Ponyville was no stranger when it came to bizarre laws and rules coming into place. Most of which were just old nonsense from back in the day when things were a little less structured and the Everfree Forest was a little less confined. There were a multitude of laws, ranging from the amount of pet timberwolves one could own, to the amount of magical energy that one could expend in a single day. By modern standards they were completely ridiculous and went without being enforced. However, that didn’t mean that there weren’t occasions were the past came flying back into the modern times to deliver a swift kick up the backside to the residents. For example: The Everfree Forest was considered to be off limits to Ponyville’s modern residents, as per a drive in attempts to increase overall safety in the past. That didn’t stop people from venturing into it now and again, but they went in knowing the risks and were comfortable waiving that particular right. However, due to the fact that it was off limits for a long time before the first daredevil or thrill seeker decided to enter the forest, a lot of the information about it had been lost to the flow of time. Meaning that unless someone went back in and attempted to recreate the information, nobody had any idea how to deal with the things contained within.

As far as recreations of the information went, most of the scholars who were capable of such things only managed to get a little ways into the forest. So information on timberwolves and other smaller, less harmful, creatures was brought back to light. It was a little reassuring to the folks at the time, but it was still a long way from being as safe as it was back in the day. That was why, when one set of scholars, a group of botanists, brought back some of the local flora, chaos ran rampant in the town. Whilst the flora was documented within the town, the scholars had brought back one of the most volatile plants around, to be known in the future as Poison Joke. At the time, it became a particularly prominent feature around the town particularly with the non-magic users. Pretty soon though, they all began to suffer strange effects as a result of using the popular flower. Symptoms ranging from suffering from a sudden cold, changes in vocal ranges, swollen body parts and even forced lack of grooming. This left a burden on the town of completely astronomical proportions as the majority of citizens, having always been earth and pegasi ponies, were now afflicted, stunting their ability to work various jobs.

So the burden was unfortunately shifted to the magic users in the town, as they were the only ones capable of removing the flower without coming into contact with it. They were also able to use that same telekinesis to take on the jobs that the workers were unable to accomplish through one way or another. As nobody could find the required formula to alleviate the symptoms that the majority of the town were suffering from, the workloads continued to rise. That was when the Mayor at the time instigated the now defunct law about the amount of magical energy spent in a day. The jobs were divided into categories, based on the amount of energy it took to complete them. A rough estimate to be sure, but it was enough to make things a little easier on the poor folk who were taking on such tasks. Of course, there were complaints from the afflicted citizens, who claimed that the use of magic to complete the tasks was against the foundations of Ponyville. It was a fair point toward the traditional folks, but it was overruled by the Mayor, who was quoted as saying ‘I can’t govern with tentacle hands’ in rebuttal.

For days, the affliction continued with no end in sight. Then one of the youthful botany scholars took it upon herself to research further into the poison joke and how one could reverse the effects. The lead scholar would have preferred her to refrain from meddling in the affairs of the town, assuring her that the effects would be temporary. She refuted his reasoning on the grounds that without the original documentation on the poison joke, or the other things that grew in the forest, one could never be so certain. So off she went; taking a couple of the town’s magic users to help her move samples, she began to research deeper into the plant. She found through careful research how some local fauna seemed to negate or remain unmarked by the flowers pollen. So off she went, looking for the required plants, delving deep into the forest, going further than anyone had ever been before. They returned to town a day or two later, having gathered the required materials. She then cordoned off a kitchen for herself, and set about slicing, dicing and cooking all the materials into what some would consider to be a potion.

A few days later, the entire town was cured and that seemed to be the end of that, or at least it should have been. During the time the scholar had been making her discoveries, she had begun to feel something stirring within herself. A yearning for knowledge of the Everfree, to tame the wild forest through knowledge and understanding. Whilst her scholarly friends were urging her to return to Canterlot and share what she had discovered with the local academics, she wanted to walk a different path. Whilst her associates tried to make her recognised as the first zebra scholar to make such massive advancements in Everfree studies, she opted to continue with her research. She disappeared into the forest, against the wishes of the people in town and the other scholars, intent on cataloguing it all. The folks were sad to see her go, but not as sad as they were when they realised she’d taken her discovery and her notes with her, leaving them back at square one.

As the years went by, the law that came into force during that time was left as still being part of the enforced collection. It was nobody’s fault of course; it just got buried in the amount of other laws out there. Now, in the present day another law was being implemented under the watchful eye of Mayor Mare. It was to combat the amount of exotic pets that people were keeping in their homes, some of which came from the Everfree itself. Of course there were rigorous screening processes, to make sure that each of the pets were suitable. Even Zecora, the zebra who lived in the Everfree, was only happy to put her immense knowledge of the Everfree to use during these processes. The law covered things both mythical and very real, and detailed at length the act of registration that was required for these things to be kept in Ponyville. From timberwolves to giants, the list was long and vast, so much so that it extended to Applejack and Butter, despite the fact that neither of them were considered pets. Under the rules, it stipulated than any creature of a height far above that of the average, around ten feet, would be considered to be a giant or giantess. If they were to live within the town, then they were required to register and outline expressly where they would be staying and who they would be staying with.

Neither of them heard about the law until it actually came into force and the pair were paid a personal visit by Mayor Mare herself. She revealed to them all the information about the new law, somewhat offensively titled the ‘Monster Registration Act XX16’. Butter and Applejack seemed a little skeptical at first, but once the Mayor outlined the fact that they could be booted out of the town for failing to comply, they quickly changed their tune. It was made clear that they would have to take each part of the registration one step at a time and that meant splitting them up. They were given a deadline of a couple of hours time for Applejack to get down to the Town Hall for the first part of the process. Butter would remain at home until she returned and sent him down to cover his half of the process, along with anything that Applejack couldn’t fill out herself. The Mayor bid them farewell, passing a final reminder about the timeframe they had as she left. Which left Butter and Applejack trying to ponder all the things that they could possibly be asked for. They gathered up things that could be used to identify themselves, along with certifications of Butter’s extended academic progress. Once they had everything that they needed, Applejack followed in the Mayor’s footsteps, leaving Butter on his own.

She wondered what awaited her at the Town Hall; what sort of questions and whatever else was needed for this process? She was certainly surprised to find that for this particular set of events, the Town Hall had received an addition. It was more in the form of a tent, but an addition nonetheless. No doubt this was to eliminate the space element for some of the bigger folks, like Applejack and whatever other big things people might want to keep as pets. She looked around to for any sign of the Mayor, before she opted to just stroll right up to the tent. There was no evidence of the Mayor anywhere, at least not to Applejack’s eyes. So, rather than stride up to the front door and give people the shock of their lives when they opened it to meet her, she walked up to the tent instead. The closer she got to the large, green, propped up sheet, the smaller it seemed to be, though it still looked big enough to fit her. An attendant from inside the tent popped out, drawn by her rather heavy footfalls, and rushed over to greet her.

“Excuse me, Miss! Could I get your name, nickname or title, please?” The attendant asked.

“Uhm, ah’m Applejack, wut’s this about?”

“Oh! This is just so we can issue you with a ticket for the registration process! I assume that’s why you’re here, yes? A big gal like yourself doesn’t just wander around here by accident - unless you do, hm… So where’s your partner or owner?”

“Mah pardner,” Applejack ground out with some force, “is at home. Ah wus told by th’ Mayor t’ come down by mahsel’ first…”

“Oh! The Mayor asked you to come down personally? Well that must mean you’re the one she’s waiting for! Please, forgive my assumption and follow me, I’ll take you straight to her!”

Applejack shrugged and did as was requested of her, following the attendant into the tent and keeping herself ducked to avoid knocking any supports out of place. Inside the tent, there were monsters and their owners from all walks of life, multitudes of ponies with their ‘pets’. Some of the people Applejack hadn’t even seen before, which either meant she was rather unobservant in that regard, or they were moving in to exploit the rule for themselves. None of them seemed to be meeting with the Mayor though, just more attendants, which made Applejack all the more curious as to why she was being singled out. The attendant led her through the tent, skirting around some of the characters that took up more space than they were allowed. All the way through into the back of the tent, where some sort of small cabin was set up to house the Mayor. Hardly the same level of comfort that the Mayor would have in her office, but it’d do. No doubt she set up this place on account of the possibility that some monsters might end up destroying something of value in the Mayor’s proper office. Once Applejack was inside the office, the attendant bid her farewell and resumed her duties, whatever they were beyond handing out tickets.

“Oh, Applejack? I hadn’t expected to see you so soon. There’s still a great deal of time left before your deadline expires.” Mayor Mare exclaimed.

“Ah know, but ah would rather git it all done now, so ah have th’ rest of th’ day t’ enjoy.” Applejack replied.

“Ah, understandable. So, before we begin, I’d like to offer you the chance to put forth any questions that you might have, about this process or just in general.”

“Well, ah wus wonderin’ why yer seein’ me separate from th’ others. Yer assistant there thought ah wus jus’ one o’ th’ regular folk, an’ when ah mentioned ya, she changed her tune.”

“Oh, of course! I should have elaborated that previously - you’re dealing with me because you are a resident of this town, who happens to fall under this new law. You’re not some common beast without a great deal in the way of intelligence. You just happen to be a member of the town that falls under the new criteria. As such I’ve opted to give you a modified version of the registration, which is only administered through me.”

“Uh huh, well, ah’m glad yer actually treatin’ me like one o’ yer own. Ah wouldn’t like t’ be thought o’ as some sort o’ pet. It just ain’t right fer me.”

“Of course, Applejack.” The Mayor nods, quickly organising a few papers she pulled from a pile before setting them before the two.“Now if you wouldn’t mind, I’d like to get things started. We have a lot to discuss and there’s still other important business I have to attend afterwards, so the sooner we get this done, the better, yes?”

Applejack nodded and sat carefully on the ground in front of the desk. Mayor Mare turned the papers around so that Applejack could read it, not that it made much difference. The sheer size difference between her and someone of average size really didn’t help in terms of reading regular sized paper. She could see the paper just fine, it’s just she couldn’t read whatever was written on it. The Mayor soon realised just what the problem was and instead opted to read it aloud, to combat the reading element. Applejack was grateful for her consideration; at the very least it would speed things up a little more. Then she was free to get back to her regular life, to get back to Butter and spend the rest of her day in peace. Mayor Mare sorted through the papers until she was satisfied that they were all present and correct, then she began her questions.

“Excellent, so, formalities out of the way first. Your name is Applejack and you live on Sweet Apple Acres, in your family’s barn. Correct?”

“Sure is, though ah would like t’ be movin’ out sometime soon, but ya know, space is kinda an issue.” The larger mare shrugs.

“Of course, of course,” Mayor Mare mumbles, scribbling her answer down in her notes. “Do you hereby vow to give several days warning, should you choose to rampage through our streets? The use of these seven days will be done to reinforce certain structures and commence a proper evacuation of all willing citizens before you arrive. Is this acceptable?”

Caught off guard, Applejack is left speechless for a moment at the insult to her character. “Rampage? Ah thought ya said ah wusn’t some kinda dumb monster! Ah have it hard enough tryin’ t’ get around th’ place as it is without knocking stuff over. Ah ain’t about t’ go wrecking other ponies’ houses or nuthin’!”

The Mayor held up a hand. “Now, now, don’t be offended Applejack, please. I simply have to ask the questions as they’re written down on this sheet. Had you been a bit smaller -”

“Had ah bin a bit smaller, ah wouldn’t be here talkin’ w’ ya about this new law now, would ah?” Applejack deadpanned.

“Right, of course, it wasn’t my intention to cause offence. Would you still like me to continue with the reading? Or would you prefer to try and fill these out yourself?”

Applejack responded in the affirmative and the questions continued like normal. A lot of them were fairly simple. They talked about things such as at what point in Applejack’s life did she take on this monstrous form and what her job was before that. She was a little offended that the questions actively referred to her appearance as that of a monster, but then this was derived from a questionnaire about that precise factor. Some of the more difficult questions were based around whether or not Applejack had any responsibilities in the town that she had to abandon on account of her true nature. Applejack mentioned that her only responsibilities in the town were that of helping Princess Twilight as and when she required it, hanging out with her friends and helping with the orchard. At this point, the Mayor paused and got up from her desk, writing down a multitude of names down on a separate piece of paper. She then explained that she’d need to gather statements from each and every one of her friends or family that Applejack had mentioned. Applejack didn’t see why this couldn’t be done later, but the Mayor was halfway out the door by that point.

With no instructions she remained seated for the Mayor to return, passing the time by reflecting on just what she thought of the process so far. It was simple, that much was obvious, but it was clear that the Mayor hadn’t really put much thought into the wording of the questions. They still sounded like they were meant for the creatures in the adjacent room, which Applejack assumed correctly. While the personal touch did help, the fact she had to answer them at all was offensive. If they continued to strike a nerve in the way that they were, Applejack was going to need to turn in that rampage warning by the end of it. She wondered what Butter’s line of questioning was going to be about; no doubt he would be made responsible for her actions. He was basically doing that anyway, what with always paying for her meals, paying for repairs, paying a little something for clothes, helping townsfolk accept her, easing her troubles with every advancement in size, etc.

Thinking of how much he had to spend on her made her think of just how much she’d become dependent on him. The Apple family had never been one for luxuries and extravagance, which helped since they had never held enough money to truly spend on it. Maintaining the fields and buildings took up the majority of their expenses. But once Applejack had started to grow there had been worry that she might strain them beyond the breaking point. Thankfully Butter had stepped up, and so far was keeping them afloat, but it didn’t settle well with her. That wasn’t her way; she paid back her debts, even if she couldnot claim to have much money to repay him by. Mostly it was in small things, like letting him enjoy more private and special moments with her, or cheering him up after coming home from work. It did get her thinking though about just what Butter did for a living. She had always assumed cooking, but she didn’t know where it was he even worked.

She pondered that for the next few hours before the Mayor returned, bringing with her a stack of extra papers. No doubt these were the written statements from her friends and family, all of which hopefully had good things to say about her. By this moment in time, Applejack had begun to cramp up something fierce; her body was aching as she remained cooped up in the cabin like a captive animal. The Mayor dropped the excess of papers down on the desk, catching errant papers as they fluttered away and began to read and sign them.She didn’t say a word to Applejack, acting like she hadn’t even seen her to begin with. So Applejack coughed falsely, aiming to get attention and draw attention to the giant elephant in the room. The Mayor paused her scribbling and tilted her head the tiniest of margins upwards to see what had made the noise. Upon being reminded that Applejack was still sat in the room with her, she cleared her throat and began to speak.

“Ah yes, Applejack. I think your section of the questioning is complete. If there’s anything else I need, I’m sure I can get it from Butter Nut. You’re welcome to leave now.”

Applejack thought about replying with something smart, irritated at having apparently still wasted her day over this. Instead she just bowed her head and slipped out of the cabin. She remained hunched over as she passed through the much quieter tent, before getting out into the afternoon sunlight. She wasted no time at all in stretching up to her full height. The sounds of her joints and bones cracking into place filled the air as she did so, startling some of the passersby. She was glad to be out of there though, if not a little disappointed that her waiting around was essentially pointless. Still, all she had to do was send Butter along and he could complete his bit and they were home free. Sort of anyway; they were bound by that new law, but it was unlikely that it was going to affect them that much. The Mayor would have mentioned that to her if it was going to be the case, wouldn’t she? Applejack pondered that question all the way back to the barn, before greeting Butter and sending him on his way. She watched him go for a moment, mind pondering earlier thoughts, then slipped inside the barn and flopped down on the couch for a nap.

Butter wasn’t entirely sure of what to expect from the meeting, just like Applejack had been. The only difference was that he had hoped to ask her for information, so he knew what he was getting into. Applejack didn’t really seem to want to discuss it with him though, so he figured it was best left for the time being. If she didn’t say anything, then it was likely he had nothing to fear, or she had been told not to tell him what to expect. Either way he, like Applejack, just wanted to get the whole thing over and done with so they could relax. Unlike Applejack, he didn’t bother himself by dwelling on it, instead hurrying his pace to get down to the Town Hall to take care of things. Butter met with the same attendant as well, and this time she didn’t mistake him for anyone else, as the Mayor had thankfully given her a photo. He let her run her spiel, punctuating it with responses of his own, before she led him through to the Mayor’s temporary office.

Upon his arrival at the office, the Mayor looked up from her final bit of paperwork and greeted him warmly, completely different to how professional she had been with Applejack. “Butter Nut, a pleasure to meet you again! Shall we simply dive right in and get things started? Applejack certainly wanted to get back quickly.”

“Well, I certainly would like to just get this over with, no offense. I get the feeling you might have a lot more troublesome cases out there to handle.” Butter answers, looking back briefly at a growl from the other side of the door.

“Very well. I can assume that seeing as how the first questions are about your place of residence, that it’ll be the same place as Applejack?”

Butter nods. “Mhm, first the homestead, then the barn, maybe somewhere else later, but we’ll get to that when it happens.”

“Good, good. Now, I need to make you aware of something - it’s nothing serious, just the role you’ll be undertaking. According to the law you’ll be known as a Minion, though you’re free to call yourself whatever you like.” Mayor Mare explained.

“A Minion? Seriously? Just what do I have to do as part of this role?”

Mayor Mare clears her throat. “The pony and/or creature designated as Minion is required in all interactions between Monster and State. Their duties entail, and are not limited to, providing the government of their designated homestead details, including changes, of any and all movement, intentions, rampages, food and beverage consumption, malicious threatening, jeering taunts, ludicrous demands, intent to destroy and/or build property, worship of said Monster..."

Butter holds up his hands. “Alright, I get it. I basically have to keep you updated on any and all plans we have right? Do I have to pay for damages as well?”

“I’m glad you asked, as that leads us nicely into the next part of the registration. What is your occupation, and how do you intend to pay for all of this?”

Butter, surprising the mare, frowns. “I…Miss Mayor, if it’s alright with you, could you promise me something? I’d rather not have Applejack know what it is I do. I haven’t told her, and honestly, don’t have any desire to if I can help it.”

The Mayor raises an eyebrow and lowers her pen. “Is that so? I hope it’s nothing illegal.”

“Oh no, nothing like that!” He pauses, taking a deep breath before going on. “Applejack knows I went to cooking school in Manehatten, but that doesn’t really pay the kind of bills and fees that…well, she’s a growing mare, Mayor. I’m actually a monster hunter of sorts. Out in the Everfree Forest that is, not here in town. It’s not so much hunting even as it is retrieving certain items of interest for ponies that want them. Ponies will sometimes ask for certain things that can only be found in the Everfree, I go in, get them, and they pay me. Even the Princesses have asked me for a few things here and there, mostly alchemical ingredients, but they always pay well. I realise it’s not that stable, but I am hoping to put my cooking skills to use and open a pub perhaps. For now my income is more than enough.”

Mayor Mare, having listened with wide eyes, nodded after Butter finished. “I can see why you wouldn’t want Applejack to know about this. Goodness, I certainly never expected something like this! Dangerous antics in the Everfree Forest and plans to open a business? I’d say that was walking an extremely thin line.”

“It will be taxing if I manage to do it all.” Butter admits. “But if it helps Applejack? If I can make things easier for her – for both of us? It’s worth it ma’am.”

The questions continued after that, forcing Butter to spill details about his early life, the antics that he and Applejack had experienced before now and their immediate future plans. Once all that was over and done, Butter signed the form, as per his new role dictated and bid the Mayor farewell. As he left, it seemed like he was the final one of the day, as when he walked through the tent, it was being dismantled. As he traveled home he ran through points of the meeting, finding annoyance in at least one matter. How he was to be referred to being Applejack’s Minion; as far as he was concerned it wasn’t the greatest name choice. Sure, he didn’t want to be referred to as her owner, but there had to be a middle ground somewhere. Something that said he helped her but wouldn’t sound so wicked, or denote him as some kind of lackey either. The idea hit him as he walked along the dirt path back to Sweet Apple Acres. He could be her Handler; it wasn’t too strong of a term, but it implied that he had a certain level of say in the things she did and the consequences she felt. Ideally he’d prefer to just be her boyfriend, or one day husband. But if he had to have an official title, Handler was okay. Besides, it had another connotation, one that implied a little more ‘hands on’ approach toward him and Applejack. He smirked to himself; if she’d been around to hear him say something like that, she’d probably groan and slap him. He revelled in the moment though, holding that thought until he got back to the barn. He walked in and closed the door behind him. There was a moment of silence, followed by a loud groan...