After a long journey Enchanted Brew stops in a small town to pay his aunt a visit, and indulges her and three small fillies with stories of his travels
( tags may be added or removed as the story progresses and story will be updated whenever possible)
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Enchanted Brew is currently walking through the EverFree forest being guided by three energetic fillies.
“So how is it you know Zecora again?” the squeaky voiced unicorn asked.
“She's my aunt”, Brew replied.
How can she be your aunt? I mean, you have wings and, well...she doesn't!” The small orange pegasus filly asked curiously
Brew chuckled at the inquisitive fillies. “Well, you see I get my pegasus appearance from my father. My mother was her little sister and that's how we are related.”
“I guess that makes sense”, The orange filly scoffed .
“Yeah, the cake twins are a pegasus and a unicorn and their parents are both earth ponies, so it makes perfect sense Scootaloo”, said the filly with the red bow spoke up smugly.
“So your Scootaloo then?” Brew asked.
“Yeah, so what?”said Scootaloo.
“Nothing really, I just realised we haven't introduced ourselves yet is all.”
“Oh! Oh! I'll go first!” the unicorn filly Squealed. “I'm Sweetie Belle!”
“And I’m Scootaloo!” she said with a buzz of her wings.
“ Howdy I'm Applebloom!” said the filly in the red bow.
“And we're The Cutie Mark Crusaders!!” they all shouted in unison at an impressive volume.
“Umm...The what?” Brew asked, confused.
“It's our club!” Sweetie started, “yeah, we go Crusadin, doing all sorts of things.” Applebloom continued, “Looking to earn our cutie marks!” Scootaloo finished.
I am Enchanted Brew and it's very nice to meet you." Brew replied after taking a moment to recover his hearing.”
“Hey, yer rhymin’! Ya weren't doin’ that before.” said applebloom.
“Oh, well you see, little one I've traveled far and wide and have been to many different places and learned their way of speech, so I occasionally stumble on my words and begin speaking in my native tongue.” he explained.
“So rhymes are like a different language?” asked sweetie belle.
“It's not quite that simple, you see-”
“LOOK!” Scootaloo shouted, interrupting Brew, “We're here!” she pointed to a rather large tree.
He took this moment to reflect on what he was seeing; various bottles hung from the tree, most likely filled with potions and tonics to keep the forest at bay, no doubt, a couple of masks were displayed at the front of the tree, bidding signs of welcome, and an all too familiar aroma perforated the air.
In short, it reminded him of home.
Taking a deep breath, he approached the welcoming home with the crusaders in tow. stopping Sweetie Belle admired the bottles hanging from the tree, “Pretty, The child spoke aloud with a soft giggle
“And effective,” Brew added, “she always liked to be prepared for the unexpected.”
“Like what?”, Scootaloo asked.
Walking to one of the hanging bottles, Brew took a whiff, “This one is to keep parasprites away.” He explained.
“Really? We could’ve used that a while ago.” Applebloom deadpanned.
Before he could ask what she meant they heard somepony say something, or more specifically somezebra.
“It would appear I have some guests, but one is not like the rest”, Zecora inquired walking out of the forest and towards them. When he turned to look at her stopping in place when she saw his face.
“Brew, is it really you?” she asked.
Laughing at her shock he replied, “Yes it is me who else would I be-AGH”, Brew Gasped interrupted by a bone crushing hug, “How much I missed you, you don't even have a clue.”
He smiled warmly returning the hug, “I missed you too
“AAWWW!” said Sweetie Belle.
“This surprise is enough to bring a tear to my eyes” said Zecora, breaking the hug.
“So how have you been, aunty?”, asked Brew.
“Fine in this town in which I've enjoyed my time.” replied Zecora.
“Augh, nothing!” interrupted Scootaloo.
“I thought for sure we'd get our cutie marks as tour guides” commented Sweetie Belle.
Tour guides? Ah thought we were tryin’ ta get our cutie marks in showin’ ponies how ta get ta where they’re trying ta go, commented Apple Bloom “Wait, isn't that the same thing?” asked Sweetie Belle.
Deciding to speak, Brew said. “These three fillies showed me the way when I got lost.”
Upon hearing Brew’s comment they gave a salute which in his opinion was adorable.
“Is that so? Come on, let's go” Zecora said to Brew walking to her door, turning to the crusaders saying, “Come along you three, I shall make us some tea.”
Upon entering her home Brew and the crusaders seated around her cauldron. While the fillies talked amongst themselves Brew examined his surroundings.
“It really does feel like home” Brew commented, thinking out loud, but enough for his aunt to hear him.
“Yes, when one is to roam it's nice to bring a piece of home.”
“It is” he replied, touching his new vest, thinking of the previous one he wore.
Taking notice his aunt said, “I'm surprised to see you wearing a vest that does not bear the family crest.”
Brew sighed sadly, “Yeah, mom's got ruined along the way” he replied sadly.
While passing out cups of tea she said, “On the past one should never dwell, it will make you unwell.” Zecora stated, “If you care perhaps you'd like to share?”
Brew looked to his aunt, “I don't know, it didn't exactly happen all at once, and it's kind of a long story too.”
“Hey, maybe we can learn how ta get our cutie marks!” interrupted Applebloom, catching the attention of both Brew and Zecora.
“Yeah, he did say he's traveled all over” Replied. Sweetie Belle.
“Oh this is going to be awesome!” Scootaloo giggled excitedly
“Wait, what?” brew asked confused. .
Giggling, Zecora replied, “Sorry, Brew but stopping them is something nopony can do. ” He looked back to the fillies who gazed over to him with large innocent eyes, “Please!!.”
Oh that's just not fair, Brew thought before sighing. “Are you sure? it really is a long story.”
Their reply was to simply stare and smile.
Sighing again he took a moment to think, “Well five years ago, about three weeks after I left home...”
“five years!!”, Sweetie Belle shouted.
“I did say it was a long story” Brew replied in hopes of avoiding a telling of such a long story. Unfortunately, it only seemed to strengthen their resolve.
Sighing once again he began, “It started a while after I had passed through a town where everypony had the same cutie mark... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The next town came into view as Brew continued to walk down the dirt road, he let out a sigh of relief. The sun will be setting soon and he would rather not sleep outdoors after what happened in the last town.
*Everypony seemed really friendly at first but they all kept staring and with the same creepy smile. They also seemed really intent on me meeting this Starlight Shimmer...or was it Starlight Glimmer?
He was pulled from his thoughts when he heard somepony.
“Dang nabbit!”, noticing a broken down cart Brew stopped.
“Hello? Is anypony there?......hel-”
“Agh! I heard ya!” a very disgruntled looking donkey said, walking out from behind the cart. “What do you want?” the donkey asked.
“Oh...ah, I saw the broken cart so I was checking to see if everypony was well...Are you hurt? You appear to be covered in dirt.” Brew replied nervously.
“I'm fine.” Was his only reply before going back to the other side of his cart.
Brew looked to the setting sun, then to the town in the distance and sighed. He walked to where the donkey disappeared to and asked, “Then perhaps some help then?”
“No, thank you.” he simply replied.
“Well, I can't just leave you out here.” Brew responded.
“Sure you can.” the grumpy donkey said, going back to trying to fix his broken cart.
Brew thought for a moment before he started pulling things from his vest. It was his mom's old vest. It had rather baggy pockets so normally it would hold a lot, but a pony enchanted it as a thank you for her help, increasing space inside each of the pockets as well as the duffel bag like sack attached to the back of the vest which bore a sigil of the family crest. To put it simply, the pockets are bigger on the inside in which proves quite useful. Pulling out what is needed, Brew begins to prepare some tea while the unnamed donkey continues to pull on something from under his cart. Finishing the tea, Brew calls out to him, ”Excuse me!” gaining his attention.
“What is it now?”
Handing him a cup of tea, not giving the confused donkey a chance to answer he introduced himself. “Hello, my name is Enchanted Brew.” He sipped his tea while waiting for him to do the same.
He didn't have to wait long.
“Uh, Doodle…”, he replied.
“Well it is nice to meet you”, Brew added “And what seems to be the problem with your cart?”
Sighing, Doodle replied, “Something is stuck to the bottom and I can’t seem to get it out.” Finally sipping his tea, “Ooh this is nice. What kind of tea is this?” doodle asked.
“Ashwaganda Tea; to help clear one's mind and aids ones exhaustion to calm one’s stress.” Brew replied while setting his tea down and making his way to said cart.
“Something stuck…” Brew replied while looking under Doodle’s cart.
“Yeah, and it won’t budge, no matter how hard I pull,” he said “Nearly twisted my ankle when it happened to.”
Looking back up to Doodle, Brew asked, “You’re hurt?”
“No no, I’m fine, just fell is all.” Doodle replied.
*glad to hear he isn't hurt.
Looking back down, Brew said, “Well that’s good to hear....Strange, the jam here looks like it’s coming out of the bottom of the cart. Like the top to of a guitar...Or maybe a loot?” Brew stated, looking back to him.
Taking a moment to process what Brew said, Doodle stood, dropping his tea, “WHAT!?”
Hopping in the back of his cart he began to dig through his items until, “AHA!” Doodle shouted, pulling at the loot, shaking his cart. Brew wasn't paying attention. Looking to the now broken tea cup. *That was mother’s favorite teacup.
“WHOA!”, shouted Doodle, gaining Brew’s attention and turning to see Doodle somehow manage to rock his cart so much it was falling over. Brew pushed against the cart, managing to keep it from falling over. Doodle fell from his cart at some point.
After catching his breath Brew looked to the downed donkey and asked, “Are you alright?”
“Yeah, I think so.” replied Doodle. After a moment he held up a banjo, “Looks like we got it.” doodle stated.
Giving the cart a push, it moved a few inches, “Indeed, it looks like that was the problem,” looking to the setting sun, “and not a moment too soon.”
Packing up their things (broken tea cup included), they made their way to the small town, arriving just after sunset.
“Well I gotta find a place to put my cart for the night.” said doodle.
“And I’m going to find a place to stay for a day or two. It was nice meeting you, Doodle.” Brew said before walking off.
“Wait!” shouted Doodle, causing Brew to jump with surprise. turning back to see Doodle digging through his stuff. After a moment he pulled out a little box and gave it to Brew. “A thank you and an apology gift for your teacup I broke.”
Taking the box from Doodle, Brew opened it to see a modest tea set inside. The entire set has blue lilies painted along them.
“You don't have to do this, I was just happy to help you.” Brew replied,
“Yeah, well I think I do. You were awfully kind to help me the way you did, even after how rude I was to you, especially after I broke your tea cup.”
Taking a moment to reply, Brew said, “Thank you, my friend. With this we should enjoy another blend!” in a happy rhyme.
“I would like that but it's getting late.” said Doodle.
“Oh! of course, another time then, Doodle.”
Smiling, the not so cranky donkey said, “Yeah, goodbye Brew,” and walked off with his cart behind him.
Finding himself alone, Brew put his newly acquired tea set away, walking off to find a place to stay.
After a few minutes of walking Brew noticed there were quite a few ponies out at this time and they were all looking at him.
*Oh, not again, he thought to himself. After a few minutes, *odd... every time he turned to look they would turn away, but he could see out the corners of his eyes that they were indeed looking. *Maybe it's because I'm a zebra. Most ponies aren't used to seeing us outside of our country. Then again, Doodle didn't seem to mind what I am...probably just being paranoid. That last town really freaked me out.
Continuing his walk, he eventually spotted a small inn, “The Hive Mind”, Brew read out loud.
The entire building looked brand new and upon entering the building he confirmed that everything looked just as new.
Looking to the pony working the desk Brew said, “Hello…”, he glanced at her name tag, “Dusk Peny. I would like a room.”
The mare replied, “And how many nights will you be staying?”
“Just two, long enough to resupply.”
With a slight smile, Dusk Peny said, “That will be 20 bits.”
Reaching into his vest Brew took out the said amount and paid her.
Taking the bits, Dusk Peny said, “Enjoy your stay”, while ruffling her wings.
Brew looked at the violet colored mare, not noticing them before from her poofy styled alabaster mane, Brew took notice to her leathery wings, “Oh, you’re a thestral”, Brew said aloud.
The mare turned to him defensively, “What did you call me?!”, the sudden volume caught Brew off guard,.
“Um, yes; thestral or bat-pony... don't you agree?”
Seconds passed but it felt like hours until she responded, “Oh! Yes, I, umm...Must have misheard you”, she said while blushing.
“Yes, it’s no problem. It happens to the best of us”, Brew stated, taking the key Dusk Peny gave him.
“Room 13”, Dusk said to Brew which he replied, “Thank you.”
Upon entering said room Brew looked around. There was one bed, a dresser, and a small bathroom. *All and all, a nice room. Thinking back to Dusk Peny, *Strange, usually that only goes that way if you call them bat-pony instead of thestral, hmm. Thinking to himself for a moment, *Aunty always taught me ‘better safe than sorry’. Digging into his vest, Brew pulled out a bowl, a bottle of clear orange liquid, and a large leaf. Placing the bowl on the dresser, brew poured some of the bottle into the bowl and dipped the leaf halfway into it. Then, with a match, he lit the stem. Brew took a deep breath as smoke filled the room. The potion is made to act as a barrier similar to that of a unicorn’s magic, everywhere the smoke touched is magically protected from those who would try to use magic against whoever is in the smoke, as well as preventing anyone from entering the room. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Yawning, Brew looked to the window, seeing the sun setting. Turning to his aunt and the three fillies, “It’s getting late, perhaps you three should be getting home.”
“Awww!’, Applebloom says “Do we have ta?”
Zecora replies, “Why with the gloom, Applebloom? You three are always welcome back to my tree.”
“Really? We can come back to finish the story?” Scootaloo asked, turning to Brew
Brewed sighed, “I don't mind, little ones, as long as aunty is fine with it I don’t mind you coming back to hear more.”
Then the crusaders got up to hug Enchanted Brew, “THANK YOU!” they said all together.
Then Zecora spoke up, “Come, I’ll take you all home so in the forest you will not roam.” She turned to Brew, “You can take the spare bed, when I return I’ll see you fed.”
Brew chuckled at this and said, “You know, aunty I’m not a kid anymore”, to which Zecora smiled and left with the crusaders.
Walking to the back of his aunt’s home he found the spare bed laying down. Brew said, “I don't know why they were so disappointed. I didn't even get to the interesting part yet.” Closing his eyes, having a final thought *I wonder how Gale is doing.
It was mid afternoon, Enchanted Brew and Zecora were enjoying some tea while meditating. Brew was in a cross legged meditation pose while Zecora was balanced upside down on a bamboo stick, enjoying the silence of each other's company until… BAM BAM BAM! Brew was brought out his meditation, looking to the door then back to his aunt, who was unfazed by the disturbance. Smiling, Brew rose up and answered the door.
Opening the door, Brew saw the three fillies from the other day.
“Hi, Brew, we came to hear more of your story!” said a smiling Sweetie Belle.
Stepping to the side, Brew welcomed them in. “Hello again, little ones.” to which he received no response. Looking to the crusaders, they were giving Zecora an odd look. “Oh yeah, aunty likes to push herself, testing her limits in such ways.” said Brew.
“What is she doing?” asked Scootaloo.
“We were meditating.” answered Brew.
“Why?” asked Applebloom.
“Through meditation much can be done,” Zecora responded swiftly, getting down from her perch and walking over, “Hello you three. would you like some tea?” Zecora asked.
“Yes, please.” replied Applebloom while they removed their saddlebags.
”We came as soon as school let out so we could hear the story and learn how to get our cutie marks!” said Scootaloo.
“Well, I don't think my story will help with that. Your cutie mark is when you find something special you love to do or something you will love to do someday and-” Brew stopped when he noticed they were talking to themselves, not listening to him. Sighing, he went to the kitchen while his aunt was preparing the tea, deciding to make some little triangle sandwiches for their guests.
Returning after everything was ready, the crusaders were doing what Brew guessed was their homework.
“We have snacks and tea for you three.” said Zecora while they passed them out.
“Thank you.” said Sweetie Belle.
“Thank ya kindly.” said Applebloom.
“Yeah, thanks!’ said Scootaloo.
Taking a seat next to them Zecora asked, “Now, Applebloom do you remember where he should resume?”
“Umm, you were making something before you went to bed.” replies Applebloom
“Oh, right! The protection shroud. Well after that I went to bed.” Brew said, resuming his story. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stirring from sleep, Brew stretched, popping his wing joints and began preparing for the day after he showered and brushed his teeth. He came back to the room and noticed the bowl from the previous night was empty *The amount I used shouldn't have run out in just one night...strange. Going to his vest, he stops when he notices a rather large tear in the seam that holds the sack to the vest.
“Now how did that happen?” he asked himself. He then begins to pull a few things out: His tea pot, teacups, brewing stand, and the boxed gift from Doodle. Now confident its weight won't tear it further, Brew puts it on, *Better make the first stop to pick up some needle and thread. With that thought he makes his way out of the inn, passing an empty lobby. *Now let’s find that needle and thread. After about an hour of looking, *Oh, come on it's not that big of a town. It shouldn't be that hard to find a clothing store.
“Better ask for directions.” Brew said aloud.
Looking, he noticed a crowd of ponies, approaching in hopes of getting directions. Brew noticed the crowd was circled around three ponies who were apparently duking it out. Two earth pony stallions, one with a turquoise coat and a spiky yellow mane, the other had a dark brown coat and a rather majestically long blond mane for a stallion, and the other was an earth pony mare with a red coat and a black curly mane. She was also sporting a black leather jacket. Looking to the crowd, *Why isn't anypony trying to help her, or stop the fight for that matter? Looking back to the fight and after a moment of watching, *This mare is handling herself pretty well, actually. They can't even touch her!
The mare danced around the two stallions, dodging every hit and swipe they made all while landing a few of her own. When the brown stallion swiped at her face she ducked and uppercutted him square in the chin, knocking him back several feet. Taking this opportunity, the turquoise stallion tried to tackle her. In an instant she reached behind her, grabbing hold of him and using his momentum against him to throw him through the crowd, whizzing right past Brew. Brew turned to look at the stallion crashed into a fruit stand. *Well...this is a thing. Looking back to the fight, the mare was easily outmaneuvering the now lone stallion. He charged at her and the mare took a stance similar to what a pegasus would just before takeoff. She leaped above the stallion, causing him to run under her and as he tried to turn to her as she landed she bucks him in the face. *And down he goes. Looking to the mare Brew notices something, *She's not as toned as most earth pony mares. In fact, she’s as slender as a pegasus.
“Urghh...” Brew turned his attention back to the turquoise stallion who was now getting up, then looked back to the the mare standing over the unconscious stallion, then back to the turquoise stallion who is now charging at the mare. Brew sighs as the stallion passes him, sticking his hoof out, causing the stallion to fall flat on his face. *This won’t end well. The turquoise stallion groans while rising then turns to Brew, causing him to freeze when he sees his face. The stallion’s eyes were now a solid blue, his growl turning to a hiss. BAM! The brown stallion is smacked into the turquoise one, leaving Brew with the view of the mare holding a piece of the brown one's tail. *Did she just beat him with the other one?
“Have you two had enough?” the mare asks. The turquoise stallion gets up, carrying his unconscious friend and runs off.
She turns to Brew, “You didn't have to do that, you know? I had it all under control.”
Brew doesn't respond to her, too lost in thought about what he saw. *Did I-
“HEY!” the mare yelled. Brew jumps in surprise, “Huh? what?”
“I said why did you interfere?”
“I was trying to help.” Brew replied.
“I didn’t need any help.” said the agitated mare.
“I agree, but I’m not one to ignore a bully.” he stated.
“Ugh, what’s with you? First you’re talking normal and then you rhyming like a foals story.”
“Mmm...Nervous habit.” he replies hesitantly.
The mare sighed at the nervous zebra, “Look, I’m sorry for yelling, it was just stupid jumping into my fight like that.”
Clearing his throat, “Yes, well it’s what I do,” reaching out a hoof, “My name is Enchanted Brew.”
She gives him an uncertain look for a moment but then replies while taking his hoof, “Gale. Gale Swift.”
“Well, Gale it's nice to meet you.”
She appears taken aback by his politeness and replies, “Uh, ya...You too.”
After a moment or two of awkward silence, Brew speaks up, “So, umm...Why were they attacking you?”
“Hmm? oh, I was cutting through an alley when they jumped me. It bled out into the street though, and you pretty much saw the rest.”
“I see.” he replied, remembering why he approached the crowd. Speaking up again, “You wouldn't happen to know where a tailor would be, do you?”
“A tailor?” gale replies.
“Yes, or anyplace that sells a needle or thread.” Brew added.
Taking a moment to look around, “Yeah, this way...I think.”
She mumbles at the end, not noticing Brew was following behind. After a few minutes of following, Brew takes notice of her cutie mark. It is a white lotus with gold trimming along the petals and a Mitsu Tomoe in the center. *A martial arts cutie mark. That would explain how she handles herself so well. Hmm, while not as much as an average earth mare she is definitely well toned. She could have done some serious damage to them if she wanted to. Looking up to see her looking back at him with a slight blush, “See something you like?”
Stumbling a bit, Brew mumbles, “What?.. I, but-”
“Yes, my butt, which you were staring at.” Gale said with a hint of amusement.
"I- I was not looking at your plot. Um, I mean y-your cutie ma-”
Snickering, Gale interrupts him, “Oh, well thank you. You’re easy on the eyes yourself.”
Brew panics, “What? I, um, wasn't...I mean it's nice-”
Gale couldn't take any more, “BWHAHAHAHA! Oh, stop. I can’t take anymore! Hahaha!” She continues laughing at the now silent Brew.
“Ok ok, I'm sorry, but that was amazing.” She says to Brew as he looks to his hooves, blushing. “Aahh, I needed that. Ok now lets find you that store.”
As she walks off with brew trailing behind, *Way to make a fool of yourself.
Now mid afternoon, Brew is pretty sure their lost.
“We’re not lost.” Gale stated.
“Are you sure? We have passed that stand twice already. Are you sure you know where you’re going?” Brew said. waiting a moment for her to respond to him.
“...So maybe I don't know where a tailor is.”
“Then why did you say you did?” Brew asked.
Taking a moment, Gale says, “Even though I didn't need your help, you were the only one who did anything. Everypony else just stood there and watched like morons, so I thought I’d try and return the favor.” Gale said sadly.
Thinking for a moment, Brew smiled and said, “Well, I really appreciate it, Gale but since neither of us know we’re gonna have to ask somepony for directions.” Sighing, Gale agrees. “And when we’re done maybe get some food at that diner we passed...Twice.” Brew added.
“Sounds like a plan, and since it's your idea your paying for our date.” Gale states, walking to a random pony.
“DATE?! I- But, wait!” Brew calls, following her.
Fifteen minutes later
“I Can't believe it was literally the second building we passed twice.” Brew states.
“Ugh, I know, ok, I know!” Gale says, looking to Brew while he slips the needles and thread into one of his vests front pockets.
“Whatever, where is this diner?" Gale asks.
“Ah, that I do know! It’s this way.”
Following along, Gale thinks of something, “Hey, neither of us could find that tailors. how do you know where this diner's at?”
Brew chuckled and said, “I asked while we were in the store.” he replies as they approach the diner.
Gale begins to say, “Hey listen, you don't really have to bu-”
She is interrupted when Brew stops and shouts, “Doodle! Hey, Doodle!”
Gale looks up to who Brew is shouting at to see a donkey making his way to them.
“Doodle? Who's doodle?” Gale asked.
“I met him outside of town yesterday, he was having cart trouble. Somehow his banjo got jammed into the wheel.” he explained, turning to face Doodle when he approached them
“Yes?” doodle asked.
“I didn’t think it be so soon, but it's nice to see you again.”
“Uhh ya.” An unsure Doodle replied.
“We were about to eat. Why don’t you join us?” Brew asked.
A displeased Gale says while approaching them wraps a hoof around Doodle's neck, “Yeah, join us. Brew's buying.”
“Oh, no thank-”
“Nonsense!” Gale interrupts Doodle while pulling him along.
Brew follows them into the diner, seating at a table by the window Brew says, “Order whatever you like.”
“Cool.” gale replies.
“S-sure.” a nervous Doodle said.
“So, Doodle what have you been doing? Ever find what you were looking for?”, Brew asked.
“Uhh, ya I did, but enough about me, how have you been doing?” Causing Gale to raise an eyebrow.
Laughing a little, “Fine, but not much has changed from yesterday.”
Doodle froze a bit from this, “Yes...Yesterday.” He says.
Gale is now giving Doodle a suspicious look.
“Did you find a place to stay and to store your things?”
“Oh, yes I found a nice place. An inn called The Hive Mind.”
“Oh, that's where I’m staying too.”
At this point he appears to be sweating bullet. “That must have taken you half the night to make it there since we split up after entering town.” Brew says.
Gale, choosing to speak, “Brew told me how he met you just outside of town. Your chariot had broken down and he helped you fix it.”
“O-oh! Yes, if he hadn't helped, my chariot would probably still be stuck there.” Doodle states nervously.
“And where did you say you left it?” Gale asks.
Brew looks to her, “Gale what are d-mmph!” Brew is interrupted by Gale’s hoof in his mouth.
“Uhh, a little after we split up I found a stall and parked it there.” A clearly uncomfortable Doodle says.
“Across town?” Gale deadpans.
“Gale, what are you doing?” Brew asks irritatedly.
Turning to Brew, Gale says, “Look, going across town to find an inn is unlikely, but when I called it a chariot he didn't correct me. It even surprised him when you said you two met yesterday. not to mention that he forgot your name in one day.”
Brew just stared at her thinking to himself for a moment. Turning back to a panicky Doodle, Brew sighed, “Doodle, I’m sorry for Gale's behavior. She's had a long day,” Seeming to relaxing a bit, Brew continues, “and I’d like to thank you again for the red rose tea set you gave me yesterday, it was a nice thank you gift.”
“Yeah, don't mention it.” A now calm Doodle replied.
Now Brew looked suspiciously at Doodle while saying, “The tea set Doodle gave me had blue lilies not red roses.”
At this Doodle completely freezes up while Gale leans in and shouts, “ARE YOU A SPY?”
With that, Doodle flips the table on top of Gale and bolts out of the diner. Brew gives chase, following Doodle down an alleyway. “Doodle?..whats going on.”
Brew sees Doodle standing near a dead end, approaches him and asks, “You’re not the real Doodle are you?”
A hiss was the only response, followed by Doodle being engulfed in green flames, revealing his true form. A rather small filly changeling shaking in fear. *This young filly couldn't be older than 8.
“Don't be afraid, young one. I won't-”
THWAK!
Brew falls to the ground, unconscious from an unknown assailant. The last thing Brew saw was a turquoise hoof. darkness. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- knock knock knock Pulling brew from his story, he gets up to answer the door. “Hello?”
"Oh, howdy! Is Applebloom, Sweetie Belle, and Scootaloo here?” A stetson wearing earth pony asks
Brew steps aside, allowing the stetson pony in. Applebloom gallops to the stetson mare, “Hiya sis! Watcha doin’ here?”
The stetson pony said, “Ah’m here to take you fillies to the farm for your sleepover.”
“Oh ya, that’s tonight!” commented Sweetie Belle.
“Hey, can we stay longer, sis? Please?” asked Applebloom.
“Sorry, lil’ sis. Granny's got dinner all ready.”
“Aww!” is the three fillies response.
“Do not worry, you will see, he will continue his story.” zecora says, looking to Brew.
The fillies smile expectantly, causing him to return the smile. “Aunty means a different time.” Earning another ‘aww’ from them.
“Aunty? I didn't know Zecora has a nephew."
Turning to the stetson pony, he introduces himself, “Hello, I am Enchanted Brew, and it’s a pleasure to meet Applebloom’s sister.”
“Well shoot, I’m Applejack, and it's nice to meet you too,” Applejack replies, extending a hoof to which Brew shook. “but now ah need to get you three back, so say bye now."
”Bye, Zecroa and Brew! Thanks for the snacks! Sweetie Belle says.
“Yeah, it was a lot of fun. Bye and thanks!” says Scootaloo.
Applebloom gives Zecora and then Brew a hug, “Thanks, and uh, is it ok if we come back to hear the rest?” She asks.
Returning the hug, Brew replies, “Anytime, little one.”
Walking out, Applejack says, “Alright you three, lets go.”
With that Brew turned to his aunt, who was eyeing him expectantly, in which Brew replies, “Sorry, aunty but you’ll have to wait for their next visit if you want to hear more.”
Looking out the window she replies, “Fine, Brew, you are one strange equine.”
Brew laughed at her comment, “That wouldn’t be the first time I’ve been called that” Brew said, then after a moment “say, shall we continue our meditation before dinner?”
Zecora simply smiled, fetching the same stick from this morning, simply saying, “Lets.”
Late in the afternoon, Enchanted Brew is currently walking with the Cutie Mark Crusaders through Sweet Apple Acres.
“So this is where you live then, Applebloom?” Asked Brew.
“Yup, our apple orchard supplies ponies all over Equestria.”
“All over, huh?” commented Brew.
“You bet! We even deliver to Canterlot Castle” Applejack says, standing next to an apple tree. She turns to Brew, “Howdy there, Brew. What brings you to Sweet Apple Acres?”
Before he could reply Applebloom says, “I invited him so he could tell us more of his story.”
Sweetie Belle comments, “Yeah, and it's the weekend so we thought that we could get him to finish his story.”
Looking to them, Brew replies with a knowing smile, “I thought you invited me for a tour of the orchard?”
“Uhh, well we…” applebloom looks to the other crusaders before continuing, “We were thinking you could tell us more of your story, uhh while we gave ya a tour! Yeah, that's it.”
Taking a moment in mock thought, Brew replies, “Well, I’m already here"
“Alright then, I’ll leave you to it then, lil sis.” Applejack begins her walk back to the Apple family’s home, “If you’re still here in a lil’ you’re welcome to join use for dinner!” she calls over her shoulder.
“Thank you, but-” before brew could respond to her, Applebloom giggled saying, “Mah sis is one of the most hospitable ponies around. She’ll have a place set for you whether you say yes or no.
“It's fine, Granny Smith is an awesome cook.” commented Scootaloo.
“Sounds like I don't have a choice.”
“You don't.” smiled Applebloom.
Laughing a bit at the bluntness of the filly, “Where was I?”
“Ooh, ohh!” responds Sweetie Belle, “You were chasing Doodle Donkey!”
“No he wasn't, he was chasing a Changeling!” Scootaloo corrected her.
“Same thing.” Countered Sweetie Belle
“Is not!”
“Is too!”
“Is no-”
“OH yes! Now I remember.” Brew said, gaining there attention, “Well what happened next was…” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- A barely conscious Enchanted Brew is being dragged through cave system by Changelings to a prison cell. Upon reaching the cell...
“Stand back!” one Changeling yelled. After a moment the two occupants moved back. The changeling opened the cell and threw Brew in, closing it behind him and leaves.
Brew laid there, trying to stay conscious. Most of his feeling is gone and his head is spinning, his body is aching all over.
“Aaoooh...” He groaned in pain.
“Wait...Brew!” Gale shouted, running from the far end of the cell. What she saw scared her. Brew’s body was covered in cuts, bruises, and dry blood. “Colgate!” Gale shouted.
“Is he one of them?” A voice from the other side of the cell.
“No, he's a friend and he's hurt.”
A light blue unicorn with a dark blue and white mane and an hourglass cutie mark walked forward. “You have friends?” Colgate said while she approached them.
“Shut up, he's hurt.” Gale said.
Colgate replied, “Then let me look at him.” Her horn lit up, a blue light traced its way across Brew’s body. “He has severe lacerations, but they probably don't need stitches.” she explained, “A small concussion, bruises all over, and he has needle track marks, which would explain his low blood pressure.”
“What can we do?” Gale asks.
“Me, nothing much with this faulty horn suppressor, We’re lucky I can at least scan him” Replied colgate.
“Ugh, what kind of doctor are you?” Gale asked rhetorically.
“Well, technically I'm a dentist, but I can work in a hospital and practice healing magic. I just prefer dentistry.”
“A DENTIST?! Great.” Gale replied frustratedly.
“Dentistry is my job but i'm also a licensed practitioner. Come on, if you want to help him come here and hold his head up.”
“Yeah, ok.” Gale did as she was told.
“This is strange,” Colgate said, running a hoof across his slightly tattered vest, “They stripped everypony they brought down here and yet they left him his vest.” her horn lit up again, scanning his vest.
What's it mean?' asked Gale.
“His vest has a powerful enchantment on it. Nopony but the one wearing it can safely remove it.” Colgate replied.
“Safely?” Gale asked.
Pointing a hoof to his vest. “Yes, these holes, cuts, and tearing are probably their attempts, but to do this to him." She explained. "For the most part they just harvest our love, so why treat him like this?”
Gale is about to reply, but is interrupted by a groan.
“Uuuhh, what..Where am I?” Brew groaned, regaining consciousness.
“Easy now, Brew just stay still.” Gale tries to calm her friend, Brew complied and laid back down.
Colgate speaks, "Hello, uh, Brew. My name is Colgate, how are you feeling?”
“I feel banged up.”
“He’s usually more in depth with his explanations.” Gale comments.
“It’s probably the concussion, don’t let him fall back asleep for now"
“Right.” shaking brew a bit, Gale says, “Hey, stay awake. Look at me, ok. No sleeping, you got that?”
Brew reopened his eyes and looked to Gale to study her current state. Gale is missing her jacket and her left eye is swollen shut. There were bruises showing through her coat as well as spots of her coat appeared to have been pulled out.
“What...happened to you...Gale?” Brew forced his words.
Gale smiles and says, “You should see the other guys after you chased that impostor out of the diner. You were jumped by those two goons from earlier and I ran in to help but there were even more hiding, so it took eight of them to take me down. None of them left there without a limp.” Gale states proudly.
“I’m sorry.” Brew replied.
“Sorry? For what?”
“If I hadn’t chased after him…”
“Now stop that” Gale interrupts him “There was nothing you could have done. Besides, this is why I’m here in the first place” Gale says.
“Now what does that mean?” Colgate asks.
Well, I'm a member of a secret task force that answers only to the princess herself, Celestia’s Solar Rangers. I’m here to investigate the strange happenings of this town.”
After a moment, Colgate asks, “What kind of strange happenings?”
“The specifics are classified but after what we've seen it all makes sense now.”
“So, what now?” Colgate asks.
“We wait, I'm supposed report in every other day, so once I miss that a large squad of the rangers will show up...probably.”
While they were talking, Brew was rummaging through his vest until he finds the vile he's looking for, but after he pulls it out Gale snatches it from him.
“Hey!” he tries to shout.
“What’s this?” Gale asks as she reads the label on the bottle. “Wait, this is painkiller?” Brew, how?--”
“Potions are my talent and a traveler is always prepared." he explains.
After a moment, Gale gives Brew some of the potion and then gives it to Colgate. As the potion works Brew begins to slip into sleep as Gale starts going through his pockets.
An undetermined amount of time later.
Brew stirred from his sleep and jumped to his hooves in a slight panic.
“Woah, woah, easy there, Brew” Gale said.
Turning to her, Brew recalled the previous events, calming a bit, “What happened?” he asked.
Gale gave you one of your potions, “You had quite a few of them.” Colgate says, pointing,
“Had?” Brew asked, turning to see that she was pointing at several empty bottles. “You shouldn’t have done that! Without knowing what they did there's no tell-”
“Hey, I read them so calm down, jeez! You were hurt, ok?” Gale retorted defensively.
“So were you” Colgate added.
“You read them? Gale, you can read zebra?” Brew asked.
“Yes, I can. In my line of work it pays to have more than your good looks and fighting skills. It's a good thing too, you were really banged up.” Gale stated.
Colgate used her magic to scan Brew.
Brew looked between the two and sighed, “I’m sorry, and thank you” he said, “I was that messed up, huh?”
“Yes you were” Colgate states as she finishes scanning Brew, “It's strange though, in all this time I haven’t seen them treat anypony like this before. What did you do?”
Taking a moment, Brew said, “I told them the truth.” Brew said, and after seeing the looks he was getting he continued, “A Changeling cannot take love and such from another Changeling unless it is given willingly.”
“So why did they beat you like this then? I still don’t get it.” Gale says. after taking a moment to think how to word his response Brew said, “They couldn't take any love from me. They demanded why, they didn’t like the answer.”
Colgate seemed to catch on and backed away from Brew a bit while saying, “S-so your-”
“One fourth Changeling” Brew interrupts.
After a few moments of silence Colgate says, “So you’re one of them?”
“NO, OF COURSE NOT!” Gale shouts, “They wouldn't have beat him if he was.”
“I guess so, but how?” Colgate asks.
Sighing, Brew replies, “Well, allow me to start with the changelings of Zebraca. They’re far more friendly than these ones. They have a bit of an anger problem, but other than that, they’re are quite pleasant.” Brew paused before continuing, “My father is half pegasus, half changeling.
“And your mom?” Colgate asks,
“Mother...mother was a zebra. I got my appearance from her and my wings from father.” Brew replied solemnly.
Gale took notice, changing the subject, “Well, there’s nothing to worry about. The rest of the Solar Rangers will be here in a day or two.
“That's not good” Brew said
“What? How is being rescued not a good thing?” Colgate asks.
“While I was being...interrogated I overheard that they were going to move everypony somewhere else” Brew explained.
“WHAT?! shit, this is not good. Brew, are you sure?” Gale asks.
That’s what I heard them saying” Brew replied.
Gale began pacing back and forth, “Ok, we need to get out and send word to the rangers.”
“How? You tried that when they first threw you in here” Colgate states.
“Yes, but now we have Brew” Gale countered.
“Me?” Brew replies.
“Yes, you. You gotta have something in these potions that could get us out of here, like acid or something, to eat through the bars” Gale says.
“These are magic bars, they are protected by a powerful spell and can only be unlocked by magic” Colgate explains.
“I have to agree with Colgate on this, Gale. I mean, if I had all my things I could make one that could eat through the bars, and I don’t carry such a dangerous thing on me” Brew states.
“Well, what about her horn suppressor then?” Gale asks.
Brew thought on the idea, “Yes, it would be easy with what I have, but it could also dissolve her horn”
“WHAT?!”, Colgate yells, backing away, “No way!”
“Ugh, then what? We have to do something!” Gale says, beginning to pace around the cell again,
Brew took a moment, looking to Colgate, who is fiddling with her horn suppressor, then to Gale as she paced back and forth. He began taking inventory of what their captors left him with: Some smoke bombs, a few explosives, sleep dust, solvent most of his medicinals had been used on him and Gale and lastly, he sighed at his discovery, “A needle and thread” Brew said aloud, catching Gale’s attention. She looked to what Brew was holding.
“THAT'S IT!” Gale shouted excitedly, causing them to jump a bit.
“What’s it?”, Colgate asked.
Gale, walking to Colgate says, “Brew, give me that, would you?”
After receiving the needle, she began to fiddle with Colgate’s horn suppressor.
Nervously, Colgate asks, “W-What are you-”
“Hold still, would you? I don’t want to arm it and snap you horn off” Gale interrupts.
“Eeep…” was Colgate's reply.
after a few moments of silence, *CLICK*, “And that, everypony is how it’s done!” Gale said, holding up the horn suppressor.
“Very impressive, Brew comments.
Colgate rubbed her horn and smiled, “Ok, what’s the plan?”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The sound of bell rang through the orchard. “Super time!” the distant voice of Applejack calls.
Turning to the Crusaders, Brew says, “Well, I guess that’s it for now” earning an, “Aww” from the three of them.
Now making their way to the farm house, noticing the silence Brew speaks up, “Don’t worry, little ones you’ll hear more another time.”
“Ah guess” Applebloom replied, “Oh well, can you tell us more about the Solar Rangers? they sound awesome!”
“Yes, we had quite a few adventures” Brew commented.
“Wait, you’re a Solar Ranger too?” Sweetie Belle asks.
“I used to be, but that’s a different story entirely”
“Howdy there, Brew” interrupts Applejack, “Since you're still here would you like to join us for dinner?”
“I would not want to impose” Brew replies.
“Nonsense, we’d love to have ya.” says Applejack, guiding Brew into the farmhouse.
A giggling Applebloom says, “Told ya so”
Ignoring Applebloom, Brew asks, “You sure it’s no trouble?”
“None what-so-ever. just have yourself a seat” Applejack replies, showing Brew to the kitchen.
Upon entering the room, Brew takes notice to the all too familiar pony. “Macintosh?” Brew asks.
“Enchanted Brew” Big Mac replies.
“Hey, I didn’t know you knew my brother” Applebloom says.
Thinking back to the oath Brew and Macintosh took to take a certain incident to their graves, Brew says, “We've met before”
“Eeyup” Big Mac adds.
Applejack eyed them suspiciously.
“Oh leave them be, Applejack” an elderly mare says walking into the kitchen. She turned to Brew, “And who might you be, young’n?”
“Hello ma’am, my name is Enchanted Brew.”
“Nope, I wont be hearing any of this ma’am stuff. Just call me Granny Smith, young’n” said Granny Smith.
“Well...Granny Smith, it's nice to meet you”
“Likewise” she replied, "So what have you been doing to keep them crusaders busy? They’re usually wilder than a timber wolf.”
“He's been telling us a story that’s suppose to help us get our cutie marks!” says Applebloom.
“I don’t mind telling you my story, little one but I never said my story would help you get your cutie marks”
“Thats ok, this story is awesome” said Scootaloo, “I mean, you fought Changelings!”
“Well, I haven’t gotten to that part yet” Brew replied.
“So you do? this is gonna be so awesome!” Scootaloo continued.
“Umm…”Sweetie Bell speaks up, “So you’re really part Changeling too?” this got Brew looks from Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith.
“Well yes, like I said in my story I’m one fourth Changeling, Sweetie Belle”
An awkward silence filled the air, as confused and uneasy glances were shared among the Apple family. Brew cleared his throat before continuing, “This reaction is common. Perhaps an explanation?” Brew said, looking to Macintosh, he replies nervously, “E-eeyup.”
So Brew began telling the Apples a bit about his family and before long they were enjoying dinner.
