> The Adventures of Cleansing Flame
>  by Fire_brand
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

> Introduction
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	This Story follows the adventures of a Unicorn Stallion named Cleansing Flame.    He’s 17 and slightly taller than other ponies his age. His fur and horn are crimson and his fur has white wisps swirling upwards.  He has yellow eyes, and his mane is relatively short with 4 long stripes of equal width, blue and black alternating.  His tail has the same coloration and is also short.  His cutie mark has the 4 elements in it.  Fire is at the top and earth, water and air form a triangular base.

Flame was born and raised in Fillydelphia.  From a young age he was singled out by bullies for reasons he thought were stupid.  Just because he was a unicorn shouldn’t make him a target.  However it did make him quite good at fighting.  After his magic began to manifest, he began experimenting with magic.  Though Flame never tried to be a traditional Unicorn, he did have to learn the basics. Barriers, telekinesis, sure Flame could do them but he always like to try add his own flair to things. It was at age 10 when Flame was experimenting with magic suddenly his barrier ignited!  Completely shocked he fumbled the spell.  Curious he tried more barriers, only to see that they had the elements imbued in them!  He could use all 4 but he seemed to be especially gifted with fire.

It was then that his Cutie mark appeared.  Word of Flame’s talent with fire spread to the master smithy Iron Tail, an earth pony.  Iron Tail, or Iron as he liked to be called,  sought out and offered Flame an Apprenticeship.  Which flame accepted with glee.  For the next three years, Flame worked to learn the trade, go to school, and tried to avoid the idiotic colts. But the colts would always find him.  To counter act the dumb colts Flame learned to harness his magic to strengthen his body and he got really good at imbuing fire into his spells.

However at the end of the third year, disaster struck Flame.  Flame and his Parents were taking the train to Detrot to visit grandparents when the train skipped a rail, this caused the train to skid out of control and completely derail.  If Flame’s parents hadn’t combined their magic to form an extraordinarily strong barrier around Flame he would have died.  The last time Flame saw his parents they were mangled by the train wreck.   Flame was wrought with survivors’ guilt. Why was he one of 5 survivors? Why did his Parents have to die?  Couple all this with a newfound fear of trains and Flame was quite a mess for a while, especially on the train ride back to Fillydephia.

Flame’s routine did nothing to ease his pain.  Even the injuries the bullies inflicted didn’t seem to hurt.  The only activity that brought any sort of life back to Flame was when he practiced magic.  But even then his expression was sad, it wasn’t enough that his magic was stronger now, why couldn’t it have been stronger then? Why couldn’t he save his parents? 

Almost a year past, Flame finally began to snap out of his daze.  He was close to manic depression.  Ultimately it was Master Iron who snapped him out of it.  On that day, the bullies were especially mad at Flame for not reacting, so they brought a lot more colts than usual.  Once the pummeling started it was endless.  After some time, Master Iron saw the beating and stepped in swinging red hot mallet. After taking down a few of the larger colts, the rest ran for it. But by then the damage was done and Flame was out cold.  

After healing up and hearing what happened, Flame seemed to perk up.  A bunch of his parent’s friends and Master Iron genuinely cared about Flame.  He was just too upset to notice.  It took a few months but Flame eventually returned to normal.  The next four years went by relatively uneventfully.  He finished school and became Iron’s apprentice full time.  The punk colts still acted up but they were smart enough to only use words now.  During this time his skill as a smith grew massively.  He could make almost anything out of iron and was becoming proficient at steel working as well.  Too top it off his skill with magic was growing. He could now imbue any element he wanted into any spell he knew and even found some new ways to enhance his body.  

Then the incident with Tirek happened.  No one was prepared for him.  He tore through Fillydelphia, draining the magic from absolutely everypony.  Flame didn’t know where Tirek went next; all he knew was that he was glad Tirek was gone.  After that Flame lost track of time, so he had no idea how long it was when suddenly his magic was back! He couldn’t believe it!  He learned later through the Fillydephia Gazette that Princess Twilight has defeated Tirek.  Flame had never been so grateful towards a pony he had never met. 

In the aftermath of Tirek’s defeat, Flame became restless.  He wasn’t content with simply living anymore.  He wanted to explore Equestria, grow as a pony, and find his place.  Unfortunately, just traveling around Equestria isn’t a simple matter. So when Flame wasn’t working he studied the various parts of Equestria to at least get some knowledge of the geography of each area and bought a portable map.  All this took about 3 months, which is where we find Flame now, outside of Fillydelphia as he writes in his journal that he’s kept since he was a young colt.

> The journey Begins
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Journal entry: “Well I’ve done it. I’ve finally left Fillydephia.  I don’t know where the road will take me but I’m quite sure it’ll be far more interesting than the same old situation day in and day out.  Ever since my parents died in the train accident, I’ve hardly been alone.  Master Iron, and my Parents friends really looked out for me.  Although those stupid colts really liked to try and make my life hell.  I still don’t know truly why they needed to single me out but I don’t care.  I won’t be seeing them anymore.  It was difficult for me to say goodbye to Master Iron.  I’m glad I was able to find such a great stallion as my mentor and friend, but Fillydelphia is full of too many old wounds and bad memories.  If I hadn’t left, I fear I’d have been stuck in a rut the rest of my life.  It’s time for me to carve out my own path.”

After putting away my journal in my saddlebags I look around and just take in the country side.  It is gorgeous out here! Why didn’t I ever come out here earlier?  After a few minutes I decide it is time for my journey to truly begin and start walking.  Too be honest I don’t care where I end up. Everyday is now amazing.  I know longer know what's going to happen to me, who I'm going to meet, or where the road will take me.  It's simply a thrill to wake up each day like this.  

After a few weeks, some forks in the road, and finding a few nice pony’s willing to let me stay the night, I noticed that the food in my saddlebags is gone. I coulda swore I had more food in there this morning.  As I'm digging through my saddlebags I keep walking.  When I look up I notice the path I’m on is has led me into the Everfree forest.  How did I not notice the Everfree forest overhead?  I’ve read about the Everfree Forest.  I've heard all the tales about creepy monsters, pony eating plants, and the like.  But now that I'm inside the forest, these stories do not do it justice. Holy Celestia is this forest creepy.  Everywhere I look there is some strange plant or animal feeding off of something else.  Every fiber of my body was telling me that this forest was wrong.  Everything I see in this forest just puts me on edge.  Suddenly I hear a loud, terrifying, and vicious howl!  

I slowly turn my head to look at where the howl came from, and I see a couple of timber wolves skulking towards me!  My mind goes haywire.  Oh buck. They’re gonna eat me.  Immediately I run away as fast as I can.  Now, being a unicorn I probably could have used magic, but I’m too scared to cast any spell right now. I’ve never seen a timber wolf before and now there are two of them chasing me down to EAT me.  While I'm running there are plant putting scrapes and scratches everywhere on me.  Once my saddlebags snagged on a branch, almost causing me to leave them behind.  All the while the wolves were gaining on me.  Once I realized I had to fight to escape something clicked.  I had finally calmed down enough to think, If I'm going down at least I’ll up a fight.  When the larger one lunged I threw up a crimson barrier of fire.  When it touched the barrier the wolf ignited and quickly became engulfed.  Seeing its fellow in agony the other wolf charged. So I telekinetically ripped its lower jaw off and shoved it deep into its chest, causing sap to gush out.  However this backfired, I had merely pissed it off.  I had hoped having its jaw forcefully removed would deter it but I guess not.  So I quickly cast spells to increase my strength and encase my hooves in fire. 

The wolf came at me as I began to dodge and weave. Occasionally I would jab my fiery hooves at the wolf but would hit air.  The wolf is not only larger but more agile than me; however it won’t come in too close.  It’s probably afraid to end up like its buddy.  After 15 minutes the first wolf has become a pile of coals, the wolf I’m fighting has regrown its jaw, and I’m beginning to reach my limits.  Sensing this, coupled with having its jaw back, the wolf begins to get more aggressive and bolder with its lunges.  More than a few times I barely manage to avoid its jaws from fully encasing my body.  Now I'm covered head to hoof in relatively deep teeth marks from the wolf on top of thousands scratches from the local plants  Just as I’m on the brink of collapse, the wolf makes a massive lunge towards my head.  I drop down to avoid it and use every bit of strength I have left to launch my burning hooves straight into its chest, causing the wounds to ignite.  The wolf howls in agony and run back into the depths of the forest.

Finally at my limits, I released both of the spells and took a moment to rest.   After a brief recovery, I used what little stamina I had to run out of the forest, not caring that I was no longer on the path.  I managed to pick up more a lot more scratches this way.  Once I finally got out, it is night time, and there are seemingly no houses around, just rows and rows of trees.  Too tired to do anything else, but too nervous to sleep on the ground; I barely manage to telekinetically put myself in the tree.  Once up there, it became clear that this was an apple tree! After eating one I found a good branch and passed out. I was well beyond my physical capabilities and my adrenaline had finally given out.

While I was safe, I didn’t sleep well and had nightmares of being eaten.  That is until the tree shook and I landed on my head.  

I heard “Ah shoot, ah didn’t reckon there’d be a pony in this tree. Are yah alright?”  

Having just landed on my head, I wasn’t that sure of what happened, but the nightmares were still fresh in my mind, so I freaked out and screamed “MONSTER!”  Next thing I know a pair of hooves connected with my face and launched me head first into another tree.  My last conscious words were, “Did someone get the number of that hoof?”

When I came to, I’m in a hospital bed with a bandages all over and a splitting headache.  

The nurse noticed me stirring and came to check up on me: “Well you..” 

I say “shhhhhhh, quietly please, my head is pounding.” 

Softly now “Ok, I’ll let the doctor know you’re awake.”  

Oh, man. If how I feel is any indication, I must have sustained more injuries than I thought.  After a few minutes a Stallion, who I assume is the doctor, enters the room with 6 mares following him.  The first one I recognize as Princess Twilight. Instinctively I attempt to stand up to bow only to have a bolt of pain shoot through me.  

After getting some help from the doctor to lie back down I speak up.  I say “Hello Princess, I didn’t think a simple injury was enough to garner royal attention.”  I quickly notice that the other mares and the princess are all looking quite cross at me.  

Princess Twilight loudly says “Well…”  

Wincing I say “Softer please, I'm nursing a massive headache here.”  

Princess Twilight is being much softer now thankfully “Well normally a simple injury wouldn’t, but I do take notice when one of my FRIENDS gets called a MONSTER by some strange pony.”  All at once the other mares started talking, each one getting louder in an attempt to be heard.  Quickly their volume gets out of hand and I can’t get anything coherent from all of them talking at once, it’s all just noise. Of course as this happens the only thing I can do is shove my hooves into my ears and hope that it stops.  This really isn’t helping my situation at all.  Upon seeing my distress the doctor attempts to calm the angry mares, or at least get them to be quiet...It wasn’t working.  There volume continues to grow.  Eventually the doctor enlists the help of the nurses to escort the angry mares out of the room.  

Apologetically the Doctor says “Sorry about that. But you really should be careful who you anger here in Ponyville.  Calling Applejack a monster was not wise on your part. What’s your name?”  

“Oh I’m Cleansing Flame, just call me Flame…Which of those mares, apart from the Princess, was Applejack?”  

“Applejack is the orange earth pony with blond mane, tail tied up at the ends, green eyes, and the large hat.  I must say I don’t think I’ve ever seen all of them so mad before, especially Pinkie Pie, she’s usually so happy.”  

“Let me guess, Pinkie pie was the pink one?”  

“Correct, why were you in one of Applejack’s apple trees to begin with?”  I recounted my journey through the forest and the aftermath to the Doctor.  “I see, yes, now I understand. That's why you were covered in wounds.  Your quite lucky, if one of those teeth went any deeper into your neck you'd be wolf food right now.  While your reaction to the fall was extreme, you were brought back to the wolf attack.  That would be tough on any pony.”

“Yes Doctor.  It’s rather frustrating that I just get into town and I’m instantly hated by a Princess and her friends.  I doubt they’ll be quick to forgive me.”  

“I wouldn’t be so quick to judge the princess if I were you. I’m sure that if you talked to them after your migraine passes you’ll be fine.”  

“Yeah, except for Applejack, she must hate my guts right now.”  

“Worry about that after you’ve healed up.  You’ll be here for a week but your migraine should go away in a few days.”  

“Thanks doc, I think I’ll just sleep for now.  Oh by the way where is my journal?  It was in my saddlebags.”  

“Your belongings should be in the drawer next to the bed and your saddlebags are under the bed.  Let me know when your migraine clears up so I can reassess your cracked skull and wounds,” and he leaves the room.  Wow, a cracked skull, I’m pretty sure falling out of the tree didn’t cause that.  With that thought I got cozy in the bed and fell asleep.


> The Apology
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Journal: “Well I’m in Ponyville with a cracked skull. Thankfully my migraine went away. Thanks to that I can finally think straight and people can talk normally around me now.  I still can’t believe my crazy journey so far.  There are so many nice ponies willing to help to put up a wandering pony for the night.  But then somehow I ended up in the Everfree forest. I'll have to not walk without paying attention anymore as I followed the path straight in.  There are so many strange creatures and plants in that forest.  I was already on hair’s end when I heard the wolf howl.
When I saw them I just ran. When I finally found my courage I turned around to face them.  I killed one with my fire barrier, the other I fought with my strength and Fire hooves spells going.  Boy that wolf knew how to handle me.  Thankfully it made a huge lunge and I buried my hooves into its chest, causing it to run away.  But I had to get out of that forest so I ran.  When I finally made it out of the forest, I was in a field of trees.  I really didn’t want to sleep on the ground to I slept in the tree.  The next morning I fell out of the tree and was subsequently kicked in the skull by a pony, after accidentally insulting her.  This pony turned out to be Applejack, a friend of Princess Twilight!  Boy am I in for it”

As I put my journal away the Doctor walks in.  “Well Flame I hear your migraine has gone.”  

“Yes doctor, it’s finally subsided.”  

“Good, then let’s take another look at that skull of yours’.”  After taking some x-rays. “Hmm. Mhmm. Ok. Well Flame I’m happy to report you’re on your way to a full recovery. You’ll be here for 4 more days and then you’ll be discharged. But you’ll have to take it easy for another week once you're out.”  

“Alright I can handle that. Anything else doctor?”  

“Yes, Princess Twilight and her friends would like to speak with you.”  

Oh buck, I’ve been dreading this.  “(gulp) I think I can talk to them now, doctor.”

Once again, Princess Twilight and her friends file into the room.  They’re still mad at me. I can tell.  Twilight, takes charge “So are you ready to explain yourself now?” 

Applejack butts in “Explain himself?? Ah think Ah’m owed an apology.”  Looking at them all, if they weren’t so cross at me they’d be rather cute.  

Twilight quickly replies “That’s what I meant Applejack!”  

Being sincere, I apologetically “I’m sorry about what I said.  I had quite the scare the previous day and it continued in my sleep. So when you suddenly woke me up I just wasn’t thinking straight.  I really am sorry.” 

Rainbow flies into my face “Oh yeah? Well just how scary was this day of yours? I think we deserve to hear it!”  The other mares all nodded in agreement.

Sighing I say “Alright, I’ll tell you.”  So I explained everything that happened in the forest and after words to them.  After I was finished, several of the girl's expression turned from anger to worry…except for Applejack’s.  She still looked furious with me.  

Twilight talks first “So you tangled with a pair of Timber wolves on your own and lived.  Not an easy feat.”  

Pinkie jumps in and begins speaking rapidly “Yeah timber wolves are all rrrrr and aooooooo and so dangerous. You’re lucky to be alive!”  

Fluttershy, partially hiding behind her main says “Oh my. I can’t believe you were in the Forest. It’s so scary in there.”  

Rainbow sounds partially impressed “So that must make you pretty strong huh. Well not as good as me obviously!”  

Applejack furiously interjects “What the hay? This pony called me a monster!  But he mentions the Everfree Forest and you all forgive him JUST LIKE THAT?!?”  

Rarity jumps in “It’s not like we are taking his side darling.  It’s just that after hearing his story it’s easier to see why he said what he did. Even though it IS improper to speak like that to you.”  

I’m partially looking at the floor as I say this “Look, I know what I said was wrong.  And although I wish I could, I can’t take it back.  I’m not asking to be forgiven right away.” 

Applejack sounds slightly softer now “Well ah suppose ah was a bit harsh. Ah probably shouldn’t have kicked your head with all my strength after all.  Although that DOESN’T mean you’re off tha hook!” 

“Yeah, I figured as much. I’m just happy you got me to a hospital. Thanks for that.”  All I got from Applejack was a Humph.  Oh man, she’s never going to forgive me, I just know it.  Now I ask “By the way what are your names?  Besides knowing who Princess Twilight is I feel bad not knowing your names. I’m Cleansing Flame, but everypony just calls me Flame.”  

They all introduce themselves. There ares Fluttershy, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, and Applejack who had to be introduced by Twilight.  

Then the Nurse walks in “I’m sorry everypony but visiting hours are over for the day. Please leave.”  

Twilight responds first “Alright girls, lets go. (looking at me) When do you get discharged?” 

“4 days. Why?”  

“I want to hear about and see these spells of yours.”  

“Ok. Cya later princess, and please tell Applejack again that I’m sorry. I really didn’t mean to.”  

“I’ll try but she’s a stubborn one. Cya Flame.”

Ok that went better than I expected.  I knew Applejack would be mad at me but at least the others aren’t as angry.  As the doctor walks in, “Hey doc, how long until it’s safe to use magic again?”  

“Given the injury I’d say a week. Until then you’ll just get another migraine.”  

“Great…  Thanks doc.”  

“Why do you ask Flame?”  

“Well I’m a smith and I use magic to assist me.”  

“Oh you’re an iron smith?”  

I'm rather smug as I say this “Not just iron smith but I can also work steel.”  

“That’s good to hear, we actually don’t have a smithy here in Ponyville.  If you decide to stay we could certainly use your skills.”  

“I’ll have to think about it.  I was hoping to see more of Equestria before I settled down in one place.” 

“I see, by the way why didn’t you take the train? It would have allowed you to avoid the Everfree Forest.”  

“Well, there’s a reason for that... I’m terrified of trains.”  

“Oh I’m sorry to hear that. If you don’t mind me asking. What happened?”  

“I’d rather not mention it doc.  The experience left me depressed.  I'm not comfortable talking about it.”  

“Its fine, forget I asked.”  

“Whatever you say doc.”  The next four days were extremely boring. It was just eat, sleep, talk with the nurse or doctor, read a book, and play with puzzles.

Finally after four days, I’m being discharged.  The doctor speaks up “Well Flame, your skull has healed BUT remember, NO magic for another three days.”  

“Alright Doc, I won’t use magic, and I’ll be careful not to hit my head.”  

“Ok, have a nice day Flame!”  After I leave, who else do I see but Applejack and Twilight.  

Twilight speaks up “Well I’m glad to see you’re fine now.  Applejack? Do you have something you want to say?”  

It was obvious Applejack was being pressed into saying something.  So sighing and looked at my hooves ”Ah’m sorry Ah kicked your head with my hooves. (now in my face) But don’t get any bright ideas.  Ah’m still mad at you!”  She then storms off.  

”Oh man, I don’t think she’ll ever forgive me.”  

Twilight somewhat apologetically says “She will eventually. Just give her some time.  So are you ready to tell me about these spells of yours?” 

As I begin talking Twilight begins walking and I follow.  “Sure, what do you want to know Princess?” 

“Well, I’ve never heard of anyone imbuing regular spells like a barrier with fire before, how did you do that?”  

“Yeah that’s a good one.  The first part of it is to be fairly proficient and familiar with the element you’re trying to use.  Next when you’re casting the spell you have to imagine the element being intertwined into the spell, like it was always a part of it.”  

“Wow.  That’s astounding! I never thought of that. So from what I’ve heard from you you’ve only used fire, but your cutie mark has all 4 of the elements in it. Care to explain?”  

“Sure, I can use all 4 elements but I’m much better with Fire than I am earth, water, or air.”  

“Fascinating! What did you do before you started your journey?”  

“I was a smith.”  

“Oh wow, I’ve heard that it takes years to learn that craft. How many years have you been practicing?”  

“Seven years.  If Master Iron wasn’t such a great mentor I probably wouldn’t have stuck with it.”

Walking through town I notice that everypony is giving me very nasty looks.  So I have to ask  “Uh princess?”  

“Yes Flame? What’s up?”  

“I can’t help but notice that everypony seems to be mad at me.  Did the story spread around town?”  

Then Pinkie Pie appears out of nowhere “Well duh! Applejack is a hero here in Ponyville and news of a new pony in town insulting her got around very quickly. Apple Bloom was furious and told everypony! Bye Bye! La lala lala!”  

I gave Twilight a very quizzical look “Uuuh, does she always do that?”  

“Do what?”  

“Appear randomly then just leave?”  

“Yeah. You’ll have to get used to Pinkie Pie.”  Before I knew it I was standing in front of a crystal castle

“Well Princess, I must say this town looks quite nice.  Being that I can’t really leave on account of my head, is there any place that I could stay for the time being?”  

“If you’d like you can stay with spike and I for a while.”  

“Oh, well...I don’t know. I don’t want to intrude on you and your Coltfriend.”  

“What? You think…”  then Twilight just busts out laughing.  She tries to talk but cant.  This continues for a good 5 minutes.  Done laughing now “Oh no, Spike is my assistant. Come on in and I’ll introduce you.”  Walking in the door, I recognized this as a library.  “Spike, Spike! Come down here and meet our new house guest for a while.”  

Then I hear a voice come from the stairwell “Twilight!  You’re back! So who is the new…” When I see him I notice that a little purple dragon is now giving me a very sour look “Oh, it’s you.”  

Getting rather sour myself “Let me guess. You heard of me through Apple Bloom?”  

“Yes. How’d you hear about that?”  

Twilight interjects “I told him Spike, he has a right to know. He didn’t mean to say it and given the circumstances I think we’ve blown this out of proportion.”  

Spike gives Twilight a funny look “Oh yeah? And what are these so called circumstances?”  

Now it’s my turn to step in “I’ll find the Mayor and explain everything to the town.”  It seems I have some explaining to do."  This will not be fun.

Twilight helps me to find Mayor Mare and helps me to set up the stage for my apology.  Mayor Mare then spreads the word and quickly everypony in Ponyvile shows up.  I see all of the mares from the hospital in the crowd, Applejack and what looks like her Family included, all looking like they’d love to take a swing at me.  

When everyone arrives the mayor says a few words “Thank you everypony for showing up on such short notice, but there is a pony here who would like to say something to everyone.  The podium is all yours.”  

I step up to the podium and take a deep breath “Thank you once again for showing up.  I’ve asked for you all to be here so that I could apologize for what I said to Applejack last week.  I was chased by some timber wolves in the Everfree forest and was still freaking out when I was suddenly awoken by falling out of the apple tree that I’d taken refuge in. In my panic I freaked out as I thought I was going be eaten.  I realize that what I said was wrong. I just hope everypony can forgive me.”  Now finished I looked around and see most ponies still looked upset with me.  I knew that it wouldn’t happen instantly, but I had to get that off my chest.  I walked dejectedly back towards the Library to sleep.  And to think my Journey started off so well. Now an entire town hates me…This is starting to feel like Fillydelphia all over again.

> Aftermath
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: “Oh man.  Coming to Ponyville must have been the worst accident of my life.  Because of one word, I ended up with a cracked skull and an entire town that now hates me.  At least Princess Twilight is being sociable.  I don’t really know what to do here. I’m debating just staying in bed, resting my week, and then leaving towards the next town.  Why does misfortune love me so?”

Putting my journal away I simply lay my head down in bed and fall sleep.  The next morning I woke up to a rooster!  Unfortunately I was startled and fell on the floor.  “What’s the deal with me falling?  Whatever, this can’t get much worse than it already has.”  Walking down Spike is obviously giving me the cold shoulder, and the Princess doesn’t seem to be up yet… don’t know how given that rooster.  Leaving the castle I decide to explore Ponyville a bit more, despite knowing that I’ll probably get the silent treatment.  

Walking around, I really do enjoy the rural feel this town has.  It’s a shame I have to move on; I’m just not welcome here.  The next thing I know I hear a giant thunderclap!  All I could do is freeze in place…then I heard laughing coming from the cloud “Oh man! That was priceless!  Who would have thought the big bad wolf hunter was scared of Lightning?”  

I knew that voice “Rainbow!  What the hay do you think you’re doing?”  

“Oh nothing much, just hazing the new colt in town.  Why? You scared?”  

“Just surprised Rainbow, to be honest I’m surprised you’re talking to me. I thought everypony hated me.”  

“Nah.  Not everypony hates you. Just most ponies in Ponyville.”  

“Yeah that’s what I thought.”  

“Well hey if anything else you have to feel good knowing that Twilight doesn’t hate you.”  

“The Princess doesn’t hate me?  Yeah right. I insulted one of her friends, then she probably put me up in her place just to be kind.”  

“Here she comes now.  Ask her yourself I need to go anyway.  Catch you later Flame.” Rainbow flies off as Twilight trots on up.

“Hey princess?”  

“Yes Flame?”  

“You seriously don’t hate me?  Five days ago you looked like you wanted nothing more than to tear my head off!”  

“Think about this Flame. If I hated you would I have talked with you and helped with the mayor?”  

“Point taken.”  

“I’d love to chat, and speak more about spells but I have somewhere I need to be.” 

“Alright then Princess.”  And there she goes.  I am not used to this at all.  

As ponies start filtering out for the day, I try to stay out of everyponies way.  I can tell they’re still mad, just not to the same degree.  More than a few times I’m aked to tell the full story of the monster.  By the end of the day I think ended up telling the whole story to every pony in Ponyville it seems.  Along the way I did explore Ponyville quite a bit.  I even found a few of the houses on the outskirts of town. Deciding to explore more tomorrow I head back to the castle.  When I get back inside, I’m met with an explosion of streamers that takes me off my hooves!

“Welcome to Ponyville!” Pinkie says alone.  

“What in the world is going on here Pinkie? I never said I would stay!”  

“I know that but everypony deserves a party!. And since your new this kind of party just makes sense!”  Looking around I only see Princess Twilight, Spike, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Fluttershy, Rarity, Applejack, and a few ponies I met earlier in town.  I could tell that Applejack was none too happy to be here.  Although she does look content to be with her friends.  Looking at the groups of friends, I can’t believe I made them mad at me.  They seem so happy, joyous, content to just be together.  So not wanting to ruin the party I join in whole heartedly.  I must say, these ponies know how to party.  

The next morning, I’m just waking up on the floor “Oh my head, how much cider did I drink?”  As I look around I see everypony from last night also sprawled out on the floor.  Looking outside Celestia hasn’t even raised the sun yet.  Well as I’m already up, I might as well wake everypony else as well.  One by one I wake everpony up… wait a second…when did all these ponies get here? I only remember a few besides the Princess, Rarity, Applejack, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Spike, and Pinkie.  Did I pass out as more ponies arrived?

Eventually I have everypony up except for those around Applejack.  As I look at them I have to wonder…did I do something stupid last night?  I did wake up pretty close to them.  Shaking my head I go to wake up the six ponies still sleeping, saving Applejack for last.  I looked at the girls “Can one of you wake up Applejack? I don’t feel like getting kicked again.”  

As I say this they chuckle amongst themselves as Rarity speaks up still giggling “Oh no darling (snicker) we couldn’t possibly wake her up (giggle) it’d be better if you did it.”  

Pinkie chimes in barely holding back laughter “Yeah you should wake her.  I’m sure it’ll be ok!”  

I raise an eyebrow “what do you mean? What’s going on?”  Before I get any answer they all break down laughing on the floor.  “Ok, I’ll wake her.  This better not end poorly.”  I slightly lean over Applejack “Uh, Applejack. Applejack! It’s time to get up.”  She doesn’t even stir.  I tap her side “Applejack! Come on it’s time to wake up!”  Still nothing… and the girls just laugh.  I’m surprised that won’t wake her.  
“Ok girls, let’s see if this works.”  So I stand behind her, bring my mouth and to her ear and whisper “Applejack. If you don’t get up you’ll miss out on breakfast.”  

Then she snaps awake and we head butt “BREAK…ow.  Now what the hay did you go and do that fer?”  

All the girls are in hysterics.  “I just tried to wake you up! It’s morning! Look!” 

“Ah see that, but why were…you…”  I can see the wheels in her head turning…and her face just goes blank. 

Applejack says something under her breath but I don’t catch it.  “Uh, Applejack, Is something wrong?”  

I barely make out “what…did…do?”  

“One more time please?”  

Now she’s screaming at me “WHAT DID YOU DO TO ME?!?!?”  

“I didn’t do anything!”  

“THEN WHY WERE YA STANDING OVER ME?!?!”  

Great, now I’m screaming “BECAUSE YOU WOULDN’T WAKE UP!”  

Oh if looks could kill.  “You were standing over me because Ah wouldn’t wake up?  How do Ah know you didn’t do something to me last night?”   

“How should I know? Last thing I remember is the cider drinking contest.”  

Applejack is rather taken back at this point “Really???  You were still moving around after that.”  

“Oh what the hay. I didn’t think that…wait…Was that cider alcoholic?”  

“It shouldn’tah been…Hey Pinkie was that regular cider or stronger stuff?”  

Pinkie is barely able to talk through her laughs “Of course it was the good stuff. Come on we’re all friends here what the issue?”  

I chime in “So did something happen or...”  

“Don’t worry everypony behaved.”  

I breathe a sigh of relief at this point “Oh good, I really didn’t…”  

“Unless shamelessly flirting will Flame is not behaving then we’re all guilty!” and she gives the biggest smile.

Almost in unison “WHAT?!?!?!”  

Applejack first “But how??? Ah’m still mad at him fer the whole monster incident!”  

Then Twilight “Yeah Pinkie, I can understand if we talked but I don’t think I’d do something like that!”  

Next Fluttershy completely behind her mane “Oh my, that’s so embarrassing” 

Now Rainbow “Nononono Pinkie that has to be wrong.  I don’t flirt shamelessly with strange ponies.”  

Rarity last “Please tell me your joking Pinkie. A Lady does not shamelessly flirt.”  I’ll be honest; since Pinkie said those words I think my jaw hit the floor.  

Pinkie happily replies “Well we did.  Why not? He’s hot!” and she’s laughing again “Get it? Flame equals hot! (giggle) ooh ooh You should look at Flame! (some laughter) I think he’s star struck or something!”

Sure enough they turn to look at me standing there with a dropped jaw, then subsequently turn bright red.  “Well I…uh…thanks for the compliment?”  I don’t even get a response; they just leave.  Twilight just buries her head in a book, I am staying in her house after all, why should she leave?  “Well Twilight I’m going to…a...go for a walk CYA!”

I find a good secluded spot and just pace for a while.  Oh. My. Goddess.  I can’t believe Pinkie said that!  First I’m hated, then I’m simply the new guy, now I’m popular! WHAT THE HAY IS GOING ON HERE!  This is so messed up.  I really don’t know how to handle those girls. Especially Applejack!  First she hates me, now apparently she likes me???  Now to top it all off They all flirted with me, and I can’t remember it!  ARG!  I don’t think I’ve ever been so embarrassed in my entire life.   All I’ve done is allow for more misunderstandings!  I don’t want to be a bother to Ponyville but that’s all I’ve done here!  That’s it! Tomorrow I’m leaving, crap but doc said rest for a week. I can travel safely then, but where to go from here?  I could visit Canterlot.  I’ve heard great things about from Iron!


Then I hear “Whatcha doin’?”  

Pretty sure I jumped at least 5 hooves “Geez Pinkie! Don’t scare me like that!  You almost gave me a heart attack!”  

“Sorry! I saw you walking and I thought I’d check in.”  

“Pinkie, please tell me you were lying about the flirting.  I just can’t wrap my head around that right now.”  

“Nopie Dopie!  It happened!  I didn’t think you’d mind getting attention from 6 mares? You’re not…”  

“No Pinkie!  No, that’s not the issue. I like mares.  I just have too much going on my head right now.”  

“Okie Dokie Lokie.  I’ll leave you alone then.”  And just like that she’s gone…She’s another one I’ll never get used to.

It’s still early…and I have nothing to do…great.  At least I can use magic tomorrow.  Well, I think I’ll just do the odd-non-magic-requiring job for the day. Somepony must need help.  Going around it seems that nopony does.  I’m not going to Sweet Apple Acres, so all that’s left to ask is Rarity.  Stepping into Carousel Boutique “Hello, Rarity , I was wandering if you needed help with anything today.”  

She trots in “Ah yes Flame as a matter of fact I could use your help. Follow me.”  

“Uh…okay…just nothing to requiring magic ok? Doc said not until tomorrow.”  

Getting some sultry looks now “Oh don’t worry. Magic won’t be necessary for you. “ 

10 minutes later…

”You know, I’m glad I could help but isn’t this too tight?”  

“Don’t worry, the suit isn’t made for you. I just needed a model.  I’m not used to making suits you see.”  

“So you needed me to act as a model for your suits? Me? A stallion who is taller than usual?”  

“Oh shush your whining and hold still you big foal.”  

“Fine, How long will this take. I think my hoof fell sleep.”  

Rarity gives me a cold look “What did I say?”  

Sighing “No whining.”  

“Good. This suit is done but there’s many more that have to fit the same way. Could you be a dear and stick around for a while?”  

I get the biggest puppy eyes I’ve ever seen “Fine Rarity, you win. I’ll stick around until all your suits are done.”  

“Oh thank you dear.  You’ve no idea the work you’ve just saved me.”

I found out quickly...
> Return of Flame's Magic
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: I must say, the last couple of days have been quite interesting to say the least.   Since I made that apology the ponies here seem to have somewhat warmed up to me.  Maybe I’m too used to city ponies, who won’t forgive an offence if it kills them.  I suppose I just need to adapt.  Then there was the party. Oh boy that was fun.  Didn’t know that the cider was strong or I wouldn’t have had so much.  Even more surprising is what happened during the party.  Apparently all of the Girls in Princess Twilight’s group were….hitting on me.  I’m not really used to this at all.  I definitely don’t mind, I mean they’re all cute, the way Fluttershy hides behind her main is adorable, and I have to admire the girls’ work ethic…  Though I’m still feeling where the suits were tight.  I can’t afford to get attached to anypony right now.  I’ve just started my journey and I’m not stopping now.  

Waking up brings some new pains.  Note to self.  Don’t let Rarity put suits too small on me, EVER!  I spend the next 10 minutes stretching, and finally the pain is minimized.  Walking down to the dining hall I notice that Twilight and Spike are already eating.  I’m rather cheery this morning “Good Morning.”  

Spike respond “Oh hey Flame, hungry?”  

“Yeah Spike.”  

“Sweet I made some extra muffins so here you go.”  

“Thanks, Rarity wouldn’t let me do anything yesterday, I’m starving.”  Both Spike and Twilight stare at me and their jaws drop..  “What? She had me be the model for the suits she made, she doesn’t have a stallion mannequin so she wasn’t sure how they’d fit.”  

Twilight shakes her head “Oh okay, geez,  use your words better, what you just said was very…provocative.”  

“Oh nononono that wasn’t my intent, sorry.  Well I hate to eat and run, but I want to check with doc if I’m cleared for magic.”

After eating I head straight to the hospital.  The nurse at the front desk “Oh, hello Flame. How can we help you?”  

“I’m just here for a checkup to see If I’m cleared to use magic yet.”  

“Ok, follow me, the doctor will see you shortly.”  See leads me to an open room “Please wait here.”  

After a few minutes the doctor walks in “Hello Flame, how has your head been?”  

“It’s been good doc…minus an accidental head butt.”  

“Oh?  Let me have a look.”  Doc casts a spell “Hmm.  Well you’re lucky.  You look ok to me, so I’m clearing you for magic use.  But like I said, you’ll have to wait 3 more days before you’re fully healed. Then you can do whatever you wish." 

"Thanks doc. I’ll stay away from head butts until then.  Bye.”  

Before I leave the nurse at the front desk calls out “Hold your horses Flame.  We still require payment for services rendered.”  

“Oops I’ll pay that now.”  

After leaving the hospital, I counted my bits and realized the hospital bill was roughly ¼ of my bits!  Oh well, it was worth not having a permanent injury.  Now I have the issue of what to do…again.  I figure I’ll find something so I’ll just walk back to the castle.  Walking back everypony is busy.  Then I see Twilight “Hello Princess, what’s up?”  

“Oh not much Flame, how did the checkup go?”  

“Pretty good, the doctor cleared me for magic use, but I still have to take it easy for another 4 days.”  

“Oh cool! Could you show me some of your spells now?”  

“Yeah I can, just not the more intensive ones.  Lead on Princess.”  

As we’re walking, Twilight she gives me a funny look “You don’t have to keep calling me Princess you know.”  

“But you are a princess, it’d be improper for e to not call you Princess…”  

“Then at least add my name in when you call me princess then.” 

“I can do that Princess Twilight.  Where is the practice area?”  

“Just over Ah here we are.”  I look around and notice many scorch marks from spells gone awry.  

“Ok Princess Twilight which spell do you want to see first?”  

Twilight brings her hoof to her chin for a second “How about your fire barrier?”  I nod, Thankfully this one is easy.   I bring forth my barrier and it roars to life, the flames are more intense than I’ve seen them before.  Were the Flames always this powerful?  As I look over I notice my barrier has drawn a minor crowd.  Twilight asks for all my elemental barriers, though the water one gave me a minor headache.  

After a brief recovery “Ok Princess Twilight, anything else you’d like me to show you?”  

“How about your’ strengthening magic?”  

“No problem.  But that spell doesn’t have much of a visual effect, how would we compare?”  

She looks around and spot a dead tree “Here’s how, kick that tree once without and once with your spell.”  Simple enough, so I walk over and give it a solid kick, it merely shakes a bit.  Now I cast the spell and kick again, this time the tree cracks.  

When I look over at Twilight this time, all her friends are there and a group of about 20 ponies are also there clapping… “Uh, when did everypony arrive?”  

“Oh don’t worry Flame, they’ve been filtering in since you starting casting spells. Very impressive strength spell by the way.  Can you do your fire hooves spell?”

“Yeah just give me a second.  This one’s a little harder.”  As I attempt to cast it I feel a headache come on so I stop the spell.  “Sorry Princess Twilight. I think is my temporary limit.”  

At that I hear a loud “Awwwwww.”  

Haha, guess I’d better not disappoint “Alright I’ll do it.”  Getting a decent headache on this one I light my hooves on fire, again noticing the intensity increased.  I’ll have to ask Twilight about this.  “Alright now I’m done, still a little too soon after my injury to do much more”  I trot on up to Twilight “Hey Princess Twilight, I have a question for you.”  

“Sure, what is it Flame?”  

“When I cast my fire spells today, they were more intense than ever before.  Is there a reasonable explanation for that?  I haven’t used any magic since my injury over a week ago.”  

“I don’t know Flame, I’ll have to do some research on that one.  Speaking of which are there any book you’d like to read? I hear you’ll still be here a few days.”  

“Well I would like to read up on more advanced steel smithing techniques.”

So I walk back to the library and just casually chit chat with Twilight.  

As we reach the main hall in the castle Spike jumps in my face “Your fire spells are awesome!  How did you learn those?”  

“I just experimented and then it happened.”  

“That’s so cool!”  

“Thanks Spike.”  

As I walk in Twilight is already digging through the books in the castle's impressive library.  Seeing the growing pile on the floor I don’t think she’s having much luck so I decide to help.  Even with all three of us looking it took four hours to discover that the Library didn’t house either book.  

Twilight sighs “Oh, all that searching for nothing.  And now we have to put all these books back in the right order.”  

“Uh what is the correct order?”  

Spike quickly yanks me out of there “You really don’t want to get in her way right now.  It could take her all day to reshelf those books.”  

“Well I suppose I should head out for lunch then.  Hey Princess Twilight, are you hungry at all?”  

I get the feeling she's not paying attention “I got it covered.”  

“Oh by the way is there a book here about intermediate spells?”  She just levitates me a book and keeps working.  “Ok thanks Princess Twilight.”  So I leave her alone and go to eat.

> Canterlot
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal:  I’m going to miss this little town.  I may have been forced to stay for two weeks, but in one week this town really grew on me.  It must be the feel of this town, it just feels right.  Or it could be the girls.  I just don’t know.  What I do know is that I’m starting to get the basics of teleportation, and I’m fully healed according to Doc.  I’m going to head to Canterlot.  I hear that some areas of the castle are open to the public and quite a sight to behold.

Going through my saddlebags, I make sure I’m not forgetting anything.  Speaking to myself, “Ok I have my journal, my portable map, all my bits…what am I missing…FOOD!”  Heading downstairs I see Spike and Twilight “Ok, I think I have everything. Thank you for letting me stay here for a while.”  

Spike pipes up “Ah your leaving already? I suppose it can’t be helped.  Stay safe.”  

“Thanks Spike I will.”  

As I turn to Twilight “So do you know where you’re going?”  

“Yep! I’m going to go to Canterlot.   It is pretty close.  And I hear what’s open to the public in the castle is quite the spectacle to behold!”  

“Well I won’t spoil it for you. Are you heading to the train station?”  

I get visibly nervous when she mentions the train “no, I’m not taking the train.  I’m walking.”  

“What?  Why not?”  

Sighing and looking at the floor “I have a fear of trains.”  

Spikes starts laughing but Twilights looks concerned “Did something happen on a train?”  

I bite my lip without looking up “If you don’t mind I don’t want to talk about it.”  

Twilight lifts my head up “Look, this will never change if you keep running away from it!”  

Looking to the side “I’m sorry…I can’t. I can’t relive it.  I’ll be on my way now.  I need to stop for food first.  Goodbye Princess Twilight.”  

Great, why did she have to try to force that outta me.  I almost fell back into that place.  As I’m taking the path to Sweet Apple Acres I try unsuccessfully to shake off my mood.  As I reach the farmhouse I’m greeted by Big Macintosh.  “Hello Big Mac, Could I buy some apples off you? I’m leaving town.”  

“Eeyup, How many ya need?”  

“Enough to fill my saddlebag.”  

Then I hear “Flame, now what are ya doing here?”  

“Hello Applejack, I’m just filling up my saddlebag with food. I don’t want to run out on my way to Canterlot.”  

“Yer leaving?”  

“Yep, Ponyville was my first stop on my Journey.  I have a lot more to see so I can’t stay.”  

“Hey look…Flame…is something wrong?”  

I lie “No. Why?”  

“You don’t look so good. Are ya sure yer okay?”  

“I’m fine. How much do I owe ya for the apples?”

After buying the apples I go back to town and take the path to Canterlot.  Thankfully this path goes nowhere near the Everfree Forest.  I don’t want to go in there.  The walk took about two weeks.  I can’t complain though. The area is beautiful, the ponies are nice, and this time I have food to spare.  Walking in to Canterlot is a bit exciting.  The culture feels quite vibrant and the city is bustling.  Immediately I head to Canterlot Castle.  

As I reach the front gates I notice the guards “Hello sirs, I was wondering where I could sign up for the tour I’ve heard about.”  

“Wow, I thought everypony forgot about the castle being open. The tour is self-guided.  There will be guards making sure you don’t go down unauthorized areas.”  

And they open the gate for me, I go in after saying “Thank you sirs.”  As I enter the castle I’m immediately taken in by everything.  It is so well crafted, and the artwork is stunning.  Everywhere I look there is more to see, and can I see where the guards are stationed.  So I take the passageways that are not guarded.  

Eventually I run out of room to explore, so I opt to leave.  But as I turn around I see Twilight, Rainbow, Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, and Pinkie standing there.  Needless to say I’m more than surprised “What are you girls doing here? What about your jobs in Ponyville?”  

Applejack speaks up first “Well it’s tha off season for Ponyville right now.  And when you left you didn’t look too good.”  

I give them an odd expression “You still didn’t say why you’re all here.”  

Twilight speaks up “I suggested that we come here.  It’s been a while since I’ve been in Canterlot and I wanted to bring my friends.  Besides you mentioned touring the Castle.”  

“Yeah, but this I’ve finished already. This is the last room.”  

“Well, what do you think?”  

I'm beaming “I think that this Castle is absolutely amazing!  There is so much history here that it’s unbelievable!”  

Twilight giggles a little “That’s good to hear.  What are your plans for the city?”  

“First I want to explore a bit then maybe find if there is a master smith around here.”  It looks like I’ve garnered their interest so “I was trained as a smith for seven years but I still have things to learn so I want to see if anypony can help me fill in the gaps.”  

Applejack shoots me a curious look “Uh huh, if you were trained fer seven years then why did you leave?”  

“I wanted to travel and see Equestria.  Maybe see if I’d enjoy being somewhere else.”  

Rarity speaks up “And where, pray tell did you leave?”  

I suppose they deserve to know “I came from Fillydelphia is…”  

I don’t get a chance to answer as Rarity is squeeling “OOH, Fillydelphia!  The home of working class fashion! (now in my face) How could you leave?!  Oh please say you’ll take me there!”  

My ears are back as I’m rather taken back by her sudden interest “Uh…I don’t know when I’m going back.  It could be months or years. Maybe I’ll won’t have to go back, I haven’t decided yet.  But I have to go now. BYE!”  

First time I’ve had to escape from a mare’s interest, but there’s a first for everything.  I keep running until I spot a Smith working.  But when I try to stop I just keep skidding.  I stop myself with telekinesis after I see a cart pull out of an alleyway.  Walking into his store “Good day sir.”  

The smith takes a quick glance from his anvil “Yeah? Waddya want sonny?”  

“Well sir I was wondering if you could help me fill in the gaps of my smithy skill.”  

“Oh yeah?  What makes you think I’ll just train anypony who walks in?”  

“Well, I’m already trained.  But there might be a few techniques for Iron that I’m not aware of.  I’d like to learn those.”  

“Who trained you boy?”  

“Master Iron Tail.”  

He looks surprised at this “So old Iron is still taking apprentices.”  

“You know Master Iron?”  

“Know him? I used to work with him.  Good smith.  So what did he teach you?”  Going over the techniques that Master Iron taught me takes roughly 10 minutes.  After cooling the metal he’s working on “Hmm, he taught you everything he knew. That’s rare, old Iron must have really taken a shine to you boy.  Names Gorth Anvil.  I’ll be happy to help out a student of Old Iron.  Not many techniques left for you to learn for iron though, did he teach you steel working?”  

“Yes, though there wasn’t much there, just the simple stuff.”  

“HA, I’ve got a few steel techniques for you as well then.  As payment you’ll work here for a week and a half, not too much I can teach you but if you’re telling the truth you should pick up on them pretty quickly. Do we have a deal?”  

I’m so happy I could bounce around off the walls “Yes Sir, my Names Cleansing Flame.”  

“Alright Flame, you ready to start? (peers over my shoulder) Or would you like to tend to the young lady behind you first?”  

Young lady?? “What young lady…Applejack! What are you doing here?”  I don’t know how long she’s been there or how much she heard.  

She responds “Just came tah find you and apologize fer Rarity.  She gets a little crazy when it comes tah fashion.”  

“Yeah, I know…How long where you standing there?”  

“Just got here when you agreed.  Won’t this put off yer journey?”  

“Not one bit, this is one of the reasons I wanted the journey!”  

“Alright.  Catch ya later Flame.” 

As Applejack walks off I catch myself staring at her flank and slap myself.  What are you doing!! You can’t afford any attachments! Get your head in the game!

Two weeks later…

“Well thanks for everything Master Gorth.”  

“No thank you kid, It was good to teach again. You’re gonna be great Flame, don’t let anypony tell you different. You mastered everything I had to teach when I thought you’d merely learn them.”  

I’m slightly embarrassed “Thanks master, I’ll be sure to put your knowledge to good use.”  

“That’s all I ask Flame. Good luck with your journey!”  

“I will master.”  Waving goodbye I head to the crossroads outside of town.  

Before I get there I’m met by Twilight and company.  “What are you all doing here? I thought you’d all gone back to Ponyville.”  

Rarity gets pushed forward “Well you see, we all were talking and it came up that you were traveling Equestria.  It took some discussion but we all decided that we would like to join you in your travels.”  

I’m in disbelief “So let me get this straight, all 6 of you.  Wish to join me in my journey across Equestria?  Knowing that that may be danger, and knowing that is no telling when you may return to Ponyville?”  Flutter is shivering upon the mention of danger but all agree anyway.  

“Alright then just one question, why?”  All of them get nervous.  

Twilight speaks up since nopony else does “Well when you mentioned traveling it made us realize that our own knowledge of Equestria was limited and we wish to correct that. Isn’t that right girls?”  The rest agree.  

“Ok, I understand that but now let me rephrase, why would you all like to travel with me?  All of you look capable in their own right and you could travel on your own just fine. So why?”  

Pinkie now says “What are you saying you don’t want to travel with us?”  

“Well no but…”  

“Are you scared of us getting hurt?” 

“no…”  

“Do you not like us?”  I think I turned a bright shade of pink as I felt my face heat up.  

“Ooh! You do like us! Who’s your…”  

Pinkie is cut off by a blushing Rainbow Dash who says “Look we want to join you and your fighting us. Will you let us join you or not?”  
Looking at the rest of the girls they’re all blushing…must have been Pinkie’s question, there's no way they like me that way.  

Finally I cave “Yes you can join me.”  

Applejack trots up “But no funny business. Yah try anything perverted and Ah’ll put yah back in the hospital. Ya got that?”  

“Of course, I’m not that stupid. Geez what do you take me for?”  

All the girls unanimously say “A single colt” and begin laughing.  

Laughing a little “Ok fair enough.”  

I motion for them to follow and  as we’re walking Fluttershy asks “So where are we heading?”  

All too eager I reply “Stalliongrad. I’ve heard rumors of amazing new steel there so I want to check it out.”  

Rarity now speaks up “So how are we going to get there?”  

Pulling out my map I respond “There’s a mountain pass that ends at Stalliongrad so if we stay near the southern mountains we should run right into it.”  

“But you do know there is a train going there right? Why can’t we take that?”  

I stop dead in my tracks “I really don’t want to take the train.”  

“Why not? What’s wrong with trains?”  

I’m biting my lip “I have a fear of trains.”  All but Twilight let out a “WHAT?”  

Applejack is the first to speak up “What’s wrong with trains?”  

Starting to slip back into that place I say “Can we not talk about this?  It’s rather sensitive for me.”  

Rainbow cuts in before Applejack can get a word in “Ah come on.  What’s the big deal?  It will decrease travel times and its safe.”  

I snap “IT’S NOT SAFE AT ALL! (after a few moments to compose myself)  I’m sorry for snapping at you Rainbow but no, trains are not safe.” 

“What happened?”  

“Please don’t do this.”  

Applejack joins in “Yeah, what happened that caused yer fear?”  

Pinkie next “Come on tell us!”  

Now Fluttershy “You’ll feel better after talking about it.”  

I’m shivering harshly now “Please don’t make me relive it”  

All I get are curious stares from all of them.  After a few minutes Twilight breaks the silence “Look we’re not going to give up so you’re better off just telling us why.”  

Collapsing on the ground I regretfully say “Fine. I’ll tell you.”  Pinkie quickly grabs some popcorn, Twilight glares are Pinkie for a second before everypony sits down to listen.  “The reason I’m scared of trains is because I lost both parents in a train wreck.”  Everypony freezes in shock and the popcorn falls out of Pinkie’s hoof.  “The last time I saw my parents, they were mangled almost beyond recognition in the wreck.  If they hadn’t combined their barriers around me I would have died as well.”  
I’m pretty much curled into a ball at this point.  “To this day I’m wracked with what the doctors call survivor’s guilt. Over 500 ponies lost their lives in that crash, but I’m one of 5 who lived.”  

After what feels like forever, I hear somepony walk towards me and put a hoof on my shoulder.  Looking up I see its Fluttershy.  I’m so distraught that I reach up, give her a hug and cry.  At first she jumps but she calms down quickly when she recognizes what I needed.  I let it all out. All the pain and suffering I’d been suppressing for years has bubbled to the surface.  I feel Fluttershy place her hoof on the back of my neck, then 5 more hoofs on my shoulders.  While they couldn’t truly do anything for me, their presence was greatly appreciated.  

As I finally calm down, I let go of Fluttershy whose back is now soaked.  Meekly I say “Sorry about your back Fluttershy.”  

She responds with “its fine, as long as it helped it was worth it.”  

“Thank you, to all of you girls.  So can we agree on no trains please?”  This time everypony but Rarity agrees, she doesn’t want to sleep in the dirt.  It takes Rarity a little bit but eventually she does as well.  “Ok then let’s do a check of everypony’s food supplies before we leave. It will take a few weeks travel before we reach Stalliongrad.”  After fixing our food situation we depart.  Needless to say my journey just got very interesting.

> Spa and Consequences
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal:  After three weeks of travel I am currently outside of Stalliongrad with Princess Twilight, Rainbow Dash, Pinkie Pie, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Applejack.  Apparently my journey sparked their interest to go out on one as well.  I just didn’t expect them to want to join me.  Plus I think for now on I’m going to have to suck it up and take the train.  I don’t know if we can stand Rarity “complaining” about dirt anymore.  Also note to self, never call Rarity's complaining whining ever again.  I never want to hear her whine. I think my ears were bleeding.  Anyways I learned a bit more about the girls along the way.  I had no idea that; Rainbow was in Wonderbolt training camp, Fluttershy has a way with animals, Twilight is pretty much a master of magic, Pinkie used to be a rock farmer, and that Applejack didn’t always want to be a farmer.  I found out the hard way that all Rarity cares about is fashion and keeping clean.  Apart from the complaining I am enjoying the company of these girls.

Upon entering Stalliongrad Pinkie speaks up while bouncing “ooh ooh, what are we gonna do?  Get some Staliongrad clothes? Grab some sweets? Find a hotel?  All of it looks fun!”  

Twilight is the first to respond “Well since we are in a strange city, it would be prudent for us to find a place to stay then make that our gathering point.”  Since that makes sense we all agreed.  It takes some time for us to find the hotel though. We are not used to the locals’ accents.  Though we do find…Daroovea…I can’t pronounce it.

So we agree to be back at the Daroo…buck it I can’t say it, the hotel by dusk.  Fluttershy and Rarity are going to find a spa; Applejack, Pinkie, and Rainbow go off to find food, and Twilight decides to go with me on my hunt to find crucible steel.  Searching the main street we find a forge.  As I walk in “Ah customers, how can I be of assistance?”  

I say “Well, I have heard rumors of Crucible steel,”  

He cuts me off “Ah yes, crucible steel, unfortunately I have none in stock.  You might check with the other smiths, they may have some.”  

I can see Twilight’s curiosity is peaked as she speaks up “So does that mean you don’t know how to make it?”  

“Ah yes, I do not make crucible steel.  I do not think anypony here knows how to make it. It mainly comes in bars from traders in north Equestria.”  

I cock my eyebrow “How far north do they come from?”  

He shakes his head “I know not, crucible steel is rare and very valuable. I’ve tried to make myself but I fail.”  The other 6 smiths confirm his story, nopony here can make crucible steel.

After the search futilely ended, Twilight and I decided to grab some lunch.  Wandering through Stalliongrad, there are not that many restaurants.  Looking at Twilight, “I guess most ponies eat homemade meals here.”  

“I guess so. Were there any restaurants near the hotel?”  

“I don’t know, want to go check?”  

“Might as well.”  

“After you Twilight…”  I clasp my hooves over my mouth as I realize my error.  

I just get an odd look from Twilight “Why are you doing that?”   

Through my hooves “I really shouldn’t address you without the Princess part in front…”  

“So? I’m fine if you drop Princess if you are.”  

“Ok…”
After that little embarrassment Twilight and I head towards the hotel and find a few restaurants.  We check all of them to find Applejack, Rainbow, and Pinkie inside…I’m not even going to try to pronounce the name.  Rainbow waves us over “Twilight , Flame, over here!”  As we arrive at the table the waiter brings two more chairs over. 

Pinkie asks us “So how was your search for the new steel?”  At this the three girls look at each other and giggle.  

I say “none of the smiths here had any.”  The giggling turns into laughing.  Continuing my thought, “They all say that a trader from the north brings it to town occasionally.”  

At this all three are brought to tears laughing. Rainbow is laughing so hard she falls out of her chair; Applejack is pounding her hoof on the table, and Pinkie falls backwards but keeps laughing.  After a few moments I realize the innuendo and almost collapse laughing.  Poor Twilight is just sitting there dumbstruck.  Applejack manages to balance herself long enough to whisper into Twilight’s ear.  Twilight laughs nervously and turns a very bright shade of red. This only causes us to laugh all the harder.  

I’m not sure of how long we were laughing but by the end my sides hurt just thinking of laughing.  After we’ve fully calmed down, we’re all still bright red from our laughing.  Applejack speaks up “So all joking aside did yall find what ya wanted?”  

I’m still having issues breathing so Twilight answers “No, the locals believe It comes from a town in the north”  

“Ah shucks, that’s too bad.  Was this one of the only restaurants you two found as well?”  

“Yes, we think the locals like homemade food more than eating out.  Did anyone manage to spot the spa that Fluttershy and Rarity went to?”  

They all just shake our heads as Rainbow says “Sorry Twilight, I didn’t really look for it. I was too focused on food.”  

Finally able to, I say “If that’s the case why don’t we go find them after we’re done eating?  That way if you girls want to, you can enjoy the spa as well.”  

Applejack gives me an approving nod “Not a bad idea Flame, good thinking.”  Once the waiter comes around we all order.  I get the borscht, Twilight and Applejack order salad, and Pinkie chooses solyanka and a cake go figure.  After we finish our meal we head out to search for the spa.  I do notice that the girls hang back and are discussing something.  

Looking at them “Uh girls? Is something going on?”  

Pinkie replies “Nopey Dopey! Just some mare talk, you wouldn’t enjoy it.”  I think nothing of it and casually say “Ok.”  We look all over the city.  

Once I thought I heard “but what if he,” but I pushed it out of my head.  

After 5 hours we find no sign of a spa, so we head back to the hotel.  I say “Alright girls, where have we not looked?  Stalliongrad is not a huge city; we should have found it by now.”  Of course as I say this Rarity and Fluttershy walk out the hotel looking quite refreshed.  

Rarity sounds slightly surprised “Oh hello darlings, is everything alright?”  

Fluttershy follows up “Did something happen? Why do you girls look down?”  

Rainbow flies up and says “Rarity? Fluttershy? Where is the spa?  We have been looking for it for a while.”  

Fluttershy responds simply “You should have paid more attention. It’s inside the hotel.”  

Now I hear a mix of phrases like “Come on! And, Are you serious?”  Within the mix is Rainbow’s hoof hitting her forehead.  

Once they’re done; Rainbow motions for Rarity and Fluttershy to follow and the girls huddle together.  They begin to quietly talk amongst themselves.  I don’t care what the gossip is so I head inside and relax.  After a few minutes all 6 come inside and gather around me with grins on their faces.  I casually say “So…uh...what’s going on girls?”  I just got a bad feeling about this.  

Rarity says “Well dear it has come to our attention that you are absolutely filthy. So we feel we need to correct that.”  

I’m rather taken back by this “Now what a minute…”  Now they’re all pushing/pulling me towards the spa.  “Woah!  Hold on girls! Don’t you think this is a bit drastic?!  I don’t need a spa to freshen up!”

Rarity simply says “Don’t fight this Flame, you need to be cleaned, and no ordinary bath or shower is going to fix that.”  

“Well of course I’m going to fight this! I’ve never been to a spa and I never planned on it!  Hang on! Nononononono!”  I try planting my butt on the ground but to no avail, I’m just skidding.  The spa keeps getting closer.  I throw up a telekinetic wall, only to have Twilight dispel it.  

I hear Applejack say “Oh quit yer strugglin ya big foal! Some pamperin would do ya good.”  No matter what I keep struggling, even as my hooves cross the threshold of the spa entrance.

As a last ditch attempt I quit struggling.  As the girls relax I make a quick bid for the exit…only to be stopped dead in my tracks as Twilight and Rarity have lifted me off the ground, my hooves trying to catch traction on air.  Finally admitting defeat I stop resisting.  But I now wear a sour expression.  Twilight and Rarity set me down while Applejack and Pinkie get behind me, ready to push if they have to.  I’m not even listening as the girls debate which treatment would suit me best.  Finally they decide and one of the employees comes to get me.  I make no effort to hide my thoughts as I keep wearing the same sour look. As I look around I see all 6 mares receiving spa treatments. 

The first thing they do is lead me to a tub, take several wire brushes, get them wet, and then start scrubbing my coat of soot off.  I don’t know how long it took but by the end the water in the tub is now jet black.  Now I’m moved to a hot tub and am left to soak.  The soak only lasts a few minutes before I’m removed, coated with unscented soap and scrubbed.  I must admit, this does feel good.  Now I’m led to a rinsing area where I’m cleansed of all the soap and lather.  The final stage is the cleaning of my hooves.  This takes the longest.  I’ve never once fully cleaned my hooves in seven years. I’ve cleaned up the cracks, chips and burns but the grime still piled up.

Finally I’m done with the spa.  I’m met outside by all six girls who gasp at me when I come out.  I think they doubt I’m the same pony.  I’m still mad but I really can’t complain as I inspect myself.  This is the first time I haven’t smelled like a forge in years.  I’d forgotten I had those white wisps in my crimson coat. I can even see my muscle definition again.  Quite dashing if I say so myself.  Looking back at the girls I notice that most have left.  The only one left is Applejack.  I say “What happened to the others? Did they go to bed?”  

“Yeah they did.  Rarity and Fluttershy spent too much time in tha spa and were feeling faint so Twilight, Dash, and Pinkie helped them.”  

We are now walking towards our rooms “That’s fine. So are all of you sharing a room?”  

“Yeah, it cuts down on costs.”  

“Alright, We should probably head to bed ourselves. It is getting late.”  

“Alright, Ah suppose Ah’ll see ya in tha morning.  G’night Flame”  

“Goodnight Applejack.”  After a few steps I had to stop for a second, Since when have I been on good terms with Applejack?  With that I head into my room and fall asleep. 

The next morning I feel great.  The mattress was nice and soft.  This is so much better than sleeping on the ground.  I straighten up the bed and head down to breakfast.  Either I’m the first one up or the girls are preening themselves.  Though I’d have thought that Applejack would be up first, she is a farmer.  Oh well.  Going up to the serving platters I pick out an assortment of pancakes.  As I head sit down the girls start coming downstairs.  The last one down is of course Rarity.  By the time she comes down I’m almost done eating.

Being done I clean up my plate then sit and wait for everypony to finish eating.  I then ask “So what’s on everypony’s agenda for today?”  

Twilight is the first to speak “Perhaps it would be prudent to discuss how long we are staying and where we are going next.  That way we can plan ahead accordingly.”  

Rainbow coughs “EGGHEAD” just to get cuffed by Applejack.  

I say “Alright, first lets discuss how long we’ll be staying. Thoughts?”  

Rarity chimes in “I believe staying for at least 3 days will be best.  That way we can get a good grasp of their culture.”  We all give Rarity a frown.  “Oh alright, I also want to check out the fashion and local gemstones.”  That’s the Rarity we all know.  

Wait a second… I speak up “Gemstones?”  

“Didn’t you know dear? I can find gemstones easily with a spell.”  

“Now I do.”  

Applejacks speaks up next “I have to agree with 3 days.  These are working ponies; the most we can learn is about their clothes and food.”  

Pinkie jumps in “But what about their parties! They must be exciting!  What do they do for fun?”  

Rainbow stops Pinkie there “You know Pinkie, we could learn all about that in one day. I doubt we need to add a day for that.  But if they have a competition coming up you know I gotta compete!”  

Fluttershy now speaks “But what about their animals? I’d love to see what kind of pets they have!”  

Twilight adds in “And I’d love to check out their library, you never know what you’ll find hidden in there!”  

I now step in “Well it sounds like we would have to add a few days if we all went together.  But if we split into groups it shouldn’t be an issue.  We can just leave when everyponies business is complete.  We can always adjust the schedule but we should aim for three days.”  Everypony agrees.  "Now we have to decide where we will go next. (pulling out my map) How about Dappleshore?"  Everyone gets excited when they hear Dappleshore, it is the Cider capital of Equestria for a reason.

We agree and split into our groups for the day.  The groups are: Applejack and I; Rarity and Pinkie; Twilight, Fluttershy, and Rainbow.  I let Applejack lead as I’ve already completed my business here.  As we walk Applejack says “So why did you choose ta come with me?”  

Why did I choose to join Applejack?  If I didn’t, Pinkie or Rainbow would have.  I come with a quick answer “Because I also wanted to see what the locals grow in the fields.”  Nice save.   

She almost looks disappointed as she replies “Oh ok.  So how was growing up in Fillydelphia?”  

“That depends. Do you want the short or long version?”  

Applejack chuckles a little “Give me the long version, who knows how long it will take to reach the fields.”  As we walk I tell Applejack about Fillydelphia.  I get partially through my story when we reach the fields.  If Applejack hadn’t noticed till marks I would have completely missed it.  

I say “If these are the fields there should be farmers around here.”  

“Yep and ah see one.”  Applejack runs towards the farmer leaving me to catch up.  After I catch up I hear the two farmers talking “What tha hay is a Potato?”  

The farmer holds up a small round plant and talks slow and deliberately “It’s one of these.”  

“What else is grown here?”  

“We grow beets, carrots, mushrooms, cucumbers, and wheat.  I can explain if you like.  Bring your friend.”  

We spend the rest of the day talking to the farmer.  Well Applejack talks, I listen and chime in occasionally to prove I’m not sleeping.  Not that it was boring…ok it kinda was but farming is a little out of my league.  Applejack however is completely invested in the conversation, trying to get every little detail.  On the walk back to the hotel, Applejack is quite the chatterbox.  She is so excited that she’s practically bouncing.  It’d be cute if she didn’t remind me of a sugar fueled Pinkie Pie.  As we reach the hotel Applejack stops for a moment “Ah want to thank ya for accompanying me Flame.”  

“I really didn’t do much.”  

“Still, ah doubt anypony else would have been as patient, and ya at least tried ta pay attention.  So thanks.”  

“You’re welcome.”  We then go back to our rooms in silence.  It was a little awkward.  I didn’t say anything stupid did I?  Oh for Celestia’s sake I missed something…but what did I miss?  Once again I fall asleep on the comfy bed.

> Stalliongrad, Day 2
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: Today is the third day of being in Stalliongrad.  On the day we arrived I found that the new steel I’m searching for is in fact rare.  It is made somewhere in Northern Equestria, but the smiths were not sure of where, the steel comes to them in bars from a wandering trader.  After that I was quite literally forced to take a trip to the spa.  I’ll have to be more thorough with my bathing for now on to avoid the spa.  While the scrubbing with soft brushes did feel good, it was unnerving to be the only stallion in there receiving treatment.  Yesterday we made a decision to stay for three days starting yesterday and afterwards to head to Dappleshore, the cider capital of Equestria.  I then spent the day with Applejack.  We went to the outskirts of the city to find out more about the food grown here.  That took all day.  It’s weird but I can feel myself becoming more self-conscious when Applejack is around.  What is going on with me?

Now done writing I head down to have pancakes for breakfast.  The girls are all eating, even Rarity.  Did I sleep in?  While eating we discuss what the groups for today will be.  It’s decided that Rainbow and Applejack will go together; then Rarity and Fluttershy; with Twilight, Pinkie, and I being a group.  Once we split up Pinkie says “Can we go to a cake shop I spotted yesterday?”  

Twilight asks her “Why didn’t you go then?”  

“Because yesterday was cold weather clothes shopping! I didn’t want to get cake on brand new clothes!  Rarity would have been very upset!”  

I now say “I don’t see why not, I won’t be eating any though.”  Pinkie just bounces happily a few times then drags Twilight and I at top speed to the shop.

Walking inside the aroma of fresh cake is amazing.  Even though I had just eaten I was visibly drooling…as was Twilight and Pinkie.  I can tell it’s taking all of Pinkie’s willpower to not bite into a cake.  Can’t say I blame her.  The baker walks over “Welcome to my store.  Would you like sample?”  All three of us nod.  “I take it this will be your first cake in Stalliongrad.  Lets see…”  He starts going over the types of cakes he has “Chocolate burst, Vanilla blast, Chocolate mousse, Strawberry, Raspberry, marble…” He continues to name cakes.  By the end there must have been a river of saliva dripping from us.  “Haha, I can see you like. Here, try Chocolate mousse.”  As I bite into the cake I can’t believe how good it is.  The rich taste of the cake is complemented by an incredibly smooth frosting.  Then I taste a little bit of something else, I can’t place it but it accentuates the flavor.

After Pinkie finishes her piece of cake she just falls backwards with a gigantic smile on her face and her leg twitching.  I look at Twilight “Does this usually happen?”  

Twilight just giggles “I haven’t seen it but judging by her smile I’m pretty sure she’s fine.”  

Pinkie stays on the floor “I’m more than fine Twilight.  That cake was amazing.”  

The baker laughs “I’m glad you like. You want to buy?”  

“You bet! I’ll take two Chocolate Mousse cakes!”  As we leave the store Twilight and I are each magically carrying a cake.  

I say “The other girls are gonna be surprised. This cake is amazing, though what was the other flavor mixed in the batter? I couldn’t place it.”  

Pinkie says “Oh that was a splash of mint!”  

Getting back to the hotel we leave the cakes in the girls’ room and head to the library.  On the way I spot a poster.  Smirking I say “I know where Applejack and Rainbow went.”  I get quizzical look from Twilight and Pinkie so I point at the poster.  

Twilight responds “Oh fun, this’ll turn into another competition though.”  Now it’s my turn to give Twilight a quizzical look.  “Well, for as long as I’ve known them Applejack and Rainbow Dash have been competing to see who the most athletic pony is.”  

“Oh sweet, so do you want to go watch them compete?”  

“Nah, I’ll pass for today. There are still quite a few books I want to read.”

Once in the library the three of us find different books.  Twilight has a history book, Pinkieis reading about sweets, and I found a book about northern Equestria.  Around noon we break for lunch but come straight back to read.  I’m engrossed with this book. I now understand why the Northern cities would want a stronger metal, they have a warrior culture.  For the past 500 years they’ve been competing with another over the strength of their ponies.  And of course their arms and armor are strength tested.  Unfortunately the book has no mention of crucible steel, the book dates back 10 years,

The book took about 5 hours to read. As I put the book down, Rainbow slams open the doors, spots us and hides under our table.  I’m about to ask what’s up but a group of ponies walks into the library, and they look like they mean business.  The group consists of 8 stallions; 5 earth ponies, 2 pegasi, and a unicorn.  They walk around holding a picture and asking “Have you seen this Pony?”  When they reach our table I see that the picture is of Rainbow Dash.  

When they ask, I answer “Haven’t seen her.”  

They look me over once and the Unicorn says “You look new in town so I guess you don’t know who we are.”  

"Not a clue.”  

“Let me clue you in.  We are the Carya Family and what we say goes. We own City.  You’d do well to cooperate.”  

“Fine, first tell me why you’re looking for her.”  

“We own her.”  

“Says who.”  

“Says us.”  

“I’ll tell you what, I tell you the truth, and you believe the truth.  Then you leave.”  

“And what is the truth?”  

“I haven’t seen her.  For all I know she’s miles away.”  

“Look pal we saw her enter this library…”  

I cut him off, visibly showing agitation “Did you consider that she took the rear exit and fled?  In case you didn’t notice we were reading.”  

The Unicorn looks at the others “Check the rear exit…NOW!”  Now he looks to me “You’re off the hook, this time.  See that you don’t cross us, or you might end up dead.”  

He leaves through the front doors, and his goons are heading towards the back door.  Once they’re all gone, Rainbow attempts to speak up but I hold a hoof to her mouth.  I go up to the front door and put my ear to it.  I hear “must still be in there. Surround the place.  When she comes out we will catch her.  Her body will make us millions.”  

I think I’m gonna be sick.  I walk back to the girls and whisper “We have to get out of here without being seen.  These ponies are sick.”  

Twilight whispers “One second, I can get us out of here easily.”  

Now Twilights horn lights up, and the next thing I know we are in the girls’ room back in the hotel.  “Twilight, we need to get Rarity and Fluttershy here as well.  We can’t let those sickos get them.”  With that, Twilight teleports out.  It takes a few minutes for Twilight to return with Fluttershy and Rarity in tow.  During This time I’m very nervous and Rainbow curls up into a ball,

Rainbow doesn’t look well at all.  I don’t want to but I have to ask “Rainbow, what exactly happened?  Why are those ponies after you?”  

Poor Rainbow looks really shaky but she says “Everything was going fine at the competition.  Applejack and I signed up, and we competed.  Every event that we took part in, we took first and second place.  At every event we notice that there is this group that is getting…upset. Why? I don’t know.  But after the competition is over these men come up to us.  They say that we cost them a lot of bits, and to compensate them we were now theirs, and going to use our bodies to pay off our debt.  Applejack and I took off.  At first we start together, but they catch up to us so we split up. I took to the air while Applejack ran towards the warehouses hoping to lose them there.  I knew Twily’s group would be at the library so I flew there without making a sonic rainboom so they couldn’t follow me, and that’s when I ran into you.”  

As Rainbow told her story I could feel my anger building.  These ponies are scum.  And the thought of making a pony a slave just to cover an imaginary debt is despicable.  As Rainbow finished her story I can feel my body heating up I’m so mad.  I get so mad I think my anger turns cold.  I know I’m angry, I’m well beyond pissed off, but I can think straight, and right now I don’t care.  We need to save Applejack and beat the ever living hay out of these guys.  I look at the girls “Look, we need to find Applejack and we need to find her now.  We need to get to the warehouses.  Rainbow Dash, I know you’re worried, we all are.  But together we can beat these guys. No pony. I mean no pony, sells my friends into the sex trade, let’s go kick some flank.”  This cheers Rainbow up and I help her to her hooves.

Leaving the hotel we are met with some of the thugs.  They see Rainbow and attempt to grab her but are met with bone breaking telekinetic forces, they don’t get back up.  Twilight says “Hey flame, how about you use your fire hooves spell?”  

I reply “Not yet, I want to save my energy for the scumbags. Not waste it walking.”  As we get to the warehouses the scum try to take us one on one, we take turns knocking them out of commission.  They keep trying to stop us until we find Applejack surrounded by 50 thugs.  “Twilight we need to get in there NOW!”  

I hear “Way ahead of you!” as we’re teleported in front of Applejack. 

One of the unicorns recognizes me “Ah the new colt in town.  I knew you were hiding something from me.  And I see you’ve brought friends.  Good.  We need more money anyway.  But you, we’re going to make you watch, make you suffer. I hope you enjoyed your last free day.”  

I can’t contain my anger anymore “So, you’re the kind of pony who makes debt to get your way, sells whoever you have to, to anypony with cash.”  

He looks smug “Well yeah…”  

“I WASN’T BUCKING FINISHED!  You need to disappear.  NOW!”  

This is met with laughter “So what happens if we don’t just run away? You’ll beat all of us?”  I cast my spells, what should have been my hooves igniting became my body igniting in intense flames, red flames on my hooves, blue flames on my body, and white flames in my mane. My strength spell pushes my muscles to the limit.  The flames are intense enough to crack the pavement.  Of course they laugh “Oh look fire magic, whatever shall we do?”  

I look to the girls “We’re not getting out of here unless we all work together.”  All six step forward ready to fight.

“I don’t think the boss will mind us roughing up the girls, subdue them all.  Leave the hot head alive, he doesn’t know who he’s messing with.”  

The leader stay in back and the rest attack all together, starting with unicorn magic.  Rarity, Twilight, and I put up a strong barrier, and it blocks all their spells.  Once they realize it’s futility they use the mass of pegasi and earth ponies to attack.  The battle becomes a brawl.  Slowly but surely we are winning.  Each blow that comes at me hits but is countered by either bone crushing telekinetic forces or a strengthened fire hoof straight into the chest or head, as I hit I hear bones either crush or shatter and flesh burn.  Most of them I hit don’t get back up.  I don’t care if they’re dead or not, they don’t deserve any better.  I can see years of apple bucking has made Applejack quite strong, she easily takes out anypony who comes at her but she's still taking hits.  Rainbow is also fairing quite well, she's easily taking on the pegasi.  Rarity is using the surrounding materials as a club.  Twilight is releasing a staggering amount of magic at the scum, I’m glad we’re on the same side.  Pinkie fights using a party cannon loaded with anything she can find, like grapeshot.  Only Fluttershy seems to be having issues but she stays behind and is covering our backs so I don’t mind.  

Once the men start thinning out I head straight to the leader, ignoring any hooves coming at me, he’s NOT getting away.  As I reach him he tries to run.  I don’t let him get the chance as I teleport to him, knock him down, and start pummeling.  At this point I so consumed with rage I don’t know how many times I deliver crushing blows and burns to him.  Even when my spells wear out from a lack of energy I keep pummeling.  It takes Applejack latching on to my leg to snap me out of it. When I look at the unicorn, he’s still alive.  But he’ll never be the same again.  Looking at Applejack I see she’s crying and covered in hoof marks, and she says “That’s enough Flame.  That’s enough, ya don’t have to kill him, ah’m just glad yall came ta save me.”  With that I’m pulled into a hug.  Within her embrace I can feel myself calming down. So I in turn embrace her “When Rainbow told me about these guys, I just wanted to know you were safe Applejack. (I can feel her tears run down my back)  I’m so sorry you had to go through something like this.  But it won’t happen again.  I won’t let it.”  As I say those last words I tighten my hug and Applejack does the same.  

That’s when it hit me.  Now I know why I’m so self-conscious around Applejack. Now I understand why I worry how she views me.  I care for this pony.  I want her to be safe. I want her to be happy.  But most of all, I want to be the one to make her happy, to keep her safe, to soothe her when she’s upset.  But now isn’t the best time to confess when there are unconscious or dead thugs all around us.  I don’t want to let go of her.  Rainbow speaks up “Look I’d hate to ruin the moment but we have to get out of here and back to the hotel, I don’t know how many more we can fight.”  Slowly Applejack and I release each other, only to lean against one another while walking back.  The fight took a lot out of all of us so the walk back is slow and silent.  We’re all physically spent from the fight.  Looking at us we are all covered in growing bruises.  Twilight seemed to have fared the best, I guess being an alicorn has its advantages.  

After a 45 minute walk we’re at the hotel.  Once there we’re so tired we all head back to our rooms.  As I’m about to go into my room “Uh Flame, do ya mind if ah join you.”  

“Not at all Applejack, come on in.”  

As we enter my room “Thanks Flame. ah have something to talk to ya about.  Ah’m sorry ah made ya worry about me.  I didn’t know it would…”  

I silence her with a hoof “Applejack, you have nothing to be sorry about.  Those ponies were not truly ponies, they were the lowest of the low and they deserved what they got today.  You had no way to predict they would try what they did.”  

Applejack looks to be on the verge of tears “But that’s not all I have to say.  When you were fighting with us, when you were putting yourself at risk, it made me happy to know you’d do anything to protect us.”  

I lift her head so she’s looking at me “Applejack, I realized something when I was fighting today. All of you are my friends, and I’d do anything to keep all of you safe. (This garners a weak smile from Applejack) But after you stopped me I realized something else, I care for you Applejack.  I want you to be safe; I want you to be happy, more than that I want to be there for you.   It just took a while to get through my thick skull.  Applejack, will you be my special somepony?”  

At this she launches herself into a hug “Yes ah will Flame, let’s just take this slow.  No sense in rushing.”  

“I agree.  I don’t want to ruin this.  How about we go to sleep?  You’ve had a rough day.”  

“Sleep sounds good, just remember, no funny business.”  

“Don’t worry, I won’t do anything. I promise.”  So Applejack and I crawl into bed and fall asleep in each other’s embrace.  For how bad this day could have been, I’m glad it ended up like this.  There’s nowhere else I’d rather be, than with Applejack.  I can’t believe how thick headed I was to not realize it sooner. 

> Leaving Stalliongrad
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: Yesterday started off as a normal day.  Pinkie, Twilight, and I went to the cake shot and got some free samples of some amazing cake.  Pinkie bought two of the cakes, and we brought them back.  Afterwards we went to the library and I found a book about the culture of northern Equestria.  This is where the day took a very violent turn.   As it turns out a…gang for lack of a better word…lost a lot of money betting on the competition that Rainbow Dash and Applejack swept.  Thus they decided to make Applejack and Rainbow their slaves.  Of course the girls ran, Rainbow came and found my group.  After such we gathered together, minus Applejack, and listened to Rainbow’s story.  We then headed to rescue Applejack and succeeded.  I left the leader of this group, but not the boss, in a bad state.  Battered and bruised we came back to the hotel where Applejack agreed to be my special somepony. 

I woke up before Applejack so I wrote using my magic so I didn’t wake her.  As I’m putting away my journal Applejack stirs.  “Good morning Applejack.”  Applejack just responds with a groan and nuzzles me.  As an attempt to wake her I remove the sheets with my free hoof, and I’m horrified.  She is covered head to hoof in bruises.  They must have almost caught her before we got there.  But there is nothing I can do to help that, so I nudge her “Applejack, we have to get up.”  In response she just latches on to me.  I almost decide to stay like this, but our friends are waiting.  So I begin to wiggle out of her grip.  Fortunately this wakes her up.  

“Well, look who decided to wake up.”  

“Well g’morning, land sakes look at yer bruises!”  Looking at myself I’m also covered in bruises.  

Smiling I say “Well, they were worth it.  Come on, the other girls must be waiting.”  

“Yeah yer right.”  With that Applejack climbs out of bed and we head down to breakfast.  When we reach the buffet, I see the other girls getting their food.  They’re also covered in bruises.  Twilight only has a few that I can see, Applejack definitely got the worst of it from the scum.  

As we approach the buffet, Rarity spots Applejack and I “Oh Applejack there you are!  You weren’t in the room last night so we were worried.  Where did you go last night?”  

Applejack is fumbling her words “Well Ah…uh…ya see…ah sorta…”  

“Are you feeling alright Applejack?  You’re not making much sense I’m afraid.”  

I couldn’t leave Applejack flustered like this so I speak up “She stayed with me last night.  Yesterday’s events weighed heavily on Applejack so I comforted her.”   At this I see the girls’ get rather excited.  

Pinkie excitedly says “So does that mean you and Flame?”  Applejack just nods.  

Fluttershy says “Oh I’m so happy for you Applejack.”  

Rainbow puts her hoof on Applejack’s shoulder “I guess when it’s right, it’s right eh Applejack?”  

The circle of questioning and blushing nods continues until Rarity speaks up, and she’s sporting a wry smile “Well at least we know why you were stammering darling.  But don’t you think your rushing things?”  

At this both Applejack and I say “What?”  

“Well I just don’t see it being proper to just jump into bed with him dear.  But it is your body.”  

I’m completely blown away; I thought we were talking about Applejack and me starting a relationship, not us going at it.  Applejack beats me to the punch “Now wait a minute girls, whut exactly are we talkin’ about here?”  All of them look rather sheepish.  “Ah can’t believe it.  You all thought Flame and ah went all the way last night didn’t yall?”  

Twilight looks embarrassed as she says “But based off what Flame said, we assumed…”  

“Did ya stop and think that comforted could mean something other than that?”  

I could see Applejack was upset so I step in “I probably could have worded that better. But I did not, I repeat, did not do anything of that nature to Applejack last night.  All we did was hug and sleep.  That’s it.”  All of the girls look embarrassed. 

Then Pinkie jumps in excitement “OH MY GOSH!  FLAME IS APPLEJACKS COLTFREIND!  THIS IS AMAZING!”  Applejack and I facehoof simultaneously, finally somepony gets what happened.

Understandably after this, breakfast takes a while as Applejack and I are bombarded with questions about us.  Things like where it’s going, when we realized we liked each other, etc… I did not hear when Applejack started to like me.  I’ll probably find out someday.  Eventually the round of questions stops.  Now we have to decide what to do.  I have to ask “Is it worth it to stay for the last day as planned?  We caused quite a hay storm with that group yesterday.  Are we all finished with our stuff?”  

I get nods all around except from Rarity “You see darling I was interrupted yesterday while looking at some new boots.  But I think I could make them myself now that I think about it.  Yes, I’m ready to leave Stalliongrad today.”  

Twilight says “Well then let’s gather our things and leave. “  

We do just that.  It doesn’t take long to gather up my things so I stand outside the girls’ room.  They soon come out, though I can’t help but notice Rarities now bulging saddlebags.  As we’re walking to the (gulp) train station I ask “Uh Rarity? Why do your Saddlebags look like they’re going to burst open?”  

“Oh well that’s easy Flame, I bought a lot of materials for sewing that are unique to the area.”  I feel silly for needing to ask.  

Surprisingly as the station gets closer I’m fine.  Even walking up to and being on the station I feel ok, not scared or anything.  I buy my ticket to Dappleshore and wait there for the train to come.  Suddenly remembering the variation in my fire’s intensity I turn to Twilight “Twilight?”  

She responds “Yes Flame?”  

“I had a question for you regarding magical strength.”  

“Ok, I’m listening.”  

“Well when I showed you my fire spells back in Ponyville, the intensity of the fire was stronger than it had ever been before then.  What could have caused…”  

Then the trains whistle sounds and I freeze up as a shiver runs down my shine.  Now I’m afraid, I’m very afraid.  I’m surprised my hooves aren’t clicking together from my shaking legs.  Applejack must have seen me shaking because she sticks her head in my neck “Don’t worry Flame, nothing will happen.”  Thankfully this does calm me down, but not enough for my legs to move.  Seeing this she whispers in my ear “Do you really want to hear Rarity complain about dirt in her coat and mane again?”  This works as I walk, albeit slowly and with help, onto the train.  

Now on the object of my fear…I’m regretting getting on this death trap.  I’m physically on the train with the girls in my seat, but I’m back at the train wreck all those years ago.  All I can hear and see is completely mangled cars and bodies.  The sight of my parents corpses seem to last forever.  In the middle of my torment, I hear a voice “Flame!”  Where is that coming from? “Flame! Come back!”  It sounds familiar “FLAME, ya gotta fight it!”  Everyone around me is dead.  Who is it? “FLAME! SNAP OUTTA IT!”  At this I’m jolted out of my delusions, Applejack standing over me, I’m flat on my back, and no longer on the train.  

Seeing I’m back Applejack backs up as I stand up saying “What…how long was I out?”  

Twilight answers looking quite worried “The entire train ride.  Applejack dragged you by the tail to the platform.  Your eyes were glazed over for a while.” 

Now Applejack is in my face “Why didn’t ya warn me ya would do that? Ya had us scared for ya.”  

I sheepishly answer “I haven’t been on a train in years…I didn’t know.”   

“Whatddya mean ya didn’t know?  Ya said ya were ‘fraid of trains.”  

“I didn’t know I would freeze up like that.  I’ve avoided trains since the accident.”  

Rarity squeals “I know what our next project shall be darlings!  We need to help Flame overcome his fear.”  

Quickly deflecting I say “I appreciate the gesture but shouldn’t we head into Dappleshore?”  

Rainbow starts drooling “Yes we should, this is the cider capital of Equestria. We need to try out every flavor they have!”  

Pinkie goes bonkers, “CIDER!”  

As she’s about to run off Twilight holds her with magic “Shouldn’t we find a place to stay first?”  

“Watcha talking about? There’s a hotel right there!  Or at least in town.”  The hotel was easily seen from the station.  

On the walk there Twilight says “So what is it you wanted to ask before you froze up Flame?”  

“Oh, I was asking what could cause a sudden strengthening of magical spells?”  

She looks at me funny “What do you mean?”  

“When I showed you my fire spells in Ponyville they were the strongest flames I had ever produced.”  

“Let me look at some of my books.  Your magic should be mature at this point, maybe the strength is increasing so catch up with it.”  Twilight looks deep in thought so I leave her alone, turning my attention to a still drooling Rainbow Dash.

“So Rainbow, you’re really into cider aren’t you?”  

She happily answers, barely containing her excitement “Of course!  You’ve had apple cider from sweet apple acres haven’t you? It’s amazing!  Now I get to drink cider of many different flavors, how can I not be excited?! I’ve only heard stories of the cider from here!”  

Pinkie jumps in…also drooling “Can you just imagine it?  Cider of every flavor lined up, just waiting to be tried.  Maybe there’ll even be chocolate cider!  OOH OOH!  Maybe even a cider with hot sauce!  OR MAYBE EVEN CHOCOLATE HOT SAUCE!”  Pinkie just starts babbling about kooky flavor combinations.  I must admit, the thought of so many cider flavors is making my mouth water.  

Then I hear “Ah wonder how they keep growin the plants fer cider all year round?”  

I answer “Would you like to find out?”  

Applejack just beams “Would Ah ever!”  

“All right, we’ll try out a few then go talk to the cider makers themselves.  Sound good?”  I don’t get an answer but Applejack just rubs her head against mine, her hat pushed off to the side, and closes the distance so our sides are rubbing against each other as we walk.  I’m most likely bright red as I say “I’ll take that as a yes.”  We stay like this as we enter the hotel.  

The other girls get their room, as Applejack and I walk up to the counter the pink filly says “How cute!  One room for you two?”  I simply nod.  “Alright, room number 202, second floor; it’ll be on your left as you leave the stairs.”  

Catching up with the girls Fluttershy says “So what room did you get?”  

Applejack answers “202.”  

Rarity says “Well that’s right across from our room!  We’re in 201.  I’m just glad we didn’t get split up.”  

There’s a lot of idle chatter as we get to our rooms.  I don’t really make an attempt to keep track of who’s saying what.  It’s hard to keep up with 5 ponies talking at the same time.  

As we reach our rooms Rainbow says “So, should we leave you two alone for a while?”  I can’t tell if she’s joking or not but I shoot her a dirty look, Apple must have as well. “Ok, ok, easy you two, I was only joking.”

We deposit our saddlebags in the room, and go to the front of the hotel.  Once gathered we all head to the stalls, eager to try out as many flavors of cider as we can.  We get there to see there is no stalls to buy from.  You pay an entrance fee, a steep one, and then you can drink all you want of any flavor.  We all pay then start trying flavors.  The area is well protected so we split up and drink at own discretion.  

I of course go for apple first.  It’s good, but Sweet Apple Acre’s is better.  Next I spent hours drinking, going for cherry, potato, carrot, banana, orange, and wheat flavored cider.  There’s so much more to try, but I can’t drink any more, my stomach is so full.  The banana cider was so good I had 3 mugs full.  The wheat was also good…but it was easily the most alcoholic of the ciders there.  After two mugs I was seeing double.  As I’m about to fall over I’m caught by somepony “Whoa!  Hey there buddy you doing ok?”  

I’m slurring my words “I’m shfine. I little to muchsh shcider.”  

“Uh huh, wheat?”  

“yyyyup!”  

“You feel sick?”  

“nnnnope!”  

“Good.  You gotta be careful with the wheat cider.  If you let it, it’ll knocked you out quickly.”  

“cooool, sssso hwhat’rrre yourrrr namesch?”  

There's just one of me, names Wheat Thin.”  

“Good to meet oou Hwheeeat.  I’mmm Cleansching FFFlammme.”  

“Ugh you’re drunk as hay.  I’m glad you enjoyed the cider though.  You have any friends to help you out?”  

I search the crowd and point a shaky hoof at Pinkie Pie.  He sets me down and trots off.  Moments later he comes back with Pinkie.  I hear Wheat Thin talking “He had a bit too much of the wheat cider.  I don’t think he knew how alcoholic the stuff is.  I see them approach…all six of them.  

“Heeeeey, it’sch my buddiesch.  How arrre all schix off yoou dooingk?”  

I hear Pinkie “Oh no, how big were his mugs?”  

Wheat says “Extra large.”  

“Okay, we need to get him back to the hotel.”  

I protest “Ah donn’t hwannaaa. The schider is scho goooood!”  Looking around in triplicate is difficult.  

I see three fluttershys heading my way as she says “Oh my, he doesn’t look so good.”  

To my right I hear Rarity “I agree dear, he looks like he went overboard.”  

Trying to regain control of my mouth “I diiiid nnot, Ah jusct didnn’t kknow the hwheat schider wwas scho alccohooolic.”  

“Ah mystery solved.”  

Above me I see Rainbow flying around rather strangely  “Ischn’t that RRRRainbow Dasch?”  

Twilight walks up and facehoofs “FLAME! Not you too!”  I just give a big goofy grin.  

I notice Twilight has two rather tipsy Applejacks in tow.  “Heeeeey there’sch mmy girllllsch!”  

Applejack protests “Hey, I thought I was yer girl! Not one a two!”  

I shake my head “But yyyou are my girllls, both you (pointing at Applejack)  and you (pointing at the second Applejack).  Two Applejacksch!”  

At this Twilight collects the drunken Rainbow and we all leave.  I’m wedged between Applejack and Rarity as I can’t stand on my own.  Rainbow dash is wedged between Twilight and Pinkie for the same reasons, also to prevent her from using her wings.  Fluttershy flying is above the six of us.  All the while we’re heading back to the hotel; Rainbow Dash and I are rambling drunks.  Needless to say the stairs were not fun.  Getting back to the room I had sobered up enough to talk properly but not enough to walk or think straight “Arg, next time someone warn me the wheat cider is super alcoholic.”  

Applejack just laughs “We didn’t know about that sugercube.  Did you try their apple cider?”  

I poorly imitate Big Mac a little “Eyup, but it wasn’t as good as sweet apple acre’s apple cider!”  

“Flatterer.”  

“I’m serious, your family made cider is amazing.”  

“A’ight big guy, let’s get ya inta bed.”  

As she’s guiding me towards the bed “Ooh, I think I like where this is going!”  

She bops me in the back “None a that flame, yer too drunk.”  

“Promises promises!”  

I smile as I made her fumble her words “Ah…you…well ah…”  

“Don’t worry, I said let’s take it slow and I meant it.  Doesn’t mean I won’t tease ya though.”  

She playfully pushes me onto the bed “Just go ta sleep wont ya.  It’s getting late ya know.”  In a somewhat pouting fashion I curl up in the covers.  As Applejack climbs in, I intercept her and pull her into a hug. This catches her off guard as she lets out an a small squeal.  As she settles down I lay my head down.  As I’m almost asleep I feel her shift around and reciprocate the hug, turning it into cuddling, I fall asleep staring into her beautiful green eyes.

> Break down
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal:  Yesterday was awesome yet terrible at the same time.  When I woke up I saw that all the girls had bruises all over, Applejack caught the worst of it.  There was a huge misunderstanding of what happened between Applejack and I, but it was resolved.  The worst part of my day was easily the train.  When I sat on the train I had an overpowering flashback.  I’d swear I was crazy except listening Rarity to complain for days on end has to be worse than being sent to Tartarus.  Anyway Dappleshore was awesome.  This town is settled in the middle of 2 forests and a mountain range.  The cider is amazing!  But I’ll have to beware of the wheat cider, while easily one of my favorite ciders, just 2 mugs were enough to make me quite drunk.  I’ll have to talk to the guy who helped me last night, Wheat Thin I think his name was.

As I finish writing Applejack steps out of the bathroom, fresh out of the shower.  She had woken up before me today.  Looking at her my jaw drops, how did I manage to make this piece of heaven mine?  Applejack blushes “Awe shucks Flame stop starin at meh.”  

I shake my head “No can do, if I did that I think Celestia herself would punish me.”  

She turns a deeper shade of red “Well then ya mind helpin me dry mah mane?  It gets unruly when wet.”  

I stand up and walk over “What do ya need me to do?”  Did I say ya and not you?  

“I need ya ta run this here brush through it then tie it up when it’s dry.”  This process takes about 5 minutes.  I wonder why I never noticed just how thick her mane was before.  I turn out to be terrible at tying up Applejack’s mane.  She has to guide my hooves through the process “Don’t worry about it sugercube, thanks for trying.”  With that she kisses my cheek, catching me completely off guard.  This causes me to partially collapse and just stare straight ahead.  

After a moment I snap out of it and follow a giggling Applejack down to breakfast.  I instantly drool once I spot the breakfast buffet; they have food from all over Equestria.  I happily trot over and grab a mushroom, pepper, cheese, and hay omelet, a Fillydelphia staple.   Fluttershy notices my joy “Oh, did something good happen?  You seem awfully cheery today Flame.”  

“Oh nothing much, part of it is the omelet, it’s my favorite breakfast food.  The other part is a secret.”  Fluttershy accepts this explanation and returns to her flower sandwich.

As we finish, we collectively head back to the “cider zone” as I call it.  Halfway there Applejack says “So Flame, are you going to get drunk again?”  

I playfully say “Only if my gorgeous marefriend doesn’t accompany me.”  

As she gives me her smile she says “Well then ah guess ah’ll have ta go with ya.  Ah can’t have ya getting plastered on meh.”  

“Sounds good to me, so where are we going first?”  

“Well Pinkie said she found a chocolate cider yesterday…”  

“Wait, chocolate cider??? I thought she was joking about that!”  

“Well do ya wanna find out?”  

“Why not?  I just hope it tastes good.”

So Applejack and I walk around trying to find chocolate cider.  Along the way we find: mango, strawberry, banana mango, apple cinnamon, and many other strange combinations.  I must admit, while some flavors didn’t sound like they would mix, they mixed quite well.  Finally we find the chocolate cider, along with a chocolate covered Pinkie Pie.  As we walk up to Pinkie I say “I guess you weren’t kidding about a chocolate cider Pinkie.  Though I don’t think you had to bathe in it.”  

Pinkie laughs at me “Well of course I had to bathe in it! Chocolate is the best flavor ever!”  At this I feel my face contort in confusion.  

Applejack taps me on the shoulder “Don’t get like that Flame, Ya shoulda been around fer the incident with Discord.  When he had cotton candy clouds that rained chocolate, Pinkie was so happy she stood underneath the clouds, bathing in and drinking chocolate.”  

I smile in disbelief and say “I don’t think I’ll ever understand you Pinkie.  But now I’m curious if this cider is that good.”  
I take a sip of the cider, only to realize that chocolate cider was very good.  I’m about to take a gulp when Pinkie pours some hot sauce into my mug.  I give Pinkie the stink eye as I take my gulp.  I drop my mug as heat builds from my stomach, crawling up my throat, and into my mouth.  With my mouth on fire I grab a mug of banana pineapple cinnamon cider and down it quickly.  This does nothing to cool my mouth, so I down many more in a very quickly.  

After 10 mugs my mouth has finally cooled down.  So I walk up to Pinkie, my voice now raspy “What the hay was that for Pinkie?  Are you trying to burn my tongue off?”  

Pinkie shrugs “What? Don’t blame me if you can’t handle hot sauce.”  

I grab the bottle “Lemme see that.  (It’s labeled “extremely hot: Caution”)  EXTREMELY HOT?!?! PINKIE!”  At this Pinkie dissolves into laughter.  

Rainbow flies in “So what I miss?”  She looks at the hot sauce label “I see you’ve been subject to a Pinkie prank and quite a good one too” and starts laughing.  

I walk away from the laughing duo “Yeah well this prank has left me with a burnt tongue, I’m not sure anything will taste right again.”  

Applejack follows and says “Don’t worry about it Flame, Pinkie’s pranked nearly all of us.”  

I look straight at her with a cocked eyebrow “Nearly all of us?  Who hasn’t she pranked?”  

She answers flatly “Fluttershy, Pinkie’s worried her pranks will hurt her feelings.”  

I release my eyebrow “Good to know she has limits.  Well I’m getting hungry, what do you want to eat?”

We leave the area and find an older looking sandwich diner.  Walking inside, it feels like we were transported 50 years into the past.  We both order a fully loaded flower sandwich.  After the meal we walk and talk about small stuff.  Mostly about the cider and our favorite flavors.  Applejack’s favorite from here is the Banana Mango, mine is the wheat.  As were talking Applejack says “Well we ave time now.  Do ya wanna continue to talk about ya growin up?”  

I’m happy to tell her “Sure where did I leave off?”  

“Ya were 7 and talking about tha bullies.”  

“Right so they just kept at it…”

I get to the point where I got my cutie mark. I hear Wheat Thin say to us “So I see you’re not drunk off your rocker today.”  

“Ah, Wheat Thin!  Yeah I’ve been careful not to get terribly drunk today.  I fear Applejack might have gotten a tad mad with me If I did that again.”  

I get a stiff hoof in the back from Applejack “More than a tad, it was not fun ta listen to ya aimlessly babble.”  

Wheat just snickers “Yeah, he was getting pretty bad when he left last night.”  

Slightly embarrassed I say “Alright enough of that. Wheat, do you know why the wheat cider is so alcoholic? None of the other ciders are like that.”  

Wheat shrugs “Do you really think I’m going to tell you a family secret? “  

Applejack asks “Alright, then how do ya keep makin cider all the way through winter?  Nothin grows then but Dappleshore makes cider all year round, how?”  

Wheat Thin looks surprised but answers calmly “It’s a combination of things really.  The biggest part is that we buy a lot of farm crops from all over Equestria and store them in insulated dry warehouses.  The second part is greenhouses.  This way we can grow something all year round.  The greenhouses aren’t that large though; they don’t allow for a lot of growth at one time, but it is better than nothing.”

Applejack nods “That makes sense.  Buying crops in bulk allows for tha production of tha top grade cider Dappleshore is known fer.  Ah’d never thought of using greenhouses to grow in tha winter.  Just don’t have enough space on the farm ta accommodate.”  

Not wanting to be the third wheel I say “Wow you two, that sounds awesome but I’m curious.  What part of cider production do you play in your family Wheat?”  

He again answers flatly “I play no part in cider production.  My family is large enough that I’m not needed to help out.  My job is to help grow the wheat and to bring the cider to the stand.”  Wheat Thin then looks around as he realizes something “Oh horse apples I’m late, I gotta go.  It was nice to talk to you!”  With that he runs off.  

I look at Applejack “Well I should have known he wouldn’t tell us why the wheat cider is so strong.  But hey you make cider!  How do you make it stronger?”  

Applejack talks as we head back “Well sugercube, it’s all about how long we allow the apples to ferment.  We could never make tha apple cider that strong.  There must be somethin’ in wheat that allows fer further fermentation than any other crop.”  

With that Applejack begins to yammer on about cider making as we wander the streets.  Even going on about how the different apple types make the cider taste different.  As she finishes talking about red delicious apples we end up in front of the hotel.  When Applejack sees this she goes red “Oh wow, I’m sorry Flame.  I didn’t mean ta talk yer ear off.”  

I give her a quick kiss on the cheek “Don’t worry about it.  I enjoy chatting with you, no matter the subject.”  

However I think my kiss broke her.  Applejack just turns a deep red and is staring straight forward.  “Uh Applejack, are you okay?”  I wave my hoof in front of her face “Hello? OW!”  

She had just slapped my hoof away “Sorry bout that Flame.  What happened?”  

I rub my hoof against the back of my neck “Well I gave you a kiss on your cheek then you turned crimson and just stared ahead.  Lost in thought?”  

“Yeah, I was just thinking about us.  It wasn’t that long ago ah wanted nothing more than ta kick ya outa my life.  But now here we are, together as a couple.  Happily chatting as we walk through Dappleshore.”  

Now we’re heading up to the room “Believe me AJ I understand.  For the longest time I thought you’d always be angry at me.  To be honest, before I knew it I found myself caring more about how you view me.  I’m not sure when it happened though, I think it was on the trip to Stalliongrad, right around the second week.”  

“Ah might as well come clean as well.  I wanted to be mad at ya fer a long time.  It wasn’t until I saw ya workin at the smithy that I really got over it.  Ah couldn’t stay mad at such a hard workin pony.  During the first week of the trip to Stalliongrad ah was interested, but ah was afraid ya’d turn me down after how ah treated ya.”

We enter our room “Wait a minute, you mean to tell me that we could have been together sooner?  What the hay is wrong with me to not notice!”  At this I grab my head in shame.  

Applejack pulls my hooves down “But ya know, the way ya asked me out after the fight was good timin.”  She smirks and gets closer “Even if Ah didn’t like ya, Ah wouldn’ta been able ta say no after that.”  And with that she catches me off guard and gives me a full on kiss.  At first I’m too stunned to do anything.  She then pulls away, sits on the bed, and pouts “Well I guess yer just not interested.”  

I snap out of it “Oh the hay with that.”  Now I launch at her and kiss her.  She must have been ready for it as she reciprocates right away.  We spend the next hour making out and cuddling before going to bed.

The next morning I’ve got my head in the clouds.  Absolutely nothing could ruin my day!  As Applejack and I reach the breakfast buffet the other girls notice my bliss.  Pinkie says with a smile “Well somepony’s in a good mood.  Did something happen you two?”  Looking at Applejack she also seems to not fully be there.  We both shake our heads furiously.  “AH HA!  Something did happen!  Come on you two, let’s hear it!  What happened?!”  At this the girls are all leaning in close, waiting for the answer.  

After a long pause, Applejack is the first to break the silence “Well…a…Flame and I…might have…kissed.”  

The group of girl’s jaws drops.  Applejack just digs her head into my neck as I say “You girls should see the look on your faces!  I wish I had a camera right now.”  And I reciprocate the nuzzling.  Slowly the girls snap out of it and continue eating.  I whisper to Applejack “I’m worried; their current reaction to what happened is weird. I wouldn’t be surprised if they bring it up later begging for 'The truth'.”  

She whispers back “I know Flame, it’ll probably happen Pinkie style, most likely while we’re traveling so you won’t interfere.”  

After breakfast Twilight brings us all together “So, are we all finished with our business here?”  We all verbally agree and Twilight continues “Then we should move on, should we continue north or turn south?”  

I speak up “I vote for continuing north, that’s where the trader with the new steel came from.  And the next place going north is Derbyshire, I hear they have a strong racing tradition there.”  Of course this catches both Rainbow Dash’s and Applejack’s attention as they immediately vote to head to Derbyshire.  Fluttershy and Twilight seems to be fine with wherever we go.  Rarity, to my surprise, also wants to visit Derbyshire.  I don’t know why but I don’t question it.

It takes 30 minutes for us to gather our things and get to the train station.  While waiting at the station Twilight, Applejack, and Rarity are all going over ways for me to try to stay conscious this time as the train ride will take a full day.  As the train arrives at the station, I try to calm myself down.  I walk onto the train, find my seat, and keep trying to stay conscious.  To my surprise I do manage to not pass out, but I’m very fidgety.  Every sound the train makes has my fur on end.  Applejack is right beside me trying to help me out the entire time.  As night comes I nervously walk to the bed, crawl in, and I’m out cold the moment my head hits the pillow.  

My dream: I’m sitting in the train.  Looking around all the girls are on the train with me.  Everything is going smoothly and we’re on our way to Fillydelphia.  Then the train violently rocks back and forth.  This makes all of us tumble around, forcing us into compromising positions with each other.  Now the train crashes causing a huge wreck.  When I come to, I don’t see anypony else but I see a long line of wrecked cars.  Trying to find any sign of life I search along the wreckage.  I find nopony, but I find lots of blood all over the place.  As I approach the last car I see an orange hoof sticking out from under the car, with blood seeping out.  I just sit there and cry.  All of my friends are dead, the one pony I could connect with, dead.

I snap out of the dream sitting straight up screaming “APPLEJACK NO!”  I had woken every pony in the compartment, the girls included.  

Fluttershy runs over “What happened Flame?  Is everything alright?”  

I put a shaky hoof to my face and feel damp spots.  Breathing out I respond as the girls gather around me “Yes I’m alright, it was just a dream, a very nasty dream.”  T

Twilight looks very worried again “What did you dream about?  Was it a train wreck?”  

I nod slowly “Yes Twilight I dreamed of a train wreck.  But in this train wreck, all of you died.  The only one I could find was Applejack, and that was only her hoof.  I’m sorry I woke you.  I’ll get up now.”  

Applejack puts a hoof on my chest and pushes me back into bed “No, it’s barely midnight and you need sleep.”  Crawling into my bed she says “And I’m gonna sleep right here.  Everything will be alright Flame.  It was just a dream, dreams pass, but I’m not going anywhere.”  I pull Applejack in close and lay my head back down.  Maybe, knowing she’s safe in my forelegs, I’ll be able to sleep on this Celestia forsaken train.

This time I can’t remember my dream, but I wake to Applejack stirring.  Its sunrise, which means we’re only 2 hours out.  I’m still nervous so I lay my head back down and relax.  I know I should get up, but I don’t want to wake Applejack.  About ten minutes later, Applejack decides to get up so I follow suit.  The rest of the train ride I do nothing but sit down and squeeze Applejack’s hoof.  I need to know that my dream won’t come true.  I need to know that my friends won’t just disappear on me.

Finally the train stops, and we head into town.  I feel like a basket case, my head swimming with the grim images from my dream.  A few times I have to sit down, the images threatening to pull me out of consciousness.  All these images, playing in my head, I feel…wrong.  Like something’s not right, that something terrible will happen.  

20 minutes into our walk the girls sit me down and huddle together.  At this point I wish I knew what they were saying, but I can only hear the sounds of twisting metal, combined with bones snapping and flesh grinding into paste.  And the worst sound of all, is the slow drip of blood on the ground.  It just drips, monotonous, slow, and almost deliberate.  I don’t see Derbyshire, but mangled bodies and the repeated motions of train cars twisting, crushing, killing the passengers inside.  I’m vaguely aware that I’m walking, where too I don’t know.  But this…madness…feels like it continues forever.  Stuck in some messed up loop, unable to escape these sights or sounds.

Eventually I slowly feel myself slipping back into reality.  But when I come back, I’m in a softly colored room, wearing a patient’s gown, surrounded by the girls, two nurses, and a doctor.  Nervously I say “Uh…how did I get here?  Last thing I remember was disembarking the train and walking into town…then…I’m here.”  Obviously I’m hiding what happened.  I don’t want them, especially Applejack, to know of these…images.  

The girls all look at each other, like they didn’t know how to explain something, then Rainbow speaks up “Flame…you…you collapsed…In the middle of the street…and you…”  Rainbow looks to the other girls for help but gets none.  

My eyes widen in horror “I talked…didn’t I?  About...strange yet…horrible things.”  

At this Twilight speaks up “No, you just repeated ‘Why did they have to die?’ over and over again.”  I breathe a sigh of relief; they do not need to hear of what I saw.  

Then I hear Applejack “That’s not quite all ya said.  You also said ‘No!  Applejack!  Why?  Why did you take her?’  We got ya to the local hospital quick.  After that Doctor Scans tried to usher us out until you started coming to.  We refused to leave ya Flame.  I refused.”

At this Doctor Scans says “I believe you had a flare up of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD for short.  I believe your friends said you almost died in a train accident as a foal.  That would certainly be cause for PTSD.  For now I recommend you rest, and stay away from trains.  If you try to combat this too quickly, it could permanently scar you.  You’re free to leave whenever your ready.”  With that Doctor Scans leaves the room as do the nurses.

The room is completely silent.  No pony wanting to talk.  Quietly I say “I’m sorry girls.  I…”  

Applejack cuts me off “Ya don’t have ta apologize.  In fact we should be the ones apologizin.  We shoulda taken what happened on the ride to Dappleshore as a warnin.  Then we forced you to go on a much longer train ride.”  

I shake my head “No, you girls don’t have to apologize for anything.  It was my choice to get on those trains.  I’ll just have to be more careful for now on so I don’t trigger it again.  How long have I been here?”  

Rarity says “A few days dear.  A few of us left at times to take care of a few errands.  But Applejack refused to leave your side.  While I don’t know of everything you said, she sat there through it all.”  

I look right at Applejack “I’m sorry for worrying you, all of you.  But I’m fine now.  Let’s get outta this hospital.”  

We leave the hospital and its night out.  Despite being out cold for a few days, I’m exhausted.  We get our rooms and settle in for the night.  Alone with Applejack I ask “I didn’t just say two phrases, did I Applejack? (she shakes her head)  It was like I thought, I said horrible things, didn’t I?”  

She nods with pained sadness “At first, it was jus words.  But soon the words came together ta form terrifyin pictures.”  I can see her shaking. “It scared me Flame.  Ah got a small glimpse of what ya saw.  And ah hope ah never see it again.”  

I grab Applejack and hold her close to me “I hope you never see it again as well Aj. I really do.  I was hoping…you’d never get a glimpse of my nightmare.  The images and sounds in my head, they should never have gotten loose.  I’m sorry Applejack. I’m so sorry.”  At this point, Applejack and I get into bed and try to sleep.  But I can tell that what she’s heard has disturbed her.  And I feel there’s nothing I can do for her.  So I simply hold her tight and don’t let go.  I guess I’m hoping that she’ll feel safe in my grasp.  I fall asleep whispering “I’m sorry Applejack. I’m so sorry.”

> Unrelenting Insanity 
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: Well…it’s the middle of the night…and I’m terrified of sleeping right now.  Every time I dream, I see the accident.  More than that I see all the girls, mangled, shredded, lying in pools of their own blood.  I don’t know how much more I can take before I break…I ‘m scared that I already have.  More than that I’m scared of what these dreams will make me.  I feel I have to hold on to each second, lest it slips away and I’m left all alone.  Doctor Scans here in Derbyshire said I have PTSD, though he never said how to treat it.

As I finish writing I hear “Flame?  What are ya doin up so early?”  

I put away my journal and face Applejack “I couldn’t sleep, these nightmares…I thought I got rid of them years ago.  I thought I had moved on.”  I start crying “You know what the worst part is?  You’re in these nightmares…every time…and I’m powerless to stop it.  You’re the best thing to ever happen to me Applejack.  The thought of losing you, even in a dream…I can’t stand it.”

I hear the sheets move then felt Applejack put her foreleg around me.  “Ah’m not goin anywhere Flame.  These nightmares yer havin, it’s just that…nightmares…they have no impact on reality unless ya let em.”  She pulls my head up so she’s looking directly into my eyes “Ya have every reason to be scared.  But it sounds like yer fear is startin to control ya.”  With that she gives me a quick kiss “Yer the pony that refused ta let me an Rainbow Dash be taken as sex slaves.  Ah know yer strong enough ta beat this.”  

I grab the hoof on my face “Thanks Applejack, I needed that.”  Now I give her a kiss and we go back to sleep.

In the morning, I look like I’ve been through a twister.  My mane is messy as hay, I’ve got dark circles under my eyes, and my fur is matted in spots.  This time Applejack and I woke at the same time.  She took one look at me and pointed to the shower.  The shower feels amazing; the warm water feels like its washing away the desperation I felt.  As I step out of the bathroom, Applejack comments “Ya look much better now Flame.  Still had those dreams?”  

I nod while rubbing my neck “I don’t know if they’ll get any better.”  

We leave the room as Applejack says “Are ya saying they could git worse? How in tarnation can it git any worse?”

Unfortunately I hear Fluttershy say “How can what get any worse?  Did we miss something?”  I turn to face her and see the girls standing there.  

So ears splayed back I say “Nothing.  Trust me when I say you don’t want to know.”  

Now Pinkie says “Oh you mean like a secret?  You can tell me!  I won’t tell anypony”  

“I’m sorry Pinkie, I won’t tell ya.”  

“Oh come on!  It can’t be that bad!”  

“Believe me Pinkie, it is, and you really don’t wanna know.”

The next few days I can’t concentrate.  It doesn’t matter what I do, I feel out of it.  I blame the lack of sleep and the visions.  I eat, watch pony racing, place a few bets, win and lose, I feel down.  I hear the train and I’m back at the accident for a few minutes.  I even think about a train and I have a lapse in consciousness.  I can’t even concentrate on Applejack.  I have no idea what’s going on.  But I don’t want to bother the girls with this…I can’t…they don’t have to know…and I won’t tell them.  Even worse is the fact that I can’t sleep.  And the nightmares are getting worse, more vivid…I…I can’t take it.  Every day I’m just angry, irritable, and sinking back into depression.

At the end of the third day, everything is going smoothly.  We are heading back to our rooms.  Twilight cheerfully says “Well today was fun!  I can’t believe you won 1000 bits Flame!”  

I’m just sour “Yeah…lucky guess.”  

Rainbow then asks “What going on with you Flame?  You’ve been kinda outta it for a few days now.  You won bits by betting on Applejack to win!  Applejack now has a Gold Medal, and all you can say is ‘Lucky Guess?!?!’”  

I can feel my control starting to slip “You know, while all of you are simply out enjoying yourselves I’m dealing with some pretty serious issues here.  In case you haven’t noticed I’m barely holding it together here.  So how about you back down a little huh???”  

Applejack starts pleading with me “Flame, please don’t do this. Please just let it go.”  

I rub her head with my own “I’m trying Aj, I really am.  But I’m not sure I can right now.  But I’ll keep trying for you.”  

Rainbow doesn’t let up “Oh you’re dealing with issues?  I’m still reeling from when that gang tried to turn me into a sex slave, so don’t tell me to cool it.”  

I look straight at Rainbow Dash, fire now in my eyes “You think that was bad?  You have no bucking idea what I see and hear…every bloody day.  You presume to know what I’ve been through, the horrors that I see every day and night, threaten to pull me back into a pit that I crawled out of years ago.  So how about, YOU LEAVE ME THE HAY ALONE AND STOP TRYING TO GET IN MY HEAD!”  This causes all six girls to splay their ears back and step away slowly.  

At this I take a step back and run to the room, slamming the door.  About 10 minutes later Applejack walks in the room.  I can’t tell if she’s angry or sad.  But I can tell she’s been crying.  She looks straight at me with tears still in her eyes “Why did ya say that Flame?  Ah asked ya not ta, ah begged ya not ta, but ya did anyway.  Why did you yell at em?  Just tell me that, why?”  

I hang my head “You want to know why?  I can’t give you an answer.  I just… couldn’t keep it in.  I don’t feel right anymore Aj.  These visions and nightmares are threatening to consume me, and I…can’t…stop…it.”  

Now Applejack sits next to me and puts her head on my shoulder “We’ll figure this out Flame.  We can beat this, yer stronger than this.”  

I give her a kiss and rub her cheek “I hope I am Aj.”

The next morning is not any better…if anything its, worse.  I’m cranky from lack of sleep and every little thing seems to set me off.  At this I’m forced back into my room to minimize the damage I can cause.  The next hour I’m left alone to brood, and then the girls walk in.  All of them look like they have something to say, but Twilight steps forward “Flame we’re pulling the plug on the journey.  Not just for us but you as well.  You’re not ok and we need to get you to Canterlot.”  

My voice is dripping with venom as I say “You’re pulling the plug on my journey?  What gives you the right to decide where I go and what I do!  GIVE ME ONE GOOD REASON WHY I SHOULD GO TO CANTERLOT AND STOP MY JOURNEY!”  

Twilight gets in my face, her eyes full of concern and authority “You want one reason to go to Canterlot?  How about for Applejack?  She cares for you Flame, she’s worried sick about you.  She’s scared you’re going to do something stupid and leave her.  And in case you have forgotten…” Twilight spreads her wings out “I am a princess of Equestria!  As such you are one of my subjects!  Now I order you, for your own safety to go to Canterlot for help.”  

I sigh loudly venom still in my voice “Fine, I’ll go, but on one condition, no trains.  I will not get on another train and have a full mental breakdown.”  

Rarity looks like she is going to start complaining, but the other girls stop her and Fluttershy says “Rarity, this is for Flame, even the Doctor said no trains.  I know you don’t like dirt but we’ll visit the spa whenever we get into a town.”  Rarity gives up but visibly pouts.

That day we set off backtracking to Canterlot on foot.  Every day of the two month long journey is terrible.  I’m on a downward spiral of anger and depression, with no end in sight.  I constantly battle a hatred of the world with the overpowering sadness.  At the beginning Applejack would at least try to help me.  But slowly she stopped being helpful, stopped sleeping by me.  By the end I can’t even get a hug out of her, much less a few words.  All the while she looks like she’s holding something in, but I can’t tell what.  

As we arrive in Dappleshore, Applejack pulls me aside.  After a few minutes of no words she breaks the silence with a sadness that threatens to break her down to bawling “Ah’m sorry Flame, but ah can’t deal wit this no more.  Ah tried ta help ya Flame ah really did, but ah have ta leave Flame.  Yer not the same pony anymore, yer dead ta the world now, and ah can’t sit by when ya don’t even care enough ta help yerself.”  I’m just sitting there, eyes glazed over.  She starts crying “Ah’m not even sure yer hearing me Flame.  Ah won’t watch ya go down this path anymore Flame, we’re done.  Ah can’t stand by ya no more.  Come find me in Ponyville if you ever return ta the pony ah fell in love with.  Till then, ya won’t see me anymore, ah’m takin the next train to Ponyville.”  She gives me one last kiss and leaves.

Even in my deranged state I knew what had happened, I just lost the best thing to ever happen to me.  I want to cry out, I want to scream, but I can’t.  All I can do is silently cry.  I wander off and find the girls heading to the station.  Twilight sees me, walks over and raises a hoof to hit me…only to lower it in frustration.  She goes over to the girls and I hear her say “I’m staying with him; he’s in a state where he’s likely to hurt himself if left alone.”  They say their goodbyes and Twilight walks back to me “Come on Flame, we got a long way to walk before we get to Canterlot.”

The trek to Canterlot from Dappleshore took roughly two and a half months.  I don’t know how Twilight put up with me but she did.  A few times she teleported away; only to return roughly an hour later.  At this point my entire day is nothing but visions. I’m too tired to fight them anymore.  I’ve broken down, an emotional wreck, I barely find the motivation to move each day.  The only thing keeping me going is Twilight.  She was right; if she wasn’t here I would have stopped in a ditch and let it end.  But she kept pushing me forward.  

As we enter Canterlot, Twilight immediately finds a guard and leaves me in his care before teleporting away.  The guard tries to make small talk but immediately stops as he realizes how far gone I am.  Sometime later, I don’t know how long…I stopped caring, Twilight returns with other ponies.  I recognize them as multiple doctors, nurses, Celestia, and Luna.  In my daze I really could care less.  Immediately the doctors start talking and the Princesses are also conversing.  After a time I can feel myself go slack as I’m levitated and moving.  At this point I again lose consciousness.  Maybe it’ll all end now, maybe it’ll finally be over.

But it wasn’t, I come to in a bed with one of the doctors and all three princesses in the room.  Hazily I hear “Is he alright?  Can he be helped Doctor?”  

Another voice says “We believe he can be helped yes?  What is wrong with him?”  

Now I tilt my head and see the doctor say “He can be helped yes.  But it will be a very long time before he’s ready to leave.  PTSD has completely taken hold.  Depending on him it could be years before he’s ready.  It won’t be easy, but I can help him.”  

Now the last voice speaks “Please do everything you can doctor, I will be paying his bill, do what you must.  The pony locked away is still in there.”  

From then on, every day the same doctor comes into the room and talks to me while the nurses take care of me.  At first I block him out; I just want this to end.  But after a month, he starts to break through to me, I finally respond and talk with him.  Our talks continue for months, but always with the same questions.  “How did I feel back then?  What do I see on my visions and nightmares?”  I always avoid answering those questions.  

After a year, things are finally improving.  I’m still not answering those questions but I am taking his advice.  Finally, after my 15th month there, I break down and tell him everything.  Every detail, every sight, every sound, and every little detail that happened on the day my parents died.  I even tell him the aftereffects, and what happened during my depression back when I was 13.  As I tell him, every feeling and emotion I had then, comes back to bite me in the flank.  

After 18 months I’m finally stable enough to write letters to the girls.  I don’t expect any responses but I send them anyway.  I apologize to all of them, and I tell Applejack everything.  I let it all out, how much I miss her, how much I think about her, how my therapy’s going, the details behind the crash, my visions, everything.  After 2 years I finally feel some semblance of happiness again.  

Finally, after 3 years...I’m good.  The nightmares, gone…the visions, gone.  My fear of trains, hatred of the world, and survivor’s guilt…are all gone.  I’ve finally gotten over everything.  After three years, I’ve grown out my mane and tail.  Not much but each are about 1.5 hooves long instead of the hoof length they were before.  I walk out of the hospital and shake the doctors hoof “Thank you, for not giving up on me Doctor.  I was a serious pain in the flank, but I can’t say it enough, you saved my life Doctor Psyche, and I’ll never forget it.”  

He gives me the kind smile I’ve grown to know “You’re welcome Cleansing Flame.  So where are you going to go now? Are you going to resume your journey, or are you going to settle down somewhere?”  

I smile back “I’m gonna go get my mare back, I can’t wait to see her.  I can’t help but wonder how beautiful she’s gotten on me.”  

Doctor Psyche just laughs “I bet, oh you may want this” As hand me my journal.  I flip through the pages as easily find where my descent to madness begins, see just how bad I got, then the steady improvements I made.  He asks “Are you going to tear those out?  You nearly used three fourths the pages.”  

I shake my head and store it in my saddlebags “I think I’ll keep them in.  Thanks again Doc, I’ll be on my way now.”

As I turn around, I see Princesses Celestia and Luna walking this way.  I bow as they approach.  I hear Celestia say “Rise my little pony, are you feeling better now?”  

I reply with a beaming smile “Much better now, thanks.  And thank you Princess Luna for helping me to get over my nightmares, I know that must have been rough on you.”  

Princess Luna responds “You are welcome, Cleansing Flame.  We are glad we were able to help you in your time of need.”  

Now Princess Celestia speaks “I’m just glad you’re over your condition.  Now you can return to a happy life.”  

I smile again “Yes I can, and this time I have no intention of losing grip on reality.  I gotta run If I’m going to catch the train to Ponyville."  I give them hugs as I say "Thank you for everything!”

I run full bore towards the station, barely having time to buy my ticket and get on.  I’m ecstatic that I’m over my fear.  There’s no shaking knees, no visions, and no loss of consciousness.  I will admit I’m a little nervous but I’d rather be slightly nervous than having a nervous breakdown.  I practically leap off the train and take in the town.  Not much has changed.  Same buildings, same shops, mostly the same ponies, there are a few new foals running around being foals but everypony is still here.  I keep a low profile until I reach Sweet Apple Acres. 

I wait around a while hoping to spot Applejack first.  Luckily I see her coming out of the house.  Dear Celestia I didn’t think it possible but Applejack became even more beautiful than before..   I just watch her for a bit, I’m glad she’s happy again.  After a few minutes I build up my courage and call out to her “Hey Applejack!”  She tenses up at first and nervously looks around, I see her loosen up when she sees me.  

She says “Flame?  Is that you?” almost tearing up.  

“Aj, it’s me! I’m really back!”  

We start off walking at each other, then trotting, then flat out running.  As we’re about to collide we stop.  Applejack feels my face for a bit before slugging me with all her strength, making me fall flat on my side.  Before I can say anything Applejack says “That’s fer drivin me away with yer psychotic breakdown!”  Then she hauls to my hooves “And this is fer comin back” as she pulls me into the deepest kiss I ever imagined.  We only stop to come up for air.  

Before she can speak I say “I’m sorry I hurt you, but you’re the only reason I was able to pull through and get better.  Please take me back; I’ll never hurt you again.”  

She smiles as she says “Ya bet yer flank ah’m takin ya back.  Ah didn’t wait three years for ya just ta turn ya down now.”  The rest of the day was me meeting Applejack’s family, and reuniting with the rest of the girls.  To me, it doesn’t matter where we go, I’m just happy to be with her again.  The day ended with me and Applejack locked in each other’s embrace in her bed.

> Catching up
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: Well this is my first completely sane entry is three years.  Yesterday was amazing.  I got out of the hospital where Doctor Psyche helped me get over my PTSD.  Then I rode the train to Ponyville.  I can’t believe it, no visions, spasms, or loss of consciousness.  I’ll probably always be slightly nervous about trains but given what happened now 7 years ago I’m not surprised… wow…am I really 20 years old???  Anyways, back in Ponyville, not much has really changed about the town.  Though what really changed is Applejack.  She went from an angel to pretty much the beauty of the heavens.  Better yet, Applejack and I are back together.  I’ll have to find out what my friends have done for the past three years.  I also have some practicing in a forge to do, I haven’t worked in 3 years, and I need to know what I can still do.

I put away my Journal and go downstairs to eat.  Halfway down I’m met by Apple Bloom who asks “So what were ya doin for 3 years?”  

As I continue walking I say “I had some…issues that I had to take care of.”  

Apple Bloom cocks an eyebrow “Fer 3 years?  What kinda issue was it?”  

Applejack heard Apple Bloom and came over to scold her “Apple Bloom! That’s no way...”  

I stop her mid-sentence with a kiss.  I then say “It’s no big deal; I’m fine talking about it now.  Apple Bloom, the issue I had was a mental one; it made me unable to feel anything other than anger and sorrow.  Physical issues are easy to heal; mental ones take a lot of work.”   

A now embarrassed Apple Bloom says “Ok, thanks Flame” and runs off.  

I turn back to face a bright red Applejack, who says “Now why’d ya go and do that in front a mah sister?”  

I playfully say “What, I can’t kiss the most beautiful mare in Equestria?  I missed 3 years; I’ve got a lot of making up to do.”  She nudges me with her side, goes crimson, and says “Flatterer.”

We then walk out to the fields.  Along the way out with the wagon I tentatively ask “So Applejack, how were the last 3 years for you?”  

Applejack looks like she knew this was coming “Well the first few months were pretty bad.  Ah had a hard time getting over what happened to ya.  After winter came Rarity convinced me ta take some time off and ta try seeing some other colts.  None a them worked out. (as she digs her head into my neck) none a them treated me like ya did before ya had yer issue.  So Ah just worked the farm and had a good time here in Ponyville.”

I can’t help but smile “I’m glad you were keeping happy, I’d have felt terrible if I’d made you miserable all this time.”  

She almost gives me the stink eye “Well…in a way ah was miserable.  Ah was constantly worried about ya and if ya’d ever recover.  But enough a that, lets git some work done.”  So Applejack and I buck some trees to sell the apples.

In town Applejack and I go see the other girls in the castle after selling all the apples in the cart.  Pinkie Pie is still the hyperactive sugar fueled pony I remember, still the premier party planner in Ponyville too.  Rarity hasn’t changed too much.  She now stocks materials from all over Equestria and incorporates them into her designs.  Fluttershy seems to be very much the same.  At first she was very anxious around me, must have been afraid I still had some leftover anger or something…I don’t know.  Rainbow Dash changed the most; she has been a Wonderbolt reservist in case of injury for the last 2 years.  She thinks they’ll offer her the seasonal contract soon.  Twilight has physically grown since the last time I saw her.  She’s now taller than me, and much more proficient with alicorn magic.  Apparently she went to Princesses Celestia, Luna, and Cadence for some guidance.

All the recounting of the years took a few hours.  Looking around I have to ask “So outta curiosity, who among you have found yourselves stallions?”  None of them bat an eyelash.  “What??? None of you?  Are you serious?”  

Rarity proclaims “Well it’s not that we haven’t tried Flame, but none of the approaching stallions were any good.  Sure they claim all they came from all over but they were all selfish.”  

“Ah…that would do it. Sorry I asked.”

Now Twilight speaks up “So Flame, what are you going to do about your job as a smith?  You must be dying to practice after 3 years.”  

I can’t help but laugh “You have no idea, I need to know what I have to brush up on.”  

“You do know that hmhmhmhmhm.”  Applejack just shoved her hoof into Twilight’s mouth, causing my eyebrows to disappear into my mane.  I see Applejack whisper into Twilights ear, causing me to get very suspicious.  

So I say “Applejack, what’s going on?”  Applejack just looks at the others with a look that reads ‘Help me out here.’  Before I know it I’m blind folded and being forced to walk.  I complain “Ok girls what the hay?  Why am I blind folded?”  

I hear Pinkie “That’s my idea silly!  This way we can surprise you!”  

“Surprise me with what?”  

Now I hear Applejack “Now that would ruin tha surprise.”  I resign myself to being led by 6 mares while blindfolded; there are worse things than this.  As I’m being led around I hear many things, foals playing, the girls laughing, the flapping of multiple pairs of wings, and…nothing?  What in the world, why can’t I hear anything?  

I can’t figure it out, I’m not deaf…oh…magic…dang.  Well I can still feel the girls nudging me to an unknown location.  I can’t tell how long this goes on for but after a time I feel the ground become harder and I can hear again.  A little bitter I say “Can you warn me before you take away my hearing next time?  It’s not fun being blind and deaf you know.”  Next thing I know the blindfold is ripped off and I hear a deafening “SURPRISE!”

Before my eyes is a brand new forge. I’m a bit stunned as I check out everything.  Checking out the tools, I see everything I need to forge anything, the storeroom is also stocked with materials needed to craft iron and steel.  I smile and say “Alright, who is responsible for this?  Step forward please.”  All 6 mares step forward.  “All of you?  Really???  Thank you!”  I go and give each a hug giving each a small blush.  Applejack got a kiss instead, making her blush all the way to her ears.  “I can’t believe it.  When did you decide to do this?”  

Fluttershy says “It was Applejack’s idea, we all agreed and helped to make it a reality.”  

Rarity speaks up “We thought it’d make a great gift once you recovered.”  

Pinkie jumps up as she says “And I thought it be a great start to a PARTY!”  

“…party?”

Walking outside I now see why I was blind folded, the whole town is set up for a giant party.  I’m amazed Pinkie was able to set all this up in such a short time.  Pinkie jumps at me, puts a party hat on me, and bounces as she says “It’s so big because it’s a special day for you!”  I give her a confused look…I get having a party for my return, my getting better, and a new smith in town…but my special day?  “Oh come on! Don’t tell me you forgot about your birthday!”  

“My birthday, what’s today’s date?”  

“August 15!”  

“Well I’ll be, how did you find out?”  

Now I hear a familiar voice “I told her Flame.”  

I knew who it was without having to look “Master Iron!  I didn’t know you were here!”  

He chuckles a bit “I arrived a few minutes ago.  Princess Twilight told me about what happened to you so I came over as quick as I could with my busy schedule.  They told me everything Flame.  It was then that Pinkie got the idea for a party for you so I let her know what I did about you to make it a great welcome back party.  Though it looks like you have a lot of catching up to do.”  

“Yeah, you got that right.  I was gone for 3 years; I got a lot of practice to make up for.”  

He claps my shoulder “Have fun today, this is one heck of a party!”  

I spend the rest of the day partying with the town.  All of my favorite foods are there, as well as my favorite ciders.  This time I took it easy on the wheat cider.  The games Pinkie brought are great.  Another benefit to the party was that I became reacquainted with the ponies here in town.  By the end of the day I’m worn out, hopped up on wheat cider, and sticking to Applejack like glue; what a great party.  Back at the farm, Applejack and I are intertwined and sucking face.  A great end to a great day, I have to work tomorrow so I force myself to fall asleep.  I really don’t want to but we both have jobs to do and can’t afford to be up till Luna knows when.  Besides, there’ll be more time for fun while Applejack.  I don’t plan on ever leaving her.

I spend the rest of fall on my job, friends, and dates with Applejack.  Most of the dates are picnics by the lake but the last few are in Sugarcube corner as it’s too cold for picnics.  My circle of friends grew steadily as fall rolled on.  Now I count the Cakes, Thunderlane, Zecora, and the girls’ families among my friends.  Unfortunately I had forgotten more smithing techniques than I’d like.  It took all fall to get them back.  Even then, there are a few steel techniques I’m too rusty on for my liking.  

On the plus side I had a lot of business.  Much of it was repairing broken/bent iron or steel and making new horseshoes.  I still got requests for custom items but they were fun to work on.  The biggest item I made was a brand new plow and harness assembly for Big Macintosh; I may have given him a good sized discount.  A few young ponies wanted to be my apprentices.  I had to turn them down as I’m not ready for that yet.  I will be in a few years, but not now…still too rusty.  I still want to know how to make crucible steel but the trader doesn’t come this far south.  Sooner or later I’m going to have to resume my journey.  I’ll have to ask if the girls want to join me again.  I’ll ask once winter fully sets in, that way if they come not there won’t be much business anyway.

> Back in the Saddle
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal:  Winter is upon us, and I’m glad I work the forge.  It helps to keep me warm during the day.  I haven’t talked to the girls about picking the journey back up yet.  I want to go, but these ponies rely on me now.  Thanks to that I’ve gotten most of my techniques in iron and steel back.  Still a few I need some serious practice on, but they only come into play when forging something that requires strength yet flexibility.  Not many projects around here require that.  Needless to say, it’ll be interesting if I can ever get my hooves on crucible steel.  I keep hearing rumors of how legendary that stuff is.  

I get my morning kiss from Applejack as I head out to the forge.  As usual, as I arrive there are a few foals running around playing in the snow.  I stoke the forge and look at my orders for the day.  Some horseshoes, a 2 hoof length of chain…that’s it?  Oh well time to work.  I finish the horseshoes quickly and move on to the chain.  The chain takes the rest of my work day to finish.  I would have finish sooner but Applejack stopped by to have lunch with me, and how can I say no to that?  I asked Applejack to gather the others in the castle.  She looks at me funny but agrees anyway.

At the castle, I don’t have to wait long for all six girls to arrive.  When they all arrive I say “Well girls, I’m planning to continue on the journey from where I left off.  Would any of you like to join me again?  I promise I’ll be sane this time.”  

Applejack says “Heck Flame Ah’ve been wonderin when ya’d continue, count me in!”  

Pinkie speaks up “Of course you can count me in!  The cakes don’t have any trips planned so I don’t have to foal sit until after winter wrap-up.  Plus who know what other sweets we’ll discover” as she dissolves into bliss thinking about new sweets.  

Fluttershy also chimes in “I’m in, the animals are hibernating to I have lots of time off.” 

Rainbow also agrees “I can count on the other weather ponies to hold the fort for winter this year.  Plus this is the Wonderbolt off-season, count me in.”  

Twilight speaks up “Of course I’m in, who know what new things we’ll find out there!”  

Rarity is the last to say something “Well of course I’m in but…” she steps over as gingerly smells the air around me “Uh, you smell gross and look like you rolled in a bed of coal again!  A spa visit is required for you before I go.”

That hurt “Hey now, I’ve been doing a much better job of cleaning myself now.  Besides I can’t smell that bad, I only just got off work.”  

Rarity doesn’t miss a beat “I’m not saying you’re at fault darling, it’s just that you work in the forge.  It’s expected that you get dirty.  I just don’t want to smell it at all times again.”  With that the girls get an odd look in their eyes, like they’ve been dying for a reason to get me back in a spa.  

I take a few steps back “Can we talk about this?  Didn’t we already go through this once?”  

Rainbow flies above me “Of course we did, just consider this payback for snapping on us.”  

I pretend to admit defeat “Alright, I’ll go.  But I just have one question.”  I say this last part with a devilish smirk “How are you going to put me in the spa if you can’t find me?” with that I teleport one floor up.

I put my ear to the floor and listen to the mayhem I just caused, and it is glorious.  Rarity is panicking; she really wanted me to go get squeaky clean again.  Twilight sounds like she wants to be impressed but is peeved that I got away.  Applejack and Pinkie are just laughing.  Rainbow is furious that she can’t get her revenge.  I don’t hear Fluttershy at all…and that bothers me.  After a few minutes of listening I barely manage to hear her talking.  

I keep listening until I’m positive they all left to look for me, then go find Spike.  At least he can understand not wanting to be dragged to the spa.  I find him diving into a large stack of gems.  I walk on up to him “Hey Spike, what’s up?”  

“Oh hey Flame, not much.  I got this pile of gems so I thought I’d dine on them.”  

“Hey sweet…wait…what?  Dragons eat gems?”  

“Yeah, I especially love turquoise.  Of course we can eat regular food too, so what’s up?”  

“Not much, just thought I’d hang out for a while.”

I manage to stay hidden in the castle for 3 hours before Twilight teleports back to find Spike and I making dinner.  I slowly turn my head around “Uhhhhh, Hi?”  Twilight looks like she wants to be mad, but at who I wonder.  “So Twilight, you didn’t think it’d be here did ya?”  

She looks slightly embaressed “Not really no, nice thinking though.  We all thought you teleported to Sweet Apple Acres or to your forge.”  

I laugh “Oh come on, I’m not that predictable am I?”  

Spike interjects “Wait, were you hiding from Twilight?”  

Twilight cuts me off “No Spike , he was also hiding from Applejack, Rarity, Fluttershy, Pinkie Pie, and Rainbow Dash.  Rarity wanted him to go to the spa so he took off and hid.”  

Spike looks like he wants to barf "GROSS!"

I interject “Speaking of which did everyone give up already?”  

Twilight nods “Yeah, Rarity was disappointed, but we want to head out tomorrow so make sure you scrub that coal off or she’ll try to drag to to the spa again.”  I nod my head and walk back home.

Walking in the front door I’m greeted by Applejack “Flame, now where were ya this whole time?  We looked all over Ponyville but couldn’t find ya.”  

“If I told you wouldn’t that ruin my hiding spot?”  

I notice Applejack start acting sultry “Aww come on now Flame, ya can tell me.”  She gives me a deep kiss, nibbles her way to my ear, and whispers in my ear “I won’t tell anypony.”  And there’s my weak spot.  Applejack has done this to me a few times now and it always makes me tell her whatever she wants to know…and she knows it.  

So with my heart practically jumping out of my chest I say “In the castle, I never left.  It was the last place I knew anypony would look.”  

“Well Ah guess that settles it right girls?”  

I’m thoroughly surprised as the other 4 girls enter the room.  “Awe dang it, I’m not getting out of this am I?”  

The girls gather around me and say “Not a chance.”

Fan-freaking-tastic, I'm been dragged to yet another spa.  Rarity gleefully walks up and orders the usual for them and the stallion treatment for me.  So now for the second time in my life I'm being scrubbed clean in a spa.  When did this become a fad?  At least the Aloe sisters seem to have a better idea on how to clean off coal than the spa in Stalliongrad.  They don’t take forever to scrub the coal out of my coat.  Walking out, squeaky clean, I say to the girls, but glaring at Rarity “This will not become a habit.”  

Rarity, still smug, says “Of course not.” as a fake halo seems to appear above her head.  

I shake my head sighing “Can we just get to bed? We have an early train to catch and I doubt we’re packed for the trip.”  I stop by the forge to put up an ‘On Vacation’ sign and put out the forge. I don’t need to burn down half of Ponyville while I’m gone.

The next morning Applejack and I wake up early to pack up our saddlebags and head to the station.  We meet everypony there and take the train to Haliflanks, a 3 day train ride.  They all look worried for me “What? You think I’d come back from 3 years of therapy and still be terrified of trains?  I moved on.”  

Pinkie energetically says “Good! Now we can all play games together!”  Pinkie now pulls a deck of cards out of nowhere and deals everyone cards.  

Fluttershy asks first “Uh, Pinkie, what game are we playing?”  

“Go fish!  It’s easy and with this many people it’ll take a while.”  

So we play Go Fish for the next 3 hours.  We all win a few times, except Pinkie…she wins a lot.  I don’t know how she does it but she’s really good at cards.  We go through about 10 card games throughout the day.  5 of them are not much fun with more than 4 players, and we didn’t want to leave anypony out.  2 of them needed one more player to even up the teams.  So we ended up playing Equestrian slaphoof, Go fish, and, Detrot Hold ‘em the entire first day.

Day two was mostly a day of gossip.  I tried not to get involved with it, electing to try and slink off for snacks.  Didn’t work out too well though, Rarity kept pulling me back in by asking question that only I could answer just to keep me there and ‘involved’.  Day three was a bit more interesting.  The stewardess found a bunch of difficult puzzles that we used to entertain ourselves.  Mine ended up being a picture somepony who looked to be Star-Swirl the bearded.

Arriving in Haliflanks was a welcome relief.  I think my rump fell asleep halfway through day 3.  Disembarking the train, Haliflanks looks to be an aging city.  90 percent of the ponies I see are earth ponies.  The girls and I walk around a bit to gain our bearings, and then we decide to take a tour of a decommissioned mining tunnel.  Rarity however, requires some extreme convincing that she won’t get dirty…at all.  

I say “Come on Rarity.  The tunnel we’re looking at used to be used for gem mining, not coal or iron ore.  I doubt you’ll get dirty.”  

But alas, she pouts “I don’t care if it was used to mine diamonds.  I simply refuse to set a single hoof underground.”  

Applejack gives it a shot “Rarity, ya do know they cleaned up the tunnel right?  They have ta make sure it’s safe and clean fer visitors.”  

Rarity responds “I’m sorry Applejack, I won’t go.” and sticks her muzzle in the air.  

Pinkie comes running up with a flyer for the tour “RARITY! Are you sure you don’t want to go?  It says here you can keep any gems you find in the tunnel!”  

Upon hearing this Rarity’s eyes are sparkling “We get to keep any gems we find?!  Well then what are we waiting for?”  So we go up to the tour office, and sign up.  Rarity looks excited, but takes every precaution and is wearing booties, tied up her mane and tail, looks to be wearing a gas mask, and is wearing a clean suit.  

I almost ask but Applejack stops me and shakes her head as in to say “There’s no arguing with her on this, just accept it.”  So we take the elevator down into the old mine shaft.  I think we drop about 100 hooves until we reach the bottom.

The mining tunnel is quite impressive.  It is wide and has clearly been reinforced.  The tunnel snakes around following a single track.  As we follow the guide, he stops occasionally to talk about the different gems found within the tunnel and how the extraction methods changed over the years.  Throughout the entire tour Rarity’s horn is lit up, assumingly searching for gems.  We follow the guide for what feels like an hour before reaching the smallest part of the tunnel.  It seems to go back a little farther but only one pony at a time can go through due to its small size.  We all take turns exploring the final 10 hooves of the tunnel.  Rarity is last and comes out looking quite disappointed.  So we make our hour trek back to the elevator and leave the tunnel.

During the walk Rarity looks extremely bitter but doesn’t say a word, making all of us very nervous.  As we exit the mine shaft Rarity starts taking off the suit and starts going off “Oh I can’t believe you got me to go down into that dirt hole.  The air down their was stifling, the amount of dirt was appalling, the smell was quite unappealing, I do believe I got some dirt in my fur, OH and look at my pedicure, its ruined, I shall have to get another, the lack of gems was also apparent.  Keep any gems you find, what a lousy gag…”

Around the middle of the first wave I stuff my hooves in my ears in an attempt to shut out the shear absurdity spewing from Rarity.  After 2 minutes I can’t take it any more “Rarity, please stop.  Your’ complaining is hurting my ears.”  But she keeps going.  So I walk over to Twilight “Don’t you have any spells to silence her? Please?  How can you stand this?”  But I get no response.  “Twilight…can you hear me?”  I catch her attention with a hoof then pantomime my pain and plea.  Thankfully this works and Twilight casts a spell, making all sound go away.  

I walk next to Applejack as we wander around.  I feel bad for anyone who can hear Rarities complaints, but we can’t hear them so whatever.  I see and point out a few things that would be interesting to visit; as does everypony in our group…except the still complaining Rarity…holy moly can she motor on.  All I see is moving lips but judging by the look of disgust I can tell she’s still going.  We spend the rest of the day in silence.

Arriving at the Dancing Diamond Hotel, Twilight releases the silencing spell and thankfully Rarity has ceased her incessant complaining.  As we enter, we are all awestruck by the grandeur of the hotel.  All the woodwork is of hoof crafted Cedar, they have marble pillars, and granite table and counter tops.  A section of the grand hall is taken up by a ballroom floor and a space for the orchestra who are currently playing.  Almost in a daze I say “If this is the grand hall I can’t wait to see the rooms.”  

Rarity stutters “So…gorgeous…how in the…but the mine…uhhhhhhh” as she falls backward feinting.  Twilight and Rainbow help Rarity as we get our rooms.  I thought they’d be more expensive, but they’re only 125 bits.  

Its only 8:45 so I decide to have a little fun.  “Hey Applejack, want to head down to the grand hall for a little bit?”  

“Sure Flame, whaddya wanna do?”  

I put on my best poker face “You’ll see.”  We head down and I guide her towards the dance floor “Come on Applejack, let’s dance!”  

Applejack looks like she’s about to panic “But Ah’ve only ever square danced before!”  

“Don’t worry about it, just follow my lead” as we step into the waltzing ponies and join in.  After a few minutes Applejack gets the hang of it and has relaxed.  

“Since when did ya learn ta dance like this?”  

I feel my face heat up “I may have been taking lessons.”  

Then the song ends and the orchestra strike up a slow tune, turning the waltz into a slow dance.  This garners a giggle from Applejack as she playfully says “Well Flame, Ah didn’t ya were into dancing.”  I know this’ll be cheesy but whatever.  

“Only if my partner is you Applejack.”  At that she lays her head on my shoulder as we dance, letting me guide her.  Sadly the slow dance is the last song for the night so we head back to our room and fall asleep locked in each other’s embrace.  Today was a good day.

> Haliflanks
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: Yesterday was a very good day…  Aside from a pretty big hiccup from Rarity on one of her rants.  I NEED to learn that silence spell from Twilight.  Anymore complaining outbursts from Rarity and I might chop my ears off.  Besides that the mine was pretty cool.  The tour guide mentioned it was in service for 80 years before they decommissioned it.  The town itself is nothing to scoff at either.  There is a unique culture here due to the clash from tourism and mining.  Then there’s the Hotel, oh sweet pickled pineapples it’s amazing.  The Dancing Diamond did not skimp out on anything.  Add to it that I got end my day with a few dances with Applejack, compliments of the orchestra, and I’m one happy pony.

Applejack and I get up and go through our morning routine.  We shower, I help her with her mane and tail, we have a few laughs, and we head down to the lobby to eat.  After eating we decide to stick together to roam around Haliflanks as a group.  This is a large city that we are unfamiliar with so we opted for safety in numbers.  

As we roam we decide to stop to check something out if it catches one of our eyes.  Of course what do we find first, a gem store.  Walking through the store almost causes Rarity to melt into a big pile of happiness.  “Oh my heavens! Just look at the size of those rubies!  Can you see the clarity of these diamonds?  These turquoise look fabulous!”  I gotta say, hearing Rarity obsess over anything is brutal on the ears, but her happy obsesses are easier to listen to at least.  When we leave Rarity walks out with gems of every type and size stuffed into her saddlebags.

Our next stop ends up being an animal feed co-op.  Fluttershy doesn’t spend long inside but ends up ordering some exotic feed that’s unavailable in Ponyville.  As she comes out “I’m sorry if I made everypony wait.  But I just know the animals will love the variety.”  We all give Fluttershy soft smiles as Twilight says “You don’t have to apologize for anything.  You just wanted to do what was right for the animals you care for, there’s nothing wrong with that.”  Once we leave the co-op, it takes a while until we find the next store of interest, a book store.  We all head inside and wait for Twilight to look through the shelves.  It wasn’t long before Twilight came back empty hooved.   As it turns out, having access to three well stocked royal libraries, and more than 3 years to read, means there aren’t many books Twilight has not read.  But she looks fine so everything must be ok.

The next shop we find is a smithy.  I recall the book from Stalliongrad…but I’m not sure if we’re far enough in the north to find the steel.  So I walk in and ask “Excuse me, do you know where I could find some crucible steel?”  

I hear a feminine voice call out from behind the smith only door “Just a second!”  The door open to reveal a gray coated earth mare with matching white mane and tail, wearing a smith’s apron and goggles.  “How can I help you?”  

“Well I was wondering if you have any knowledge of how to make crucible steel.”  

Upon hearing this, she lifts up the goggles to reveal her amethyst eyes and starts to look me over.   She checks my fur, hooves, horn, eyes, everything, and then says “Whoever cleaned you up did a good job, only real hint you’re a smith came from your hooves.  Sorry but you’re out of luck yet lucky at the same time.”  I cock my head and raise an eyebrow before she can continue “As far as I know crucible steel isn’t made in Haliflanks. BUT, I do have some crucible steel bars here.”  

I’m so giddy now that I’m practically prancing and start bombarding her with questions “REALLY!?  HOW STRONG IS IT?  HOW BRITTLE IS IT? HOW WELL DOES IT TAKE TO BEING SMELTED FROM BARS?  HOW FAR CAN IT BE STRECHED WITHOUT A LOSS IN STRENGTH AND DURA…MFPH?”  

Applejack just shoved her hoof in my mouth “Sorry ‘bout tha’.  He’s a bit excited afta’ findin’ this steel afta’ searchin fer three years.”  

The mare deadpans, “Three years?  Where in Equestria did you travel for it to take three years to find even one bar of Crucible Steel???”  

I quickly rattle off “Well I started in Fillydephia, then traveled to Ponyville, Canterlot, Stalliongrad, Dappleshore, Derbyshire, back to Canterlot for a while, back to Ponyville, and then here to Haliflanks.  Now can I see it please?!?”  

After some thought the mare huffs out “Fine…you can see the steel, but it’s not for sale.  It’s already paid for, anything made from crucible steel sells fast here so you have to order what you want months ahead of time so all the bars that I get come through are already owned by somepony else.”  Then she points at me and speaks with fire behind her words “And don’t even think of trying to practice with a bar!  I don’t know how skilled you are and frankly I don’t care.  These are valuable and I won’t have you screw up my reputation!”  

Geez, touchy.

So Applejack and I follow her to the backroom where we see the forge, a doused piece of worked metal, lots of metal bars, and…bars…of…Crucible….Steel.  The sheer luster and pure look of the bars mark them as different immediately.  I’m fumbling my words as I ask “C-can I, I touch one?  J-just one? I promise I w-won’t try to w-work it…please?”  I look to her and she reluctantly nods.
I gingerly pick up a bar in my hooves and let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding.  I can’t believe I’m holding a bar of the legendary crucible steel!  I go through my standard series of tests without deforming the steel, and it is, without a doubt the highest quality steel I have ever held.  

I hear the mare “The way you performed those tests…you said you were from Fillydelphia?  Do you know Iron Tail?”  

I put the bar down and look right at her “Of course I know Master Iron.  He trained me for nearly seven years.”  

“I should have known, I’m his daughter Wire Tail.  He mentioned once taking on an apprentice in a letter.”  

Applejack now speaks up “And how should ya ‘ave known?”  

Wire Tail rolls her eyes “Dad included a description.  Now if you please, either buy something or leave.  I have metal to work.”  

I ask a final question before I leave the store “You wouldn’t happen to know where the steel is made would you?”  

She rubs her neck with her hoof “My best guess would be Manebourne, Trotterdam, or Hoofswell.  Don’t rule out Transylmania though.  Can I get back to work now?”  

As I leave the store I say “Yes, sorry to have bothered you Ms. Wire Tail.”  

From outside the store I hear a muffled “It’s Mrs.!  Why does everypony assume I’m single??”  I’m half tempted to answer her but I don’t want a hot mallet flying at my head.  Plus the girls look pretty bored.  Apparently I took longer than I thought when I inspected the steel.  So we take a lunch break then resume our search for interesting buildings. 

We find a few confectionary shops, which drives Pinkie bonkers.  After the fifth shop, I find myself amazed that Pinkie is still pounding down sweets.  At this I can’t hold my tongue anymore, “Uh…Pinkie?  Is there something you’d like to tell us?”  

Pinkie talks with her mouth still full of cupcakes “Huh… what… are you… talking about… Flame?”  

“Well Pinkie, you’ve eaten an awful lot of food.  Are you…”  

“OOH, are you playing a guessing game?”  

“No, I’m trying to ask if you’re…”  

“Well of course I’m still hungry silly!”  

I can see the others are uncomfortable with this conversation.  “Pinkie I’m trying to ask if you’re eating for two!”  

“Nopey Dopey!”  

I can feel my face contort into weird positions brought on by my confusion “But… how…why can you…”  

“I don’t know.  OH LOOK! A COOKIE STORE!”  And she zooms off to eat some more as my jaw drops to the road.

I have never seen a pony eat so much and stay thin.  Pinkie continues to eat through 2 more stores.  As she eats I get more confused.  Applejack nudges my side and say “Dontcha worry Flame.  Pinkie is a pony you’ll never fully understand.  Yer better off not trying.”  After watching her finish off the last bit of sweet from the last store I shake my head in defeat.  I decide to never bring it up again; it won’t do me any good.

So we keep walking through town.  We are walking, talking, laughing, and enjoying the sights for hours.  Then I look around and notice that Twilight has stopped and is staring at something down another street.  So I walk over “Hey Twilight, find something good?”  I notice she has a strange mix of confusion and surprise on her face.  “Uh…Twilight?”  The girls start walking over as I wave my hoof in front of her “Hello! Equestria to Twilight Sparkle, come in Twilight!”  She looks like she’s totally locked up.

Applejack seems to be the first to follow Twilight’s stare as she says “Oh Celestia…not him.”  

I look at Applejack and ask “him who?” before noticing the color drain from her face.  At this I look down the road… only to see the white Carya unicorn walking around in his suit surrounded by more suited soulless bastards.  Instantly I feel myself getting angry, then I feel a tug on my tail.  I had started walking over without thinking but it seems Applejack stopped me.  All of the girls look shaken, but Applejack and Rainbow Dash look to be visibly shaking.  I try my best to move all of them away from the road.  This is not a place we need to be right now and I don’t feel like finding out how well he remembers me.

At first we walk away from the road, then slowly break into a full on sprint towards the Dancing Diamond.  Once inside, we all make a mad dash for the girls’ room, lock ourselves in, and catch our breath.  I’m the first to speak up, “Ok, what the hay is going on?  What is he doing here?”  

Twilight responds with “I don’t know, last time we saw him you were… bashing him senseless.  Maybe he decided to leave his gang and wound up here?”  

At this I deadpan at Twilight as Rainbow says “I doubt it Twilight, he had enough influence to send all those ponies against us last time.  It’s unlikely he’d give that up.”  

Rarity looks quite composed as she says “I’m sorry Twilight but I’m afraid I have to agree with Rainbow Dash.  However it does us no good to panic like bunch fillies over this.  What reason do we have to believe he’s here for us?  I say we continue on our business and not worry about him.”  

I’m stunned to hear this “Back up, you want us to ignore this pony?  After what he did to Applejack and Rainbow Dash?  After what he tried to do to all of us?”  

“Well I suppose when you put it like that, what I said sounds outrageous.”  

Twilight jumps back in “Well at the least we shouldn’t look like we remember him, but I do agree that we don’t cut our stay short for him.”  

I’m astounded “You agree with this idea??”  

Applejack speaks up “Ah don’t like this ahdea.  Afta what he tried, I don’ wanna be anywhere near him.”  

Rainbow Dash seems to agree “Sorry Twilight but I’m with Flame and Applejack on this one.  That pony simply can’t be trusted.”  

I’m rather surprised when Fluttershy speaks up “Well, doesn’t everypony deserve a second chance?  Just because he did it once…”  I think my jaw just hit the floor.  

I’m shocked to the point that I’m speechless.  I have no idea what to think at this point.  I thought all of us would want to skip town as fast as possible.  Pinkie interrupts my thoughts “Haliflanks is a large town! Why should we let one meanie pants ruin our fun?!  Chances are we won’t see him again.  Let’s just keep having fun!” …Yep… Pinkie made sense… brain just exploded.  

I hear Twilight say “Ok so that's 4 to 3, we’re staying for a little longer.  But I still want to know why he’s here.  Last time we say him he rather boldly stated that his group owns Stalliongrad.”  

Rarity replies “At this we can agree I think.  I don’t want to look for him but I would like to know why he’s in Haliflanks.”  

I hear Fluttershy chime in “Maybe he’s a tourist, Haliflanks is a well-known tourist spot like Manehatten and Trottingham.”  

I’ve finally recovered enough to say “Maybe he’s looking for us…” after a few uncomfortable silent minutes “sorry to have brought it up.”  

Twilight speaks up “No… it is a possibility… and it had to be said.  How about we just be careful about where we go in Haliflanks for now on.  Can we agree on that?”  We all nod or say “yeah” to Twilight.  

I suddenly feel really tired “Hey can we talk more about this tomorrow?  I’m a little worn out.”  

Applejack looks at me and says “Why don’t ya head ta our room and rest then.  Ah’ll be along shortly.”  

I nod my head then make my way to mine and Appljack’s room.  After closing the door, I start to turn around and find myself face-to-face with the Carya unicorn.  He says “Watch where your walking, you almost backed into me!”  

I stand to the side and say “Sorry” as he walks by.  

I’m about to enter my room when I hear “Have we met somewhere?  You seem familiar, but I can’t place you.”  

I swallow the lump in my throat “No I don’t believe so.”  

He looks me over as I begin to sweat “Yeah you must be right; I think I’d remember seeing a Stallion of your specific coloring,” then he walk away.  

As calmly as possible I enter my room before collapsing on the floor “That was too close.”  

A few minutes later Applejack enters to find me on the floor.  “FLAME! Wut happened to ya?  Why are ya on tha floor?”  I explain the encounter to Applejack.  When I finish she looks worried “Ah didn’t think he’d be on this floor.  We need ta be careful. Maybe I should tell”  

I cut her off “Twilight and the others have enough to think about right now, let’s just sleep and I’ll tell them all about it in the morning.  Besides I don’t want to scare Fluttershy.”  

“Fair ‘nough Flame, lets git some sleep.”

> Haliflanks... He's back...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: “Ok, yesterday was both amazing and terrifying at the same time.  It started off well, as the seven of us wandered around Haliflanks 
trying to find anything of interest.  And by Celestia did we.  I’m glad to see that Rarity can rant over something she finds delightfull, but it’s almost as straining on my ears as when she rants about the opposite.  Fluttershy purchased some new seed for her critters, the bookstore we found only had books Twilight has read before, and then we ran into a smithy.  At first I thought this would be another bust, but lo and behold the smithy had a pair of surprises for me.

The first surprise was that the mare did have some bars of crucible steel on hand… already bought and paid for but I at least got to hold one and do some minor tests.  I won’t know any of its real properties until I get to work a bar myself but it’s a start.  The second surprise is that the mare at the smithy is Master Iron Tail’s daughter, Wire Tail.  I gotta say she’s got quite the attitude on her.

The next few stops were all confectionaries, to which I think Pinkie ate them out of business. I don’t even want to count the number of shops we stopped at only for Pinkie to devour their sweets.  The rest of us did have some but Pinkie had the majority.  I don’t and never will understand how that wacky mare stays so thin when she eats so much junk food.

After that the rest of the day was going well.  We didn’t really find anything for Applejack or Rainbow Dash But we had fun walking, talking, and taking in the city.  That is until I notice Twilight has stopped in the middle of an intersection.  At first we were confused but then Applejack noticed the Carya unicorn from Stalliongrad.  Needless to say we were all more than surprised.  After running to the hotel, we decided to try to ignore him.  Though having him appear before me as I left for mine and Applejack’s room was a pretty good scare.  I have to tell them about it.”

As I finish writing Applejack is getting out of the shower.  Normally I’d just help her with her mane and tail but today I feel like being slightly naughty.  So I hide behind the bathroom door and wait for her to come out.  As she opens the door it barely stops before hitting my muzzle.  “Ahrahght Flame Ah’m… Flame?”  Behind her back I had, as slowly and silently as I could, closed the door and moved directly behind her.  I was now poised to be face to face with her when she turned around.  “Flame?  Now where in tarnation…” She never finishes the sentence as I gave her a great big kiss that I think lasts a few minutes.

As I pull away, Applejack leans in for another one, and who am I to resist my mare?  This cycle continues for what I can only guess to be about 30 minutes for by the end her mane and tail were dry, albeit still hanging naturally.  “Hey Applejack?  Why do you keep tying up your tail and mane even though you’re on vacation?  You look gorgeous without them.”  

This earns me what can only be described as bedroom eyes “Well Flame, Ah guess Ah just like tyin up em up.  Ya think Ah look nice like this?”  

“Absolutely, your long straight mane is amazing, tail as well.  I could easily get lost in it.”

Applejack starts inching closer “Ya know Flame, we could stay in the room today.  Jus’ the two of us, order in some food, have some alone time.”  The last few words were said while she was leaning into me.  

“Wow Applejack, Celestia knows I’d love to do nothing more.”  “But?”  “But we have to warn the others about… him… almost recognizing me.  I don’t know why he wouldn’t but I’d rather not spark his memory.”  

Applejack pulls away looking disappointed “Ah guess yer rahght Flame, but ya owe me one.”  All I can do is give a teeth chattering nod as I help Applejack put her ties in and we leave to warn the other girls.

Fortunately I don’t see the Carya pony as Applejack knocks on the others’ door.  After a few minutes of no answer, we head down to the buffet to see if they’re there.  Thankfully that’s where they were.  I start magically packing some to go dishes for Applejack and I, while Applejack says to the others “We gotta talk, all of us, about somethin’ that happened.  It’d be safer ta talk in yer room.”  

Twilight protests with some food still in her mouth “Applejack!  What is going on?  You and Flame are acting funny.”  

Fluttershy also speaks “Um excuse me, but maybe we should go with them.  This sounds rather important.”  

With our food in tow a start to say “You girls fin…ish… up!”  Holy crap!  Up sounded really high pitched!  I see the Carya pony walking down the steps, and our group is in plain view.  So I quickly spout “OkwellI’mgonnahurryupandtakeApplejacktotheroom. Isuggestyouallmagicallyfollow!”  While speaking I had rushed over to Applejack and primed a teleport spell.  As soon as I finish speaking; I teleport Applejack, myself, and our food to the girls’ room.  

Thankfully Twilight seemed to have gotten my hint… unfortunately she teleported them right on top of us.  A very audible “OOMPH” came out of me as we collapsed on the floor.   Fluttershy pretty much landed with her flank right on my head, just missing my horn.  Fluttershy gently flies off me while saying “Oh, I’m so sorry Flame!  Are you alright?”  

“Just fine Fluttershy, I’m just glad you missed my horn.”  As I stand up I lend a helping hoof to everypony else.  

Twilight is the first to ask “So what was so important as to tear us away from breakfast?”  

I have to compose myself before speaking; having 5 ponies land on me knocked the wind out of me.  “Well first and foremost, I saw that Carya pony walking down the stairs and we were all in plain view from the stairs.  Second… something happened last night after I left your room.  I came face-to-face with said pony and he nearly recognized me.”  All of their jaws drop when I say that.  Twilight is flabbergasted, Rarity is speechless, Rainbow is stammering, Fluttershy is desperately trying to fully hide behind her mane, and Pinkie is carelessly eating her food…cupcakes again.

I sigh at Pinkie and say “So what do we do? Do we stick to the plan to avoid him or what?  There are still parts of the city we haven’t explored yet.”  

Twilight speaks up “Well I want to explore more, but we should leave today to minimize our chances of running into him.”  

I summon my map and lay it out “So where should we go next?  I’d like to go to one of the towns Mrs. Tail mentioned.”  

Rarity intercedes “And which towns were they darling?”  

“Translymania, Manebourne, Trotterdam, and Hoofswell.”  

Twilight pipes up “Hmm, I don’t know anything about Translymania. Where is it?”  

I point to the spot on the map “Right here, Northwest of Haliflanks.  It is the closest town of the four, probably a 5 hour train ride.  Now that you mention it I don’t know much about it either.  It does look rather secluded though.”  

Rarity chimes in “Well we don’t have to decide right now, instead how about we explore for now and decide at the train station?”  We all seem to agree with that one so we head out.

We spend the next 5 few hours exploring the outskirts of Haliflanks.  It still has the feel of a rustic town out here but its mixed with the culture of the city.  It really gives you a feel for how Haliflanks developed.  Of course everypony in the group was exited.  Twilight really went to town with examining everything while Rarity showed a seemingly faked interest, probably from too much dirt.  Everypony elses interest level varied depending on who we ran into.  

I feel bad for Applejack and Dash as we don’t really find anything for them… until Dash’s boredom gets the better of her “AWW COME ON!  There has got to be something around here that’s fairly interesting!”  

Applejack seems to agree “Ah apologize but I agree with Rainbow Dash.  Looking at the scenery is nice fer a while but now it’s borin’.”  

“Hey Applejack!  I think I saw a gym in the city!  You wanna see who can out lift the other?”  Before anypony can get a word in Applejack agrees and they take off at full gallop.

I look to the others “I guess I should go keep an eye on them.  I don’t want them to get into trouble.  You know where the gym is Twilight?”  

Twilight nods “Of course, It’s on the map I bought earlier.  I’ll come find you three when we’re done here.”  

“Thanks Twilight.”  With that I run after Rainbow and Applejack at full speed.  

By the time I reach the gym those two are already inside and making everything a competition as usual.  As I walk up I hear “Hey Flahme!  Ya here ta watch meh kick Rainbow Dash’s flank?”   

A cross Rainbow Dash replies, “Oh pony feathers!  I’m gonna kick your flank into next week!” 

“Oh yeah?! Well Ah bet mah Flame here could beat yer flank!”  

This gets my attention “Well hold on now!  Leave me out of this!”  

Dash angrily pipes in “Oh yeah?! I bet I can take on both of you and still win with your combined efforts!”  

Applejack stealthily winks at me “Are ya willing ta put yer bits where yer mouth is?”  

“Of course! Who do you think I am?!  Name the terms!”  

At this I rush over and whisper into Applejack’s ear.  She can barely contain herself as she repeats “The loser has to serve as a maid to the other for a week while wearing a custom tailored maid outfit designed by Rarity.”  

Rainbow looks like she wants to back out but offers her spitshake that Applejack readily accepts.  At this I’m thrust into the competition.  Poor Rainbow Dash doesn’t realize what she’s in for.

After 3 hours of grueling competition, we’re all exhausted but Rainbow Dash’s mouth has once again gotten her into trouble.  Given that she opted to compete with 2 ponies at the same time, it’s safe to say poor Rainbow Dash will be wearing a maid outfit for a week when we get back to Ponyville.  Applejack looks quite thrilled but Rainbow Dash and I are dragging our tails.  Halfway back we meet Twilight, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all packed up with all our stuff.

Twilight readily exclaimed “Hey there you are! We’re all packed and ready to go!  What happened to you two?”  

Dragging my hooves I say “I’ll tell you later, right now can we get on the train?  All I want to do is eat something then fall asleep next to my lovely mare.”  This earns me a light kiss on my cheek from Applejack.  

Walking to the train station takes way too long.  I’m so tired it feels like I’m going to pass out walking there.  Walking up to the station Pinkie Pie begins to shudder uncontrollably.  The girls all freeze in place while I’m a) too tired to care and b) confused as heck as to what the heck is going on.  I say “Alright Pinkie, what’s going on, did your inpony ingestion of sweets finally drive you into a sugar frenzy?”  

Pinkie’s eyes dilate as she says “No, something very bad is about to happen.”  

Nonchalantly I say “What do you mean something ba… HEY OWW…uh oh.”  Pinkie just yanked my head into a position that hurts and puts my eyes directly onto the Carya pony, who is frozen in place staring right at us.

I can see that he is slowly figuring things out as I whisper “Somepony get us on the next train leaving with room for all of us. We need to leave right now!”  While Dash uses her speed to get us out, I can almost literally watch the gears turn in his head.  

As Dash returns with the tickets he yells “YOU!  I’M GOING TO TURN YOU ALL INTO FERTILIZER!”  

Instantly I’m not tired as Twilight yells “RUN!  DASH, LEAD ON TO OUR TRAIN!”  He and his cronies chase us through the station.  

Finally Dash exclaims “THERE’S OUR TRAIN! QUICK! EVERYPONY ON!”  Our train looks like it’s an antiquated piece of work.  

As we jump on with our luggage I tell the conductor “I’ll pay you an extra 100 bits if you leave right now!”  He takes the money and says “Done. ALL ABOARD!”  The doors slam into the white stallion’s face as the train jolts as the engine kicks in.  

As we pull away from the station I hear the stallion yell “I WILL FIND YOU! AND WHEN I DO YOU WILL ALL PAY FOR WHAT YOU DID TO ME!”  

I look at Dash and say “Right now I don’t rightly care where you bought passage for, I’m going to bed.  I’m exhausted from the competition and running from the crazy Carya guy.”  With that Applejack and I find our bed and pass out exhausted.

> Where are we?
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

Journal: “Well today has been interesting and bad.  I ran into the Carya pony way more then I like.  It was made even worse by him remembering us and wanting to turn us into fertilizer.  On a lighter note it was fun to actually join in on a competition between Applejack and Rainbow Dash.  I do feel a little bad though as Rainbow Dash never knew how strong I am and now has to wear a custom made maid outfit for a week… I’d feel worse but she brought in on herself. “

Putting my journal down I realize that this train moves much slower than the previous ones so I get up to stretch out and view the landscape…only to see a cliff face on one side and a sheer drop on the other.  Combine that with the train being…rustic… I suppose is the right term… and I’m very curious as to where Dash bought tickets to.  But I won’t get that answer from her as she’s sleeping right now.  So I walk over to the conductor… who also happens to be the engineer… “Hey where is this train headed?  I know it’s a silly question but my friend bought the tickets and didn’t divulge where she bought them to.”

He barely looks at me, seems to be focused on his magazine “We’re heading to Transylmania.  Buckle up though it’s going to be a while.”  

“Alright then I’ll… what kind of pony are you?  I’ve never seen a pony with leathery wings before.”  

He just turns a page in his magazine “I’m a bat pony.  Built more for power than speed and…Like what you see?”  He caught me giving his magazine, which I now discovered was porn, a sideways glance. 

“I’m not really sure I even want to know.  Anyways Bat pony huh?  Why aren’t they more common?”  

He shrugs “You’ll see soon enough. No need to spoil the surprise.”   

“So uh, how long until we arrive?” Don’t look at the porn…don’t look at the porn…FAUST I LOOKED.  

“Roughly 5 hours.  I recommend staying awake, Bat ponies sleep during the day and don’t take kindly to ponies wandering around while they sleep.  You sure you don’t want one of these?”  

“I’m good, I’m pretty sure Applejack would strangle me if she caught me with one.”  With that I walk back to check out the scenery.  It’s still mountains on one side, but now the other side is a canyon.  I try to follow his advice but when all I have to look at is a mountains and cliffs… it gets old fast… Faust this train is slow.   I got bored and head back to cuddle up with Applejack, which in turn makes me feel at ease and fall asleep.  

I wake up to the jolt of the brakes, as does everypony else.  I thought an antiquated train would have weaker brakes but noooooo.  After once again pulling myself from a pony pile, I look outside and see that its night.  I crack my neck “Ouch, everypony alright?”  

“Well I never!”  Oh no, here it comes.  “I can’t believe we had the misfortune of being on such a train!  No food cart, no warning about the breaks, no arriving in 20 minutes… just look at my mane! I shall have to clean up!” 

After Rarity finally finishes fixes her mane (took 20 minutes), we exit the train.  Barely leaving the station, a bunch of bat ponies drop out of the sky surrounding us with a barrage of thuds.  The pony in front of us speaks with a heavy accent “Vhat you outsiders vant? SPEAK QVUICKLY!”  Given that most of them are in what looks like plate armor, they’re pretty intimidating.  

I gulp (pretty sure audibly) and take a few steps forward and speak…though not with my strongest voice given the stare down I’m receiving “I’ve traveled a long way to learn new ways to work metal.  I’m here today because I heard you may know how to make crucible steel.”

All I get is laughing.  Hearing laughing coming from a bunch of armored helms is pretty creepy.  The same bat pony speaks up “If ve knew how make crucible steel, ve not buy.”  As he finishes, another armored bat pony seems to whisper something into his hear.  “But ve vill consider trade.”  Now they start converging…on the girls.  “Ve not seen quality solar mares in long time.  Ve teach you to craft but ve keep mares.”  

With that my eyes shrink to needle points.  “What NO!  Stop I never agreed to that!”  I get a chorus of cacophonous laughter “No, but ve agree, you thoughts no count.”  As they advance, the girls start to bray and throw up defenses, though the armor the bat ponies wear seams to nullify physical attacks and the ponies themselves are seemingly ignoring magical attacks.

As they close in, everything slows down.  I see the life I want with Applejack flash before my eyes and shatter into pieces one by one.  After the last potential moment shatters, all I see is a dark flame. It calls to me “use me… tap into me.”  

“Who or what are you?”  

“…I am your rage… your anger… your wrath…”  

“NO! I won’t give in to negative emotions!”  

“…negative? …what’s so wrong about drawing on…  your own emotions… to protect… what’s important to you…”  

I clamp my hooves over my ears “STOP! I don’t want to hear it!.” 

“…Why not?  …you’re not evil… you don’t want to fight… but you’re not willing to protect you’re mare… you don’t deserve her…coward.”  

“NO! I don’t want to lose her!  But I won’t harm other ponies!” 

“…what happened to the stallion who fought a gang to protect her…did the doctor cut off your family jewels? …do you really think she’ll ever come back to you should you abandon her now?”  

“ENOUGH!” 

“…and what of your other friends… would they ever want to see you again? …would you be able to look them in the eye…after they’ve been abused?” 

“I WON’T GIVE IN!”  

“…then prepare… to lose everything…your mare…your friends…your future…all lost… because you refuse to act…when it matters most.”  

After hearing those words I grow silent, return to the world, and warmth starts to spread from my heart throughout my body.  I take a deep breath and snort red flames.  “No, I will not stand by.”  The cold rage in my words is thick enough to stop a few of them in their tracks.  “I will not let this happen” as I snort more intense but blue flames.  My eyes and horn light up in my crimson aura as I rear up “You will not HAVE THEM!”  As I slam my hooves down, I become engulfed in a vortex of black fire and a barrier of flames surrounds the girls.

Within the vortex I feel a plethora of changes, my newfound power surging through every vein, threatening to break free.  I feel myself grow, my skin and fur feel like they’re on fire, and I feel myself losing control, no longer holding the reigns.  I don’t know how long I was in the vortex but it explodes with the transformation complete.  My fur is now jet black, I’ve grown a solid hoof in height, I no longer have a horn, my mane and tail are fire, and fire flows from my fetlocks.  I then loose a strong bray and run to stand in front of my friends; snorting fire, braying, stomping like mad anytime one of the bat ponies even tried to come close.  

I can hear the girls talking/screaming, but I can’t comprehend a word they’re saying.  All my language comprehension is lost from my transformation.  For about 15 minutes a lot of bat ponies try to approach only to be rebuffed by fire or hoof.  As for how I’m conjuring fire… I’ll find out later, for now my only care is for protecting Applejack and my friends.  During a breather I look back at the girls and I can feel my expression soften.  Applejack looks worried beyond words, and everypony else is focusing their… energy?... at twilight?  Upon hearing more thumps I face forward again and my anger swells.  Unfortunately this form has a large drain on my energy and I can feel it, not helped by my fire breathing and maintaining the barrier.  I’d wager I only have a minute or two left in me before I collapse of exhaustion.
From the new ponies, it looks like an in charge mare is trying to talk at me, then realizes nothing will come of it and comes at me, cuffs in hoof.  It’s apparent immediately that she’s faster than me and quickly slaps the cuffs on my hooves, only for me to melt them off.  Everytime she gets in close my reaction is to spew fire or kick at her.  I’m pretty sure she can see that’s she’s wearing me out and that might be her intent, wear me out then subdue me.  

In no time at all, I only have a few drops of energy left.  The… other me… for lack of a better term, uses the last drops I have to release the transformation with an explosion of fire, damaging the concrete below me and warding off any advancing bat ponies.  Now I’m back to my original form, I collapse exhausted but awake, so naturally the barrier I erected to protect the girls drops.  My lingual perception clears and the girls get between me and the bat ponies.  I’m not sure what it is, but I can see they have an Ace hidden if they have to use it.
Twilight spreads her wings and speaks with all the authority she has “Stop This!  Flame may have pushed things too far in his defense of us but YOUR guards are to blame!  They thought they could do whatever they want to us!” 

The mare in charge steps forward  “Zats not vhat my guards say.  Zey all claim zes, Flame, agreed to ze trade zen backed out and attacked!  I’m more villing to believe my guards zen your pompous solar vords!  Why should I believe anyzing you say?!  I tire of zes crap, no matter what transpired it still remains fact that your collapsed companion attacked my guards.  Surrender and no harm vill come to any of you.  I Silvanna Av Garda guarantee yours and hees safety should you surrender.”  A lot of the armored bats look displeased with the last statement.

Twilight holds up a hoof “Give us a second to discuss please.”  Silvanna just nods.  All 6 turn huddle up around me. 

Applejack speaks up “Ah see no reason to go along with her, she may speak true but her guards are still to blame!  Whah d’we hav’ ta be punished?”  

Rarity is next “I’m sorry but I quite agree with Applejack.  We’ve done nothing wrong but these brutes dare claim us responsible!  The nerve of it all!”  

Fluttershy chimes in “I’d rather we just give in.  I don’t want to fight and Flame already injured a lot of them.  We’ve no reason not to trust their leader.”  

Rainbow Dash’s words surprise me “I have to agree with Fluttershy.  We may be awesome but fighting while protecting Flame will be difficult.  I’ve no desire to expose him to more harm than he’s already put himself in for us.”  Everypony in the circle looks stunned.  

Pinkie pie puts a hoof to Rainbows forehead “Are you feeling alright Rainbow Dash?”  Rainbow gives a small snort and a small blush “Of course I’m fine!  Jeeze, you act like my being loyal to my friends is a new thing!”  

Twilight intercedes with a wing “We can discuss that later I for one think we should trust Silvanna and surrender. Flame needs to be examined immediately and surrendering is the fastest course to get him treatment.  So we’re agreed then?”  

Applejack and Rarity look peeved but they agree, as does everypony else.  I nod in agreement as well; I don’t want to have the girls fighting to protect me when I’m vulnerable.  I should be fighting with them.  Twilight turns around and proclaims “Silvanna Av Garda, we surrender.  Please see that Cleansing Flame gets medical attention, I’m not sure what happened to him but it clearly left him exhausted.  Hopefully that’s all but we don’t know.”  

Silvanna nods “I can agree to zhat.  He fought vell and ve respect strength here in Transylmania.”  She now speaks to her fellows “Arrest zem  and bring zem to Casa de Garda.  No funny business with ze mares or ze Stallion eizer, anyvone who does pulls cleaning duty for month.”  At this the plethora of guards grumble but comply.  We’re all cuffed and flown to Casa de Garda.  Along the way all unicorns get a magic blocker stuck on their horns and pegasi get their wings banded to their barrels.  I pass out halfway there I think.

When I come to, I’m in a sturdy cell and all the girls are in separate cells.  One of the guards on duty flies off when he notices I’m awake.  I say “Alright, so how long was I out?”  

Applejack replies first “A few days, there healer said ya suffered from magic exhaustion, along with some side effect from yer’ transformation that would go away while ya slept.”  

Twilight chimed in “How did you transform anyway?  That’s not something I’ve seen before.”  I look down while I reply “Well, when they started advancing on you, everything slowed down, and my focus was drawn inward.  A black flame then bade me to use it, saying it was my rage, and that to use it do protect wasn’t bad.  I refused to cave for the longest time.  But after some choice words, well you saw what happened.”  

“Wait, you used dark magic to protect us?!? How could you?!”  “It said it was my power, and it’s not wrong to use my power to protect those I care about!  How does its use make it dark?  Or is it dark because it is unknown a potentially dangerous?  Point is I used it to protect you and not for nefarious purposes!  Faust I don’t even know how to tap into it!”  

“Well, I’ll decide if its dark magic if you use it again, until then we’re stuck here unable to use magic.”  

“Yeah I remember them putting the magic blocker on.  Any clue what Silvanna is going to do with us?”  

“I believe she’s going to at least let us stay in the city, if only to keep an eye on us.  But She’s waiting to hear what you say first.”  

"Oh great, it’s going to depend on me, the agitator, great.”  

> Not a pleasent city...
> --------------------------------------------------------------------------

	Well here I am, being hauled from my cell to Celestia knows where, with a magic blocker and hoof cuffs, so even if I wanted to run there’s no way I’m getting away.  Passing through several guarded gates and doorways I finally arrive in front of a wide ornate door.  One of the guards hauling me knocks a few times, upon hearing “Enter” they bring me inside and chain me to one spot a few hooves in front of the desk where the warden Silvanna stands.  Looking around I spot one more pony sitting in the room, he looks to be quite aged but with very active eyes.

Once I’m fully chained, he guards salute Silvanna and leave.  Once it’s just the three of us Silvanna steps out from behind her desk and starts to circle me.  “So, I’ve heard ze story from my guards zat vere prezent and you friends. So let’s hear from you. Vhat exactly happened at ze train station?  Tell me everyzing from start to finish, but Luna help me, eef you lie to me you vill never leave Transylmania alive,”  Her eyes intensify immensely as she stares me down “Not only vill you never leave, but you’ll be vorked for everyzing you have, your magic vill be drained so you vill never be able to cast magic again.”  After relaxing her stare “Speak, let us hear your side.”

And so I tell her my side, our arrival, the confrontation, I don’t say anything about my internal strife, and the battle, not saying that I wasn’t in control.. My explanation wasn’t that long but I was detailed.  At each step the other pony in the room took notes while Silvanna just sits behind her desk listening intently. As I finish Silvanna stands up and begins to walk around, as if contemplating something. The silence is torture.  I’m not sure if she’ll believe me or call me a liar and lock me up for the rest of my life.  I can feel myself begin to sweat as the silence drags from minutes into tens of minutes, only the tick tock of the clock breaking the silence in the room.  

Finally she speaks, “I have a situation on my hooves here.  You and all you friends told  same story, each varying from you own view.  Vhile my guards tell me different story but it’s zall ze same story on zeir end.  If you and your friends were different ponies you’d all be slaving avay vith no magic till ze end of your days by now.”  

At this I’m quite puzzled “So… what has you pausing?”  

Her response is instantaneous “Three ponies, Princess Tvilight Sparkle, You, and Count Bian over there.”  

I think my face contorts from my sheer level of confusion at this point “ok…Twilight I get, listening to a fellow Translyvanian, I get…but me?”  

She gets in my face again “Yes, YOU,” she begins to walk around me again “Your transformation is similar to vhat overtook Luna before her banishment, but you vere able to revert back, vith seemingly no aftereffects, other zan exhaustion from magic usage.  Zis has caught our attention as your sheer strength was profound.  I vant to know how you did zis, if you can do again, if zis can be passed on by teaching, and if eet’s controllable.  Coincidentally Count Bian vants to know zese as vell, hees intent ees alvays odd but of no concern for me.”

“…Umm, ok… to be brutally honest… I have no clue how I did it…I don’t even know if this power is mine, or how to control it.”  Huh, first I claim it as my own now I disclaim it. How do I feel about it….questions for later.  At this, Bian slams his notebook shut and walks over to me. His color shifting eyes only make this creepier as he seems to investigate every part of me, as if looking for the last piece of a puzzle in a big jumbled box a puzzle pieces.  After his search ended, he walk over to his notebook, jots a few things, collects his things, nods to Silvanna and leaves.  

As I open my mouth, Silvanna speaks “Eet seems as eef Bian has vhat he came for, and that you’re not lying about your lack of knowledge.  Nonzeless I have much to consider.” She summons the waiting guards “Put heem back in hees cell. I have to zink.”  

Back in the cell Twilight asks “So how did it go?”  

“I’m not sure, I told her my side.  My understanding is that she wants to believe her guard’s outright but a princess’s words carry a lot of weight so she has a lot to consider.”  So I’m hiding a small truth, it won’t affect the outcome at all right?  The next week is spent with idle chit chat, eating, sleeping, and hearing idle threats from the guards.

After the week I’m dragged back to Silvanna’s office.  After the guards are dismissed, Silvanna locks her office door, and she unlocks me from the floor.  “’Ave you had any idea how to transform?”  

I shake my head “No clue. Most I can gather is that it’s tied to my anger.”  

She nods her head “I zought as much.  I am villing to let you and your friends go.  But you must do somezing for me”   

“Okaaaaaaaaaaaaay, what is it you want me to do.”  

“You ‘ave a few options, you show me your transformation here and now so that I can understand your power, you remove an upstart family, or you rot in my jail.  Vhat do you chooze?”  

I’m a bit blown away from this “What happens if I choose one of the first two?  Can I leave?”  

Silvanna nods her head, "you vill be ushered to the train station and taken to nearest city.”  

“One last question, by removing an upstart family, do you mean kill…” 

“The entire family yes, ozervise they vill keep trying to rise up.  Choose!”

At this I walk around the room I don’t have a lot to consider, I will not commit familacide, but I have no idea how to transform.  I gulp then say “I’ll attempt to transform, but I’ve only done it once so I have no idea how to do it.  I have no idea if I can even control it.”  

“Right, I’m going to take off magic blocker now, eef you do anyzing but transform vith magic I vill personally introduce you to new hell. Procede vhenever.”

With the blocker off I immediately try to induce a transformation…only to fizzle.  Within my head--- “AHAHAHAHAHAHA, you’ve been in the backseat once and now you believe you can fly into it whenever?!?!?  What an unbelievable idiot you are!  You can’t tame me that easily!”  

“Wait a minute, before you could barely speak and now you’re mocking me?”  

“Of course, when you used me it made it easier for me to talk to you, and control you.”  

“WHAT?!?!”  

“Oh yeah, I get to be in the driver’s seat when you flip out, and by the way, there’s nothing you can do about it!”  

“Well at least let me transform if I don’t…” I get interrupted  

“I know the stakes, it doesn’t help me if your locked up with a magic blocker on, so I’ll transform.  Funny, to think you’d come crawling to me for help after you refused me soo fervently.  I’m going to enjoy this relationship, now sleep.”  

“But I don’t want to!” and I lose consciousness.

When I wake up I’m back in the cell, I’m no longer in manacles, I smell of soap, and the magic blocker is back on.  As I look up I see Applejack and Twilight have also been freed of the shackles. Looking right at Twilight I ask “So I take it we’re going to be free soon?  Our cell conditions have improved, how long was I out?”  

Applejack cuts her off “Only a day, yall did the fire thing again didn’t ya?”  

I get a little flustered “Yeah I did, it was either transform or kill a family to get out…so I choose to transform.”  

Twilight gives me a stern look “I wish you wouldn’t use that magic without me being nearby.  We have no idea how it’s going to affect you in the long run… what’s that on your cutie mark?”  

“Huh? What do you… WHAT THE FAUST IS THAT?!?” In the middle of the fire in my cutie mark is a black flame, and I’m panicking.  “WHEN DID THAT GET THERE?!? WHAT’S HAPPENING TO ME?? HOW DO I FIX THIS?!”  

My ravings are cut off by Twilight in a clear and powerful voice “CLEANSING FLAME! YOU WILL CALM DOWN THIS INSTANT!”  My ears splay back in shame as she snaps me out of it, she now takes on a demeanor that greatly reminds me of Princess Celestia. “We will find out what’s going on with you but we cannot do it from here.  Once we are on our way we can look into what’s going on with you.”

My mouth is wide open; I could have sworn for a second that Twilight had channeled Celestia.  

I hear Rarity say “I say Twilight you look as though you exuded Princess Celestia there.”  I nod with my mouth still wide open.  

Twilight giggles a bit “Well I was her student for a long time. I’d hope I can imitate her from time to time.”  

I open my mouth to say something but I’m cut off by the main door opening with Silvanna commanding her guards, “Take zese prisoners to ze train station and send zem to ze nearest town.  I vant zem out of Transylmania, NOW!”  

The guards snap to and release us from the cells, but not removing the wing bands and magic blockers until just before shoving us onto the train.  Silvanna talks to Bane, handing him money while saying “Take zem to ze nearest town. And never bring zem back!  Outsiders not velcome in Transylmania! Eef you bring zem back, I take vings!”  Bane gulps and nods vigerously before frantically working the switches and levers to get the Faust out of here.  Even though I just woke up, being in Transylmania has been one crazy emotional ride and the tension being released has made us all tired so we fall asleep in a big pony pile with me pulling Applejack in close.