The birds woke to find Jaze already up and about. As was his practice, he woke up before the sun had risen to perform his morning training, then he showered and made himself breakfast using the food from his Mule. He had just finished pulling on a fresh set of fatigues when heard a thud from in front of his house and a knock came at the door. Jaze opened it to reveal a clay-red earth stallion with a gray-white mane standing on the threshold.

“Hello, I assume you are Mister Armand?” the dignified pony asked.

“Yes,” Jaze looked beyond him to see a royal carriage pulled by pegasi, “I am.”

“A message for you from the Princesses,” He handed Jaze a small satchel with a scroll tied to it, “good day, sir.”

“Thank you and good day as well.” Jaze responded as the pony left in his carriage.

Jaze set the satchel down on the table in the living room and opened the scroll

Dear Jaze,

We realize that it may be hard for you to find work so Luna suggested that we supply you with a monthly stipend. It is not much but you have no real expenses beyond anything want to buy in town. All we ask is that you help where you are able. I feel that working will help the ponies learn trust you, and will keep you from getting bored. And remember, try to be happy.

Your friends,

Celestia and Luna

Jaze opened the satchel to reveal a large number of bits, the currency of Equestria. He smiled, well that takes care of that, he though with pleasant surprise, those two think of everything, don’t they? He took the satchel back to his room where he tossed it on the bed. He decided to go see Applejack about working on her farm; he was told to help, and he thought that the physically taxing job of working the earth would be the best use of his new-found strength. He looked to Sairugi, leaning against the nightstand where it would have been easily reachable, and decided to leave it behind. He was safe in Equestria, if nowhere else in the universe. Going around armed would only cause unease on this peaceful planet.

Jaze left his house for Sweet Apple Acres just as the sun crested the horizon. It only took him a few minutes to follow the path he and Twilight had taken the day before. When he arrived he could see Applejack already hard at work kicking apples from trees.

Jaze offered a friendly wave, “Good morning, Applejack.”

She looked up and waved back, “Howdy Jaze. Yer up early.”

“I could say the same of you.” Jaze said amusedly as he reached her, “Do you need any help around here?”

“Uh, help would be nice but,” she looked at the ground, “Ah don’t think Ah can afford ta pay ya though.”

“Not a problem,” Jaze smiled as Applejack looked up at him, “Celestia has seen fit to pay me to help around Ponyville as much as I can. So you don’t have to pay anything.”

“Well, that’s right kind a’ ya. In that case Big Macintosh could use yer help over in the fields.”

“Big Macintosh? Who’s that?”

“He’s ma older brother.” She picked up a basketful of apples, “C’mon, Ah’ll introduce ya.”

She took him back to the barn and dropped her load of apples off in the bin from yesterday. She then guided him behind the house to a several large plots of land set off by a fence, about half of which were still unplanted while the rest had various crops growing. Jaze could see everything from flowers to bean stalks in their early development stages. Working in the fields, pulling a plow, was a taller red earth stallion. Jaze assumed this was Big Macintosh and was not disappointed.

“Hey, Big Macintosh! C’mere!”

Big Macintosh shook the plow’s lines off and made his way over to Jaze and Applejack. As he got closer, Jaze could see the strength and gentleness contained in this pony, and he was impressed by how he seemed completely in control. Big Macintosh stopped at the fence and looked directly into Jaze’s eyes. He had a piece of hay in his mouth that he was chewing on, he truly looked like a good ole’ farm boy from the American South

“So, yer this Jaze that Applejack and Applebloom were talking about.” He shared Applejack’s accent and Jaze could tell right away that he was a calm and laid-back type.

‘Indeed I am.” Jaze offered his hand, which Big Macintosh promptly set his hoof into for a passable shake, “Applejack tells me you could use some help?”

“Eeyup,” he replied, “but we can’t…”

“Don’t worry about payment. That’s already taken care of.”

“Really?” Jaze nodded, “Well then Ah’m much obliged.”

‘Ah’ll leave you two ta git ta work.” Applejack said as she went back to the apple trees.

“So, what do you need from me?” Jaze asked Big Macintosh.

“Ya ever worked on a farm?” Big Macintosh

“Not really.”

“Well, Ah’ll teach ya.”

Jaze helped Big Macintosh finish plowing the fields to start with. Big Macintosh was impressed by Jaze’s strength and how well he followed instructions. Jaze found the work to be oddly satisfying and thought it was odd that he enjoyed it so much. After they had all the fields plowed, Jaze and Big Macintosh sowed the seeds of the next harvest.

“About how long will these plants take to grow?” Jaze asked Big Macintosh

“’Bout three months, they’ll be ready fer harvest.” He said casually.

“Only three months?”

“Yeah, why?” Big Macintosh looked confused

“It’s just that crops take much longer to grow where I’m from. Sometimes, it can take up to a year for a harvest.”

‘That’s quite a long time. How do you feed all your people?”

“Very carefully, and we have to farm larger areas.” Jaze couldn’t tell him that many humans on the backwater planets were starving. With Equestria serving as a bread basket, Jaze contemplated, humanity could be free of hunger. No, too many people would abuse this pristine land. With that realization, Jaze wished that humans could learn to respect their homes and each other like these ponies seemed to. From what he had seen, there was no real war or cause for weapons or soldiers like himself.

In short order, Jaze and Big Macintosh had all the fields planted. Jaze stretched his pleasantly sore muscles as they admired their handiwork.

“Well, that was fun.” Jaze said with a satisfied smile.

“It sure was a lot faster havin’ two ponies workin’.” Big Macintosh flinched, “Ah mean, uh…”

“It’s okay, I understand.”

Big Macintosh checked the position of the sun, “It’s still kinda early, Applejack might not be done harvesting today’s apples. Think yer up for a little more work?”

Jaze gave a two-fingered salute, “You bet.”

The pair walked into the orchard and found Applejack hard at work collecting and storing apples. The two pitched in, with Big Macintosh and Applejack kicking the trees to make the apples fall while Jaze collected the apples that missed the baskets and occasionally climbing a tree to retrieve a few stubborn apples. When all their baskets were full, all three helped carry them back to the barn. It did not take long to finish cleaning the orchard of its treasures.

“Land sakes, we’re already done!” Applejack exclaimed as the last of the baskets was dumped into a bin. It was barely noon.

“Eeyup,” Big Macintosh agreed and looked to Jaze, “Ya sure did make everything go faster.”

“Yeah, usually it takes most of the day to plant and harvest.” Applejack gave Jaze a playful punch on the arm, “Thanks a might, Jaze.”

“Hey, no problem, I enjoyed getting to work with you two, and I think I like farming.”

“Well good. Than can we expect yer help more often?” Applejack asked hopefully.

“Count on it.” Jaze said with a smile. “Perhaps I should go see Fluttershy now. She said something about working with animals last night.”

“If ya want to, go right ahead.” Applejack smiled at big Macintosh as Jaze left, “So whatcha gonna do now that you have a whole day ahead of you?”

Jaze did not catch Big Macintosh’s answer as he was already on his way to Fluttershy’s house. On the way he looked up to see Rainbow Dash flying high, doing loops and turns, flips and barrel rolls. Standing on the ground, Jaze found that he was slightly jealous. I’m going to miss flying, he thought sadly. The thought struck him that his fighter was still somewhere in the forest, and he hoped that it was far enough in that nopony would find it.

While Jaze was absorbed with his morose thoughts, Rainbow Dash had spotted him standing on the road, watching her. Never one to turn down an audience, she began doing more and more complicated tricks, getting closer and closer, until she eventually buzzed past just a few inches over Jaze’s head. Jaze did not flinch, or react at all, except to turn and continue watching her with a small smile on his face.

“Ah, that was no fun!” Dash complained, “I thought you would freak out again.”

Jaze fixed her with a good-humored gaze, “Sorry, but I was ready for you this time. If you want, we can try it again. I promise to freak out a little bit.”

“Ah, it wouldn’t be the same.” She looked at his dirty clothes and hands, and sweaty brow, “What have you been up to already.”

“Just helping Applejack on her farm, I was actually heading over to see Fluttershy.”

“That’s cool, mind if I tag along?” she asked as she landed in front of him.

“No, but why do you want to?”

“Oh, no reason,” She gave him a mischievous, “why, do you need a reason to hang with the coolest pony Ponyville?”

Jaze gave a small laugh, “I guess not, but why does the ‘coolest pony in Ponyville’ want to hang with the new guy in town.”

“Well,” she looked confused by his question, “you’re different. That makes you interesting, which makes you cool.” A large smile broke out across her face, “Besides, anypony that can live in the Everfree Forest for almost half a year is awesome in my book.”

Jaze gave a slight bow, “Why thank you, Dash. You are pretty awesome yourself.” Jaze continued his walk.

She wore a smug grin as she fell into step next to him, “Don’t I know it?”

The pair continued down the path to Fluttershy’s cottage. On the way, Jaze asked why Rainbow Dash had been flying earlier. She told him that she was practicing for the Wonderbolts auditions that were going to be held in Canterlot next year.

“Who are the Wonderbolts?” Jaze asked with curiosity.

“Who are the Wonderbolts?” She looked shocked, “Were you born under a rock?” Jaze gave her raised eyebrow look until she remembered, “Oh right, you’re not from around here.”

“So who are they?”

“Only the greatest fliers in all of Equestria! It has been my dream to fly with them since I first saw them in Canterlot…” for the rest of the walk Rainbow Dash described, in great detail, The Wonderbolts; their accomplishments, the number of members, and even her plans for after she was a Wonderbolt. Seeing her high spirits, and high hopes, Jaze was forced to smile once again. He believed that living in this place, with such good people, or ponies as the case may be, was going to be paradise. He was still going to miss his friends and worry for their safety, but he hoped that here he could heal the wounds on his heart. He absently brushed his scar and forced aside the memory of what caused it. One day I can deal with that, Jaze thought, long suppressed grief showing on his face, but not now, not today.

Dash noticed the sorrow in his eyes, “Uh, Jaze, you okay?”

“Yeah,” Jaze let his hand fall to his side and plastered a smile on his face, “I’m fine.”

“I don’t buy it.” She stepped in front of him, stopping him in his tracks, “Are you still worried about your friends?”

“A little, yes.”

“Don’t worry,” she gave Jaze a brave smile, “Pinkie said they were okay, so I believe her.”

“How can you?”

“She maybe a little odd, but she’s never been wrong before. There’s no reason to doubt her now.”

“I have trouble believing in this ‘Pinkie Sense’, it just seems so impossible.”

“Hey, it works. Like Twilight said, just go with it.” Jaze merely, “Say it with me ‘my friends are fine’. Go on, say it.”

“My friends are fine.”

“Alright then, let’s get on over to Fluttershy’s.”

The rest of the walk was quiet, and they arrived at their destination in a few minutes. Jaze knocked on the door and waited for Fluttershy to answer. It took awhile, and she only opened the door wide enough to peek out.

“Oh, hello Rainbow Dash, Jaze,” she said in her quiet, charming voice, “I can’t come away I have a rather troublesome patient that needs me right now.”

“Really, do you need any help?” Jaze asked worriedly.

“No, I mean, yes.” she looked to the ground, “But you don’t have to, if you don’t want to. I can manage on my own.” She looked fairly worried for saying she could handle everything.

“No problem, I have nothing better to do.” Jaze assured her

“Yeah, I wanna see what could give you trouble.” Dash said, curiosity seeping into her voice.

“O-okay” Fluttershy opened the door to reveal…

“A mountain lion? Fluttershy are you crazy?” Dash asked as look of disbelief crossed her face.

“I’m kind of forced to agree with Dash on this one.” Jaze said with a raised eyebrow, “These animals are quite dangerous.” The big cat was lying on its side, and multiple lacerations were all over its body. It seemed to be unconscious.
Fluttershy wore a pleading look, “I know, but it was hurt and needed me. Please help me; I’m not sure I can handle this on my own.”

“Calm down, I said I would help so I will.” Jaze knelt next to the wounded predator, “These wounds look like they came from another large creature.” He looked to Fluttershy, “When and where did you find it?”

“Just a little while ago, by the forest.”

“Any ideas on what caused this?”

“No,” Fluttershy scuffed the ground with a hoof, “Um, can we, uh, proceed…”

“Sure, what do you need me to do?”

“Hold him down so I can clean and stitch the cuts. We’ll what I need from there.”

Jaze placed himself by the cat’s head and held the large beast down while Fluttershy treated the wounds as quickly as she could do it right. It took nearly an hour to treat the numerous cuts that adorned the cat. Rainbow Dash mostly sat and watched Fluttershy work, though she did help by passing bandages, needles and other medical supplies to the hardworking pegasus. A few times the lion seemed ready to wake up, at which point Jaze would speak to it softly in order to keep asleep.

Jaze leaned back as the last of the gashes was cleaned, sewn, and bandaged, “Well that was fun.”

“Thank you to so much, I don’t know what I would have done without you.” Fluttershy gushed her appreciation.

‘Oh you would’ve figured something out.” Dash gave the timid pony an encouraging nudge, “You’re a lot braver than you let on you know.”

“How so?” Fluttershy asked.

“Not many would have tried to help such a dangerous creature like you did.” Jaze offered the yellow pony a large smile, “That was very brave of you.”

“If you say so.” Fluttershy stared at the ground.

“So you have no idea what caused this?” Jaze asked Fluttershy, a thoughtful look on his face.

“No, but has to be something big.”

“You think Twilight may be able to dig up something in her library?”

Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, if anypony could find this beastie out, it would be Twilight.”

Jaze nodded, “Maybe she’ll have bestiary or something.” Jaze looked to the two ponies, “Either of you want to join me?”

“Yes, may I come?” Fluttershy asked.

“Of course.” Jaze glanced to Dash, “How about you.”

“No, I think I’m gonna get back to practicing. You to have fun on your monster hunt.” With that parting shot, Dash flew out the door.

Fluttershy looked to Jaze apprehensively, “We’re not going to go looking for the monster, are we?”

“Most certainly not,” Jaze uttered with a reassuring smile, “that would be dangerous and foolish to the extreme. I just want to know what could have caused this,” he gestured to the lion on the floor.

“O-okay, then let’s get going.” Fluttershy started to leave.

“Um, do you think it’ll be alright to leave him here alone? He is a predator.” Jaze stated.

“I think it’ll be okay, it looks like he’s going to be out for a while.”

“If you say so,” Jaze said skeptically as he followed Fluttershy out the door.

The pair started off for Ponyville, Jaze setting a quick pace. He wanted to be back long before a hungry mountain lion woke up in his friend’s house. Whoa wait, Jaze thought with surprise, am I already willing to call her “friend”? And not just Fluttershy, Applejack, Rarity, all of them. This is unlike me. Or maybe it means that I am finally letting old wounds heal.

“Uh, Jaze?” came a mummer from his side.

“Yes Fluttershy?”

“Um, never mind,” Fluttershy looked away him.

“Go ahead. If you have question, feel free to ask. I promise I won’t get.”

“What you said, last night, about your fear?” Fluttershy asked hesitantly.

“Yes?” Jaze answered, caution in his voice.

“What did you mean? Why do fear failure?”

Jaze winced, “I was afraid you were gonna ask that.” he gave a sigh “I fear failure because every time I fail, someone else has to pay for it. Usually it is someone very dear to me.”

Fluttershy could hear the pain in his voice, “I didn’t mean…”

“Don’t apologize.” Jaze quickly interrupted, “I’m a strange new being, it is natural that you would want to know more about me. If I didn’t want you to know, I would not have answered.”

“I…” she stopped and took a breath, “alright then.”

“That’s better.” Jaze said with a lopsided grin and a wink, “Don’t be ashamed of your curiosity, it is part of what lets you know you’re alive.”

“Thanks, Jaze.” Fluttershy said with a demure smile.

When she turned from Jaze, however, his smile fell from his face and shame colored his cheeks. For all his bravado, Jaze was still uncomfortable with his past. Something from times gone had obviously left a wound on his heart. Fluttershy’s questions had been like sandpaper to this wound, but he was afraid to upset her and so hid his feelings. He was saddened by the fact that this had become so easy for him. One day, he thought, one day I can face these scars and be me. One day…

The pair made it to Twilight’s library in record time and with a lack of awkward questions. Jaze believed that Fluttershy had picked up on his torment and did not want push him further. He was silently grateful for her understanding, and amazed that she could pick up his feelings so easily when even his closest friends had trouble seeing them, and most other people thought he was utterly emotionless.

The door to the library was open and Twilight could be found inside; hard at work on some project or another. She seemed a little tense, and kept darting from book shelf to book shelf, pulling books out seemingly at random, and then tossing them aside when they turned out to be the wrong book.

“Spike!” she yelled up the stairs, “Did you find it?”

“Not yet!” a young male voice called back.

“Who is Spike?” Jaze asked from the door.

“AHHHHHH!” Twilight yelled at the unexpected voice and dropped the books that she had been floating in front of her, “Geez, Jaze, you startled me.” She took a moment to slow her breathing, “Spike is my assistant, by the way.”

“Your number one assistant.” Spike said as he emerged from the upstairs area.

He was a baby dragon who roughly came up to Jaze’s knee. The scales across most of his body were purple, but those that ran from his throat, across his belly, and under his tail were a gray color. He also had a trail of green spikes on top of his head that continued down his back to terminate at the tip of his tail. He was carrying a large book under one arm.

He looked up at Jaze, “So, is this the new guy?” he asked Twilight, “And here is your book.”

“Oh thank you so much Spike!” Twilight cried out as she took the proffered book and started flipping through the pages.

Jaze looked to Spike, “To answer your question, yes, I’m the new guy.”

“Kinda figured that out.” He looked to Fluttershy and back to Jaze, “What did you two need?”

“We were wondering, if it’s not too much trouble, if we could find a book, if that’s okay I mean.”

Jaze rolled his eyes good-naturedly, “We wanted to know if you guys had something on beasts that reside in the Everfree Forest.”

“I think so,” said the young dragon suspiciously, “why do you need it?”

“Curiosity, one of Fluttershy’s patients was attacked in there and I would like to know what could have done it.”

Spike looked into Jaze’s eyes, who stared back unflinchingly, “Okay let me get it.” Spike ran back up the stairs to the upper floor of the library. Jaze walked up behind Twilight, who was still absorbed in the book Spike had found.

“What are you reading?”

“Huh?” Twilight started as she came out of her book-induced trance.

“What are you reading?” Jaze inquired again, a little slower.

“Oh, it’s an astrological text. Pretty boring to most everypony.” she replied distractedly.

“Well, I find the study of stars to be utterly fascinating.” Jaze said with an ironic smirk, “What are you looking for?”

“About a week ago there appeared to be moving stars in the sky. I’ve hunted through every text I can find and have still not figured out what they could be.”

The smirk fell from Jaze’s face, “Ah, I see. Princess Celestia didn’t tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Not to worry about it too much. It was just her and Luna practicing celestial movements.” the lie flew easily from his mouth.

“I didn’t know they had that much power!” Twilight exclaimed, amazement in her voice.

“Tell me about it.” Jaze muttered as Twilight set the book aside. I wish I could stop lying, Jaze thought frustrated with himself, but I can’t let them find out where I’m really from. He made a mental note to tell the princesses his lie.

Luckily, Spike returned in time to halt further questions “Here ya go; one big book of monsters.” The book he offered to Jaze was large red-bound number that had a picture of cockatrice on the front.

“Thanks a bundle, little man.” Jaze said as he relieved the dragon of his burden, and sitting down next to the door to read.

Fluttershy looked over his shoulder as he turned the pages of the book. The pair looked through, searching for an animal big enough to take on a mountain lion. They had narrowed it down to a few animals when Jaze flipped to the “m” section and was faced with a manticore. Jaze was putting his money on this being the creature that had been the culprit. It had the claws to get the job done and looked large enough to stand well over his head, judging by the drawn to scale pony next the monster. When he told Fluttershy his assessment she nodded her agreement. Jaze felt apprehension at the sight of the beast. He didn’t know that creatures like that existed and would make a trip into the Everfree Forest that much more dangerous. He vowed that he would be careful, and if he saw a creature like any in this book, he would turn tail and run. He was brave, not stupid and something like that could tear him to shreds.

Jaze left the book on a stack and bid Twilight goodbye. He and Fluttershy left to return Fluttershy’s house. They were almost out of the town when Jaze heard somepony shouting his name. He turned to see Rarity trotting over to him. It was then he remembered she had wanted to see him today.

He grimaced, “Hello Rarity,”

“Oh why are you making a face, darling?” Rarity asked with a hurt expression.

“I just…” Jaze searched awkwardly for a way out of his predicament.

Rarity smiled, “Don’t worry about dear. I understand perfectly.”

“You do?” Jaze asked incredulously.

“You’re worried that I didn’t make an outfit that you’ll like, right.”

“No it’s just…” he stopped.

“It’s just what?”

“I don’t know how to repay you.”

Rarity giggled, “I told you not to worry about it.”

“I know but I still feel that I owe you…”

“I said to quit that.” Rarity continued to smile, “I’m not doing anything that I don’t want to”

“Fine, I’ll stop.” Jaze laughed and looked to Fluttershy, “I have no idea how long this will take so feel free to go; you should probably check on your patient.”

“That I should,” Fluttershy said and quickly left for home.

Rarity guided him back to Carousel Boutique where she showed him the plans for what she was working on. She warned him that it was only in its beginning stages and that she still had much work to do before it was ready. When she unveiled it, Jaze was struck dumb. The outfit was a doublet and a loose fitting pair of pants, both made of a slightly shiny black fabric that absorbed the light around it, almost like satin but stronger. The doublet had designs hoof stitched in gold thread around the collar and down either side of the column of buttons. It also had the beginnings of a cape of the same material that would drape over his right shoulder. To wear under the doublet, Rarity had fashioned him a very loose white shirt that stopped just short of the bottom of the vest, with sleeves that went to his wrists. He stood staring at the garments, believing them fit for a king.

“So, do you like them so far?” Rarity asked nervously, anxious to please.

“Like them?” Jaze looked to her with gratitude glowing on his face, “They are the nicest clothes I have ever seen!” He turned back to the garments, “I just feel that I will look silly wearing them.”

“Nonsense, you’ll be the talk of the town at the Grand Galloping Gala.” Rarity said with poise.

“Yeah, wait, what?” Jaze stared at Rarity.

“You mean Twilight did not tell you?” Rarity sounded surprised.

“Apparently not,” Jaze answered sarcastically.

“Well, Princess Celestia ‘invited’ us to the Gala this morning.”

Jaze gave her a look of hesitation, “And by ‘invited’ you mean…”

“That she all but ordered us to come. It didn’t sound like you had to go, but Princess Celestia asked that you did. So I had hoped that you would join us.” At the last, she gave him a big, pleading smile.

“Oh no, I’m not going to the Gala, I will make an utter fool of myself.” Jaze said, waving his hands in front of himself for emphasis.

“Please?” she asked again, her smile growing a little more.

“No.”

“Pretty please?”

“No.”

“Pleeeeeease?” she begged him, pouting.

“UGH, okay fine, I’ll go, but I won’t be happy about it.” He gave her a look of humorous displeasure.

Rarity threw her forelegs around his waist, “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you!”

“Yeah, yeah, you’re welcome.” He rolled his eyes. Truly, he did not mind going to the Gala, he just knew that the party was likely to be boring, and that he would make an idiot of himself. Still, it would be nice to see Luna again, and at least Rarity seemed like she wanted him there, so it couldn’t be all bad, could it?

“Don’t worry, you have a few months to prepare for the Gala, and your outfit will be ready long before then.”

“No amount of preparation will get me ready for this.” Jaze muttered knowingly. He had been to many parties like this before, and had always had trouble rubbing elbows with the high society folks. Their pompous attitudes had always rubbed him exactly the wrong way. He would try his best though, as he always had. Who knows, maybe the elite of Equestria would not be so terrible. Somehow, he doubted that.

Rarity shooed him graciously from her store, claiming that she had a lot of work to do. That suited him just fine; it was a beautiful day that he planned to enjoy to its full potential. He decided to head home to shower off the grime of the day and make himself some lunch. With that plan in mind he set off for home.

So the day passed for Jaze. Early every morning, he climbed out of bed, ate breakfast and left for Applejack’s farm to help with the picking and planting of the various crops that Sweet Apple Acres grew for the ponies of Ponyville. He usually helped Big Macintosh in the fields until everything that needed picked or planted was tended to, and then the two of them would help Applejack tend to the trees. During this time Jaze found another unexpected friend in Big Macintosh. Though he was very quiet, he was not shy; merely the type of pony that only spoke when necessary. These instances did not happen very often between the two of them, for they understood each other at a glance. Often times you would find the two of them laid back in a field, staring at the sky, hardly a word passing between them.

For the hard work he put into their farm, the Apple family supplied him with some seeds to plant his own little garden in front of his house. Jaze would spend the time he did not spend with his friends or working tending the little plot he had cultivated. He was quite pleased when the plants burst forth from the ground, and it helped to keep him in vegetables though he would still have to by occasional vegetables. And he would always buy a bushel of apples from the farm every week, refusing to take them for free as Applejack kept insisting

Then he was off to assist Fluttershy if she needed it, which was rare. Mostly, he just helped to feed the animals and sometimes help move a sick or injured animal. The most exciting thing that occurred during his times helping Fluttershy was when they released the mountain lion back where Fluttershy had found him.

As Jaze watched the creature disappear into the forest, he found himself actually proud of his work for once in his life. His profession had long been to take life; even if he did it to help others, that simple fact had always bothered him. Now, he was doing work solely to help others, with no need to harm others to accomplish his goals.

He looked to Fluttershy, who was standing next him, a small tear in her eye as the lion left. He had originally planned to tell everypony that he ate meat, but after meeting Fluttershy and helping her with the creatures around Ponyville, he felt compelled to keep it hidden from her. He enjoyed her company and did not want to strain their relationship; he felt she might be disgusted by an intelligent creature that ate other beings. So he never allowed anypony into his house if he could avoid it. And he never took meals with the girls when he could manage it. It might be hard to explain why he didn’t eat daisies or grass, among other things. So he mostly tried to keep his eating habits in his house.

Rainbow Dash had also began to take up a lot of his time. Since the first day they had met, she had pegged him as the perfect target for her and Pinkie’s numerous practical jokes. Often times he would fall victim to their attacks, but in a show of good humor he never got mad, he got even. The two ponies and the human were constantly on their toes, or hooves depending, waiting for the next prank. On the other hand, she also came to him for help performing new tricks and to critique her performances. Jaze was always honest with her in attempts to help her improve her abilities. Without letting her know who he was, Jaze began to impart the knowledge he had gained in his years as a fighter pilot. His honesty and unexpected expertise surprised and delighted Dash, for she finally had somepony to really talk with. She slowly began to open up to Jaze, more so than she had with anypony else.

For the most part, Pinkie just enlisted his help at the bakery. Many times he would go to Sugar Cube Corner and help move the heavy bags of flour around for Pinkie and the bakery’s owners, Mr. and Mrs. Cake. He also helped make deliveries with Pinkie. The bakers also had him fetch the various supplies they needed to make their delicious goods. In return for his hard work, they taught him to bake a large variety of the things they sold. He never thought that he would be a master baker, but at least now he could make cookies, not charcoal.

The ponies of Ponyville also kept him in things to do. Almost every day somepony would ask for him to help with a multitude of tasks. Helping mend roofs, general repair work, cleaning up before and after storms; Jaze did it all with a smile on his face and kind words to those around him. As Celestia had predicted, the ponies soon grew to trust Jaze and now he could walk into town without eliciting much more than a smile and a wave from anypony in the vicinity. He had become a common sight and was known for being friends with the Elements of Harmony. All in all, Jaze had no complaints about his life in Ponyville.

One day, he realized that he was going through his food faster than he had anticipated. So he made a bow and several arrows from suitable branches he had secretly collected from the forest. He kept them, along with all the technology that would be difficult to explain, in his closet, which he kept locked at all times. Even when he was ready to go hunting for the first time, he hesitated. The forest still caused him great anxiety and he was loath to enter its trees.

On his first trip in to the dark forest, he found himself constantly looking over his shoulder. The forest was too quiet for his taste. He searched for some game near the outskirts of the forest, but failed to find any. He had his homemade bow slung across his back, as well as five arrows and the combat knife he had found in his pack. Taking a deep breath, he moved deeper into the forest. He did not want to go too deep into the forest, not because he was afraid of getting lost, but because he was worried about running into one of the more troublesome denizens of the forest. Lucky for him, he was able to find game just a little bit further in.

After his first trip into the forest, Jaze was more confident in navigating its reaches. Only a few times did he see anything that may have given him trouble, and he just hid in a tree as they passed. Even if he was confident in his abilities to defeat anything that wished him harm, with only a shoddily made bow and a knife, he felt it was wise to not push his luck too much. Discretion is the better part valor and all that. He was always respectful of the animals he hunted, and endeavored to make their ends painless. Causing pain to those undeserving had forever sickened Jaze.

As the days passed, Jaze found that he was growing more and more content with his life. He had friends that he cherished, and who cherished him in turn, no need to fight any more, and best of all, a place he could truly call home. Some days he wondered how the war against the Cye was progressing, what planets had fallen, which had been retaken and who had become heroes. He forced himself to believe that his friends were alive and well, and hoped only that they could find happiness. Most days he just forced these thoughts from his mind because he knew he could not do anything to help and worrying about something that he could not fix would only drive him to depression.