous to leave to my own devices' and that somepony would come after me."

Macintosh balked a bit in confusion at the proclamation. "What? Too dangerous to...?"

"Somepony knows what we've been doing!" Twilight stomped a hoof, her eyes pleading and desperate. "I'm not sure how, but our quest hasn't gone unnoticed! Somepony out there knows what we're doing, knows what we're looking for, and they're coming to get me today!"

"Why are you still here then?"

"Where would I go!?" Twilight threw her hooves on his shoulders, staring him in the eyes. "Macintosh, the note said that whoever is watching us knows about what happened in the castle, what happened in Rocktown! It had details! Somepony knows where I live, who I hang around, and what I've been doing! Anywhere I go I'd be endangering others!"

Macintosh was silent. They knew that much? Did that mean his family was in danger too? He felt the hairs on the back of his neck bristle as he took a moment to consider the situation. "Okay... okay, so, do you have a plan?"

Twilight was silent, looking at her hooves. "Yes," she said, at length, nodding slowly, "I have a plan, and though it's not a spectacular one, it's all I've got." She looked to Macintosh, her eyes locked to his. Her mind went from fear to uncertainty and, from the look on Macintosh's face, he was watching her and trying to figure out what she was thinking. Could she tell him her plan? That her plan was to run away? To continue her journey alone, in some new town, under a new name? She had so few friends in the world.

'He blamed himself.'

Twilight closed her eyes.

"No... I lied, I really, really don't have a plan," she lied, taking a deep breath and letting it out. "I-I really have no idea what I'm going to do, and... and that scares me." Macintosh stared at his hooves a moment, trying to think, to come up with some answer.

"Uhhh, Twilight," the two ponies heard Spike call from upstairs, "you might want to look outside! Off the cliff!"

Both ponies rushed towards a nearby window that, like the others, was covered by furniture to make entry difficult. Twilight peaked through the corner, and her ears folded back. "Oh no... oh no...! Oh no no no no no!"

"What is it?"

Twilight didn't answer, she hurried away from the window, panicking. "No no no no! No, this is too much!" Macintosh felt a grim curiosity settle over him, so he turned to the window and peaked out the small corner as best he could.

He was greeted by the sight of an airship slowing itself, sidling up next to the mountain.

"Spike! Get away from the windows," shouted Twilight, panic evident in her voice, "Come downstairs!" Not long after the order was given, the house shook with a rattling boom. Macintosh stumbled and fell from the sheer shock as the entire building shook, the sound of Spike shouting reaching his ears. He picked himself up and turned to look to where Twilight was just a moment ago, but she was gone. He could only imagine what kind of adrenaline rush would carry her off so quickly, but he decided it wise to follow, so Macintosh rushed out of the room, towards the stairs, when suddenly a loud explosion knocked the double doors off their hinges, throwing them inward. A pegasus and a griffon stepped into the room, both wearing rather casual looking outfits and armed with daggers. The moment they caught sight of Big Macintosh, however, they paused.

"Who the hell are you!?"

'I could ask you the same question,' thought Macintosh, though he knew better than verbalize it. "Look fellas," said Macintosh, as calmly as he could, "there's no need to get violent here, jus' turn around and walk away..." The two stallions exchanged glances, then laughed, turning their attention to Macintosh.

"We've got orders to get the mare an' take 'er alive" said the gryphon in a thick (Russian) accent as he looked towards his companion, "did the boss say anything about a stallion?"

"Nope," said the pegasus, shaking his head with a dark grin on his features, "nothin'!"

"Well," said the gryphon, looking towards Macintosh with an arrogant smile, popping his neck, "Unfortunate for you friend, you're gonna get carved up!"

The two winged foes dashed towards Macintosh, both drawing their blades. As one dagger swung at him, Macintosh jumped back, only to find another heading his way, so he allowed himself to fall to the side and roll away, before righting himself on his hooves. He was almost awestruck at his own nimbleness for a brief moment, though the realization that he was still in conflict with two armed foes allowed him no time to relish in it.

The gryphon charged again and thrust his dagger at Macintosh, who quickly swung his hoof up the side of the bird's limb, forcing his motion past Macintosh without so much as a scratch. Quickly, he wrapped his foreleg around the limb tightly and pulled the surprised gryphon forward, headbutting him and forcing him to drop his weapon. The bird stumbled backwards, putting his claws on his head and groaning. "Holy hell, his skull is thick!"

The pegasus stallion rushed him next, and to Macintosh's surprised he seemed more focused on slashing than stabbing. He ducked and whirled around frantic swings, trying to avoid getting cut. A single slash caught his shoulder, eliciting a hiss of pain from Macintosh that seemed to urge the pegasus on. As he swung again, Macintosh decided to fall backwards to miss the swing.

'I don't normally play dirty but you don't seem to give me much choice.'

As he fell, Macintosh wasted no time in raising his left hind and swinging it upwards with his motion, connecting with something soft and tender as he had planned. The now distraught pegasus let out a loud squeal, enough that Macintosh almost hurt sympathetically, before dropping his blade and falling to the floor with his forelegs between his hindlegs, cupping his injured pride. As the apple stallion climbed back to his hooves, staring down at his opponent, he couldn't help but wince at the pathetic sight before him. "I'm honestly sorry about that."

"You're going to be!"

Macintosh turned just in time to see the gryphon rushing him, claws bared and ready to swipe. He slashed at his face, the stallion yelping as he felt the bird's claws tear his flesh and stumbled backwards. The other claw came towards him, balled into a fist, and struck him in the face, knocking Macintosh off his hooves and sending him rolling. The gryphon growled and waved his pained talon around. "Clucking Hell, even your jaw is made of stone!"

Big Mac stood up, shaking off his dizziness and growled at the gryphon, deciding to go on the offensive. He charged forward, bringing a hoof towards the bird's face. The gryphon was surprised, and held up a claw to block the blow, though Macintosh responded by grabbing the claw and yanking him forward and headbutting him once more. The gryphon cawed and stumbled back, his claw over his face once more. "Son of a bitch, stop doing that!" As he opened his eyes, he saw Macintosh's rear pointed towards him. Confusion dominated him until he realized the stallion was standing on his forelegs. A swift motion brought Big Mac's aimed hooves towards the gryphon's head, sending the bird flying backwards and rolling across the floor, until he slammed into a table. Macintosh lowered his legs and slowly approached the bird, ready to defend himself. When he saw that the gryphon was unconscious, he let out a sight of relief.

Big Mac, however, remembered he wasn't alone, and turned to see the other stallion, still cupping his bruised masculinity, looking at him with wide eyes. The apple farmer nodded his head gently. "You want a second round?" The stallion looked down and winced at his aching loins, shaking his head without looking at Big Mac, who simply nodded in response. He made his way towards the stairs, but stopped and looked back to the stallion. "Once again, really sorry about that. If you hadn't had a knife, I'da never done it."

The stallion winced as he raised a single hoof and waved it weakly. "It's cool," he said, in a higher pitch than he had been speaking earlier, though Macintosh suspected he wasn't sincere in that declaration. Still, he had other things to tend to, so he hurried up the stairs. Another loud explosion rocked the house, almost sending Big Mac tumbling back down the stairs, but he steadied himself and hurried up the stairs. Along the way, he ran into a gryphon. The two steadied themselves and made eye contact momentarily.

"Oh shi--"

Macintosh didn't hesitate, he grabbed the bird's head and slammed it against a wall. The gryphon fell to the floor, unconscious, and the stallion resumed his mad rush up the stairs. He was on the final floor when he heard a loud crack fill the air, followed by a pained shout. His eyes widened, and the world seemed to slow down and all sound faded. His body seemed to move on its own, taking him to Twilight's door. He reared up, and slammed his hooves hard, bringing it from its hinges and to the ground. With all due haste, he rushed into Twilight's tower, and stopped at the sight before him.

Twilight lay on the floor, her left hoof over her right shoulder, both covered in crimson, the mare wincing and whimpering as tears filled her eyes. Spike hurried to her side, and Macintosh found himself turning to look towards the other occupant in the room - a gryphon male turned as Macintosh made his entrance, a flintlock pistol in his claw, and his eyes remorseless and cruel.

All at once, the apple farmer's world turned black, until all he saw was that gryphon painted in red.

The gryphon turned his pistol on Macintosh as the stallion lunged forward and knocked the bird's claw upwards, a loud crack hurting the stallion's ears from close proximity, though no injury sustained besides an annoying ring that he was able to ignore. Macintosh quickly placed his other hoof on top of the gryphon's arm, and brought it down with a sickening crack and the horrid scream of the gryphon signaling the breaking of bone, forcing him to drop his weapon and stumble backwards, clutching his broken arm. But Macintosh wasn't done yet, as he rushed forward again, delivering a back-hoof against the bird's face, sending him across the room and slamming into a wall. The gryphon flapped his wings and, favoring his injured foreleg, used his undamaged claw to withdraw a sword and lunge at Macintosh. The stallion dove past it, feeling it slice through his cheek, but the pain seemed so far away. The gryphon's eyes widened once more as Macintosh's foreleg was thrown at his face. The bird was launched backwards, slamming into the wall, and slumping onto the ground.

Macintosh stared at the unconscious gryphon for a minute, and slowly, his heart rate calmed and the world began to reassert itself around him, though he continued to pant and heave as the frustration and stress of his adrenaline rush had yet to ebb away completely. He turned his attention then to Twilight, who stared at him with wide, terrified eyes while Spike clutched tightly, protectively to her, seeming to stand almost between the two, but not quite. Macintosh found himself unable to move or speak for a moment as he saw those eyes so filled with fear locked onto him. Were they scared of him? Did he terrify them? What did they think of him? A thousand thoughts ran through his head in a second, and in another, they were gone. The answer lay before him.

Calmly, the stallion made his way towards Twilight and Spike, who seemed to tense more as he approached. He stopped only for one moment to reach down, picking up a hat that was laying on the floor. He resumed his trek towards the two, and gently sat the cap on Twilight's head.

As he did so, he was careful to mind the horn on her brow.

Twilight's mouth moved wordlessly for a moment as panic seemed to grow in her. "M-Macintosh.... I--"

"No time for words," said the stallion as he leaned down and looked Twilight over. "How bad are you hurt?" From what he saw, all that was wrong was the gunshot wound, but that was no small thing.

Twilight was quiet a moment, looking away from Macintosh. "... He... shot me..."

The stallion nodded, looking towards the window as he tried to formulate some sort of plan in his head, knowing that more could be nearby. "Can you stand?"

The unicorn mare bit her lip. Slowly, she picked herself up, careful not to stress her injured leg, until she was on three, wobbly legs. Macintosh stepped to her side and gently pressed against her. "Lean on me for support. If you don't feel like walkin', you can climb on my back. We gotta get out of here."

"Ah, but I just got here."

Macintosh froze, and he felt Twilight tense up next to him. That voice was familiar. There was certainty to it, culture, a sort of calm that did not belong in this setting. 'It can't be,' he thought to himself. He didn't want to, but he had to. Slowly, Macintosh turned, careful to not let Twilight stumble. When he saw it, he felt his heart sink, as his mind flooded with new-found questions. Questions that never reached his mouth as it moved slowly, but voicelessly, and for once his voice was not stolen by any physical pain.

"Macintosh... always such the gentlecolt... helping an injured mare in need? I could expect nothing less."

Big Mac closed his mouth and gulped. "... R.... Rich...?"

The stallion stood at the entry of the room, dressed in his usual fine attire as if he were going for an evening stroll rather than walking into a decimated manor. Filthy Rich stood before him, and the kindly smile on his face seemed to only serve to make his presence more sinister than it should be, and it wasn't aided by the company he kept; on his right side was a female gryphon, wearing a black coat and a red scarf around her neck, holding a pistol in her claw, trained on Macintosh, and on his left, a familiar pegasus with a rainbow mane and an uncertain expression.

Rich pursed his lips a bit, his eyes on Macintosh, examining him, though for what the farmpony could not tell. "I have to be honest, when I was told that Twilight's mysterious accomplice was a large, red pony, I thought to myself 'surely it's just coincidence. Macintosh has no business with her likes.' But, here you are, before my very eyes. Remarkable isn't it?"

So many questions boiled in his mind. Macintosh felt his chest tighten for a moment, and he shook his head, trying to straighten his thoughts out. He had questions, but for now there was only one that needed answering. "What... is going on here, Rich?"

Filthy sighed, placing a hoof on the bridge of his nose. "I'm afraid you got in the middle of a situation between me and Miss Sparkle here. I am so dreadfully sorry for the inconvenience, but I assure you this is none of your concern."

"None of my concern?" Macintosh furrowed his brow. "None of my concern!? One of yer thugs shot Twilight!"

Rich rose a brow and looked at Twilight, as if examining her. At that moment, he seemed to notice her injury. "I assure you, my friends were ordered to retrieve you unharmed. I can cover the cost of medical treatment."

"Stop playing around," said Twilight, gritting her teeth and wincing as the pain in her shoulder ebbed, "What do you want? What do you want so badly that you destroyed my house?"

Rich seemed (less than genuinely) surprised by the comment. "Why Twilight, I suspect you should know. In our last few conversations, I've asked you for the Elements of Harmony, or their locations, but you kept refusing to tell me, so I had to resort to drastic measures."

"And I keep telling you that all I've found are rocks!" The mare winced at her own yelling. Macintosh felt her slipping a bit against him, so he pushed a bit more firmly to her, careful not to tip her. "My research keeps leading me to dead ends, and I have nothing to show for it! Maybe if my book hadn't been stolen!" Twilight gestured towards Rich's companions, and the stallion sighed.

"Twilight," tutted Rich, "you think I'm a fool? I know you well enough to know you likely have a copy of all the details you know somewhere, possibly even coded so that the lay pony can't figure out what you're saying, maybe encrypted as a cook book recipe or something silly like that, but I know for a fact that you have it." Rich stepped closer, and Macintosh found himself stepping forward a bit, moving himself to be more defensive of Twilight, much to Rich's surprise, though the stallion smiled. "Of course. I could expect nothing less of you, Macintosh."

Macintosh felt himself trembling. Fearful, anxious, worried. He knew he was considerably stronger than Rich. He knew he could beat him with very little effort.

But he also remembered. Remembered being small enough to stare Rich in the knees. Remembered a stallion who took care of his family when he lost his parents.

Macintosh's mouth trembled as he shakily spoke the words he never thought he'd have to say.

"Rich... don't come any closer."

Rich seemed surprised, and for a moment, even hurt, but he recovered quickly. "Macintosh, I assure you I wish no harm to--"

"You say that, but she's hurt because of you." Macintosh leveled his glare on Rich. "You talk to her from a safe distance."

Macintosh wasn't sure what to feel as he saw Rich consider his words, as if he had a choice. He sighed and waved a hoof. "Fair enough. I am simply here for what is mine, and what is mine is all the research Twilight has done on the Elements of Harmony and anything she may have recovered in their search."

"For the last time," shouted Twilight, "I don't have them!"

"Then give me what you do have." Rich looked towards Macintosh, his expression shifting to a face Macintosh knew to be 'business pony' mode. "Twilight is currently under my employ as a researcher and scholar on magical studies. Our understanding was that all the research she does, all information gathered would be shared with me." Rich turned to Twilight. "I have asked her to live up to this, and she has failed for the past few months, so I am taking what is mine and officially cancelling our partnership."

Twilight seemed to pale. "W-what!? You can't do that! I need that money!"

"Relax," said Rich, waving a hoof, "if you hand over the remaining materials and any artifacts uncovered, you will receive a generous severence package as well as a dazzling recommendation on future employment opportunities you might receive." Rich laughed and shook his head, waving a hoof, "I suspect I needn't even concern myself with you honoring the secrecy of our association, what with your own secrets?"

Twilight stared at the stallion, her gaze tired. Macintosh worried she might be losing too much blood. "Rich, can we do this another time?"

"I'm afraid not. While I feel sorry for Twilight's injury, I'm afraid I've waited too long and she's proven I cannot trust her to do as I ask, so I either get the answer here or assume her answer is no."

Macintosh found himself worried to ask. "... And what if it is no?"

The seriousness that took over Rich's features in that moment was more than a little unnerving. "Well, then I alert the authorities and let them sort this out." He turned to Twilight. "I have no idea what they would do, arresting a pony that they don't think really exists and, legally, doesn't. It is not an appealing prospect for me, but I have very little recourse."

Twilight winced a bit. "... They.... they'd kill me..."

Rich shrugged. "Once more. Not an appealing prospect... but..."

"But you'd do it anyway..."

Rich turned to Macintosh, who stared at the wealthy pony with nothing short of hurt. Big Mac had known this stallion his entire life and had always looked up to him as a model citizen. "You'd send her to her death... because you didn't get your way..."

Rich seemed to sour at this. "Come now Macintosh, it isn't like that-"

"It's exactly like that..." Big Mac grimaced. "You're threatening her to get your way, and it could very well lead to her death... but that doesn't matter to you."

"Macintosh, of course it matters, I said I'd rather not!"

"But you would!" Macintosh stomped his hoof, cracking the floor beneath it, making Rich flinch. The older stallion looked to Macintosh and spoke quietly and calmly. "Macintosh... I believe you're getting emotional... please, calm down--"

"Step aside."

"Macintosh, I can't--"

"If you don't step aside," said Big Mac, glaring at Rich with eyes full of anger, but glistening from wetness, "I will push you out of our way."

Rich stared at Big Mac in shock for a moment, who returned his gaze. The room was silent as the two ponies stared each other down, before Rich finally sighed and bowed his head. "Very well. I will. I will leave" The stallion raised his head, looking towards Big Mac, and much to the farm pony's surprise, his eyes seemed truly apologetic, hurt even. "Macintosh... I.... I know it might not be much consolation... but I'm sorry that things had to be this way."

Rich and his escorts turned and made their way out of the room. As they left, he saw the rainbow-maned pegasus look back at them, her expression seeming uncertain, maybe even a little worried. Once they were out of sight, Big Mac lowered his head and sighed. "Okay... first thing's first..." Macintosh reached up with a hoof and gently pulled his bandanna from his neck until it came undone, quickly grabbing it with his teeth. Using skill he had developed over the years of this practice, he placed it around Twilight's wounded leg and tied it tight, trying to stop the bleeding. She didn't seem to care for it much, but it was for her own good.

"Thanks..." said Twilight quietly as she leaned against Big Mac.

"You're welcome," he said, his voice scratching a bit.

Gently, he eased his side back to Twilight's. The two ponies began to make their way towards the door, Spike riding on Big Mac's back, keeping his eye on Twilight. "Now, take it easy...."

Then, the rainbow maned pegasus burst into the room.

"GET DOWN!"

She tackled both, knocking them over. Not a second later, a nearby wall exploded as a cannonball tore through it, shaking the entire house. Macintosh's heart raced as he quickly pulled everypony close, Spike shouting in terror, Twilight huddling close, and the pegasus trying to help Big Mac shield everypony from debris. As Macintosh looked up, he could see much of the house was coming down. "What in the hay!?"

"He's going to destroy the house and everything in it!" The pegasus climbed to her hooves, looking everypony over. "Everything and everypony! We have to get out of here, and now!"

"But how?" Spike looked around the room. "If we jump out the balcony he'll definitely see us!"

"We have to sneak out!" Rainbow Dash hefted Twilight up onto Macintosh's back. "Everypony stay close and follow me!"

The ponies (and dragon) fled the tower, into the hallway. More holes in the walls that Macintosh hadn't seen before, and another being shattered as an iron orb fell through showing that they had ammo to spare. 'He's trying to kill us,' was all he could think in this moment in time. 'He's really trying to kill us.' The group sped down the stairs, careful to avoid gaps, until they reached the second floor where their progress was halted by one such hole. The rainbow pegasus took hold of Twilight and lowered her down safely, while Big Mac stared down fearfully.

"Come on down!" shouted the pegasus.

"I-I can't!"

"Why not!?"

Macintosh gulped, looking around. "I... I'm afraid of heights!"

The pegasus groaned and slapped a hoof to her head. "Look, if you don't come down the roof will fall on your head! Just jump, don't think about it!" Macintosh gulped, sweat beading around his brow as he seemed to dig at the floor in preparation for his jump. 'Come on Big Mac, it's not that high, you've fallen from higher! Remember? That time you almost... almost...' Big Mac turned pale.

"I can't do it!"

The world left him. His hooves drifted from the ground and he waved them around helplessly, trying to find purchase. He found himself drifting away, over the ledge, and slowly making his way down, much to his confusion, until he was mere inches above the ground, where he suddenly hit the floor with a thud. Quickly, he jumped to his hooves and spun around, confused, scared, and so much more. "What the hay!?"

"I-I'm sorry," panted Twilight, sweating as a slight glow left her horn, "you... you were taking too long..."

The pegasus stared at the unicorn. "Holy hell... that.... that seems useful..."

"It is when I can get away with doing it," said Twilight, nodding, "can we please leave now?"

"What? Oh! Right!"

Without further delay, the pegasus placed Twilight on Big Mac's back once more, and the group fled into the part of the house furthest from Rich's airship. The house continued to rock and shake as it was ravaged by cannonballs, and Macintosh was certain it would come tumbling down any moment. As they hurried, they eventually made it to a window near the corner of the house, which had already been shattered. "There's our exit, now, let's--"

Another explosion. Macintosh looked up just in time to see debris fall down over him, and he squeezed his eyes shut.

And waited.

Slowly, he opened an eye to peak, unsure of what to expect. The debris held above them, encapsulated in a magenta glow. Big Mac looked back to Twilight Sparkle, who was whimpering, her horn sparking.

"Please," she whispered as she tensed up, "move..."

Quickly, the pegasus grabbed Macintosh and yanked him away, and the debris came tumbling down. "Jump! Go!" Macintosh's wits returning to him, he obeyed, leaping out the window with Twilight and Spike in tow, landing on his hooves. For a moment, he feared his momentum would act against him, sending him rolling and his cargo as well, and he stumbled for but a moment, but righted himself in time to avoid catastrophe. As he felt his hooves become more firm in their control, Macintosh slowed himself until he could turn to look back.

The house was collapsing in on itself in various points. Sections of it were burning. Several blasts seemed to be coming from inside as if bombs had been planted. He turned his attention back to Twilight, who grimaced at the sight, before closing her eyes and turning her head away from the sight. "Let's.... let's go hide before somepony notices us..." Macintosh frowned and looked back to the sight.

"Come on big guy, you heard her!" The pegasus mare trotted next to him and gave him a swat. "If we stick near trees and foliage, we should be able to get off the mountain without them seeing us."

Macintosh stared at the destruction for a moment longer, before turning back to the mare and following her as she made her way along the mountainside. The group stuck near bushes and trees, avoiding the direct sight of the ship as they made their stealthy descent down the mountain.

Cup Cake was surprised when she heard somepony knock at the back door of Sugarcube Corner. Every once in a while she knew she'd get somepony who couldn't read or had too much to drink at the Salt Lick Saloon and she would have to direct them to the front or elsewhere, but it didn't make it any less irritating. She grumbled as she stepped away from her oven towards the door and pulled it open.

"The front of the store is--"

Her words died on her breath at the sight of Big Macintosh staring at her with pleading eyes, carrying a prone pony form on his back covered in a black cloak. A lavender hoof hung from the side. The side of his neck was stained a darker crimson than the rest of him.

"She needs help."

Chapter 20 - Shedding Light

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The room seemed almost deathly silent, with only a few sounds occupying the ears of the inhabitants of the room. Macintosh found himself in an unusual (if slightly awkward) situation, trying not to stare (and largely failing) as the Cakes fed their children. His eyes would start off on their son, Pound Cake, a little pegasus foal, before traversing to their daughter, Pumpkin Cake.

A small, infant unicorn.

Many things went through his mind as he took in this sight. Not one, but two unicorns had been right under his nose this entire time. The little filly lay in her father's foreleg as she suckled the bottle he held for her hungrily, the soft noises the only thing besides the ticking clock to break the otherwise awkward silence of the room. Her brother, meanwhile, was being fed by their mother, and seemed to be a little more energetic in his eating, practically trying to tug the bottle away from Cupcake. It was at that moment he looked up and saw Carrot Cake flashing a dirty look at him, much to his surprise, and he looked away, trying to pretend that his eyes were simply wandering about.

"Got a problem with my daughter?"

Macintosh was almost surprised by the threatening tone in Carrot's voice. Still, he could not say he didn't understand his concern. "Nope.... she's adorable..."

"Yeah," said Carrot, not sounding entirely convinced and not taking his eyes off Macintosh.

"Now Carrot," chided Cupcake, frowning at her husband, "be nice to Big Mac... little Pumpkin is probably the very first...." she stopped herself, shaking her head, "second.... unicorn the poor dear's seen!" Cupcake looked back to Pound, who seemed to be finished eating. "I'm sure he means nothing by it."

"Nope," said Macintosh with a nod, looking at Pumpkin again as she continued to eat, the little unicorn no different from any foal he had ever seen before, besides maybe the horn on her head.

'That lil' girl doesn't realize jus' how different she is,' he thought to himself. 'She don't care. That's a thought that doesn't even exist in her mind. All she knows is her mother, her father, an' her brother... an' she probably don't even realize there's anything different about any of them...'

"... What's it like...?"

"Hm?" The Cakes both looked towards Macintosh, curious. The stallion cleared his throat, trying to be careful where he tread.

"... Havin'... havin' a unicorn daughter...?"

Carrot seemed to get a little indignant, but Cupcake noticed this and gave him a kiss on the cheek, which calmed him down, and smiled at Big Mac. "Well... she's not much different from Pound Cake, or any other foal I imagine." She patted Pound's back gently until he gave a little burp, and then cradled him in her hooves and gently rocked him back and forth. "She occasionally has magic surges that Twilight was kind enough to help us learn to deal with, but she's very sweet." Cupcake looked at the baby and Macintosh and smiled a bit. "Would you like to feed her?"

Macintosh's eyes widened. "Oh, I-I-I dunno anythin' about foals--"

"We've been friends for years," said Cupcake with a smile, "I am pretty sure you can do it." It had seemed that Big Mac's protest fell on deaf ears. Carrot seemed reluctant at first, but a smile and a nod from Cupcake seemed to urge him to change his mind. He stepped close to Macintosh and carefully handed Pumpkin to the stallion, along with the bottle. Macintosh was very tense at first, holding the bottle so the little unicorn could eat, while holding the unicorn as well. She seemed a bit confused at first, but when she caught sight of the bottle, it didn't matter anymore, and she continued to suckle.

Big Mac watched as the little foal suckled the bottle, both under his care. Once more, he was reminded that she simply did not care. Earth Pony, Unicorn, Pegasus, those weren't even details to her. As she ate, he felt an odd sensation. The edges of his mouth pulled slightly into a soft smile. "Wow... she's... a hungry'un ain't she...?"

"Eeyup," said Carrot Cake, in a failed attempt to imitate Macintosh's voice, an uneasy smile on his face. "They both got appetites, but she eats more than her brother sometimes." Big Mac chuckled, looking back down at the baby unicorn, and noticing that she seemed to be pulling away. He withdrew the bottle carefully, a bit nervous, hoping he hadn't done something wrong. "Oh, seems somepony's full. Here..." Macintosh saw Carrot Cake approach and, carefully, he handed Pumpkin to her father, who held her close and gently patted her back until she gave a little burp.

"We love her and our Pound Cake very dearly," said Cupcake, a loving smile on her face as she looked down at the now sleeping foal in her forelegs. "We were nervous at first... neither of us knew anything about raising a pegasus, let alone a unicorn..." The mare giggled a bit, looking to her husband. "Remember when I was pregnant and things started moving around on their own...?"

"Ah yes," said Carrot Cake with a smirk. "We thought the house was haunted at first. Called ponies in to look into it, but nothing ever came up it."

"Not until we met Twilight," said Cupcake, her smile becoming weaker. "One day, Pinkie brought her into the bakery... she seemed... cold.... and distant... even irritated, when we told her we thought the house was haunted." The smile began to return, the mare shaking her head and looking up at Macintosh. "When we told her what was happening, she asked if she could stay a night, monitor the house, see if she could find anything."

"No need for it," continued Carrot with a chuckle, "at that very moment, I think Pumpkin felt her mama become stressed, because a muffin flew off the table and hit Twilight in the face!"

"She was so shocked!" Cupcake laughed. The Cakes began to snicker at the situation, but when they remembered the mare in question's predicament, they seemed to become sullen. Macintosh lowered his ears, looking off to the side and brushing his hoof against his foreleg.

"... That day, she asked us a lot of questions," said Cupcake with a nod. "Questions about our family mostly, which was difficult to answer...."

"My great-great-great grandfather was a bastard," said Carrot with a shrug. "Nopony knew who his father was, and my great-great-great-great grandmother was generally ridiculed by the public for it."

Cupcake nodded, moving towards one of the cribs and gently setting Pound in it. "Twilight left for a few days before returning and revealing that I was likely pregnant with a unicorn. The news was more than a little shocking to say the least, but..." Cupcake sighed and smiled, looking at Pumpkin who slept in her father's forelegs. "... The very moment I saw her... I knew I loved my baby... and everything about her...." The Cakes leaned against each other, nuzzling one another.

Macintosh looked at the two ponies hold each other close for a moment before they broke apart and Carrot took Pumpkin to the unoccupied crib, gently setting her in. The three ponies stepped into the hall and Carrot gently pulled the door behind them, leaving it open a crack. The two ponies looked to Macintosh and Cupcake sighed. "Twilight was kind enough to help deliver the twins, and has given us some details on things we have to know about raising Pumpkin."

Carrot Cake smiled and put a hoof against his cheek. "I'm actually figuring when they're old enough, we might start trying to figure out who our mysterious unicorn ancestor was."

Cupcake grinned and pressed her nose against Carrot's. "Oh, from the day I met you I knew there was something absolutely magical about you."

Carrot smiled and rubbed noses with her. "Oh my little shnookum you're absolutely adorable..."

Macintosh cleared his throat, catching the attention of the Cakes, who looked towards him and blushed a bit and grinned impishly. "Oh, uh, sorry," said Carrot Cake with a chuckle.

"But I'm curious," said Macintosh, looking at the door and frowning, "do you hide your kids? Are you gonna spend your entire life hiding them?" At this, the two ponies frowned and looked towards each other, and hung their heads.

"No," said Carrot Cake, shaking his head. "We won't make our children endure lives in hiding. It just isn't right."

"But.... what will you do then? When ponies realize...?"

They looked to him once more, sad frowns on their faces. Macintosh noticed that Cupcake seemed like she might tear up. Carrot held her close and pressed his head against hers, and she nuzzled against his neck. Carrot sighed, looking to Macintosh. "... Well... we've considered a few options... but all of them end with us making a trip to Zauberstadt... the City of Magic."

Zauberstadt.

That was a name Macintosh recognized. The name Twilight called her hometown by. "Twilight gave us the means of getting there," said Carrot with a nod, holding his wife close, "but after that... well... it all depends on if they'll let us stay or not..."

Cupcake smiled, though she still seemed ready to cry. "If they will... we start over... leave Sugar Cube Corner to Pinkie Pie... raise our babies among unicorns... and build new lives... a fresh start..."

He was loathe to ask, but Macintosh found himself asking a lot of questions he was afraid to ask today it seemed. "... And if they don't...?"

At this the two froze. Cupcake's lip quivered and her eyes became wet, and she held Carrot closer. "If not... then Twilight promised they would at least take Pumpkin..." At first, Macintosh didn't understand what that meant, but the moment it hit him, his eyes widened. Cupcake choked and forced a smile on her face. "My baby girl will not live in hiding..."

Even Carrot seemed to tear up a bit, though he held himself together better than his wife, who seemed ready to break any moment. Carrot sighed and nuzzled Cupcake to comfort her. "Pound Cake might have it difficult for a while, being a pegasus... but he'll have a good start, which is something few pegasi can claim... but with Pumpkin? There's no way of knowing..."

"Sweety," said Cupcake, sniffling and pressing her head into his neck, "I'm going downstairs..." The mare placed a half-hearted kiss on his cheek and made her way past Macintosh, hurrying downstairs. The stallion watched her leave and felt a hint of guilt, looking back to Carrot.

"I'm sorry..."

"Don't be," said Carrot with a sigh, shaking his head. "It's... something we've thought a lot about recently... and while it's something neither of us wants to do, it's something we realize we might have to accept..." The stallion turned his attention to Macintosh, a small frown on his face. He sighed and shook his head. "Big Mac... I know we're not particularly close... but I trust you... so please... whatever you do... don't tell anypony about our children..."

Macintosh looked to Carrot and gave a nod. "You have my word, an' my word is my bond."

Carrot smiled. Then his lip quivered. Then he hugged Big Mac. The stallion tensed up a bit, not used to being hugged by other stallions. He forced a smile and gently brought a hoof up to pat Carrot on the back. When the baker released him, he relaxed, and Carrot wiped a tear from his eye. "You're a dear friend, Big Mac," said Carrot with a sniff.

As Carrot made his way downstairs to join his wife, Big Mac found himself alone in the halls of their house, his mind racing with new-found knowledge. He turned around, making his way down the hall and towards the door leading to Pinkie's penthouse, and gave it a soft rapping.

"Come in."

Slowly, the door pushed open, and Macintosh stepped inside. Though he had been in the room before, this is the first time he was actually not panicking and could take a moment to look it appreciate it. There were balloons and toys everywhere, as if the room itself was a celebration. Pictures of Pinkie's friends and family lined the walls - including an image of her with Big Mac and Braeburn at the county fair. He set his sights on Twilight and Pinkie, Twilight laying in the bed while Pinkie fussed over her, serving her her a bowl of soup. All things considered, the unicorn seemed in good health; she was wearing a shirt Pinkie had loaned her to get her out of the one she was wearing, which was both damaged and blood-stained, and beneath that shirt she had a bandage wrapped around her wound. It was fortunate that Twilight had remained conscious enough to tell Pinkie what to do, otherwise he might have panicked and taken her to a doctor anyway, though he knew she would likely need real medical attention soon.

"Twilight, you have to eat or you won't get better!"

"Pinkie," said Twilight, a slight hint of annoyance in her voice, "I've eaten two bowls of soup, an apple fritter, and three bowls of oats since I've gotten here..."

"And you'll eat several more before the day is done! Eeeat!"

"Pinkie," said Macintosh, causing the mares to turn their attention to the stallion, "what's the sayin' about leadin' a horse to water?"

Pinkie Pie's lip trembled as she stared at Big Mac, looking back to Twilight. "B-but..."

"Pinkie," said Macintosh gently as he stepped towards his might-be cousin, placing a hoof on her shoulder and smiling, "she's fine. You don't have to worry."

Pinkie Pie's pouty lip continued to shake, but she eventually relented and sighed, hanging her head. "Oh alright..." She quickly turned to Twilight. "But if you need anything, just ring this bell!" The mare jammed a hoof into her own mane, producing from it a small bell and placing it on the nightstand next to Twilight. She began to walk backwards, her eyes locked on the two, until she bumped into a nearby wall. She did not remove her gaze, instead placing her hoof on the wall and feeling her way for the door, until she tumbled down the steps, causing both ponies to wince. "I'm alright!"

Once they were certain Pinkie had left the room, both ponies sighed, turning their attention to each other. "Thank you," said Twilight, shaking her head, "I thought she'd never stop fussing..." Big Mac chuckled and offered a soft nod to the unicorn.

"Well... she was worried you was gone."

"I told her three times I was still conscious..."

"You know Pinkie."

"Yeah..."

The two ponies chuckled at that, and then became silent. That silence seemed to engulf the entire room for a moment as many questions lingered in the air. As Macintosh readied himself to ask one such question, he noticed Twilight staring at him, and suddenly felt very self-conscious.

"What?"

Twilight was quiet for a moment, but he noticed something about her, a sort of sad understanding in her eyes. She reached a hoof towards him, much to his confusion, but he stayed still. When he felt her hoof touch the bare spot of his neck, he tensed up, realizing he had forgotten something important to him, but he did not move. Her hoof brushed his neck, and her expression became sorrowful.

She couldn't take her eyes off it, and he knew it, and that made him more scared. The hoof brushed over the shape, and he could swear he could feel every bit of it. That spot where his bandanna always hung until it was used to keep her from bleeding out.

A jagged scar on his neck.

"... I see..." said Twilight, as she brushed her hoof over the scar. "... That's why you always drink so much..." Macintosh pulled away a bit, shifting around and pulling his shirt up a bit to better cover the scar. Twilight winced a bit, withdrawing her hoof. "I-I'm sorry... "

"No..." he said calmly, looking away from Twilight and placing a hoof over the scar. 'How could I forget? How could I be so stupid?' Macintosh looked around the room, trying to find his beloved green bandanna, but it was no where in sight. He grimaced a bit to himself, sighing and hanging his head some. "It's alright..." Once more the room became quiet, neither pony having the nerve to look at the other for a moment.

"Macintosh, I'm sorry--"

"Nothin' to apologize for Miss Sparkle," said Big Mac, feeling a bit guilty, "Nothin' at all. It's a scar. Ponies get them. Everypony gets them. Some worse than others."

"Not just about that," said Twilight, though quieter. He looked back to her, confused as she looked off to the other side. "For not telling you about what I really am..." Macintosh fell quiet a moment, not really knowing how to respond. He could understand why she wouldn't tell him, and he did not blame her in the least, and yet he found himself still trying to wrap his head around it. "... I wanted to tell you... I did... but I...." She winced a bit, shaking her head, looking back to the red stallion. ".... I was worried that if you knew, you would... be afraid..."

Macintosh raised a brow. "Be afraid? Why?"

Twilight seemed almost surprised by the prospect. "Because... I'm a unicorn... "

Big Mac looked away from her a bit, pursing his lips and offering a gentle nod. "Eeyup."

"Doesn't that bother you?"

Macintosh didn't respond at first. His eyes moved a bit, as if scanning his thoughts externally. He brought a hoof up to his throat and brushed it gently, turning his attention back to Twilight. His mouth opened to speak, but no words came out as he tried to ponder just what to say. He turned his attention back to the floor, letting his eyes drift back to Twilight. She noticed the sadness in them as he turned back to her.

"Miss Sparkle... you're the third I've ever seen in my life..."

Twilight's eyes widened a bit. She seemed to tense up as Macintosh turned his gaze away, brushing his hoof over his scar. "...The first... she was dying when we found her... me an' my pa.... an' the second...." Macintosh paused. He squeezed his eyes shut and held his hoof over his scar.

It was a dark night that night, so many years ago.

"Looks like it's gonna rain..."

The red-coated, gangly colt looked up to the sky as the clouds seemed to pull together to form great big masses of darkness. They were so close to home, so he hoped that the rain would hold off just a bit longer, just long enough to allow them to get indoors without getting drenched.

"Eeyup," said a deeper, thicker voice. The colt looked to his side, to an impressively sized, rust-red stallion with a white muzzle, orange eyes and a blonde mane. He looked to the sky himself, rolling the straw in his mouth from one side to the other as he shoved his straw hat up some to get a better look at the sky.

"I think we should just book it, pa, 'for it starts up an' we get soaked."

"Nope."

The colt sighed, looking up at the sky again. He knew any moment it would rain, and he and his father would be wetter than fish. "Slow an' steady boy, ain't rainin' yet." The cold wanted to argue the point, but he knew better. With grim dignity, he accepted his father's argument, though that did not mean he had to like it. Ponyville was within sight, the walls visible with various rooftops poking just above them. At least he had comfort in knowing it wouldn't be much longer before they were home, and he could relax and read his stories.

The two ponies, father and son, pulled a caravan down the dirt path to their home town, returning from the next town over. While the colt had tried to convince his father that a train would have been much faster and easier, the older stallion insisted on walking instead. As they walked, the colt would let his eyes wander around, taking in the sights. He sighed a bit, thinking to his stories of fairy tales and fantasies; heroes going on adventures, saving damsels, searching for treasure. His father would berate him for having his head in the clouds, but it was his pastime, and he wanted to enjoy it. As his vision scanned his surroundings idly, he noticed something off in the distance, something dark, with a soft speck of white, on the ground. As he squinted, he noticed that the white spot looked vaguely like a snout.

"Pa... I think there's a pony over there..."

The older stallion tilted his head, looking past his son, squinting. His eyes widened a bit. "Unhitch yourself boy... follow me and stay close, and keep an eye on the caravan." The two ponies released themselves from the hitches, allowing them to abandon their caravan and make their way towards the mysterious figure. As they drew close, they noticed that the figure was indeed equine, wearing a cloak that seemed to cover their face.

And on their side, a massive slash, the cloth stained dark and the white fur beneath crimson.

"Oh my-- excuse me! Are you okay!? Can you hear me!?"

The shape twitched a bit, and suddenly their body moved with clear signs of breathing. Slowly, the pony turned their head, revealing their face; a mare, blood in her mouth, her tired blue eyes barely focused. Both ponies froze, however, when they noticed something more.

A horn poking from just beneath her mane.

"Oh my stars..."

The mare gasped and panted, clearly panicking a bit. The elder stallion shook his head. "Calm down, don't panic, you're hurt very badly... can you move? Can you stand?" The mare did not reply, however, she stared at them, confusion etched in her widened eyes. "My name is Big Alex, an' this is my son, Mac... we got medical supplies in the caravan, we can--boy, go get that first aid kit!"

"M-my children...!" the mare panted, lifting her head and moving her hoof to drag in the dirt.

"Hold on there, you're gonna hurt yourself--"

"I don't..... care about myself..." said the mare, trying to pull herself to her hooves, but failing to even budge herself from the ground, panting and gasping. "... My.... my children..."

"Tell me where they are," said Alex, leaning down and looking her in the eyes, "I will find them, and I'll bring them to you, and we'll get you somewhere to fix you up." The mare stared at him, her eyes wide and confused. "You have my word..."

She was quiet for a moment. Tears welled in her eyes, but she smiled very faintly. ".... They're... hiding in the woods," she said, he voice weak, "... just find the tree.... whose branches make it look like a star.... they're in the cave... tell them.... their mother.... loves....."

Alex stared at the mare. She continued to stare at him, a smile on her face, eyes wet with tears. Macintosh stared blankly at the sight before him as his father stood up to his full height. The stallion gently reached for his straw hat, and removed it from his head, placing it against his chest. He turned to Macintosh and sighed, placing his hat back on his head.

Macintosh had never witnessed death before. He had never seen a unicorn either. And as he looked into his father's eyes, he saw this stallion whom had always been a pinnacle of mental, emotional, and physical strength shed silent tears. "Boy.... go to the caravan... grab a lantern, an' meet me at the edge of the woods..." The colt nodded and, without question, he turned, making his way back to the caravan. Standing idle by the hitches, the colt tried to process everything in his head. 'It's too much,' he thought to himself, trying to sort things out in his mind, 'What is goin' on?'

"Get away from her!"

His ears perked up and Macintosh turned his attention back to where he had just come from. In the distance, he saw a new figure appear, wearing a dark cloak and charging towards his father, knocking him off his hind legs and throwing him backwards. Big Alex placed a hoof over his side and rolled a bit to his side, clearly in pain as the new figure slowly approached him.

"Pa!"

Macintosh ran quick, fast as his legs could take him, faster than he had ever run before. His father turned to look towards him, and in that instant, he saw the elder stallion's eyes shrink to pinpricks. "Mac! No!" In that instant, his attacker, a blue-coated stallion with golden eyes blind with rage as a golden aura enveloped his blood-stained horn, turned his attention to Macintosh.

Macintosh felt his hooves leave the ground, and in an instant the world spun around him, but the image, that face, burned in his thoughts. As he twisted and turned uncontrollably, that face continued to stare him in the eyes from the back of his memory.

The sound of wood splintering, of the caravan being knocked over and managing to roll with the force he had struck it with. Pain all over his body, crates bouncing against walls and him. A sharp pain in his neck enough to make him cry out, but that only hurt more, and elicited no sound. And then, finally, everything stopped as he fell, hitting the side of the caravan wall which was now on its side, a box over his leg, which he was fairly certain was broken, as his throat in agony.

He couldn't move. He couldn't speak. He could barely think. Everything hurt.

Tears filled his eyes.

'Pa.'

No words left his mouth as he silently made his plea. He was terrified. He was hurt. He needed help.

'Pa...'

He was dying.

Tears filled his eyes. He was too tired. Too weak. His will was burning away. His spirit was fading. He didn't even know if his father yet lived.

And then he felt a rain drop hit his cheek.

The sound of hooves on wood caught his attention. Slowly, he turned his gaze towards the source as somepony peaked into the caravan. Angry, yellow eyes staring down at him, filled with tears, with hate.

"You bastards killed my wife... you....."

And the anger faded. Slowly, those eyes shifted from anger, to realization.

"... You're just a colt... "

Macintosh trembled fearfully, his eyes overflowing with tears. He moved his mouth once more.

'Pa....'

The unicorn stallion stared at him silently. "... You're not..." The stallion brought a hoof to his muzzle. "... What have I done..."

Macintosh, however, could no longer be bothered to care. His will was gone. He closed his eyes slowly.

"No! No no no! Don't sleep! I... I'll go get help!"

Pain.

It was his entire existence the moment he woke up. He could feel nothing else, knew nothing else, think nothing else. Slowly, in spite of this pain, he slowly opened his eyes, discouraged only slightly by the bright light that assaulted his vision. He tried to move his head, but every muscle hurt. He tried to talk, but when he did, all that came out... no... that wasn't his voice. The sound, the sensation, was as if somepony were scraping rocks against his vocal cords. He did not like it. He turned his head, slowly and carefully, trying to endure the aches in his muscles as he forced himself to look down. His body was covered in bandages, one of his forelegs and the opposing hind-leg both in splints. He could see some of the bandages he wore had slight staining on them, which was more than a little unnerving.

As he adjusted, he realized he was in an unfamiliar room. As he turned his head, he caught sight of a familiar figure nearby. An elder green mare slept soundly in a chair, using it as a makeshift bed. 'Granny' he tried to say, but what came out was like gurgling stones and hurt more than the last time he tried to speak. So, he lay there. For how long, he could not say. It may have been seconds, it may have been hours, it could have been days for all he knew, but it was one of the longest waits in his life.

It wasn't until he saw a familiar orange figure step into the room that the monotony broke. A small orange filly with green eyes and a blonde mane looked towards him and, upon seeing him, those eyes widened. "Mac... Mac's awake! Mac's awake!" The filly bounced and jumped, running from the room screaming those words. Granny snorted and opened her eyes, seeming to not quite know where she was or what was going on for a moment, but when she looked at him, realization hit her and she was out of the chair and at his side.

"Oh thank the heavens above!" The mare wrapped her forelegs around him and hugged him tight. He whimpered as pain shot throughout his body, and the mare pulled away, tears streaming down her face. "Oh I'm sorry boy, I'm so sorry, I just... I just..." The mare stared at him, her mouth trembling. She choked and shook her head, hugging him again, though this time much more gently. "Oh... oh my little baby boy..."

Macintosh barely moved as he tried to remember what had happened. Slowly, however, the memory returned to him. It would hurt, but he had to know.

"Pa...?" he whispered.

At that moment, he felt his grandmother tremble. She hugged him tighter, and though it hurt, he did not protest. She was quiet for a moment, and then he felt her take a deep, rattled breath.

".... My baby boy...." The words were cracked. Sad. She didn't need to say anything else. He wanted to hug her back, but he couldn't move. All he could do was press his head against hers and shed his own, quiet tears.

Twilight stared, wide-eyed at Macintosh as he absentmindedly brushed his scar, taking a drink from a bottle of alcohol that Pinkie had left behind for disinfecting purposes. "... When they found my pa... he was already gone... said he'd been roughed up... stabbed... bled out... and they had even thought I was dead when they found me..." He sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "They said that somepony told them there had been a terrible attack outside of town... lead them out there... and disappeared before they could ask questions."

The unicorn mare's gaze shifted, though she was clearly still focusing on the story. "... So he just... attacked you in a blind rage...?"

"Don't know..." Macintosh shook his head, taking another drink from the bottle. "Always assumed it was some kind of mistake... but I don't think I'll ever have the answer..." He sighed, waving the bottle around a bit. "... I... tried to tell them what happened... but they attributed it to the trauma somehow being mixed with my love of fantasy stories... said we were likely attacked by bandits and in my broken state of mind I made them into unicorns to cope with the horror and tragedy of the situation or some such."

Twilight didn't respond. She stared into space for a few moments, and Macintosh took another drink from the bottle. He had no idea why he was so thirsty. He felt fine, really he did. The unicorn mare looked back towards Macintosh. "I'm.... I'm so sorry..."

"Nothin' to be sorry about, Miss Twilight," said Macintosh, not turning his gaze towards her. "You didn't do anything. You weren't there. It wasn't your fault." Macintosh was a bit surprised when he noticed Twilight pull herself closer to the edge of the bed and sit herself upright. "Now now, you've gotta relax Miss Twilight or--"

She wrapped her hooves around him, and gently pulled him into a hug, effectively silencing the stallion. He didn't do anything at first, but slowly he brought his hooves around her and returned the embrace.

"... What happened to you was horrible," said Twilight, and much to Macintosh's surprise, he felt a bit of wetness on his neck. "... It doesn't matter if I did it or not... it shouldn't have happened..."

They sat like that for a few moments before finally pulling apart. Twilight used a hoof to dry her eyes before fixing them back on Macintosh's, sympathy clear in them. "Macintosh... I don't understand... if your father was killed by a unicorn, then why don't you hate me? Hate us...?"

Macintosh didn't respond at first, his head simply hanging slightly, his eyes half-lidded. "... Because it was only the second unicorn I met that was a monster.... " The stallion sighed, closing his eyes. "The first... was a dying mare who was terrified for her children..." He looked up and smirked. "The third was a slightly tight-knit no-business bookworm who might give ya a hard time but she means well."

Twilight tried to look offended, but could not hide the edges of her mouth tugging up. "Thanks for that..."

Macintosh nodded. "... And... well... the fourth is a baby who probably doesn't even realize there's a difference between her an' the rest of her family..." Macintosh looked back to the door and frowned, lowering his head. "... They're absolutely terrified at the idea they might have to give her up..."

"It happens sometimes," said Twilight with a frown, looking away. "Unicorns are urged to avoid outside contact, especially romantically so, to avoid situations like theirs."

"Would they take them? The whole family?"

"I can't say..."

Once more the room became quiet, and Macintosh found his mind buzzing with questions. "... Twilight?"

Twilight's ear perked up. "Yes?"

"What's yer hometown like...?"

Twilight was quiet for a bit. Macintosh wasn't sure if now was the right time to ask or what, and wondered if he should apologize.

"Zauberstadt is Germane for 'City of Magic,'" said Twilight, a smile on her face. "Founded hundreds of years ago by unicorns who wanted to build a new kingdom... one that existed secretly... one that was safe... secure..." Macintosh wanted to tell her that was not quite what he meant, but the starry look in her eyes told him he should let her talk; besides, he might learn something new. "Zauberstadt is one of a few hidden Unicorn cities in Equestria... collectively referred to as the Unicorn Kingdom, the Invisible Kingdom, or Hidden Equestria, among other titles." Twilight looked towards Macintosh and smiled. "And... as for your question... it's not much different from any other village, with the exception of the fact that magic is as abundant there as technology is here. We have entire academies of learning formed to educate unicorns in advanced casting."

Big Mac found himself intrigued by the idea of a city of unicorns, and may not have realized he was leaning forward a bit. "Do y'all have your own farms?"

Twilight giggled. "Well, of course we do. While an Earth Pony will always grow better food than a unicorn of equal skill and learning, we can still grow our own food. Some ponies even use magic to help it grow faster, though traditionalists argue that it ruins the flavor." Big Mac found himself grinning at the prospect. Twilight smirked, raising a brow. "I'm... surprised at your interest, I must admit. Even now many ponies are iffy at the prospect of magic, unicorns or no."

Big Mac chuckled and waved a hoof. "I was a weird colt growin' up. Always wanted to be the hero. Save the damsel, fight evil, go on adventures... I always had dreams of that sorta stuff. Pa said it was unhealthy, but Ma always encouraged me to dream." He smirked and looked up to Twilight. "I remember for the longest time my Ma thought I'd end up bein' a writer. She saved up money for me to go to college since I was a colt." He sighed a bit, and looked off to the side. "But... then we lost Pa... an' Ma passed away givin' birth to 'Bloom... so... I kept that money and started savin' up so Apple Bloom could go to college..."

The unicorn mare frowned. "... You gave up an education so you could give one to your sister...?" Big Mac nodded, a smile on his face.

"... I got real unlucky," he said, somewhat quietly, "... but her? She didn't even get to meet her parents... an'... I want her to have better." He looked back to Twilight, and his smile grew. "I don't know where she'll go in her life... but I want to help any way I can... an' that's the best way I can think to do it."

"That's... very noble of you..." said Twilight, a soft smile on her face.

"Thanks," replied Macintosh with a nod. He wasn't sure if he was noble or not, but he liked the compliment nonetheless. "Rich... was going to partner with us... pay us top dollar to acquire rights to the farm... " Big Mac hung his head a bit. "I was tempted to take it... just so I could give her a guarantee... but I turned it down. And sometimes, I wonder if I made the right choice..."

"Yeah," said Twilight, tapping a hoof to her chin, "he has been making a lot of property purchases as of late... I understand he's actually trying to gain ownership of the entirety of Old Ponyville. Due to the general condition, I can't imagine he'll have to put up much of a fight to get it..."

"What? Why would he want to buy Old Ponyville?"

Twilight shrugged. "Your guess is as good as mine."

A knock at the door drew both ponies' attention to it. When it opened, Pinkie stepped into the room with a bowl of oats balancing on her head, much to Twilight's dismay. However, she also came in with Fluttershy and the rainbow maned pegasus in tow. Fluttershy immediately came to his side. "Oh, Rainbow Dash! You didn't tell me you knew Big Mac!"

The rainbow maned pegasus balked. "You two know each other?"

"I should think so," said Big Mac with a nod, "this mare may very well have saved my life."

'Rainbow Dash' as she was called, seemed stunned. "Well... what are the odds of that happening?"

"About the same as the odds of finding a unicorn," said Twilight with a casual expression.

"And about that," said Rainbow Dash, turning to Twilight, "what the hell!? Unicorns are real!? You're an actual magical being!?"

"Yes I am," said Twilight with a nod.

"Then why didn't you just magic me and Gilda away when we broke into your home!?"

Fluttershy gasped. "You what!?"

Twilight rolled her eyes. "Well, for starters if I did I would have had to kill you to be sure nopony found out, and I consider myself a pacifist."

"Just because she's a unicorn doesn't mean she has to be violent," said Fluttershy, though this seemed to turn the rainbow pegasus on her.

"Wait, you knew!?" Admittedly, it was a question Macintosh now found himself curious about as well.

"Ever since we went into the castle," said the mare with a nod. "And I promised her I would never tell anypony, and so I didn't."

"Thanks for that, by the way," said Twilight. Fluttershy smiled.

"You're welcome."

"Okay, hold up!" Rainbow Dash held her hooves up and looked around the room. "Alright... did anypony in here not know Twilight Sparkle was a unicorn this morning?" Nopony answered. Rainbow looked around the room until she saw Macintosh, who was holding his hoof up slightly. "Okay," said the pegasus with a sigh, "at least I'm not the only one who learned unicorns exist today." Macintosh knew he could say something, but decided not to. Rainbow Dash sighed and clapped her hooves together. "Alright, moving on... I am going to state the obvious right now. As of this evening, me, the big guy, the unicorn, and the little dragon are all likely on Filthy's shit list, and he's savvy enough that he's likely going to act as though he expects us to have made it out of there alive, so I doubt we'll be able to simply pretend we died and hope he doesn't do anything." The mare flew so that she was in the middle of everypony and crossed her forelegs. "What this means is that we're going to have to be very, very stealthy from here on out. The good news is that you got me and I know what he knows." Rainbow Dash grinned, sure of herself.

"I imagine," said Twilight, not bothering to hide her disapproval, "you're one of his flunkies."

"Former flunkies," added Rainbow Dash, holding up a hoof, "and for your information, I was a hired spy and thief, and I've been doing this job long enough to know when to be selective about details I share."

"Wait," added Twilight, her eyes widening, "you're the one who was spying on us!?"

"Yep!" Dash nodded, pointing a hoof at Twilight, "and as far as Rich knows, I was only following you, Big Mac, Pinkie Pie and his cousin. I didn't tell him about everypony..."

Macintosh was quick to piece it together and looked towards Fluttershy. "You kept Fluttershy a secret...?" This made the butter yellow pegasus' eyes widen for a moment.

"Yeah," said Rainbow Dash, frowning and rubbing the back of her head almost bashfully. "Fluttershy and I go.... a long way back... "

"Don't be so modest," said Fluttershy, fluttering her wings and floating next to the rainbow maned mare and hugging her, "Dash and I were dear friends as fillies. She always stood up for me." Macintosh smirked, seeing Dash act embarrassed at the hug although he could tell the mare appreciated the gesture.

"Come on 'Shy, I'm a thief slash spy for hire, this is totally killing my vibe..."

"Oh, sorry..." Fluttershy broke the hug and drifted back, still smiling at her friend. Rainbow Dash tried not to, but the edges of her mouth tugged upward ever so faintly. The rainbow pegasus cleared her throat in an attempt to redirect the conversation once more.

"Here's the deal," stated Rainbow Dash, looking at everypony in the room, "as far as he knows, with the exception of Fluttershy, each and every pony in this room is in cahoots. He's not likely going to openly challenge anypony either... he'll likely consider his display at Twilight's house a message of what he's willing to do to get what he wants."

Macintosh frowned. "You sayin' he wasn't tryin' to murder us?"

"I don't think so," added Dash, shaking her head, "I think he trusted Twilight to find a way out... though if I'm to be honest, I don't think we should ignore the possibility that he might kill any one of us if he deems it necessary."

"But will he hurt our families...?" Macintosh added, looking to Dash with clear worry in his eyes. It was a question he had been pondering ever since they had fled the house earlier that day, and it was one that frightened him.

"I don't think so." Dash folded her forelegs together and lowered her head. "He's... weird to say the least. Every time we had a meeting, had a conversation, he would refuse certain options... Gilda had considered holding Twilight's accomplices' families for ransom and forcing Twilight to hand over the book or face the revilement of everypony in town, and he turned it down flat out. As crazy as he is, he's got rules, and I don't think he likes to involve ponies who have nothing to do with the situation..."

Macintosh sighed and relaxed a bit. "... I just happened to be involved..."

"Precisely," added Rainbow with a nod. "But what he considers 'involved' can shift if we're not careful. I propose that tonight, we disappear."

Macintosh froze. For a moment, he was certain his heart had stopped. "... For how long...?"

Rainbow looked to him with a raised brow. "Well, I don't know, how long do you think Rich is going to be crazy?"

Big Mac shook his head. "Are you sayin' we.... we just... leave? Leave behind our friends and family?"

"Not all of them," added Dash with a smirk, "clearly we're going to have to collect your cousin."

Big Mac's head was swimming. He tried to think of something, anything. He couldn't simply leave behind his family, his home, and never return. "But... my whole life is here..."

"Yeah," added Dash with a sigh, "and so is Rich, and he's... well... rich."

Macintosh's jaw moved wordlessly. He tried to think, tried to rationalize it. Then it hit him; his ace in the hole. "What about Nightingale? His niece? She's real sweet on me! I can talk to her, convince her to make Rich see reason!"

But Rainbow Dash only laughed. "What!? You don't think she's in on this!? She's practically Rich's right hoof in this whole thing!" Macintosh felt his heart sink as the pegasus flew closer to him. "In fact, attacking Twilight's house was her plan!"

Macintosh felt his mind crack a little. "No... she's a sweet mare, she'd never--"

"Never what?" Rainbow said, prodding Macintosh in the shoulder. "When Rich called us in about dealing with Twilight, his original plan was simply to threaten her with eviction and pulling her funding. He made a point of purchasing the property Twilight was using. But she insisted it wasn't good enough. 'She would just leave and take the Elements with her' she argued. 'Best to catch her by surprise and give her an alternative she cannot accept.'" The two ponies stared each other in the eyes, Macintosh trying to find any hint of dishonesty. Despite everything he knew about this mare, however, he could see the seriousness in her. If she were lying, she was doing a very good job. He looked back to Twilight, who seemed unnerved by the information, though he could also see her looking at him with some level of concern. Was it for him?

Dash sighed and stepped away, shaking her head. "For the past few weeks, Gilda and I were scouring the house to find notes, clues, anything we could to just steal the Elements and Twilight's research. Rich wanted to do this without a fight, but then he realized Twilight was scared, and likely taking every precaution. He eventually admitted we'd never find what we were looking for unless she gave it to us willingly. So, he finally decided in favor of Nightingale's plan and decided to launch a surprise attack on Twilight and give her an ultimatum; give up or be exposed."

Twilight nodded, looking at her hooves. "The message she left me was his final warning." Twilight's horn faintly glowed, a moment which Macintosh found mystifying as a piece of paper drifted from her coat, which hang on a nearby chair and drifted in front of Macintosh, who opened it and read it.

This is your final warning.

I have been patient and I lenient up until this point. When we forged our partnership, it was under the understanding that we would share all materials and knowledge gathered, and I am aware that you have been holding out on me. I have granted you funding, resources, and have even kept your secrets. I have shown my reliability, but you are failing to show any in return.

I have run out of patience. Tomorrow I will be paying you a visit to collect what is mine. What happens next is entirely up to you.

Your Benefactor.

As Macintosh read the note, he found his mountain of doubts only growing larger. He held the parchment towards Twilight, staring into space as he pieced everything together in his head. Nothing in the world made sense anymore. Everything was starting to turn on its head. The stallion brought a hoof to his forehead, trying to calm himself.

"What happened, Rich...?"

"What happened," said Twilight, holding a hoof up, "are the Elements of Magic." Everypony turned their attention to the unicorn mare. "When we met, Rich and I were studying the same things, though we didn't realize it until we started grabbing the same books. Turned out that Rich was something of a scholar... or occultist, depending on some peoples' views... and had been doing research on unicorns, magic artifacts, and any other esoteric knowledge he could gather."

"But why?" Dash flew between Macintosh and Twilight again, staring the unicorn in the eyes. "What could Rich possibly want?"

"A few things," said Twilight, looking to the side as she pondered her thoughts. "Since we forged our partnership, we've done a bit of excavating. We've been in tombs, elder libraries, places even unicorns haven't set hoof in for generations, and we've discovered any number of mythical artifacts. If he could find just one of them, he'd be happy. The Elements are top priority for him, but he has a practical laundry list of mystical artifacts he wants to find, all of which are likely either destroyed, buried, or in the Unicorn Kingdoms." She frowned and looked off to the side slightly, as if guilty. "More than once he's tried to convince me to take him to Zauberstadt... "

"Good thing you didn't," said Dash, letting herself land and picking up the bottle Macintosh had been drinking from earlier and taking a swig. "I have no doubt in my mind that he'd be willing to wage a war against a mythical people if they didn't give him what he wanted."

"It'd be a war he'd lose," said Twilight, closing her eyes and shaking her head.

"So," said Rainbow, clucking her tongue and taking another swig of the alcohol in her hoof, "what's our next move then?"

Twilight and Macintosh exchanged looks and looked towards the pegasus. "Our next move," said Twilight with no shortage of curiosity, "what do you mean our next move?"

"Well," said Dash with a shrug, "it seems I'm caught up in this whole escapade now. Don't get me wrong, I'm used to living off the grid and on the move, but I wouldn't feel right leaving you ponies to do this alone."

"Well, that's quite generous of you to offer," said Twilight, though Macintosh knew immediately she was being sarcastic, "but we don't really need your help."

"Sure you do," said Dash, stepping closer with a knowing grin on her face. "You see, I can already tell our farm-boy friend here isn't too keen on spending the rest of his natural life avoiding his family," a sentiment that gave Macintosh some level of hope, "and while you probably have a great deal less to lose, you're going to have some trouble going this without somepony who has resources to replace what you've lost." Dash leaned against the nightstand and took another swig of her drink, her grin more arrogant than before. "I have contacts. Safe houses. Favors I'm owed. I can give you almost anything you can possibly want. Whether you like it or not, you're going to need me, unless you don't mind the challenges of finding a new base of operations and doing magic tricks for money on the streets hoping that nopony decides to stake you."

Macintosh looked at the arrogant pegasus for a moment and turned to Twilight. The bookworm mare seemed upset, maybe even begrudging of the fact, but he could tell she wasn't able to argue the point, and perhaps that's what upset her the most. Twilight bit her lip as her eyes darted left and right, trying to conjure some debate in her head, some way to say 'no'.

"Look," said Dash, wrapping one foreleg around Macintosh's shoulders and pulling him close, "if not for me, do it for this big lug. You said Rich wants other artifacts too, right? Well, I propose we find something that interests him and buy him off. I don't know what's so important about those Elements of Magic or Harmony or whatever, but by the sounds of it, they're all you want, right?"

"Right now," said Twilight with a grimace, "they're the most important things in the world."

"Then it's settled!" Dash grabbed Twilight and held her close. "We leave in the morning! You write a list of artifacts and I'll look into my contacts, I know for a fact I know ponies who deal with supposedly magical doodads, and I'll also grab us a safe house to work from. Sound good?"

Twilight frowned and contemplated the prospect Dash was offering. She turned her attention to Big Mac, who stared at her with big, pleading eyes. The unicorn mare grimaced a bit and shook her head.

"Fine... just don't make me regret this."

"Great! So, where we heading?"

Twilight placed a hoof over her mouth a moment, deep in thought. "Well... the texts said that the remaining elements were left to her blood, her castle, where her dream city would have been built, traveling nomads, and ponies in the clouds... which I can only assume is Cloudsdale..."

Rainbow Dash bit her lip and exchanged a glance with Fluttershy, who seemed rather solemn. "Uhh.... yeah... you might have to get that one on your own..." Twilight merely rolled her eyes as if having expected the answer.

"Well, I have two of them, and we have some idea where another might be, which seems to be in Manehattan."

"Ahh, great! Manehattan!" Dash grinned and rubbed her hooves together. "Lots of ponies, lots of places to hide, pockets to pick... it'll be great!"

"So wait," piped Pinkie Pie, jumping into the group, "if we can't go out because ol' meany pants is lookin' for you ponies, does that mean we get to have a slumber party!?"

Macintosh raised a brow. "That's alright, if'n y'all got a guest room I--"

"Nonsense, we won't bite! Slumber party!" Pinkie bounced up and down. "I'm going to go get snacks, and drinks and we're gonna stay up all night telling ghost stories and it's going to be so great!" Macintosh watched Pinkie bounce around the room excitedly and smirked, rolling his eyes.

"We still gotta get your cousin," added Dash, to Macintosh's surprise. The mare seemed dead serious on the matter, so he knew better than question her judgement.

"Well, how do we get 'em without raisin' alarms?"

Dash looked towards Twilight and raised a brow. "Thing is this... can we trust him to keep a secret?"

Twilight blushed and waved a hoof. "Oh... uh... I can just put on my hat again and--"

"Not gonna cut it," piped Dash. "You got magic. Call me nuts, but I think that's cool, and we'd be stupid to not use it. Really, I'm surprised you didn't use it when me and Gilda invaded your house."

Twilight sighed. "Actually, it's 'Gilda and I' but.... the answer to your question is mostly that as I like to consider myself a pacifist, I didn't want to alert you to it and risk you exposing me."

Rainbow Dash seemed to consider this a moment before offering a soft nod. "Right. Understandable." She looked back to Macintosh. "Still, I think it's within our best interests if we're going to bring him along to make sure there's no secrets. And right now, it's in his best interest to be with us."

Macintosh looked at Dash, and then towards Twilight, who seemed unusually shy in this instance. It was certainly something he wondered himself. He had no reason to think Braeburn wouldn't be accepting, though he was also not sure how the stallion would react on top of all the pressure that had already been piled on him. He sighed and looked to Dash. "He... might be shocked, but he won't say a thing, especially if I tell 'em not to. Just... let me talk to him before we show 'em anything."

"Good," said Dash with a nod. "I'll go fetch him, we'll stick to the shadows, and we'll explain everything when he gets here. He's going to want to be with us tonight, because if he's where Rich can grab him there's no telling what'll happen." The pegasus turned about and made her way out of the room, and at that moment Macintosh felt a tapping at his shoulder. Turning, he saw Pinkie Pie holding something in her hooves. He looked down to see a familiar green cloth. His eyes widened and he looked up to see Pinkie staring at him with a smile that didn't reach her eyes.

"I cleaned it for you," she said quietly. Macintosh looked at her for a moment, then down to the scarf. He slowly took it from her and gently wrapped it around his neck, deftly maneuvering his hooves and mouth to tie it in place. He did not look at Pinkie, avoiding eye contact.

"Thank you," he said quietly, his voice slightly cracked. The pink mare tilted her head.

"You need some water?" Macintosh nodded his head softly, and Pinkie smiled, turning around and stepping out of the room. Macintosh looked up to see Fluttershy nearby, staring at him. Her own eyes seemed concerned, sad even. He didn't like it.

'Don't look at me like that.' He wanted to say the words, but he couldn't. Instead, he stood up and silently walked past Fluttershy and out of the room. The pegasus blinked in confusion, looking towards Twilight. "Did... did I do something wrong...?"

The unicorn frowned and shook her head, looking to the door as it gently closed behind the stallion. "... No...." She closed her eyes and hung her head slowly. "You did nothing wrong... nothing at all..."

Chapter 21 - Future Uncertain

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Any other night, Big Mac would have tucked his sister into bed hours ago by now. He'd have helped his grandmother make her way to her own bedroom, as she would likely have passed out in her chair and been too groggy and achy to get there herself, and he'd have to make a sojourn into town if his cousin was out for the night. That would have been done by now. At this hour, when most of Ponyville was asleep, he'd be tucking into bed himself after taking an hour or so to read a story, and he'd be in blissful dreams by now.

But today was a day of new things.

And so, tonight Big Mac sat alone, in the basement of Sugar Cube Corner, drinking hard cider. Braeburn had been accompanying him for a while, though he had escorted his smaller (and more lightweight) cousin upstairs to sleep an hour and a half ago. Or was it longer? Or shorter? He couldn't tell, he realized, as he sat there alone with his thoughts.

The day had been... eventful to say the least. Braeburn's arrival had been nothing short of shocking, in that he arrived bound, gagged, and in a sack, which was a bit frustrating on his part, though Macintosh couldn't deny its effectiveness (Braeburn couldn't be subtle to save his life). Having to explain the events up until then had been a lot to put onto Braeburn, especially explaining that in helping Macintosh he had inadvertently made himself a potential target for Filthy Rich, that Twilight was a unicorn, and it was a lot for his cousin to take in all at once. Braeburn had seemed to take it all in stride at first, but once they had come to the basement, the stallion seemed to drink his cider more eagerly than normal, and while Braeburn liked to drink, Macintosh had never seen his cousin try to drink himself silly unless a bet was involved.

And truth be told, Macintosh felt a true sense of similarity in his cousin in that sense.

He took another sip of his hard cider and felt it wash down his throat. His ears felt warm, and his cheeks tingly, a buzz washing over him, though he paced himself enough to avoid drunkenness. As the day's events replayed over and over in his head, he felt himself having difficulty believing any of it, even though he had seen it all happen. Twilight Sparkle was a unicorn, a strange, mythical, magical pony. Filthy Rich - whom he had known and respected like family his whole life - was a monster who may very well be out for blood. Nightingale...

Macintosh winced.

'Could she really have had a hoof in all of this...?

He took another swig of his cider. Nightingale had taken to him quickly, seemingly driven by strong, carnal desires, but the longer their relationship carried, the more she seemed to authentically care. He had hoped that she was simply confused as to how to court a pony and was adjusting herself to better suit the situation, but what if that wasn't it at all? What if she had been using him since the beginning?

'No,' he thought to himself with a grimace, 'When she started flirtin' with me, I hadn't even been acquainted with Twilight. I was still workin' with Zecora....'

And then a new line of thought was born. Zecora. More than once Big Mac would wonder about the Zebra, and a few nights he even lost sleep, wondering if she was okay, if something had happened or what. In light of new information, Big Mac tried to remember just how events had played out. 'It was just after Rich made his offer to us that Zecora and I were attacked. Is it possible he ordered it? Could he be responsible for all the misfortunes I've suffered up to this point?'

'Could Nightingale?'

The more he thought of it, the more he wanted to stop thinking of it. He took another drink of hard cider, hating the storm of thoughts running through his head. What was real? What wasn't? Surely there had to be a misunderstanding somewhere. Surely something has been misconstrued so horribly that everything else is magnified in its error.

But he couldn't think of what.

Macintosh looked solemnly into the empty bottle as he finished off its contents. He contemplated grabbing one more bottle, but decided against it. 'Ol' Uncle Scrumpy drank himself to death,' he thought to himself. Standing, Big Mac stretched and popped his back, ready to head upstairs and try to get some sleep, hoping the thoughts screaming in his head would silence long enough for him to drift off.

As he made his way onto the first floor, he took note that all the lights were snuffed out. The silence of the bakery told him that everypony had likely already gone to bed, and may have been asleep for all he knew. Macintosh then realized he wasn't even sure what time it was. Rounding the corner, he stepped into the bakery proper, where he noticed a slight glow of magenta light.

A pillow had been situated onto the floor nearby, and there he saw Twilight Sparkle laying on her side (the uninjured one), a book in front of her. Her horn glowed faintly as she turned the page, eyes locked onto her reading. Big Mac stared at the curious mare, who seemed entirely oblivious to his existence. A nearby candle gave her light, allowing her to read the words in the book. He simply stared at her for a few moments.

Her horn glowed in a magenta light.

A page suddenly turned itself.

It was such a small, simple act. And yet somehow, he found himself enthralled by it. She could turn the pages without even touching the book. Twilight's eyes drifted up, and for a moment, a fleeting moment, their gazes met.

And then Twilight almost jumped out of her skin.

The mare leaped to her hooves and grabbed her book, shoving it over top her horn. "What!? Who is that!? What are--" The mare paused. She squinted as recognition began to take root. "... Big Mac?"

"Eeyup," said Macintosh with a nod.

Twilight let loose a sigh of relief, and the book levitated from her head back in front of her. "You... you almost gave me a heart attack! I thought you had gone to bed hours ago!"

"Sorry," said Macintosh, with a nod. "T'be honest, I thought you did too.

Twilight sighed once more, slowly easing back into a comfortable position, her eyes lowering back to her book. "I... did try to sleep, but it just didn't happen. Between today's events and Pinkie Pie's snoring..."

Macintosh trotted towards where Twilight was sitting and sat down on the floor near her. "Ya gonna be alright...?"

The mare looked from the book up to him, her eyes studying his face for a moment. "Well, it was painful but I was able to remove the bullet from my leg, and I'm fairly certain I've properly disinfected it, but it's still a little sore."

"I don't just mean that," said Macintosh with a shake of his head, "I mean you. How are you holdin' up?"

"Oh," said Twilight, seemingly a little surprised at the question. She looked a bit to the side. "Well, I think I should be asking you that. To be honest, this probably has a bigger impact on you than me." It was a logic Macintosh couldn't deny.

"Still," he said with a shrug, "this has just been a bad day for me... for you it's been longer."

Twilight didn't respond to that at first. She looked down at her book once more. "Well," she said with a sigh, "I will admit... I hate this whole situation. Losing my house, my books, my resources... none of it was ideal. My whole life was in that house, and now it's buried under rubble and debris." Twilight then grinned wide. "But... I was able to save one thing before that gryphon broke into my tower." Her horn glowed once more, and the book Twilight was reading levitated upward.

'Unicorns: The Lost Tribe.'

Macintosh's jaw hung open. "You saved yer book...?"

"Yep!" Twilight sounded almost giggly as she said it, setting it back on the ground before her. "After the first cannonball hit I was worried it might get hurt in the destruction, but fortunately it was fine, and I managed to sneak it out with me!" The mare looked down at the book and sighed, a soft smile on her face. "This book... this book is very dear to me."

Big Mac seemed confused at this. "Ain't you a unicorn? Shouldn't you already know everything there is to know about your culture?"

Twilight giggled. "Do you know everything there is to know about yours?" Macintosh raised a hoof, but paused. Now that he thought of it, he was fairly certain he likely didn't. Twilight smirked. "Thought not." The mare set her eyes back on the book. "This book isn't special just because the knowledge it holds... there's a lot of reasons I cherish it."

Big Mac nodded. "Like?"

Twilight looked up to him. She seemed almost confused by the question, looking from side to side. "... Uhh... are you honestly asking?" Big Mac smiled and nodded. The unicorn mare seemed absolutely flummoxed by the mere thought, but she looked down at the book once more. "Oh. Huh. I'm not used to ponies actually caring what I think or feel about subjects. Rich was always more focused on lore and artifacts."

"Well," said Twilight, clearing her throat, "this book is probably one of the most famous studies from Earth Pony or Pegasus authors into Unicorn lore and history. Though there's a lot of speculation and theory in it, the book represents the most thorough and well-thought out research done by a non-unicorn into unicorn history." Her horn glowed, and a few pages flipped. "Golden Quill the 3rd didn't just research into unicorn lore, he dug into Equestria's history itself, as far back as to the founding of Equestria. He traveled the entire country, gathering knowledge from other scholars who researched the subject, learning of artifacts, of legends..." Twilight put a hoof on a page of the book, stroking it gently. "Unlike his grandfather before him, he was driven. He had passion. He didn't just want to learn of rumors and legends, he wanted to crack history itself open and learn the closest thing to the truth available to him."

Twilight sighed, closing the book. She smiled. "... He worked hard. He never gave up. He never let other ponies dissuade him... " She looked towards Macintosh. "... And he was noticed." She looked back down at the book, and Macintosh noticed an almost somber look on her face. "... The day he died... unicorns everywhere mourned his passing."

Macintosh looked down at the book in her hooves. "... One pony meant so much to so many...?"

Twilight nodded, closing her eyes. "His desire for knowledge was pure and innocent. He didn't want power, he didn't want an edge... he did everything he did out of love." She opened her eyes, and Twilight's gaze met Big Mac's. "Love for a people he had never met. For a history he barely knew. He truly loved my people... and we loved him back..." Twilight's speech seemed to hit a lull as she and Macintosh stared at each other, the mare caught up in her story, and the stallion totally invested in what she had to say. For a moment, things were silent as the two stared at each other. Twilight cleared her throat and let her eyes lower back to her book. "But... yeah... he meant a lot to us..."

Big Mac nodded. "Wow... that's somethin'..." He looked down at the book in the mare's hooves. "Maybe I'll have to find a copy of that book some time..."

"Good luck," said Twilight with a smirk. "This book is rare, because it was considered 'dangerous thinking' during the era it was published in." The mare rolled her eyes. "If it was published today it would have been deemed wishful at best, and absolute lunacy at worst."

"Well," said Macintosh with a shrug, "I don't think it's silly."

Twilight shrugged. "Well, you've also met a unicorn, so I suppose you couldn't."

Macintosh smirked. "Hey, if I wanted to be in denial that'd be my right." Twilight chuckled, shaking her head and opening her book once more.

"Well," she said at length, "if you ever want to read the book, feel free to ask. As an earth pony yourself, you'd likely be able to draw a similar appreciation that he did from his research."

Once more, things became quiet. Twilight scanned the book, reading a few words. She tried to ignore Macintosh for the most part, though once in a while she'd look up to see him staring, or trying not to stare, at her. She didn't want to be rude, but she began feeling a little self conscious. "Is there... something wrong?"

"Nope," said Macintosh, shaking his head and looking off to the side. "Uh... Twi... I was jus' wonderin'... an' forgive me if this is not the kind of question I should ask.... but.... uh...."

Twilight found herself oddly perplexed by the seemingly shy nature Macintosh was displaying. He was a modest pony, but he almost seemed bashful at this moment in time. "Yes?"

"Well," said Macintosh, rubbing the back of his neck, "I... hope I ain't crossing any lines or anythin'... but.... could you maybe show me... some magic?"

The mare seemed perplexed. "... You want to see magic...?" Big Mac nodded. Was he blushing? That was strange, the stallion never seemed to blush. Twilight stared a bit at the stallion, but she smiled slightly. "... Well, okay... but nothing loud, noisy, or bright." Big Mac smiled a smile not unlike what one might expect of Pinkie Pie.

Twilight set the book aside, and began to look around the room. "I'll pick something small, something simple... is that okay?" Big Macintosh responded with a nod, which made Twilight smile. She set her eyes on a broom which lay against a wall nearby; Pinkie must have forgotten to store it before she went to sleep. The mare nodded and lowered her horn somewhat, and closed her eyes. Macintosh watched intently as the grooves in Twilight's horn seemed to suddenly glow with magenta light, and slowly, that glow encapsulated the entire shape of the protrusion. The nearby broom began to tremor, and his eyes went towards it. An aura surrounded the broom, and then, it stopped.

Macintosh watched as the broom sat there, quietly.

And then it began to shake. Big Mac's eyes widened as it's sides began to expand outward, as if something was trying to get out of the small shaft of wood. Then, an arm sprang from one side. And then the other. The broom suddenly forced itself upwards, wobbling at first, before supporting itself, using it's straw bottom as legs. Big Mac watched with wide-eyed wonder as the broom made its way towards the two, and stopped in front of Twilight.

"That," said Twilight with a smile, "is a come to life spell."

Macintosh stared at the broom with wide-eyed wonder. "That.... that's amazing...."

"Yes," said Twilight with a grin, "the spell doesn't actually bring the broom to life, it just animates it with a basic imitation of life. If you damage it, it won't feel pain, and it won't acknowledge the damage is enough to obstruct its ability to function." Macintosh reached a hoof forward and poked the broom, and it responded by slapping his hoof. The stallion wasn't sure, but the way it pointed at him looked as if it were scolding him. Twilight blushed. "Uh... also, I'm not entirely used to using that spell, so I may have gave it too much personality..."

The mare lowered her horn, and once more it glowed. The broom stiffened as if it had been paralyzed. Slowly, it tilted. It's arms faded from existence, and it fell. Before it could hit the floor, however, a magenta glow caught the broom, and it levitated upward. Macintosh continued to stare, awe struck, as the broom was moved back toward where she had found it.

Macintosh looked at the broom a few moments more, before turning to Twilight again. "... That was the most amazin' thing I have ever seen..."

Twilight giggled and blushed, rubbing the back of her neck. "Thanks... I'm a bit rusty... I haven't gotten much time to practice my magic in the past few months, so the spell wasn't as great as it could have been..."

But Macintosh only grinned wide. "I-I've never seen nothin' like it before! I've seen unicorns, but the only actual magic I saw was--" Big Mac paused, and his grin diminished. He put a hoof to his mouth and cleared his throat, and he could see Twilight become visibly nervous. "Well," he said with a sigh, "that's... not important." He smiled and looked back towards Twilight. "I honestly mean it... that was wonderful... and... thanks for indulgin' me...."

Twilight giggled, though he could tell she was a little tense, likely with the reminder he had inadvertently brought up. "Thanks... and you're welcome... it was nice to show somepony magic that could appreciate it." Twilight continued to paw at her pillow. "And... I should be thanking you."

Macintosh raised a brow. "For what?"

Twilight looked towards him and smiled. It was odd, because it was probably the most sincere smile the stallion had ever seen on the little unicorn mare. "... For too many things.... for being my friend... for accepting what I am... and most importantly, for saving mine and Spike's lives..."

Big Mac smiled, and he almost seemed bashful in that moment. "Think nothin' of it."

Twilight wanted to argue the point, to tell him how much all of that meant to her, to make an argument, a speech out of it... but she knew him too well. She knew that he would not fight her, and that he would only disagree with her on the fact that what he did was heroic. A smile formed on her face, and she looked off to the side. "I make no promises."

Ponyville mornings were always a sight to behold. Before anypony was wandering around, readying for the day's chores and business and shopping, it was quiet. Still. The streets were empty, with only a few ponies roaming occasionally - out-of-towners, late workers, as well as some shadier individuals. Most any other pony was asleep by now, likely just finishing up their dreams before waking up to another Ponyville morning.

That made it perfect.

Several figures darted between buildings and alleys, skirting the more open streets of the town as they zipped about. They kept out of sight, ducking under windows and running through yards if need be. They could not afford to expose themselves too much, lest they be found out. Right now, everypony was a potential enemy, and they knew it. After several jumps, twists, and turns, the group stopped as they lay their eyes on a warehouse.

"Right there," whispered Rainbow Dash, pointing at the building, "that's our next stop."

"What?" Twilight raised a brow, pulling the hood of her cloak over her horn, "a warehouse? Why would we go there? We need to go somewhere, not deliver something!"

"I know," said Rainbow without averting her gaze, "but this is where we'll do it. I said before I was owed favors right? Well, I have a contact here who I asked to help me set up an escape if things turned south."

Macintosh tugged his own bandanna down from his mouth, having used it to cover his face. "Wait... were you plannin' on things goin' sour with Rich?"

"No," said Dash, looking back at him with a raised brow, "I'm a professional, I anticipated coming here, doing my job, getting my money, and disappearing." She looked from behind their cover, looking down either path of the street before them. "Thing is, sometimes your employers decide they can save a buck if they kill you off, or they get caught red-hoofed, and when that happens, you need to be able to get away before anypony realizes you were even there."

"And these people won't expose us to Gilda, will they?" Fluttershy piped. Dash looked back at her and smirked.

"These are professionals, 'Shy. Gilda might ask, but she knows if they say 'no' there's no way she'll get a different answer from them." She set her attention back out to the street. "Alright, we gotta run now. Everypony, make your way to the back door and wait for me there. Stay together, stay low, and stay. Quiet."

Dash spread her wings and darted from where she was across the street, flying up to a window, which one could not see inside due to a curtain. She gave it a light tapping, and then it opened, and she quickly made her way inside before the window shut again. Macintosh looked to the other ponies - Twilight, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Braeburn, and Spike... who wasn't really a pony... - and gave a nod. Twilight, with Spike on her back (and covered by her cloak), disappeared in a popping flash, reappearing across the street and behind the building. She gave a nod, and everypony rushed to the other side, careful not to make more noise than absolutely necessary, and reached the side of the building. Hurrying, the group made its way behind the building. Several crates seemed to be stacked in haphazard ways, likely to help with this particular situation, and they weaved around them until they reached the back door, where they waited.

And waited.

And waited...

Macintosh wasn't sure how long they waited, had it been seconds or minutes, but every tick of the clock felt like an eternity, and he felt fear. Fear that they'd be found out, or that something went wrong, he wasn't sure. He felt the urge to knock on the door, but resisted; no idea what that'd stir. Big Mac looked to the other ponies. Twilight returned his gaze with an equal measure of concern and impatience, as did Fluttershy, though Pinkie Pie seemed to be keeping herself busy pretending her hoof was a pegasus in flight.

Then a click.

Everypony turned to the door, seeing it open, revealing a grey-coated stallion with blue eyes. He said nothing, simply gesturing into the building, and everypony stepped inside.

The inside of the warehouse didn't seem particularly special to Big Mac. There was boxes, a table with some papers on it, a delivery wagon... it all seemed fairly normal to him. He turned his attention to the stallion who had let them inside. "What now?"

"Now," he heard Dash say as she flew down from the upper level, "we prepare for our trip!" She walked towards a barrel, giving the lid a nudge, revealing the inside had a flooring of hay. "It ain't exactly first class, but it's about as inconspicuous as we can get right now."

"What about the hunchback?" said the stallion, pointing to Twilight. Macintosh looked to the unicorn mare and noticed that Spike, hiding inside her cloak, did make her seem hunched. "You think you can fit in one of these barrels?"

Twilight blinked, confused, before realizing he was talking to her. "Oh? Oh! Y-yeah," she said, tugging her cloak slightly to hide her face, "I-I think I can manage..."

The stallion eyed her for a moment, before giving a shrug. "Alright... well, get on in those. We'll be takin' off in thirty minutes." He looked to Macintosh. "'Cept you, Big Guy. You're gonna help."

Macintosh stared in confusion at the stallion. "What?"

"You heard me," said the grey earth pony, "I can't pull all of ya. We can manage to make sure you ain't easy to recognize, but you gotta keep yer yap shut n' let me do the talkin'." It wasn't an idea he liked at first, though as Macintosh thought of it, he considered that he'd really prefer to be moving about than stuffed in a box anyway. He gave a slight nod, and the grey stallion smirked. "Great. We got some coat-paint and a cutie-mark decal upstairs. Go put those on an' get back down here." Macintosh turned away and looked to everypony else. Dash gave him a nod of encouragement, and Pinkie already seemed to already be in a barrel, with Fluttershy examining another one. He looked to Twilight, who gave a nod of her own, and he sighed, looking up the stairs.

'Well, he thought to himself, 'best get this over with...'

Macintosh trudged up the stairs into the second floor of the building. It was about as simple as the first; several crates, some barrels, and a desk with a sack. He approached the sack and reached inside, withdrawing the promised hair paint and a cutie-mark decal that was shaped... like a pile of crates. He felt somewhat self-conscious, looking back towards the stairs, before sighing and removing his bandanna, setting it on a nearby crate. He removed his jacket and his shirt, and set them on the floor. He wasn't used to being so... exposed. He reached for the bottle and--

"Oh, Big Guy, the black dye you'll want to put on your coat to--"

Macintosh jumped and tried to cover his indecency, and Dash gave a whistle. "Well hello there handsome."

"Can I help you!?" said the stallion with no shortage of indignation.

Rainbow, however, rolled her eyes. "What? It's not like the clothes you do wear really hide anything."

"Not the point!"

Dash sighed. "Fine, fine, I'm off, but eh..." She smirked and gave a wink, "gotta say, not a bad view!" The mare flapped her wings and made her way back down stairs, leaving Macintosh turning red(der). Rainbow Dash had seen him naked. Sure, they walked around bottomless all the time, but it's just the principal of the thing! Big Mac huffed, trying to forget how embarrassing such a situation was as he grabbed the dye, opened it, and--

"Oh, uh, Macintosh, Dash said you wanted to show me something and--"

"Fluttershy!?"

Once more Big Mac covered himself and Fluttershy's eyes shot wide, cheeks turning red and she darted back down the stairs. "Rainbow Dash!"

Big Mac stared at the stares, jaw hanging. He grabbed the dye and was quick to get some onto his body trying to change his coat before anypony else came up there, while Rainbow Dash laughed just a floor below.

He had never felt more exposed in his life.

He was in close proximity to a stallion he had just met, pulling a wagon down the streets of Ponyville. Several barrels behind them carried his friends, others filled with produce, and he knew all it took was one slip up and they were all exposed.

"Keep cool," said the stallion next to him, just quiet enough for him to hear, "follow my lead, and you'll get through this jus' fine." After several minutes of walking, the two ponies found themselves at the gates leading out of Ponyville, where two guards with white coats, blue uniforms and wide-brimmed hats stood. Macintosh felt his muscles tense as they walked closer and closer. One of the guards' eyes met his, and the two stared at each other for what seemed an eternity as they walked.

"Hold," said the guard, stopping the two.

The unknown stallion next to him spoke up. "What seems to be the problem, officer?"

"Where you two gentlecolts off to at this hour?" said the guard.

"Well," said the stallion, nodding to Macintosh, "me an' my friend here were just deliverin' some produce to the next town over. Got a bit of a ways to go, figured we'd get to it now."

The guard raised his brow and looked to Macintosh, who tried to keep his cool but felt himself beading with sweat. "Yer friend looks awful nervous."

The stallion groaned and rolled his eyes. "You'll have to excuse him... he's recently had a really bad run-in with a guy pretendin' to be a guard in the Pegasus district... sorta... effected him..."

"Really?" The guard raised a brow, looking to Macintosh. "What kinda trouble?"

The stallion looked to Macintosh and sighed. He turned his attention back to the other guard. "Well... it's... kinda personal for him... but...." He waved a hoof, gesturing the guard closer. The guard obliged, leaning in, and the stallion whispered into his ear. The guard's eyes widened, and he stood up straight.

"Oh... oh, I-I'm so sorry sir."

"Yeah," said the stallion with a sigh. "We're... kinda workin' 'em through it."

The guard looked to Macintosh a moment, shaking his head. "Uh... ahem... right... y-you two have a safe trip, and be careful, there's been some crazy rumors of a weird goings on outside the fields lately, and if you see anything weird we advise staying as far away as you can from it."

"Thanks Officer," said the stallion with a nod, "we'll keep that in mind."

"Also," said the stallion, walking in front of Macintosh, who felt himself tense up again, "Sir... I... just want to say... for what it's worth... I've known ponies who've had similar experiences... and there's groups you can see who will be more than willing to help you in any way they can." Macintosh wasn't sure, but he could swear he saw the guard's eyes become watery. He nodded slowly, and the guards moved apart, letting them continue on.

As they made their way down the road, Macintosh looked back towards the walls of Ponyville. It felt like it was only recently that he and Zecora had made a similar trip, and that this whole thing had really turned on its head. He looked back to the stallion next to him, raising a brow.

"What did you tell that guard?"

The stallion raised a brow. "Told 'em you got... eh... 'taken advantage of' by a pony pretending to be a guard in the pegasus district."

Macintosh's jaw dropped. He heard a small 'eep' come from one of the barrels - likely Fluttershy again. "Th... that's horrible!"

"Needed an excuse where he wouldn't ask questions," said the stallion, giving Macintosh a sideways glance, "if you'da kept yer cool, I wouldn'ta had to."

Macintosh grimaced, staring forward, glaring daggers at the dirt road ahead. "Yer despicable."

"The alternative was tellin' 'em yer on the run, an' I suspect that if you wanted to do that you wouldn't be askin' fer my help." As much as he loathed to admit it, Macintosh knew he was right.

"Next time, come up with somethin' better."

The stallion nodded. "Alright. I've already got ideas."

A World Without Princesses

by PonyTom

Chapter 1 - A Journey Begins (Restart)

Chapter 2 - Everfree Forest

Chapter 3 - Castle of the Sisters

Chapter 4 - Dinner With the Rich Family

Chapter 5 - Dark Skies

Chapter 6 - Bedside Mare

Chapter 7 - Reclaiming Knowledge

Chapter 8 - The Arcane House

Chapter 9 - Uneasy Alliance

Chapter 10 - Homestead

Chapter 11 - Cider Blues

Chapter 12 - Ancient Magic

Chapter 13 - Secrets

Chapter 14 - In the Dark of the Night A

Chapter 15 - In the Dark of the Night B

Chapter 16 - New Information

Chapter 17 - Cracked

Chapter 18 - The Fearful Scholar

Chapter 19 - Terms of Employment

Chapter 20 - Shedding Light

Chapter 21 - Future Uncertain