Chapter 3

Iron Cross rose from his bed with a feeling of refreshment and contentedness that he hadn’t felt in ages. The warm rays of early morning light shone through the window, promising a bright new day. It was then he smelled something, it was the slightly spicy aroma of cinnamon. Iron Cross decided it was coming from downstairs so he proceeded to investigate the source of the scent. Sure enough, the scent originated from the kitchen. As Iron Cross walked into the kitchen he noticed Applejack stirring a pot of oatmeal on the stove. She was wearing a cooking apron and had decided not to wear her trademark hat. Her golden hair was loose, missing were the utilitarian hair ties she used to keep her mane and tail from getting tangled during work. She was humming some sort of lullaby. Iron Cross just stared at her for what seemed like hours but was only a few seconds. His concentration was broken when Applejack turned around to greet with a warm smile.

“Good mornin’ stranger. Ah thought since Applebloom was off school today I’d make somethin’ special. It’s Granny Smith’s famous cinnamon sugar oatmeal. If ya want somethin’ ta drink there’s apple juice in the ice box. Once I’m done with the oatmeal I’ll fix up some coffee.”

“Good morning to you as well Applejack. That oatmeal smells wonderful. I think I’ll have some apple juice for now. Is Applebloom up by any chance?”

“Not yet but ah reckon she’ll be down here fast as lightning when she smells the oatmeal. It’s her favorite breakfast food after all.”

“I don’t mean to intrude but what was that beautiful song you were humming earlier?”

“Oh ya heard that? Well that was a song mah ma used to sing to Big Mac and ah when we were foals. She sang it when we were scared or cryin’ or we just needed to git ta sleep, always would calm us down. Ah sing it now to remember the good times and ta remember her.”

“What happened to your mother?”

“She died, it happened ‘bout ten years ago. Big Mac and ah were just young-ins and Applebloom was a baby foal. We stayed on the farm while mah ma and pa set out in their wagon to deliver some apples to Appleloosa. There was a storm the night before and it made the roads on the trail ta Appleloosa mighty unstable. While ma and pa were drivin’ their cart ‘round a sharp turn on a cliff, the ground underneath gave way and the cart crashed into a gorge. Neither one survived.”

“Oh Applejack…I’m so sorry I had no idea.”

“It’s alright Iron, Ah made mah peace with it a long time ago. Ah still got Granny Smith, Big Mac and Applebloom ta look after. Speakin’ of Applebloom ah can hear her now.”

Applebloom waddled blearily towards the kitchen rubbing her eyes when she suddenly perked up. “Ah smell cinnamon, Applejack did ya make mah favorite oatmeal?”

“Ah sure did sugarcube and ah thought Iron here might like it too.”

Applebloom trotted over to Applejack and gave her sister a big hug. “Thanks Applejack ah love Granny Smith’s oatmeal!” In a quieter voice she added. “Ah also needed a pick me up from what happened yesterday.”

Applejack didn’t appear to have heard the second part of Applebloom’s statement, but Iron Cross did. He had honed his hearing during the war to listen for any kind of suspicious noises such as airplane engines, tanks, or bullets being fired.

“Ah better git crackin’ on that coffee I’ll be back in two cracks of a whip” Applejack said while grabbing a can of coffee.

Applejack’s absence left Iron Cross and Applebloom to share the table. After a few moments of silence Iron Cross could see the slightly pained expression on the little filly and grew concerned. Iron Cross was the first one the break the silence.

“Applebloom, do you want to talk about what happened yesterday?”

Applebloom thought about lying to Iron Cross but remembered what her sister said about lying. It would just make things worse and besides Iron Cross looked like he cared and maybe she would feel better if she talked to someone other than her sister.

“Well…yesterday at school ah got made fun of by a couple of fillies in mah class. They called me a no talent blank flank. Ah tried to ignore it but…ah ended up cryin’ later on the way home. It really hurt mah feelings…ah just want ta hurry up and git mah cutie mark.”

Iron Cross sat silently contemplating what exactly a blank flank was. He then remembered that most of the ponies he had seen (including himself) had a tattoo on their flank. As he looked over at Applebloom he noticed she didn’t have one. “Perhaps the strange tattoos on their flanks are called cutie marks and they represent some rite of passage into adulthood. Hmm I understand now, Applebloom still has yet to find one for herself. Ha ha she’s just like all the hotheaded teens back home.”

Iron Cross got up from his side of the table and sat next to Applebloom. “Applebloom let me tell you a story from my youth; it might make you feel better. When I was young my Father worked as an archeologist funded by a university. He would often go out on expeditions looking for some lost cities or artifacts but he always had time to come home and tell me all about his adventures.”

Applebloom’s eyes lit up. “Oooh so he was like Daring Do, the famous explorer and treasure hunter?”

Iron Cross had no idea who this “Daring Do” was but decided to agree with Applebloom. “Yes, my father was very similar. I loved my father very much but he always tried to make me be like him. He would always teach me about ancient ruins and old cultures and I was fascinated by them, but I had never really wanted to be an archeologist. Later my father had given me a scholarship to the university he worked at and I studied archeology. I did this mostly because it made him happy, not because I really wanted to.”

Applebloom interrupted Iron Cross. “But how come ya ain’t got an excavation cutie mark if ya were so good at archeology?”

“I’m getting to that part Applebloom. Now when I graduated from the university I had to figure out what I wanted to do with my life, when suddenly my country went to war. I loved my country and wanted to protect it, so I joined the army. I found that being a soldier was much more satisfying than being an archeologist; consequently I realized I was good at it too. That’s how I got my cutie mark.”

“So ya went and did somethin’ that ya never tried before and got yer cutie mark?”

“Yes, that’s correct Applebloom. The point is you don’t have to be good at what others want you to be good at, nor do you have to figure out right away what that talent is. In my case it took me till I was an adult to figure that out.”

“Wow…ah didn’t know it took ya that long ta git yer cutie mark.”

Iron Cross chuckled. “It’s all part of growing up Applebloom. You needn’t be in such a hurry to do so, enjoy your childhood while you can. No matter what you choose to do, remember that your family and friends will always be there to support you.”

Applebloom ran over to Iron Cross and gave him a tight hug. “Umm…thanks Mr. Cross ah feel a lot better now. Ah promise ah won’t let the bullies git me down anymore.”

Applejack came back into the kitchen with a pot of fresh coffee and had a smirk on her face. “Well now Iron ya should count yerself lucky, Applebloom doesn’t usually warm up to strangers that quick. Hay, she even gave ya a hug. Ah dunno what ya did but ah approve.”

Iron Cross sat at the kitchen table finishing up his cup of coffee when he decided to ask Applejack a question. “Applejack you seem rather relaxed this morning, aren’t you worried we won’t be able to get everything done?”

“Hmm…neh. Today ain’t about doing things on the farm. Ah got errands ta run in Ponyville. Yer welcome ta come along if ya like Iron.”

Iron Cross considered this for a moment recalling what had happened the last time he went to Ponyville. Maybe there wouldn’t be any more strange pink reality bending ponies this time.

“I suppose I can tag along, but what exactly do you need to do Applejack?”

“Ah gotta go over to mah friend Rarity’s boutique to git fitted for a winter vest, ah suppose ya could introduce yerself to her while I’m there. Then ah gotta go to mah other friend Twilight’s house fer a book on pulleys so ah can install some in the barn.”

“You certainly are one busy pony.”

“A mare’s gotta do what she can to git things done.”

Applejack and Iron Cross cantered side by side into Ponyville stopping by Rarity’s boutique first. It was just like Sugarcube Corner, decorated in a gaudy manner to the extreme. The boutique looked like it had been built by carnival folk. This left Iron Cross to wonder if all ponies in Equestria had such terrible taste in architecture. Whoever this Rarity was Iron Cross hoped she would be more down to earth than Pinkie Pie.

Applejack proceeded to knock on the boutique’s door and what could only be described as a snooty accented mare answered. “I’ll be right with you darling.”

Rarity opened the door and gave Applejack a curt hug. “Applejack dear, how wonderful it is to see you. It has been far too long. Who is this dashing stallion you have along with you?”

“Hiya Rarity this here is Iron Cross, he’s helpin’ out at Sweet Apple Acres.”

“Why hello Iron Cross enchanted to meet you, my name is Rarity and I run the Carousel Boutique here in Ponyville.”

“Greetings Ms. Rarity, I am Iron Cross the pleasure is mine.”

Rarity let out a high pitched giggle. “Well I say Applejack; he not only is dashing but has the manners of a gentlecolt.”

“Applejack darling would you please come with me to the fitting room, we must discuss the matter of your vest.”

Iron Cross started to accompany Applejack towards the fitting room when suddenly Rarity stood in his way.

“Oh I’m truly sorry Iron Cross, but I’m afraid this is strictly mare’s business and it’s going to take quite some time. You know it can be rather boring, nothing that could possibly interest a stallion.”

“Uhh…Iron how’s about ya trot on over to Twilight’s house fer mah book. Ah reckon this might take a while. Her house is across the street, it’s the big ole tree house. Ya can’t miss it.”

“Very well Applejack, I shall do that. Do you want me to come back here to check and see if you’re done?”

“Neh I’ll come over to Twi’s house once I’m done.”

Iron cross just shook his head and went on his way to Twilight’s house. From what he could tell she was some kind of bookkeeper or maybe a librarian. Perhaps she was well educated. In any case Iron Cross knew that women’s tasks often took far longer than they ever should.

“What in tarnation is goin’ on Rarity? Ah thought ya said mah vest was ready?”

“Oh I finished that vest ages ago Applejack but that’s not important right now.”

“Not important!? The vest was the whole reason ah came over here. Now tell me what the hay is goin’ on.”

“What’s important darling, is that we go to the spa.”

“Rare, ya know ah don’t like gettin’ all gussied up at that spa. Why in the name of Celestia do we even need to go there?”

“Applejack the spa treatment itself is not the primary purpose, although it is a pleasant side effect. We are going to the spa to discuss your current relationship to Iron Cross.”

Rarity and Applejack (begrudgingly) made their way to the spa where they were greeted by the spa’s owners.

“Lotus! Aloe! We shall have the usual.”

“Ms. Rarity it is not yet Thursday and where is Ms. Fluttershy?” Lotus asked.

“Oh sorry darling this is an emergency situation, you know the kind that involves stallions.”

“Ah right away Ms. Rarity” Lotus replied.

Rarity sank into the sauna in a state of utter relaxation. She had placed cucumbers over her eyes and had applied a mask of avocado, along with a towel wrapped around her head. Applejack sat across from Rarity, also with a towel wrapped around her head but a scowl on her face.

“Ah can’t believe ya dragged me into this Rare.”

“Darling just enjoy the spa and relax, and then we can talk about your situation.”

“Exactly what situation are ya talkin’ about Rare?”

“It simply isn’t ladylike to discuss…oh who am I kidding I always have to spell everything out for you in matters of romance.”

Applejack slid deeper into the hot tub blowing a few bubbles. She turned a deep shade of red and not just because of the hot water.

“W-why in tarnation is everypony so interested in mah love life?”

Rarity let out a squeak. “Oh my word…I suspected you…you really do like him. I’m sorry Applejack but you have always been the stubborn type, someone who fancies work over everything else ESPECIALLY romance.”

“Don’t worry dear he’s absolutely gorgeous and quite the gentlecolt to boot. I just didn’t expect you to have such excellent taste in stallions, why if you weren’t pinning for him I’d snatch him up myself.”

“Dang it…is it really that obvious that ah like him?”

“Oh yes dear its written plain as day across your face. You have that look of longing in your eyes and you seem so comfortable around him.”

Rarity assumed a dramatic pose. “Of all the possible things that could occur, THIS IS THE BEST POSSIBLE THING!!!”

“Rare, I don’t mean ta interrupt yer little drama display but ah got a serious question.”

“Of course, darling ask away.”

“I’ve had relationships before but they were usually just one night stands, ya know the kind where ya got a nice colt and go for a roll in the hay. Ah just never considered havin’ a deeper relationship. I’ve got Sweet Apple Acres to worry about after all. Ah certainly am interested in Iron Cross, but what if he doesn’t like me?”

Rarity chuckled. “Applejack I don’t think you need to worry about that. I noticed the way he looked at you. I may not have had many good relationships, but I know desire when I see it. It’s rather uncouth sometimes I must admit, to always to have your flank ogled when you walk anywhere. Ugghh I swear some of the stallions around here can be such ruffians.”

“Ya really think he might like me? Ah really haven’t done much in the way of makin’ mahself more lady-like.”

“Now Applejack stop that nonsense. You are most certainly a beautiful mare, why any stallion would be lucky to have you. I’ve always thought that if you took care of yourself just a little bit more you’d be simply stunning.”

“Rare, ah talked to RD the other day and she said somthin’ along those lines. I’m glad that ah got such good friends to back me up and cheer me on.

Rarity gave Applejack a quick peck on the cheek. “Whatever are friends for? You just need to be a bit more confident darling, that’s all. Lay on the Applesauce as it were.”

“Ya know what Rare, I’ve decided I’m gonna give it a shot. Ah might not ask Iron right away but mighty soon ah reckon. Sorry that ah was such a mule about comin’ into the spa, ah actually do feel a lot better now. Thanks, Rare.”

“Well, now that we got that out of the way I’d say it’s about time to get you your vest and trot off to the library.”

Iron Cross found Twilight Sparkle’s residence without a hitch; after all it was a giant tree. He knocked on the door expecting to see some old mare with glasses and her mane tied in a bun, but instead a dragon answered the door.

“Hi sir can I help you?” the small purple dragon inquired.

“Errmm…yes I was told that Twilight Sparkle lives here. I need her to help me find a book on pulley systems.”

“Twwiiiligghtt you have a visitor!”

As Iron Cross stood near the doorway, a lavender colored mare with an equally purple tail and mane trotted down the stairs to greet him. What surprised Iron Cross once again was the age of the mare, she was not some old wrinkly thing but rather young from the looks of it. She, like Rarity appeared to be a unicorn as well.

“Hi my name is Twilight Sparkle and I am Ponyville’s chief librarian. What can I do for you today sir?”

“Hello Ms. Sparkle my name is Iron Cross and I was told that you have a book on pulley systems available.”

“Ah yes that should be in section three, shelf twelve under engineering marvels of Equestria.”

Twilight shot Iron Cross a confused look. “Oh wait I seem to be forgetting something…oh right I’m sorry sir but I have that book reserved for somepony else.”

“I’m sorry Ms. Sparkle the book isn’t for me, it’s for Applejack. She sent me here to retrieve it.”

“I see. You must be the new farmhand she mentioned. Welcome to Ponyville by the way. Oh and from now on you can just call me Twilight.”

Iron Cross noticed that Twilight’s eyes got bigger and she seemed to be staring at the amulet around his neck. A few moments of awkward silence followed. Iron Cross hated silence in conversations and once again decided to break it.

“Umm Twilight can I help you with something?”

“Oh…huh? I was just looking at your amulet. It seems so familiar; I can’t quite put my hoof on it. It looks to be an antique, possibly medieval era…maybe…”

Twilight had already retrieved the book on pulley systems and proceeded to get another book. While the book on pulleys looked new with a glossy cover the other book Twilight took out looked positively ancient. It was a thick dusty tome with a picture of a unicorn sorcerer on the front. The sorcerer reminded Iron Cross of Merlin, the legendary wizard in King Arthur’s court. The cover of the tome read “Starswirl the Bearded: A Complete History”.

Twilight stood in front of the tome magically flipping through the pages until she stopped about a quarter of the way through the book. The page she stopped on had a large illustrated picture of two unicorns, one was the Merlin-like pony who must have been Starswirl the Bearded and the other was a completely white unicorn with sapphire blue eyes. Normally this picture wouldn’t have been very interesting, but it was what the white unicorn was wearing that caught Iron Cross’s eye. There around the white unicorn’s neck was the very amulet he was wearing.

Apparently Twilight had come to a similar conclusion. “Sweet Celestia…how on Equestria did you get that amulet, it’s seven hundred years old.”

Iron cross read the passage below the picture and it chilled him to the bone. Starswirl the Bearded and his son, Frostmere the Fierce, convene at the great hall in Castle Canterlot.

“We need to show the amulet to Princess Celestia right away. It belonged to one of the most powerful sorcerers in all Equestrian history. There’s no telling what kind of magic might still be imbued in it.”

A hissing voice whispered in Iron Cross’s mind. “One of the most powerful sorcerers indeed. Clever little mare, I was hoping to keep my name a secret for at least a little while longer. So much for surprises.”

Iron Cross’s face paled. “Yes, I think that would be for the best.”