Chapter 6

Present Day: Canterlot Gardens, Equestria

Spearpoint, a lieutenant in Princess Celestia’s palace guards, trotted out to the garden of statues accompanied by two other guards. The Princess had commanded them to bring a silver amulet out to the gardens for safe keeping. Spearpoint had no idea why the Princess would need such a thing to be guarded, but it wasn’t his place to question the authority of wisened millennial alicorn. He held the amulet in his hoof staring at it, while it was certainly beautiful and might be valuable why in Equestria would it need to be placed in the gardens? Spearpoint remembered that only the most dangerous or rare items were kept in the gardens. One such example was the statue of Discord, but surely this amulet did not pose a threat. He did have to admit that while he held the amulet it seemed to give him the chills…it almost was as if there was a malignant entity whispering to his subconscious when he gazed into the sapphire. Maybe the Princess was right to keep it under guard here. He placed the amulet on a pedestal next to the statue of Discord and cast the charm that the Princess had instructed him to place. Suddenly, a golden barrier sprung up from the charm, shielding the amulet from any would be thieves. The other two guards stood at attention near the entrance of the statue garden as Spearpoint made his way back to the castle.

Spearpoint looked back at the pedestal muttering under his breath. “Glad to be rid of that creepy little thing, but now at least it’s safe.”

The amulet began to glow with a faint blue aura. “Well now it seems the warrior has found a new companion, how very amusing. I shan’t complain, for his love and passion for the mare fuels my magic. I can feel the seal slipping away this very instant.”

The amulet began to glow with white hot energy making the ground beneath it quake. The two guards noticed the disturbance and quickly came on to the scene. To their horror the amulet began to levitate and suddenly burst into pieces, dissolving the barrier as well. Standing only a few centimeters from the pedestal was a snow-white unicorn staring back at them with blue eyes deeper than any ocean. The white unicorn merely showed them a defiant smirk.

“Why good evening gentlecolts, it seems you have barred your weapons against me. Is that any way to greet a guest?”

One of the guards stared at the unicorn in disbelief, but still managed to keep his voice steady. “Halt, who are you and what was that strange magical disturbance? Identify yourself!”

The white unicorn simply scoffed. “Is this how you greet a pony’s first homecoming in seven hundred years? I guess I should have expected this, but seriously you ponies have no manners. Very well, my name is Frostmere and I have finally returned to Canterlot after a bit of an extended league of absence.”

“Fine…Mr. Frostmere, we are going to have to ask you to come with us. The Princess will want to see you.”

Frostmere let out a long cackle. “Oh I’m afraid I won’t be seeing anypony tonight, you see I am quite famished. That tends to happen when you don’t eat for seven hundred years.”

Frostmere’s horn glowed blue as he levitated the guards in the air, incapacitating them. His eyes also began to glow as he started sucking the very life out of the helpless guards. A few moments later the guards were nothing more than dried out husks covered in armor.

“Hmm not much magic in these fellows, but I suppose a snack is better than nothing.”

Frostmere surveyed his surroundings; it appeared to be some sort of garden filled with various statues. One statue that seemed rather out of place caught his eye. It was a statue depicting a draconequus, an ugly one at that. Frostmere had no idea why anypony would want a statue of one of those misshapen miscreants in such an otherwise beautiful garden. He saw the throat of the statue glow a faint red color.

“Why hello fellow bringer of chaos” the statue chirped.

Frostmere was suspicious of the talking statue but also intrigued, so he decided to indulge the thing in conversation. “I am hardly an instrument of chaos, draconequus.”

“Ah, but that’s where your wrong my snowy unicorn friend. You dispatched those guards as if they were mere flies under your hoof. Violent deaths aren’t really my style but they cause quite a bit of chaos.”

“The guards just happened to be in the wrong place, at the wrong time. Their deaths satisfied my hunger that is all.”

“Pragmatic, I like that. You seem to be a bit on edge, perhaps there is a reason for it? No, wait I think I can guess. YOU HAVE A GRUDGE!!!!”

“Yes you could say that, but why does it concern you?”

“I suspect we share a common enemy, Mr. Snowball. You are new to Equestria; however I was just recently imprisoned by those twerps of harmony and their cheerleader, Celestia. I desire revenge just as much as you.”

Frostmere hated it when creatures had ulterior motives. “Let me guess you want me to free you from your stone prison so that you can “help” me get revenge on Princess Celestia.”

“I knew you were a clever pony. Just think with your brains and my chaos magic we can take down Celestia and rule Equestria with an iron fist. It will be such great fun!”

Frostmere had dealt with draconequus before and knew he couldn’t trust them whatsoever. They always were schemers, cheaters, and liars tempting ponies with earthly desires. This particular one seemed to be down on his luck; evidently he was defeated by Celestia and her cohorts. Frostmere decided the draconequus could be of some use to him.

“I shall release you draconequus, but before I do you shall tell me your name.”

“I am Discord, Spirit of Chaos, at your service.”

Frostmere shot a bolt of blue energy at the statue and it began to crack. After a few moments the stone had completely crumbled away revealing Discord in all his natural glory. The spirit began to fly around cracking his bones in a comical manner, when he finally hovered in front of Frostmere.

“I can tell this is going to be the start of a beautiful…”

Discord’s words were cut short as Frostmere cast four rings of magic from his horn. Each of the rings clamped themselves onto Discord’s hands and legs. The rings pinned Discord to the ground, leaving him helpless.

“What is the meaning of this…I thought we had a deal!!” Discord spat.

“Those rings are a spell I learned, they cancel chaos magic. You won’t be pulling any of your usual tricks draconequus. As for the deal: I fulfilled my end of the bargain by releasing you, I never said I would actually help you. You will be of great use to me, to help recharge my magic.”

Frostmere’s eyes and horn lit up again, pulsing with dark blue energy. As he leeched the very life out of Discord, there was only gargling screams of agony coming from the draconequus. After a few minutes Discord’s body became a mummified husk, much like the guards. Frostmere grinned in satisfaction, his entire body rejuvenated by the massive amount of chaos magic now flowing through him. Despite his new found well of power, he still needed to be careful. He was not quite strong enough to face Celestia and her elements of harmony. Frostmere decided to teleport to the Everfree Forest so that he could hide in seclusion until the proper time. Even during his era the Everfree Forest was a dangerous and forbidding place, very few ponies would bother him there. As he sat near a large oak tree he let out a hearty laugh.

“Soon Celestia, I will rule all of Equestria and you will regret what you did to me!”

Applejack and Iron Cross entered the farmhouse, the smell of cooking food assaulting their senses. At the table sat Big Mac wearing a pair of reading glasses reading a copy of Essays on Thought and Philosophy by Neighschel de Montaigne. Big Mac put the book down to give Applejack a “come here I need to talk to you” look. In order to emphasize his look he waved his hoof. Applejack knew exactly what this was going to be about, she was about a half hour late for dinner and despite everypony thinking Big Mac was just another oaf that worked the land, he was actually quite intelligent and perceptive.

“Iron, sorry ta leave ya hangin’ but ah gotta have a chat with mah brother. Why don’t ya try and find Applebloom, she’s probably mighty hungry right now.”

Big Mac stood across from Applejack letting a small grin to grace the side of his face. “It seems y’all had a fine time pullin’ weeds. Ya ain’t never been this late fer dinner before, except that time ya ran off to the barn to roll around with that scrawny colt. What was his name…hmm ah think it was Haybailer wasn’t it?”

Applejack turned beet red. She had thought Big Mac forgot that particular incident. She was a rather frisky filly in her youth and thought she could get away with a quickie before dinner. As in the case with Iron Cross, she had a nasty habit of losing track of time. Big Mac suspected what she was doing at the time and had caught her in the act with Haybailer in a particularly embarrassing position. Big Mac had admonished her for being so reckless, but now she was an adult and things were different.

“Hehe…is it that obvious?”

“Eyep.”

“Alright ya got me. Iron Cross and ah decided ta hook up. Ah had my reservations at first, but he’s been so helpful and sweet. Ah just couldn’t help but fall for him, besides ah thought it was high time ah got a stallion-friend.”

Big Mac gripped his sister in a big hug and ruffled her mane. “I’m real happy for ya Applejack. Ya deserve a good stallion like Iron. Before ya start worrin’ about it, ah approve of him one hundred and ten percent. Ah ain’t gonna go ‘round town tellin’ all yer friends about it, because it ain’t mah place. That’s yer responsibility, but ah reckon they’re all gonna be over the moon when they find out ya snagged yerself a stallion.”

Applejack returned Big Mac’s hug. “Thanks Big Mac, it really means a lot to me that ya feel that way. Ah guess we should start on dinner, after all ah was a half hour late.”

As the siblings made their way to the table they noticed Applebloom was already bouncing up and down excitedly as Iron Cross served the carrot casserole. Iron Cross ruffled Applebloom’s mane and she bounced up and gave him a hug. Both Big Mac and Applejack smiled at the sight. It seems that Applebloom treated Iron Cross just like family, which was just as well since he would soon be part of it anyway.

Iron Cross gave Applejack a smirk. “So did you two have the talk?”

Applejack fidgeted a bit with a slight blush on her face. “Dang it, nothing gits past ya either Iron does it?

“I know a concerned sibling when I see one. My cousin used to look after me like that when I was younger. A pity I won’t see her again, but I hope that she survived the war and is well. I will continue to wish her good tidings even if I can’t see her. I’m honored that Big Mac thinks so highly of me and I’ve grown fond of Applebloom as well.”

Big Mac smiled and gave Iron Cross a hearty hoof shake. Appleboom was sitting at the table happily munching away at her casserole when she had a look of confusion on her face.

“Would somepony tell me what is goin’ on?”

All three of the adult ponies laughed. “Huh? What’s so dang funny?”

Applejack was the first to answer. “Well sugarcube ah just wanted to let everypony know that Iron and ah have decided to hook up.”

Applebloom’s eyes got huge and she had a big smile. “Oh ah knew y’all were perfect fer each other. Iron’s been real nice ta me as well and I’m proud to call him mah honorary brother. I’m so happy for ya sis!”

After dinner the Apple family and Iron Cross sat out on the porch of the farmhouse enjoying some iced tea, gazing idly at the night sky. Big Mac was the first to retire since he had to water the fields the next morning. Applebloom, usually a little ball of energy, suppressed a big yawn.

“Ah think it’s time fer a little filly ta git some shuteye.”

“Ah ain’t tired sis I swear!”

“We both know that’s a lie sugarcube. Now come on I’ll tuck ya into bed, ya got school tomorrow anyway.”

Applebloom groaned. “Awww alright ah guess ya have a point sis.”

Applejack tucked Applebloom into bed and gave her a kiss on the forehead. “Night sugarcube and pleasant dreams.”

Applejack was heading out the bedroom door when she heard Applebloom call out for her. “Sis I’m really glad ya found Iron Cross. It’s nice ta see ya so happy, cause ah was getting’ worried ya wouldn’t find yer special somepony.”

“Me too Applebloom, me too.”

Applejack made her way to Iron Cross’s room knocking on the door gently. He was just starting to get settled in for sleep. “Is there room fer one more in there sugarcube?”

“Of course there is, and there always will be.” As Applejack snuggled up to Iron Cross, he gave her a soft kiss on the lips. “Goodnight Applejack.”

“Night, Iron.”

Applejack and Iron Cross drifted off to sleep, comforted by each other’s warmth. The next day would be the start of their new life together. It was the most peaceful sleep Iron Cross ever had.

The following morning was rather uneventful, Big Mac had gone out to the fields to water the crops and Applebloom left for school. Applejack and Iron Cross sat at the kitchen table drinking a cup of coffee.

“So Applejack what’s on the agenda today?”

“Well there ain’t too much to do on the farm right now, but ah gotta go over to Fluttershy’s house ta pick up some feed fer the cows. She’s kinda our resident animal expert ya could say.”

“Fluttershy you say, I don’t believe I’ve met her yet.”

“Ah reckon ya didn’t on account she’s very reclusive and shy, hence the name Fluttershy.”

Applejack and Iron Cross made their way to a small cottage on the edge of town. Iron Cross thought it looked like something straight out of J.R.R Tolkien's The Hobbit. The entire property was surrounded by various types of woodland creatures and enclosures designed for them to live in.

“And so we made our way to the Shire…” Iron Cross mumbled under his breath.

“What was that sugarcube?”

“Oh nothing Applejack, do you think Fluttershy is home right now?”

“Ah sure hope so, but she does have a tendency to go out in the wild and take care of her critters.”

Applejack knocked on the cottage door. “Fluttershy its Applejack! I’m here for mah critter food!”

Iron Cross heard a slight pattering of hooves. The door of the cottage opened slowly and the head of a pink maned, butter colored mare poked out. With her large blue eyes and skittish demeanor she reminded Iron Cross of a scared little bunny.

“Oh…h-hello Applejack, the food you requested is just inside. It’s a bit heavy so…I couldn’t lift it to the door. You should probably come and lift it yourself, that is if you don’t mind.”

“That’s alright Fluttershy I’m plenty strong enough to lift it. Even if ah weren’t ah got Iron Cross with me.”

“S-so that’s his name. I was wondering who he was. I’ve n-never seen him before but Pinkie Pie talked about him. Hello my name is f…f…fluttershy.”

Iron Cross swore he heard Fluttershy make a slight whimpering noise as she looked at the ground, hiding her face under her bangs. “Am I really that intimidating? The poor thing looks like she’s about to cry.”

Iron Cross spoke in the most gentle voice he could muster. “Why hello Fluttershy my name is Iron Cross, a pleasure to meet you.”

“Umm…Mr. Cross I have a question for you. It’s kind of a personal question, y-you don’t have to answer it if you don’t want to.”

“Sure Ms. Fluttershy go right ahead.”

“Ok. How long have you been you know…dating Applejack?”

Iron Cross was stunned at how fast this seemingly shy and reclusive pony had put two and two together. He suspected Fluttershy was a lot more perceptive than she appeared to be. So much for the whole innocent little bunny persona. As surprised as he was, there was no shame in admitting his love for Applejack and her friends were going to find out eventually.

“We decided to start dating yesterday, but I’ve known Applejack since I arrived in Equestria.”

“Oh how wonderful. I was always worried that Applejack might not find her special somepony. She would work in the fields all day and ignore all the stallions hitting on her when she was in town. It was very sad. Applejack I am so happy for you.”

Fluttershy trotted over and gave Applejack a hug. “Ermm well thanks Fluttershy ah guess there ain’t no pullin’ the wool over yer eyes.”

“How rude of me Applejack, I haven’t made any tea. J-just give me ten minutes and I’ll brew some up and of course I’ll make some for your stallion-friend as well.”

As Fluttershy was brewing the tea a small, snow-white rabbit appeared in front of Iron Cross. He looked rather upset about something. The rabbit then gave Iron Cross the stink eye and crossed his arms, thumping his foot against the floor.

“What’s wrong little guy, are you hungry or something?”

The rabbit nodded his head and then pointed to Fluttershy. He then gave Iron Cross another dirty look and pointed to the rabbit food sitting across the room.

“Oh I see you were about to be fed by Fluttershy and I just happened to arrive and now she’s busy making tea. How about I get you some food, would that make you feel better?”

The rabbit slightly softened his stink eye and nodded yes. After Iron Cross was done pouring the rabbit food into the snow-bunny’s bowl, the rabbit stopped eating for a second and offered his paw. Iron Cross gingerly shook it. Fluttershy returned with a tray containing three teacups.

“Oh my, it seems Angel Bunny likes you Iron. He hardly ever warms up to strangers. You must have done him a big favor.”

Iron Cross couldn’t understand why Fluttershy tolerated Angel Bunny’s sour attitude. If he had any say in it, the annoying little creature would have become a good-luck charm hanging on a keychain. Perhaps it was just because Fluttershy loved all of her animals. In any case Applejack and Iron Cross finished their tea and Applejack hoisted the cow feed on her back and they were on their way.

“Ah almost forgot ah need to go to Sugarcube Corner ta buy some cookies fer Applebloom’s lunches. We ain’t real far from town so we might as well go now.”

“How in the world do you remember all these things Applejack?”

“It comes with bein’ the responsible mare of the family. Since Applebloom doesn’t have a mother so ah gotta try mah best to make up for it.

Iron Cross wasn’t looking forward to meeting the dreaded Pinkie Pie again. Maybe this visit would be different. At the very least he could get another one of those delicious cupcakes, if nothing else Pinkie was a very professional baker.

“Hi Pinkie, Iron and ah are here ta buy some cookies fer Applebloom.”

“Hiya AJ, IC!!!”

Pinkie Pie bounced up and down and began to shake in a violent manner. “MY PINKIE SENSE IS TINGLING!”

“Something super-awesome happened didn’t it? Oh wait I know lemme guess, you won the lottery or maybe…you invented a new kind of toothpaste. I would love it if you guys made chocolate toothpaste or maybe spicy toothpaste, but then you’d need to put it on nacho chips.”

Pinkie Pie let out a dramatic gasp. “YOU GOT LAID DIDN’T YOU!!??

Iron Cross and Applejack just stood there with their mouths open in disbelief. Applejack turned a shade of red somewhere between rage and mortification.

“Why in tarnation are ya yellin’ that so dang loud Pinkie?”

“Beeeeecause it’s so wonderfully wonderful super special awesome. It’s been forever since you got laid Applejack, no wonder you were so cranky. I mean every mare at least clops every once and a while but you would just be like: “Ah am Applejack and ah am just swell doin’ work all day looooonnnggg, no fun fer meeeeee! I know let’s have a party. We can call it the Applejack got some cock party!!!”

Applejack groaned and facehoofed. “Dang it Pinkie why do ya always gotta have a party for everything, especially fer something like that?”

“Applejack it’s because you finally got laid and you found a new stallion-friend silly. Isn’t that important to you?”

“Alright ya got a point but just make it somethin’ less raunchy soundin’. Ah reckon the other ponies need ta know about it so a party ain’t such a bad idea.”

“Okie doki loki, but I’m going to need some time to prepare. Oohhh there’s going to be balloons and lots and lots of booze, maybe I can make my secret blend of punch. I should make a cock shaped cake. It’ll have strawberry icing and of course I can’t forget the filling.”

“Fer the love of Celestia…Pinkie this ain’t a bachelorette party.”

“Awww alright, the cock cake would have been more fun. I’ll just make you a heart shaped cake instead.”

“Well ok that’s a bit more down ta earth. Just put somethin’ simple on it like congratulations.”

Applejack and Iron Cross made their way back to Sweet Apple Acres with their bounty of cookies and cow feed. Iron Cross deduced that this so called “hook-up” party was a good thing. Some things in life just needed to be celebrated and often times there was little opportunity to do any kind of celebrating during his old life. The war had robbed him of that. He had already met most of Applejack’s friends with the exception of some pegasus named Rainbow Dash, so at least he would be seeing familiar faces. A devious thought occurred to Iron Cross, there might be alcohol at the party and it had been quite a long time since he had a stiff drink. He smirked while Applejack was filling the cow troughs.