New Career

I sat on the couch in the library watching over it. Twilight and Barb had gone out to the market to run a few errands. It had already been a week since Flame, and I arrived in Ponyville. After the party, the ponies of Ponyville saw that Flame and I weren't a threat. Also in that time, I had officially moved into the library. Living with Twilight and Barb wasn't so bad as I had thought it would have been. Twilight was just fun to talk to, and Barb was just fun to hang out with from time to time. So I guess Flame's and I's first week wasn't so bad as I would have thought it would be.

Flame sat on a window ledge as he bathed in the sunlight. He always enjoyed being a lazy bum. But I still made sure he knew how to fight when the time came again. But he always hated when fillies and colts tried to cuddle him. He especially didn't like it when young fillies and colts went for his tails and pulled them. But he never attacked them; he just went back to sleep. I was happy he never lashed out. I guess he was still a cat and cats do love to sleep and be lazy.

Well, it was a slow day at the library. I had a newspaper in my hands as Flame slept in the window ledge with the sun on his fur. I was looking at the help wanted section. Sure I was an author, but I hadn't submitted my original script for the first book I made. But Twilight was pushing me to do it, but still, I wasn't sure if it would be a hit. Twilight had only begun reading my first book, and of course, she loved it, but I wasn't sure how well it was going to do in Equestria. I took the pen in my hand and circled a few jobs I could probably do.

Soon the door the library opened, and Twilight and Barb came in with bags. I folded the paper and gave them both a hand with the bags. We walked them over to the kitchen and placed them down. We returned to the central area as Flame yawned and rolled over.

"He sure acts like an average cat." Said Barb

"Yeah, but he is still just acting like an average house cat, even though he is a spirit," I said

"So how was today?" Asked Twilight

"Just a few people renting and returning books. One little filly tried to pull Flame's tail. Lucky for him, the mother kept her from the act," I said

"I just don't understand why kids find me so fascinating." Said Flame

Twilight walked over and picked up the paper and looked it over. She opened it and saw all the red circles I had made on it. She cleared her throat, and I looked at her tapping her hoof on the floor.

"I can't believe your searching for a job when you already have a job." Said Twilight

"Twilight I'm just looking to help around. I see how your financing is going. Plus I'm not too sure if my books will even make enough of an impact to make me a profit." I said

"I told you, Xavier, we can make it just fine. Plus, I have been reading your first book, and it is perfect. I think you don't give ponies enough credit in our taste of literature." Said Twilight

"Come on Twilight. I may be an author, but I should get another job to help till my books get going. Plus you never know, I might not want to be a writer anymore," I said

"What, but your writing is fantastic." Said Twilight

"Look, I wrote to make money. Know here I don't have to do that. I have a chance to do something else," I said

"But." Said Twilight

"No buts Twilight, you don't control my career," I said

I could see Twilight wasn't going to let go of this. I didn't want to argue with her about it. Lucky for us both, Barbara came in and broke it up.

"Now stop you two, you two are friends and friends don't fight." Said Barb

Twilight and I looked at each other, and we each rubbed our necks for starting a fight over something that wasn't that important. Barb then spoke up again.

"I can understand where you are coming from Twilight, but Xavier is trying to help. He has a right to find any job besides his writing career, and we could use some help. Xavier, Twilight has a point, you are judging ponies before you fully know if they will like your books. Twilight is right about your writing, it sure is amazing." Said Barb

"You're right Barb, sorry Xavier for snapping at you. I just thought it wasn't right for you to throw away your life's work." Said Twilight

"Yeah, I'm sorry as well. I guess I did go overboard. I just wanted to help you girls out for keeping Flame and me here. I just saw how stressed you've been with financials. I just wanted to help out and just thought I wouldn't be able to publish a book, and it would take too long to write one to help out." I said

"Well, then how about this," We looked up to Flame. He yawned then blinked before talking with us, "How about a bet."

"Huh." Said Barb

"A way to prove the point Twilight brought up. Sure Xavier can get any job since he can't keep his face out of a book. So how about it Twilight and Xavier, want to go through it." Said Flame

"Only if you say the guidelines," I said

"Well there simple, the bet is whether or not Twilight's idea is right. So here it goes. Xavier will still search out a job since I'm going to be a cat. But Twilight is allowed to try to get Xavier's first book printed into Equestria. So is that fine." Said Xavier

"I'm fine with it." Said Twilight

"I see no reason not to follow it," I said

"So what are the gifts." Said Barb

"If Twilight loses, the idea that his book can't be published, then trying to push Xavier to write can no longer be used. Xavier will write a new book at his pace. Now if Twilight wins, she can get his first book published, then Xavier must have his other two published. He must also take Twilight out on a date for her troubles." Said Flame

"So if I get this, if Twilight can't get my book published, I can work whatever job without being pushed to write or get my books published. If Twilight wins, which is she gets my book published, I have to go out on a date with her and get the other two other two finished books published." I said

"Sounds about right, so how about it." Said Flame

"I think it sounds like a friendly bet," I said

"I agree." Said Twilight

"Alright, you each have a bet. Twilight will report her findings tonight for us all to hear. Also, no matter the outcome, Twilight, you stand by this promise if you lose." Said Flame

"I do." Said Twilight

"Then shake on it and allow me to get back to my cat nap." Said Flame

I took Twilight's hand, and she my hand. We shook on the bet. I knew Twilight would win it, and I was ok with it. But still, I didn't think my book would be something ponies across Equestria would want to read. But still, it would get Twilight off my back about writing and give me a chance to think about writing a story that would fit more to Equestria. But if I lost, then I guess I was wrong about ponies and their taste in literature. But it would mean I would have to finish my fourth book.

"Now that that is over with, I'm going back to sleep. You two know what to do." Said Flame

"Right." Said Twilight

"Well, good luck Twilight," I said

"You to on the job search, a great place to start is Applejack's farm. They are always looking for help." Said Twilight

"Thanks, Twilight. I'll see you all around. Flame, don't sleep the whole day away, remember to try to be active." I said

"Yeah whatever," said Flame as he rolled over onto his side.

"Well wish me luck," I said

I opened the door to the library and made sure I had my key to the library. I stepped out to the outside world and smelled the fresh air. I sighed as I began to walk towards Applejack's farm. Time to find a new career for myself.

***

I slowly walked the streets of Ponyville waving at the ponies out and about as I passed them. They waved back to me as they saw me. It's nice not to worry about being seen as a monster. The road of Ponyville soon turned into the dirt road that led into the Sweet Apple Acres. I stopped myself in front of the main gate that led into the farm. I entered the gate and walked along the path as I looked over all the apple trees. The fruit on them looked ripe and ready for picking. Soon the sound of grunting and pounding on wood hit my ears. I followed the sound to Applejack striking a tree with her hoof. Fruit fell from the tree into baskets around it. She wiped the sweat from her brow, and I felt a blush come to my cheeks. Oh, why am I so attracted to cowgirls. Her shirt, this time, was cross hatch and was tucked into her jeans instead of tied up next to her chest.

"Hey, Applejack," I said

She turned to me and smiled as she wiped a little more sweat away. I did my best to hide the blush on my face.

"Howdy partner, what can I do for ya?" Asked Applejack

"Well, I'm looking for a job to help out Twilight and Barb," I said

"Why do ya need tah assist them?" Asked Applejack

"Well before it was just the two of them, now Flame and I are living with them. I'm tired of seeing Twilight stressed over financing everything," I said

"I guess that's understandable. But I thought ya were an author." Said Applejack

"Well I am, but I don't think my books will go over as easy as it did on Earth, though Twilight believes my books could make it. We even made a bet on it." I said

"What's the bet?" Asked Applejack

"Well if Twilight can't get my book published, then she will stop pestering me to try to get it published. It also allows me time to work another job and work on maybe a book that would more fit Equestria. But if Twilight can get my book published, then I will get the other two printed and finish the fourth one I've started. I also have to take her out on a date," I said

"Sounds like an interesting bet. I do hope Twilight wins." Said Applejack

"Why?" I asked

"Twi is a sweet girl. I think she deserves a date once in her life." Said Applejack

"Will see about that, but beside the point. So you got a job here, it would save me time from looking all over Ponyville," I said

"Well you're in luck partner, our farm has been looking for somepony robust enough to deal with it. Follow me." Said Applejack

I followed her to a house, and a mare was sitting on the porch in a rocking chair. She had a lime green coat. Her mane was white, which showed she was quite old. Though as every man knows, never ask a woman her age, well unless married. She had brilliant orange colored eyes. She was wearing a plain white shirt, a cross-stitched skirt and around the mare's neck was orange and white polka dot handkerchief. On her shirt was a pie cutie mark. I could see from her eyes that she had seen a lot in her time, I guess eyes are truly a gateway to the soul.

"Granny, I want ya tah meet Xavier. He's here for the job at the farm." Said Applejack

The old mare got up out of her rocking chair and walked over to me. She grabbed my head and looked deep into my eyes. She then went back to her rocking chair. She closed her eyes and began to rock back and forth. I looked over to Applejack for some explanation.

"Granny judges all by looking into their eyes. Everypony knows the gateway tah the soul is through the eyes." Said Applejack

"So who is she?" I asked

"Oh right, that's Granny Smith. She's mine, my sisters, and my brothers granny." Said Applejack

"Wait you have a brother and sister," I said

"Yeah, Apple Bloom is the name of my sister. Big McIntosh or Big Mac as we call him is my brother." She said

"Where are they now?" I asked

"Mac is in the town getting supplies, and Apple Bloom is with her friends." Said Applejack

Soon we heard the rocking chair stop, we both looked to see Granny Smith open her eyes. She looked down at me before speaking to me.

"I've lived long enough tah see the same eyes in different ponies. I'm not tah sure what ya are, but your eyes tell me enough. It has a soft soul about ya. But ya also have a flare of mystery about ya. But the biggest thing I found about ya, is your desire to protect those in need. I think you're perfect for our farm." Said Granny

"Thank you, Granny Smith," I said

"Please young whippersnapper, just Granny. I welcome ya tah Sweet Apple Acres, Equestria's oldest apple farm." Said Granny Smith

"Now that's pretty amazing," I said

"Yeah, partner it is. My Granny even witnessed the construction of Ponyville and the growth of this farm." Said Applejack

"Really?" I asked

"Yes, I saw it all. I have seen many things, now if ya excuse me, I'm going to prepare some lunch." Said Granny

"Thanks, Granny." Said Applejack

Soon Granny Smith disappeared into the house, and Applejack took me over to the barn. She showed me a pull cart with empty apple baskets. She pulled it out for me and set it down in front of me.

"Your task is tah harvest apples. Just knock them out of the tree and let them fall into the buckets. Fill the cart with buckets and return it here. Unload the cart and place the buckets into the barn. So think ya can deal with that." Said Applejack

"Sure will do boss," I said

"Alright, ya can start with the eastern portion of the farm. I'll call ya back when your day's work done." Said Applejack

"Alright, Applejack," I said

I grabbed the cart and started to pull it toward the section of the farm that Applejack had pointed out to me. Well, I reached the part and started to look at the apple filled trees. I took the empty baskets off the cart and placed them on the ground. Now how to harvest these apples. I walked up to a tree and touched the surface. I knocked on it with my fist and heard no sound. Well it sure isn't hollow. So how in the hell did Applejack hit one and make the apples fall from the tree? I surely can't do that without going to the hospital. I already burdened Twilight with my first bill, and I'm not going to burden her with another. I scratched my head till an idea popped into it. I began to climb the tree and picked the apples from the branch and gently tossed them down to the baskets below. Well if you can't hit the fruit out of the tree, you just pick the fruit from the tree. Well, that continued till I had all the baskets filled with ripe red apples. I loaded the baskets onto the cart and dragged it back to the barn. Once at the barn, I began to unload the basket. Well one load down, who knows how many left. I guess the count doesn't matter as I have to do this to help Twilight out. I threw a set on empty baskets onto the cart and dragged it back to the east section of the farm.

After a while, I had to take my coat off, as the heat of the sun was getting to me. I tossed over the handle of the cart and continued to climb Applejack's trees and pick the ripe red fruit from the tree limbs. I would leap down from the tree and placed the full baskets into the cart.

"I got tah say, partner, never thought about harvesting apples like that." Said Applejack

I looked over to see Applejack coming over, and my blush came back again. She once again had her shirt tied up next to her breasts. I wonder why she does that with her shirts.

"So Applejack, can I ask you a question?" I asked

"Sure partner, what's your question." Said Applejack

"Why do you tie your shirts like that?" I asked

She looked down at her shirt and chuckled a little, "The same reason ya lost that coat. It gets hot here at the farm. I do it tah get over the heat."

"So, you don't walk around Ponyville like that," I said

"Nah, just here at the farm. When we came tah see ya in the hospital, I was working at the farm. So why do ya ask the question, ya like what ya see," said Applejack with a devilish grin on her face.

"Um...well...I was just wondering." I stopped as Applejack began to laugh. I sighed as I didn't have to finish that sentence.

"It's ok partner. I can see the truth on your face. So ya got a thing for cowgirls." Said Applejack

"Yeah I do," I said rubbing my neck.

"Well, nothin' tah be ashamed of partner. Everypony or human has some guilty pleasure they like to look at." Said Applejack

"Ha, I guess Applejack. But, you promise not to tell the others." I said

"Cross my heart, hope tah fly and stick a cupcake in my eye," said Applejack making the motions. I just raised my eyebrow to it.

"What was that?" I asked

"Oh, that's a Pinkie Promise. A promise friends make to each other, and if ever broken, it's the fastest way to lose a friend." Said Applejack

"FFFFOOOORRRREEEEVVVVEEEERRRR!!!!"

We both looked around for the sound of the voice, and I could swear that it came from the wind. Applejack just seemed to chuckle to herself about the strange-voiced wind, while I was confused as hell.

"Pinkie sure always knows when one of her promises are goin' off." Said Applejack

"That was Pinkie, but it sounded like it came from the wind," I said

"Trust me, partner. It was Pinkie Pie. Now come on, I'll help with this batch of apples." Said Applejack

She walked over and began to buck the trees, while I still stood scratching my head. Maybe Flame was right about Pinkie Pie. I went over and grabbed the baskets and started to load them on the cart. In a matter of minutes, Applejack had finished the same amount of trees I did maybe in an hour. Man, Applejack sure does know how to farm her apples. We loaded the last of the apples and took the cart back to the barn. We unloaded all the baskets, and Applejack invited me into the house for some lunch made by Granny Smith.

***

"Man, I'm stuffed," I said

Granny Smith had made a large lunch full of many different kinds of apple products. It all was simply too good not to have just one item. I had to try them all. But I swore if you ate enough of this stuff, you would get fat. But I guess you don't have to worry about it when you work on a farm. At least Applejack untied her shirt.

"I'm glad you liked it. So Applejack, go ahead and pay the young whipper snapper." Said Granny Smith

"Yes, Granny." Said Applejack

She got up and went into the living room. She returned with a sack. She tossed it over to me, and I caught it.

"That should cover what ya did for today." Said Applejack

I opened the bag, and it was full of golden coins. I pulled one out and held it my hand. Crazy to think that Equestria uses gold as currency and not having trouble with mining the material and even with an economy behind gold. Well, at least they are doing it better than America did with our gold standared. I closed it back up and slipped it around on of my belt buckles. I got up from the table and thanked Granny Smith again for the food.

Applejack walked me towards the door. We both went out to the porch, and she began to speak to me.

"See ya tomorrow I suppose." Said Applejack

"You sure will," I said

"Well since I know you have a thing for cowgirls, I'll try to dial my beauty back," said Applejack with a smile.

"Please, I don't mind, if anything, you're the best-looking cowgirl I have ever seen. See you tomorrow, boss," I said

I walked down the stairs of the porch. I had my coat thrown over my shoulder since I was still a little hot. I followed the dirt road out of the farm. I placed my hand on my chin as thought what to do next. I remembered a park that I passed and decided just to enjoy the beautiful day. I continued on my walk towards the park.

***
Applejack POV

My ears still flicked back in forth as if what I heard was my imagination. Xavier's words still rang in my ears as if it wasn't real. I felt my face goin' flush as the words played in my head. 'Your the best-looking cowgirl I have ever seen', he thought I was good lookin'. I ran my hand across my face as it kept gettin' more flush as the words kept playin' in my head. Did he really mean that? I placed my hands on my heart and sighed as I tried tah calm my body.

I walked back into the house and sat on the couch in the livin' room. I took my hat off and held it in my hands. My hands ran across the old leather. My eyes slowly closed as I held the hat close tah my chest. What should I do? Could Xavier have been hittin' on me? Or was just somethin' tah make me feel good about my body. I'm not sure what Xavier meant by it, but he does seem tah be a good guy. I'm not tah sure what tah do, but I will see where things go. Who knows, he might be the perfect stallion for me. I chuckled a little to myself about me and Xavier bein' somethin'. I placed my hat on my head and walked back tah the kitchen to help Granny out with the dishes.

***
Xavier POV

I leaned into the bench was on. I sat on a bench that overlooked a beautiful little park. There was a modest size pond with small fish swimming around. Lily pads lay on the surface with a frog on a few. Their crocks filled the lake area with noise. Then there was the laughter of fillies and colts as they played. The park also had a nice sized playground. It was big enough to allow the little ones to have fun in any way they wished. My eyes looked at all the parents laughing with their children. It reminded me a lot of when I used to spend time with my mother at the local parks in my hometown. I closed my eyes and let the sounds of the park fill my ears.

"Xavier."

I opened my eyes to see Fluttershy walking up with a light green backpack on her back. She also had a pretty large book in her hands.

"Oh hey, Fluttershy. What you are doing down here?" I asked

"Oh, I was going to study for my test I have tomorrow," said Fluttershy in cute soft voice.

"So you come here to study," I said

"Oh yes, it helps me to study. You don't mind if I sit with you if that's ok," said Fluttershy hiding behind her mane.

"I don't care," I said

"Oh thank you." She said

She walked over and took off her backpack and placed it next to the bench. She opened her book and pulled out a set of note cards. I was still just looking over the rest of the park.

"Um, Xavier." Said Fluttershy

I turned my attention back to Fluttershy. She was holding the note cards in her hands and her face behind her mane.

"Yeah, Fluttershy," I said

"Would you please test me, if you don't mind." She said

"Not at all Fluttershy," I said

I took the notes cards from her hands. I held the definition side up to her for her to read. She would give me the word that went with the description. Well, we continued that till we had gone through most of her cards. After a while she had me quiz her on more note cards. Well, we sat together, and I quizzed her. She was amazingly smart about everything that had to do with being a veterinarian. Soon the sun started to set on a beautiful day. I hugged Fluttershy goodbye as she packed up her materials.

"Please come over when you feel like it." Said Fluttershy

"Thanks and no worries, I'll do fine on your test tomorrow," I said

"Thank you, Xavier, and see you around." She said

"You too," I said

We took our separate paths from the park. I had decided to see whether or not Twilight won or lost the bet. Plus I was hungry for Barb's cooking, no offense to Twilight, but she can't cook for the life of her. I stopped just a few meters from the door to the library. I looked over as the sun began to set on yet another day. Not a bad day, I was able to get a job at Applejack's farm and got to see how intellectual Fluttershy is. I guess I would call this a good day's work. I walked up and opened the door and the scent of food passed over my nose. I closed the door, which prompted Barb to look out from the kitchen. She was once again in her 'kiss the cook' apron, which always made her look cute.

"Great timing, I'm nearly done with dinner. Oh, and Twilight has news for you. I hope you can open up some time for her." Said Barb

I raised my eyebrow at her as she stepped back into the kitchen. I went up to my room and took off my coat and threw onto the bed. I then removed my shirt and put on a clean one. I looked to see I had used up nearly all the clothing I had brought with me. I think I might run by Rarity's tomorrow to get some new clothes. I think living in the clothing I brought from Earth probably isn't the best idea. As I finished putting on my shirt, I heard a knock on my door.

"Come in," I said

The door opened to show Twilight peeking her head through the doorway. I smiled at her and waved her in.

"I just wanted to make sure you were decent after working. So where did you get a job at?" She said

"Well, my new career is working as a ranch hand at Applejack's farm," I said

"Well don't quit your first job because I think I won the bet." Said Twilight

She showed me a large golden envelope. I held it in my hands as I looked up at a smiling Twilight. I opened the tab and pulled out my book with some papers. I pulled the papers from the book and looked them over. My eyes began to grow as I looked closer at the papers. I sat on the bed as I ran my hands through my hair.

"Is this real," I said

"Sure is." Said Twilight

"But how did you get to pass? I was sure that it wouldn't be something ponies would want to read." I said

"Well, it took some explaining and well a little begging and maybe a little bit of using my title. But after the publishers read the first few chapters, they fell in love with it. So I guess that means I win." Said Twilight

"It would seem that way. Well, I guess I have to follow what Flame said," I said

"Please Xavier, I don't care about the bet." Said Twilight

"Twilight please, one essential thing about me is that I honor my promises. Now Twilight Sparkle would you like to go out with me this Saturday, let's say around 7 pm." I said

"I think I can squeeze you in." Said Twilight

"You're that busy," I said

"Nah, I'm just kidding. I would love to go out with you this Saturday at 7 pm." Said Twilight

"Well, I'm glad because it will be the best date you've ever had," I said

We both came into a hug but pulled away as Barb's voice came screaming at us.

"Hey, dinner is ready you two. Come on down and get it."

"Well, I think it time we enjoy some of Barb excellent cooking," I said

"Couldn't agree more." Said Twilight

We both exited my room, and I closed the door behind me. I watched Twilight go down the stairs, and I smiled at her. Well I guess I got my first date in Equestria. I just wonder what to do, oh well, I suppose I'll figure that out later. Right now, I want to stuff my face with Barb's cooking. I walked down the stairs and went to the kitchen to enjoy dinner of yet another day.

***
Everfree Forest
3rd POV

Timber Wolves ran through the Everfree Forest. Their glowing yellow eyes, allowing them to see in the pitch black of the forest. Howls of more and more wolves ran through the woods. Soon they reached a clearing where the moonlight of Luna's full moon hit a large black stone. The Timber Wolves stood around the rock. Many dropped sticks and branches in front of the stone as an offering to it. On the stone was a carving of a pony Timber Wolf hybrid with a filly. Soon the moonlight started to form cracks in the rock. Each of the wolves began to bow to the stone as it began to break more and more with the moonlight. A bright light began to shine from the cracks. It was a dark black and red color. The wolves howled as the rock rumbled like crazy. Soon it burst open and large chunks of rock fell to the ground, forcing the wolves next to the rock to retreat.

"Finally, FREE!" Exclaimed a dark male voice.

The Timber Wolves quickly howled, but a pony hand rose to the sky, making them stop. Yellow eyes peered from the smoke of the destroyed stone. Each wolf began to bow to the hybrid creature that had appeared from the rock.

"Yes bow to me, you servants." He said

Then came a growl. The hybrid looked to see a lone Timber Wolf walking towards him. The other wolves backed away from the lone wolf. He slowly walked towards to the wolf. It kept growling but stopped when it saw the other wolves weren't backing him up. But before he could change his response, the figure grabbed its neck. He held it tight, and he rose the wolf into the air.

"You dare growl at your master. Those who growl at me shall pay the price with their lives." He said

His hand began to squeeze the wooden throat of the wolf. It howled out in pain. A dark smile spread across his lips as he squeezed the breath out of the wolf. The wolf kept struggling for air. Its paws were kicking, and its claws were scratching the figure's arm. But the sound of wood on wood was all that was heard as the wolf's throat finally snapped. He smiled as he tossed the wolf into a tree making it shatter into pieces.

"Now, do any other of you want to challenge me." He said

The wolves just bowed to him, and he smiled. But turned to the sound of rustling leaves and snapping twigs. Another pair of eyes hid in the darkness. They were the color of the moonlight. The new figure began to run for it. He watched as the figure ran from him. He stood still as an alpha stepped up to him.

"Take your best wolves and catch her. Under no circumstance will you kill her. I want that filly alive." He said

The Alpha howled, and a group of eighteen wolves followed him into the woods. He smiled as he watched the wolves chase his prize he caught so long ago. He turned to the remaining Timber Wolves.

"Now take me to your den. It's finally time I take my rightful throne." He said

The Timber Wolves began to walk with him following behind the wolves. Another faint smile came to his lips as he followed the wolves to the den so that he can take over as king of the Timber Wolves again.

Author's Notes:

So our first true enemy has finally shown up, though the actual design will come in much later or at least a few chapters from now. So it seems things are heating up in Xavier's life. So I wonder where Xavier will be going, well I know. So I hope you keep enjoying the story. Never be afraid to speak out against any chapter, all criticism is noted, received and appropriated.

Comment, like, follow, share and tell. I hope to see you for the next installment of The Fabled Warrior.