My first two actual days that I spent awake on Sweet Apple Acres (Applejack proudly told me where we were) were enjoyable. The first one was spent just lazing around, eating the food that Granny Smith brought to me to bring back my strength. And I’m not going to lie, my eyes released liquid pride when I took my first bite of a Sweet Apple Acres apple. The next day, I felt good enough to finally pull my own weight, in the form of helping during what they call ‘Applebuck Season’.

“But ya’ll don’t need to do anything!” Applejack protested, frowning up at me.

“I’m not gonna be a lazy arse during my stay. I’m helping, and that’s bloody final.” I deadpanned, frowning right back. We had a staring contest for a while, before Applejack finally sighed and nodded in defeat.

“Fine…. Ah guess ya’ll can help… Could really use the extra hooves.” She muttered.

“Don’t have hooves, they’re called hands.” I replied, before picking up a bushel of apples and walking back to the barn with her. It was heavy, but I didn’t bitch and followed her, glad to finally be able to get exercise again. Placing the wooden bucket down, I stretched my back and followed Applejack back to another tree.

“Ya’ll want to try?” She asked, looking at me.

“Eh, why not?” I shrugged, before kicking the tree higher than Applejack did, getting pretty much none of the apples down.

“Huh. Ya’ll don’t have leg muscles like Ah do, do ya?” Applejack asked, looking at me.

“Nope, ponies have a lot of differences when compared to humans. You so more than my world’s ponies.” I replied, standing up and picking up a bucket. We repeated the process of bucking the apples, storing them, and repeating all day, stopping only for a lunch break at noon. Needless to say, I was bloody tired at the end of it.

“Here’s the pay ya’ll get for today.” Applejack said, shoving a pouch into my hands.

“I can’t accept all of this, you’re halfway paying me by letting me stay here.” I protested, only pocketing half of the ‘bits’ that she forced upon me. Applejack protested, needless to say.

“Honestly, Applejack. It’s not like I’m gonna go into town and buy stuff, anyway! For one, the ponies in town might be very afraid of me, and I have all that I need right here at Sweet Apple Acres. Food, shelter, and company.” I replied, as Applebloom came up and discreetly took it for me, while I acted like I gave up and pocketed it. Applejack grinned in triumph and trotted off, and when she was out of earshot, I kneeled down and rubbed Applebloom’s head.

“Ya’ll sure ya don’t want the bits?” She asked, looking up at me in confusion.

“Like I told your sister. I don’t need a full day’s pay because I consider the hospitality you all are giving me more than enough. I’m just taking the money to keep her from tying me up and forcing it upon me.” I replied, running my fingers through her mane gently. “Now, go along and put that bag up wherever ya’ll keep your money, just watch out for AJ.” I added, grinning mischievously.

“Okay!” Applebloom said, sneakily bounding away to go put the money back. I smiled and got up, before smelling myself and recoiling.

‘Note to self; go get a bloody shower before dinner…’ I thought, frowning. As I went inside, Applejack came back up to me with a confused look.

“Hey, Mark. Ya mind tellin’ me what ya’ll meant earlier by ‘more so than yer world’s ponies’?” She asked. I sighed and nodded.

“Over dinner. I would rather have to explain only once than more than once. Alright?” I said.

“Alright. Ah’ll hold ya’ll to that promise.” She replied.

[Dinner]

“So, care to tell us about yer world’s ponies?” Applejack suddenly said, Granny Smith, Big Macintosh, and Applebloom looking at me in interest. I dreaded to see their reactions, but I promised and I keep them when I can.

“Alright. You know how you all act, right?” I started, getting nods from all around. “Well, my world doesn’t have ponies like you. In fact, the only beings that act like you all is my race. We’re the only beings that can fully think for themselves, and that means that the ponies where we come from are wild or domesticated animals. Most of them are just pets.” I explained, getting shocked reactions.

“But… How’s that possible?! We ponies are really smart!” Applebloom said, frowning.

“Here, yes. Where I’m from, which we humans have called ‘Earth’, ponies are like cats or something. Some of us may call them stupid, but in my opinion, no animal is stupid, no matter how it behaves.” I continued. “Some humans treat animals like shit, but as you can tell, I’m not even close to being one of said humans. Most humans treat animals decently, though.”

“Well… Ah figure yer alright, Ah guess…” Applejack finally said, causing me to look relieved.

“Yea, sometimes I value different species more than other humans.” I replied, causing AJ to blush and look away. I smirked and picked up an apple, taking a bite out of it. “Now since we got that out of the way…” I started.

“Let’s eat!” Applebloom finished, before chomping down on an apple, grinning as she let out a large burp.

[later]

“Hate to tell you this, but Celestia now knows about you.” TImeithian said, scaring the hell out of me.

‘Now you’re in my bloody dreams?!’ I thought, annoyed at him.

“Nah, you’re just unconscious right now. Asked Luna to do it. You owe me something now, since I owe her.” He said.

‘Why the bloody hell do I owe you something? Shouldn’t I owe this Luna?’ I asked.

“Because Luna won’t easily stand up to Celestia. Really, the only chance you have against her is to wait until she has to be reborn, which is in ten days. If she comes to Sweet Apple Acres before then, run. Run, and don’t get caught by the Day Guard. You’ll be able to recognize them, due to the fact that all of them are white stallions with golden armor. The ones with almost purple armor, grey coats, and can make you shit yourself are the Night Guard, Luna’s Royal Guard division. Night Guards are neutral towards you, and will pretend as if they didn’t see you. Mine are known as Death Guards, and are actually very nice, even though they’re named after my profession. They’re red stallions and mares, and wear white armor. If one finds you, I have personally ordered them to keep you hidden as best as possible without actually helping you directly.” He explained.

‘So, in summary; watch out for white stallions with golden armor, don’t shit self in front of grey stallions with purple armor, and red ponies with white armor are alright to approach.’ I said, hoping to confirm this.

“Yes. Although, it would be wise to at least try and keep away from the Night Guard, Celestia will more than likely make Luna tell them to hunt you down too. She knows I will openly refuse to, since I’m strictly neutral in all ‘Royal’ conflicts. And you count as a royal conflict.”

‘Well… Shit.’ I muttered.

“Could be worse. She could take the time to personally hunt you down if you escape, but she knows I won’t do Royal work and Luna can’t do everything.” He offered, making me frown.

‘How could I get away from her, anyway?’ I asked.

“You know Twilight, right?” He asked.

‘Yea, I know her. Spent the end of my first shower being interrogated by her about humans.’

“Well, Twilight is Celestia’s protégée. You’ll think of something, considering that Celestia won’t let anything happen to her, and I’ll leave you to think up the rest. Have a good dream, you’ll probably need it.” He explained, before I felt myself slip off into an actual slumber.

Progress!