The Farmer and the god

by DanishDash

First published 28th of August, 2019

Applejack is happy for her brother and Rainbow Dash getting together, but when will she find love? Will she find it in a strange Pony that appears one stormy afternoon?

One late afternoon Applejack is caught in a freak storm that seemingly appears out of nowhere, getting home wont be easy. As a lot of sticks and branches fly everywhere she get's dangerous close to getting hurt when suddenly someone saves her!

A mysterious stallion mange to shield her from the danger, but get's himself knocked out. Where did he come from? Who is he? He has no idea, he has forgotten. So until his memories comes back he will stay at Sweet Apple Acres and get better.

Though one cannot sit still at the farm so he soon volunteers to help out and proofs himself useful much to amazement and maybe interest to a certain blonde mare?

But who is he really? Can Applejack find out and can she accept the truth when she does?

(This is my first fiction on this platform, so any feedback would be much appreciated since English is not my first language ^^)

Chapter 1: A Strange Storm

Chapter 1: A Strange Storm

The sun was finally rising, it's orange rays coloring up the dark night, banishing the last stars in the sky that was quickly turning blue. It meant that a new day had begun, and for the Apple family it meant morning chores. The first one up on the farm was usually the red and only stallion in the house, Big Macintosh. He was a stoic stallion of few words, but with a kind heart and a sharp mind. He trotted through the house, making himself a quick mug of coffee before going out to enjoy the sunrise for a few minutes before starting today's work.

Today however he noticed an orange figure sitting on the porch, it was not hard to guess who it was, it was more difficult to figure out why she was out there this early in the morning. Moving his way through the farm house and stepping outside, Big Macintosh sat down on his usual spot. Just about a meter to his right sat his sister, Applejack, looking at the sunrise without a word of greeting to her brother.

Big Mac had noticed his sister getting up earlier than usual lately, but had not wanted to press her on it. Today however he chose to break the silence. "Mawnin." He said, hoping it would spark some sort of conversation or at the very least give him a clue to why Applejack was getting up so early.

At first she did not respond, it took about twelve seconds, maybe twenty before she finally seemed to come back to reality. She turned her head over so slightly towards her brother and gave him a half smile. "Mawnin Big Mac.." Her voice did not sound tired, more like she was not using her usual energy, like if she was still far away in thought.

"Ya up awful early, agayn.." Big Mac continued eyeing his little sister with a look that told her he was concerned. He had practically raised AJ along with Granny Smith so he knew when something was on her mind.

"Yep, ah suppose... ah suppose I am.." Applejack simply replied. Big Macintosh frowned, it was not really like AJ to be so far away in her thoughts. She looked back towards the sunrise and let out a sigh. "Ay'm sorry Big Mac, ah know this ain't like me at all.. Ah reckon it's just..." she shook her head and sighed. "Never you mind, i better get started on those there chores."

She stood up on her four hooves with a small forced brave smile and started to trot away. This worried Big Mac as he had never seen his sister like this, sure at times she was sad, annoyed, angry, but this was just strange. As he was sitting there thinking he suddenly heard hoof steps behind him and to his surprise it was his fillyfriend. The one and only Rainbow Danger Dash, or just Dash as he called her. They had been dating for almost a year now and Rainbow had settled in quite nicely.

"Morning..." she yawned, her eyes only half open. "Watcha sitting here for..?" She asked and sat down beside her handsome stallion.

"Mawnin Rainbow." Big Mac greeted as she leaned in against him, still trying to wake up.....She was failing... Big Mac chuckled. "Ya can't fall asleep again darlin, ya have to go to work." Big Mac reminded her. Rainbow Dash had not moved in or anything, but at times she would sleep here and on other times Big Mac would sleep at her place.

"Sush.... You did not answer my question... You have that face on..." She mumbled barely keeping her eyes open.

"What face?" He asked

"The 'Something is wrong and I am gonna fix it' face." Rainbow Dash replied with a teasing smirk before she moved to sit straight. She stretched her wings to their fullest width before folding them back and stood up. "I better go to work, i'll see you tonight?"

Big Mac nodded "Eeeyup." Giving him smile she planted a kiss on his muzzle before she finally leap into the air and flew away. Big Mac was grateful that Rainbow had let the issue drop for now, it was not a secret, he just wanted to have a brother and sister talk first.

Applejack was not one for pouting for very long, it was not even that she was mad at anypony, she just felt frustrated lately. She did not like to admit it, but now that she was alone in the far north field she let out a long annoyed sigh. She did not like to admit it, but Applejack knew her frustrations came from lacking what her brother had.

Love...

True love, though she was happy for her friend and for her brother, she liked to have what they had with somepony special. So far she had not yet figured out if she was frustrated that she did not have the kind of love her brother had, or if she was frustrated her mind was focused on such matters instead of work!

Grunting a little she kicked some dirt with her hoof and tried to get her mind back on more important matters, apple bucking!

Time passed and soon enough the early day had become late afternoon. Applejack had so far succeeded keeping her mind busy with her chores and so she had not been able to think to much about the whole love thing. Looking over the baskets full of apples she smirked, she could handle this all by her-

*Drip*

Self?

Applejack felt something wet hit her flank, cold and wet. Looking up she finally noticed the mass dark rain clouds that had gathered over her. Strange, it was supposed to be sunny all day and she had not seen anyone from the weather team preparing the weather, not even now.

Feeling the wind picking up and the sound of distant thunder AJ figured it was best she headed home with the apples she had before the rain got bad. Hooking herself up so she had a basket with apples on each side of her body, Applejack made her way towards the farm.

Trotting down the the small dirt trails between the apple trees, she started to feel the drops of water more frequently second by second. The wind was picking up too and before she knew it the rain was coming down hard and the wind got stronger really fast. Applejack squinted her eyes in order not to get to much of the water clouding her vision, she could feel the wind keeping her from going very far and right now it was hard not to loose her balance.

She moved with a mix of speed and precision, not wanting to be knocked over by the strong winds by being careless. She could feel the ground beneath her turn to mud and that only made it harder for her not to slide and loose balance.

"What in tarnation is goin' on?!" She yelled out feeling herself slide back.

Lowering herself she hoped she could almost crawl forward, but it became clear with he weight of the apples, the rain, the strong winds, she knew she would have to let the apples go. Soon enough to her horror her hat flew off into the chaos of the storm.

Gritting her teeth she began to loose the saddle straps that held the baskets in place, but she did not get very far. Soon enough to her shock a bright light flashed through the sky and then a loud sound startled her. A lightning flashed before her, hitting one of the apple trees, ripping it open like it was a simple stick!

Applejack let out a scream as the result from the lightning and the strong winds, the tree suddenly moved over her. It all happened so fast, soon enough she found herself lying in the mud, the tree over her forcing her to stay there as the storm raged above her.

She did a mental check of herself, luckily the tree was not resting it's full weight on her. The many branches held up just enough for her to fit below it, but with the baskets and the straps around her, she was not going anywhere.

The thunder roared above her, the rain and wind creating confusion and chaos, the many dark skies made it almost look like it was night time! She had no one to call, no one with her, she was alone.. At this point she did not care how this storm was created, she only feared for her family and friends. Was Apple Bloom out playing with her friends? What about Big Mac? He had to be outside working too! And then what about Rainbow Dash? Was she in the sky trying to stop this with the rest of the weather team?

Groaning and struggling beneath the tree in the hopes of getting out, she found out pretty quickly there was no way out of this! She kept trying until her heart felt like it was gonna explode and then finally she sunk down into the mud. Here Applejack laid, wet, cold and muddy, she would try to call for help, but the noise of the storm would surely muffle any attempt she made.

Suddenly she felt the tree press down on her. "Oh.. No!" the branches were snapping or sinking down into the mud, which meant the trunk would soon press down on her back. She moved like her life depended on it, which it most likely did, but the more she struggled the more the tree seemed to sink down. It was hard to tell at this point if it was tears of fear or the rain that was moving down her eyes, but she did know one thing, if no one came to her rescue she would be injured or worse.

Applejack did what anypony would do in her situation, no matter how bad the chances were that someone would hear her. She called for help.

"HEEELP! Sweet apples, somepony!!!" She screamed more and more, to the point she was afraid her voice would crack and fail her. She didn't care, she could feel the tree pressing down on her now, slowly moving down onto her. "HELP! Please!!" her voice started to fail and it did not help the rain and the mud was starting to cover her muzzle. "Hel-ppfth, helph!"

At this point Applejack could only look at the storm, her voice did no good and she was nowhere near strong enough to move the tree. At that moment she truly thought it was over, she closed her eyes and waited for whatever was going to happen.

Then suddenly, it just stopped. The tree stopped while in movement, the stop had been to sudden, like something was grabbing onto it. Opening her eyes AJ saw two light orange hoofs, someone was there! But that was not all, suddenly the tree was pretty much lifted from the mud freeing her! Her eyes could only grow wide as she saw, a single earth stallion with a blonde mane and deep blue eyes.

He was lifting the tree up from the mud and moved it away from her, he was buff, clear muscles under what looked like a green shirt or a tunic. She stared up at him, not believing her own eyes, but when the tree was finally off her he looked back at her with serious eyes.

"Come on!" He yelled in a loud booming voice so she could hear him over the storm. AJ still felt weighed down by the saddle straps for the baskets, but before she could tell him the problem he had apparently already spotted it. Moving his head down to her back she was not sure what he did, but she felt the strong and thick leather straps snap open!

Before she could do anything herself she felt him moving his head under her and just like that settle her onto his back, like it was nothing. Applejack would usually protest such a thing, but truth be told, she was still in shock over this was actually happening!

Turning himself in the direction she was going he started to march forward. The wind worked against him like it had done with Applejack, but she felt how his strong muscles flexed and moved as he moved at a steady pace forward. To her amazement he seemed to make progress and much faster than she had done

Soon enough the farm was in sight and by this point the storm was dying down. It was still strong, but it was clear it was dying. She could see the lights in the house and suddenly as they moved closer the door sprung open and another booming voice yelled out. "Applejack!"

Big Macintosh ran out towards them, but before he even got close Applejack could feel the strange stallion shake and then suddenly collapse beneath her. She yelped as she was flung forward a little and landed just in front of him as his head and body fell into the mud, he had fainted.

Her brother hurried over to them. "Applejack, are ya alright?" he asked worried as he helped his sister. "Who's this?"

Applejack did not take her eyes of the strange stallion, instead she simply leaned into her brother as to give him a sign that she was okay. She then shook her head as the rain and wind started to fade away and the sky starting to clear. "Ah have no idea.."

Author's Notes:

My first chapter! Yay me! :D

I hope i can make this work since it is my first story, i hope to cross two passions and i really want to get feedback as i go on.

Also i am still finding my style, so please tell me if it is easy to read or i need to put in more paragraphs or something of that nature!

Truth be told i am most nervous about doing the southern accent right XD

Chapter 2: Who is that?

Chapter 2: Who is that?

Before the storm

Most of the day had gone by as usual, Big Mac worked the fields, pulling the plow by himself, his big muscles flexing, relaxing and stretching as he worked his way through the dirt. One of Rainbow's favorite pass times was to watch him work, admire his muscles. Today however they were both busy, him with the farm and her with the weather team, so it seemed there was no lunch together or her laying on a branch and watching.

Not that he minded to much, his thoughts were occupied by worries of his sister. Big Mac may be the silent type, but he was not blind. He was pretty observant and no one knew his sisters better than him. Big Mac had hoped he would see Applejack at lunch, but she never showed, probably working away whatever worries she had. He only knew that because it was what he would do.

When the sun was setting, signaling the the end of today's work. Big Mac moved the plow into the barn and put away the last tools before he suddenly heard a loud smack. The sound was like a loud crack, like if Applejack had bucked a door open. Turning around he saw the barn doors had started to flap open and closed again. "Hm?"

He found it strange as Rainbow Dash had not mentioned anything about strong winds or rain, usually she would give them a heads up, did she forget? Trotting his way to the barn doors, he was about to close them securely when his eyes widened at the sight of the clouds quickly turning dark. He saw how they changed by themselves, no weather pony getting them ready for raining or anything!

His gut feeling told him something was very wrong, and he was quick to lock the doors to the barn from the outside before running towards the farm house. As he did so he felt the first drops of rain which was soon followed by the distant sounds of thunder.

"Granny!" He called out as soon as he slammed open the door.

"Hold yer hoofs dearie, ah am just fine." the older mare said from her rocking chair. "Apple Bloom and her friends are upstairs."

Big Mac sighed relieved, but then looked outside. "What about Applejack Granny?"

Now Granny Smith was frowning. "I thought she was with you?" Big Mac shook his head and turned towards the door, but Granny was quick to call him. "Now hold on there young'n, the storm is gonna get worse. If you get on out there then you be in danger."

"But Granny, Applejack is out there!" he protested, but he could already hear the rain suddenly pour down along with the strong wind. "Ah cannot leave her out there!"

Granny Smith gave him a look that told him this was the end of the discussion. As much as he hated admitting it, there was nothing he could do, she could be anywhere out there in the fields and they might both get hurt, or Applejack might have sought shelter making his attempts useless.

None of them liked it and both of them were worried...

Big Mac was like glued to the window, trying to look out and see if he could spot anypony out there! Applejack or Rainbow, he did not like how this storm looked and he hated to think about the two of them out there in this weather with him powerless to help them.

Suddenly the rain started to die down, the clouds were starting the scatter and then finally, he saw his sister. "Granny! It's Applejack!" He ran to the door and almost bucked it open. "Applejack!" He called out and noticed the stranger. He had seen him before out the window, but it was like it was only now registering in his mind his sister was being carried by a strange stallion.

Big Mac hurried towards them, but suddenly the stallion fell over and Applejack landed in the mud in front of him. "Ouf!" She grunted as she landed.

"Aj! Are ya alright?" he asked with his worried expression.

"Ah..." She looked up at him and then at the stranger. "Ah am alright... He saved my flank out there.." She replied before standing up, her legs were shaking a little, but she was not hurt, at least she did not seem like it.

"Big Mac!"

A voice called out and both ponies looked up into the air and saw Rainbow Dash speeding towards them, her rainbow trail following her as she was moving with great haste. Big Mac took a step back as her speed worried him, for a moment it looked like she was gonna crash into him. However she managed to land right in front of him and push herself into him. "You're alright.." She let out a relieved sigh and nuzzled up against his neck.

Big Mac returned the affection moving his front leg up on her mane to sooth her. "There there surgarcube, ah am alright.." Normally Rainbow was not one to show this kind of worry and affection in public, but she had gotten used to it when she was here on the farm.

She pulled away and looked at Applejack relieved to see her friend was not hurt as well, but then her eyes fell on the buff stallion in the mud. "What happened here? Who's he?"

Applejack shook her head. "Ah got no idea, but he saved me from the storm.."

"We should bring him inside." Big Mac said and moved over to the orange stallion to get him up on his back, but as soon as he tried he felt how heavy the stallion was. "Horse apples.." He grunted after two tries. "This here stallion weighs more than me"

"Well big guy." Rainbow cut in and moved over to the stallion in the mud. "I think this might have something to do with it." she moved some of the green tunic down his neck revealing a shiny metal shirt. The three of them leaned closer to inspect it, looked like some kind of armor. Instead of metal plates it looked like tiny metal rings that had been locked together to form a shirt.

"Chainmail?" Big Mac said in almost a gasp. He could not help being a little impressed and suspicious. "Ya tellin me he carried you from the fields to here in heavy winds and rains, wearing that?"

Applejack looked at her brother. "You saw it yourself." She pointed out.

"Eeyup, just hard to believe that's all." He said knowing his sister would not lie, it was just crazy to think about. "Ah think you better tell us what happened once we get this fella inside."

With some effort Big Mac had managed to get the big stallion into the house. The rest of the apple family was shocked to see the big stallion, but soon made way for him to be brought to the guest room. They removed the tunic and the chainmail from his body and placed him in the bed, for now the dirt of the mud did not matter as he seemed to need rest.

With that finally out of the way the apple family, Rainbow Dash and the cutie mark crusaders gathered in the living room to go over the events of the storm. Rainbow Dash explained that no storm had been on the schedule and they simply lost control. The clouds had suddenly multiplied at a rapid speed and turned dark all on their own, they had no control no matter how much they fought it.

Big Mac told how he saw the wind pick up, how the clouds had seemed to gather and pretty much corroborated Rainbow's story.

Then it was Applejack's turn, at first she was silent, it was not like her, but she did not know how to explain it. Taking a sip of the hot coco Granny Smith had brought in for them she took a deep breath and began. She told them about how she had been so focused on work she never noticed the sky changing. She told them about her going home, about the tree and how she was trapped under it with no way of escaping.

The CMC was sitting very close, holding their breaths as they waited for her to continue. Then she told them when that strange stallion had appeared, lifting the tree like it was nothing, it was just an apple tree, but it was still not an easy feet under the circumstances.

A silence filled the room after her story had concluded, leaving them all to soak in all they had heard today. "Well maybe he had something to do with the storm." Rainbow Dash suddenly said from her spot beside Big Mac in the couch.

All turned to her. "What?" Applejack raised an eyebrow. "He saved me and-."

Rainbow Dash cut in. "Hey i ain't saying he's a bad pony or anything, though it is strange. He shows up at the exact moment of the storm?"

She had a point and they all knew it, Big Mac had already gone over this possibility in his head, but how would he have been able to create a-. "Uhm!" Scootaloo raised her hoof looking at Rainbow Dash. "But i thought only pegasi could manipulate the weather..?"

Sweetie Belle nodded. "He's not a unicorn either!" she added.

Silence filled the room again as that was the gab in Rainbow Dash's assumption, by all accounts the stallion looked like a regular earth pony. Finally Granny Smith broke the silence. "all ya youngsters are so worry looking.. All ah know is that he saved ma granddaughter, that is all ah need to know for now."

Big Mac still had his doubts, but Granny was right, he had been the one to save his little sister, so being involved or not he did the right thing. That meant they owed him. "Well ah say we wait until he wakes up, he cannot give us any answers right now."

They all agreed to wait until morning, even so Applejack still felt restless even though her body was exhausted. She let out a sigh knowing full well it was no use thinking about it now, she would not be able to get any answers before tomorrow.

After a quick dinner Applejack had taken a loooooong shower, earning her a few annoyed whines from Rainbow Dash that was getting impatient. She was finally in her bed, thinking she would fall asleep with ease....She didn't..

Normally after a long day of work she would have no problems falling straight to sleep, but tonight that did not seem to be the case. She kept turning under the sheets, trying to find a better position, but her mind was fully awake. "Erghmm.." She groaned annoyed and getting more frustrated by the minute.

The same image came to her mind, the same tornado of feelings, the fear.. Then suddenly him standing over her, his blonde mane flowing in the wind, his muscular body not moving an inch in the storm, his-

She felt her face grow hotter. "Arghh, sweet soaking biscuits!" she finally got out of bed and trotted out of her room and into the hallway.

She noticed there was no light coming from under the other doors or any sound to be heard. The other had to be asleep, which meant it was past midnight, well at least that was her guess. Applejack knew the reason why she was so bothered, who was this colt? Why was he here? How could he lift that tree in the storm? As she was going over all the unanswered questions she hardly noticed she was making her way down to his room.

It took her five seconds to notice she was standing in front of his door, she let out a frustrated sigh knowing she would not be getting any answers tonight, so why did she feel the need to go in there?! At any rate it was no use standing out in the hallway thinking about that, so she opened the door and stepped inside.

Everything was as she expected to find it, the guest room with it's single bed and small dresser, a recliner in the corner. The apple themed curtain in the window and the few random pictures here and there, not to forget the massive stallion in the bed, snoring.. The light from Luna's moon was making it's way through the window, shining it's silver light upon the stranger, revealing his messy face.

Something compelled her to move closer, to look at him. When she came to the edge of the bed she looked at his muddy face, the mud had of course dried now and stuck to his fur. He was quite handsome, well fit and strong, his muscles were clear. She could swear he was as big or maybe even a little bigger than Big Mac, but she did conclude they were about the same size.

Letting out another sigh she felt stupid for coming in here, there was no point to it since he was not awake yet. However, that being said she did start to feel herself relax now. She made her way to the recliner, not really wanting to leave she got comfortable and soon drifted off into a deep sleep.

Like the day before Celestia's morning sun was cutting through the night sky like sharp knives, it's rays even reaching through the window hitting Applejack in the face. "Mmmmh...." She groaned, moving her hoof over her eyes until she finally yawned and opened them. "...hm..?" She was not in her room?

Then everything came back to her, the strange storm, the tree, her mysterious rescuer. Looking over to the bed she could tell he was still there, having apparently not moved one inch during the night. She got out of the recliner and trotted over. "Still tuckered out big guy..?" She asked in a long yawn, not expecting a reply.

Now she had a better view of him, there was no confusing storm, no darkness, just the natural light. Once again she was struck with how handsome he looked and she found herself staring at his features. This time she did not deny herself that pleasure, it was only fair after all, he saved her, so he deserved to be admired for a few seconds!

She smiled to herself. "Well ah cannot deny you're handsome sugarcube."

His eye shot open, looking at her and her eyes widened.

Author's Notes:

Second chapter!

Sorry if it seems to take a bit long, but i do not wanna rush the story, i also wanna take my time with it.

I have a pretty good vision where i want the story to head and depending on how it goes i like to make a sequel to it.

by the way if any of you have suggestions to how to rewrite the lines of the Apple family so they have more of that southern accent i really appreciate it. Never really worked with such words or sayings before, so it is quite fun to try out ^^

So anyway leave your thoughts in the comment sections, please give feedback if you have any, the only way to get better is to be let known what can be done better right? ;)

Chapter 3: Astral Thunder

Chapter 3: Astral Thunder

She smiled to herself. "Well ah cannot deny you're handsome sugarcube."

His eye shot open, looking at her and her eyes widened.

"Ah!"

"Arh!"

Both of them let out as the strange stallion suddenly sat up by reflex.

SLAM!

"OW!"

They both exclaimed as their heads smashed together. Applejack was knocked back on her flank and the stallion laid back down. Applejack rubbed her hoof to her forehead mumbling small curses under her breath. "Oww, you have a thick head.." she finally said and stood up on all four hoofs.

The stallion was also rubbing his forehead with his hoof before he sat up again looking at her. "Are you alright?"

Her eyes widened a little, not in shock, but in almost awe. His voice was deep, had a sense of command and rawness, like thunder itself. It had a hint of an accent, though she could not really put a hoof on which kind it was. It sounded good, very masculine and-

"My lady?"

Her thoughts were interrupted by his deep voice yet again and this time she had to catch up on everything he said. "Uhm.." was the first thing she spoke, not really a thrilling start to a conversation. Then she shook her head, as if trying to get her thoughts back in line.

"My lady?" Applejack repeated as if trying to see if she heard him right. "I have been called many things, but never a lady. You can call me Applejack." She chuckled and trotted up to the bed. "Besides, i should be asking you that, you saved me after all." she tilted her head. "Who are you anyway?" her green eyes narrowed. "Did you make that gosh darn storm?"

Her voice was not angry, but what Rainbow Dash said yesterday did make sense. He just happened to show up during the storm, she needed to know who he was, now that he was finally awake.

"I.." The stallion closed his eyes in hopes of focusing his mind. "I'm.." It seemed like he was struggling, but he finally opened his eyes and sighed. "I'm sorry.. I cannot remember.."

This surprised her. "What? You can't remember? Are you pulling my leg here to escape trouble?"

The stallion shook his head. "I am sorry, but i woke up at the edge of a forest.. Then i heard your screams for help and i-"

She held up a hoof. "Yeah, i know that part." Applejack blushed. "Just don't go and tell everypony about me screaming and all..." She said and looked down at the floor.

The muscular stallion looked at her for a few seconds before he gave her a small smile and nodded. "You have my word.."

Applejack looked back at him and smiled. "Thank you kindly." The two of them smiled at each other for a few moments before Applejack let out a sigh, mostly to break the silence. "So i guess if you can't remember that, then what about your name?"

Once again, the colt took a few seconds to search his memory, only to sigh and shake his head. "I'm sorry, i can't remember.."

"Don't be sorry!" Applejack said quickly. "We will have to figure this out, but how about we get you cleaned up before we go downstairs to eat?" The stallion looked over his muddy body and saw how some of the dry mud had messed up the bed. He was about to apologize again, but was stopped by Applejack. "Don't you worry about that, now c’mon pardner"

The stallion got out of the bed, showing off his muscular body in all it's glory. Applejack found herself staring, now this was a stallion.. Her eyes moved over his body when suddenly she noticed the cutie mark, it looked, strange.

It was round, two silver circles, the bigger one surrounding the smaller circle and in between them was strange black symbols, letters she had never seen before. Then inside the smallest circle, in the middle of it was a detailed look of a strange looking hammer, the details were amazing. It was not that the hammer was drawn in great detail, in fact, the outline was pretty simple. It was more the artwork inside the hammer, lines moving in and out one another, another strange symbol here and there. Applejack had never seen such a detailed cutie mark before, if it even was a cutie mark. The last detail of it was six small lightning bolts, three on each side of it, seeming to come out from the hammer itself, that certainly planted the suspicion back on him.

"That's a mighty fine cutie mark you got there." she said in the hopes of tricking a memory.

"Hm?" The stallion looked down at his flank. "A cutie mark? What's that?"

Applejack was about to gasp, but she bit her lips and nodded a little. "Guess if you can't remember anything you can't remember what it is. Don't you worry though! We are gonna see what we can do, after breakfast." she grinned.

After cleaning up and getting the mud out of his fur, he and Applejack then made their way down the stairs. The smell of pancakes hitting their noses. "Mawnin everypony!" Applejack greeted.

Her sister Apple Bloom looked up from her pancakes and smiled. Granny Smith stood by the stow and nodded their way. "Mawnin sis!" Apple Bloom said and looked at the stallion. "Oh he's up, mawnin!"

Granny Smith turned the pancakes with the spatula she had in her mouth before she let it drop to the kitchen table. She turned to the stallion with a warm smile. "Ah see ya are rested up sonny, what's ya name?"

"Uhm.." The stallion hesitated a bit, not sure what to answer.

"He doesn't remember Granny." Applejack cut in, saving him from the awkward moment. "He's lost his memories."

Granny nodded a little. "Well.." She started. "Why don't you sit down next to Applejack and i fix you a plate?" She suggested before turning back to the stove and got the spatula back in her mouth to turn the pancakes again.

"Thank you, it is very kind of you." The stallion said with a little smile before he followed Applejack over to the table. When both of them sat down, Applejack could not help but to smile and blush a little. She knew he was not her coltfriend, but it was almost like she had her very own special somepony to the table, just like Big Mac had Rainbow Dash.

It did not take long for Granny Smith to work her magic. She fixed them two plates with pancakes, the nice smelling flat cakes soon stood before them both and the stallion could not help but to smile. "A plate worthy of a hero." she grinned.

"Hero?" the stallion looked confused.

Apple Bloom was more than happy to fill him in. "Yeah you saved my sister here from certain doom!" She said in an overly dramatic voice. Then she took a moment to think. "I think that there is what's called a damsel in distress thing.."

Applejack gasped, making the pancakes in her muzzle to be sucked in. She coughed violently for a few seconds before being able to swallow them, once she had she looked to her little sister. "Apple Bloom! I am NOT! A damsel in distress!"

"Who's a damsel?" Rainbow asked as she walked into the kitchen yawning.

"No one!" Applejack insisted.

Rainbow Dash only smirked as she sat down. "Oh i get it.. Well you have to admit, he did save your butt." Rainbow and Apple Bloom giggled, well, Apple Bloom giggled, Rainbow Dash did not giggle! She chuckled or laughed!

The door went up and in came Big Mac. "Mawnin everypony." he greeted and noticed the stallion. "Glad to see you're up." he said as he trotted over and sat in the chair next to Rainbow. She gave him a peck on the cheek and he blushed wanting to give one back but Rainbow was already digging in.

Before Big Mac could ask the stallion anything, Apple Bloom was once again one step ahead. "He's lost his memories!"

"Oh?" Big Mac looked at Applejack and she confirmed this with a nod. "I see, well what do you remember?"

The stallion swallowed his food before he replied. "Well.. The first thing i remember was waking up in the rain, there was a storm on, so i wanted to find shelter. That's when i found lady Applejack.. I don't know what happened before that.." He frowned.

Rainbow snickered. "Heh, lady Applejack.."

"Shut up Rainbow." Applejack mumbled with a small glare.

"Then i suppose you don't have a name or know where you're from?" Big Mac asked to which the stallion nodded in confirmation. "Well ya need a name so we can call ya something."

"Oh what about Thunder Sparkle!" Apple Bloom suggested.

Rainbow snorted before she burst out laughing thinking this masculine stallion having such a name. "Ha! That be great! Ahahaha!"

"Uhm.." Applejack thought for a moment, the thunder part sounded right as he arrived during a thunder storm. "Thunder Flash?"

"Sky Thunder? He came out of nowhere, he might just have fallen out of the sky!" Granny Smith laughed a bit and took a sip of her coffee.

"A fallen star.." Apple Bloom sighed with a dreaming gaze, then suddenly she had it. "Oh! How about Astral Thunder?!" They all looked surprised at her. "What?"

"Now where did you learn such a fancy word?" Big Mac asked.

"Twahlight said it once she tried to teach us about them stars." Apple Bloom explained.

"Astral Thunder.. That sounds good." The stallion smiled. They all smiled back at him and it seemed he had gotten himself a name.

"Well, uhm, Astral.." Big Mac said trying out the name. "We gotta need to get you some help, you're welcome to stay here as long you need until you regain ya memories."

"Thank you, but are you sure it won't be a bother?" Astral asked and looked worried. "I hate to be of any trouble."

Granny Smith shook her head. "No trouble at all sonny. We Apples always help our friends, you saved Applejack, so we help you."

Applejack nodded to him. "Don't worry.." She felt her cheeks warm up again, but she did not look away, not this time.

Astral smiled and nodded. "Thank you, i hope i can prove useful in the meantime."

Everypony nodded, then laughed a bit before continuing a pleasant breakfast. When they were near done Big Mac looked to his sister. "Applejack, when we're done, why don't you take Astral to Ponyville to see Twahlight. I reckon she can help him out."

Applejack finished her apple juice before she answered. "Mighty fine idea Big Mac, what do you say pardner?"

Astral looked at her with a small smile. "Uhm sure, but what is Ponyville? Is it a village?"

"More of a town, but yeah. Our family helped found it back in the good old days!" Applejack said proudly. Astral actually looked impressed and she could not help but to enjoy the way he looked at her, made her face heat up.

"It be a date." Rainbow said casually, but with a small grin.

The casual tone caught Applejack off guard as she confirmed. "Yes a daa......da...date? N-no!" Applejack glared at Rainbow Dash who simply winked and tried to hold back her laughter at seeing Applejack's fur almost turn as red as her brother. Astral did not really have any idea what they were talking about, but he hoped this could be helpful and besides, he did not mind spending some time with Lady Applejack.

Author's Notes:

Alright! Here is Chapter 3!

Yay us!

Once again i hope you enjoy and can get me some feedback ;)

If you are having any thoughts, suggestions or corrections then please feel free to share. I'm sorry the chapter is shorter than the others, but i don't wanna push in things just for the sake of making it longer.

Anyway, i hope you enjoyed reading this chapter :D

Chapter 4: Welcome to Ponyville!

Chapter 4: Welcome to Ponyville!

Applejack helped clean off the table along with Astral who seemed eager to help out. Granny Smith insisted however the two of them get going and she could handle this mess with Apple Bloom. "You two get going now." Granny Smith smiled, not taking no for an answer.

"Alright Granny." Applejack smiled and gave her grandmother a peck on the cheek. "We'll be back later." She ruffled her sister's hair with her hoof while giving her a small smirk. "Alright, see ya'll later!" Applejack and Astral made their way outside to the porch, enjoying the last of the morning sun before going on their way. "Well, shall we get going pardner?"

Astral looked back at her with a smile. "Yes, let's go."

The two of them started to walk off, following the dirt road leading out of the farm and down towards the town. There was a moment of silence between them, but it was not awkward. Astral seemed to enjoy the surroundings, the beautiful apple trees, the wide open fields and the mountains in the distance.

Applejack in the meantime enjoyed observing his reactions, it was like he was seeing this for the first time, which it probably was. She did not know if he had been to Ponyville before, or if he was on his way to the town before whatever happened to him. Either way he seemed to enjoy the view and she could say the same. She blushed as she knew she was once again staring at his muscular body.

"Is everything alright?" Astral suddenly asked, bringing her back to reality.

"Uhm, yes!" Applejack said quickly, looking back forward, her face turning red. "S-sorry, you just seemed to enjoy yourself.." Applejack replied, mentally slapping herself for staring at him.

Astral nodded. "I am, you have a beautiful home." He said as he walked with her. "It kinda makes me feel nostalgic.."

"The apple trees?" She asked thinking he might be in the farm trade as well.

Astral nodded. "Yeah, a bit.. But more the mountains and the open fields.." Applejack could not help but smile, it seemed he liked the outdoors like she did. He took in a deep breath and slowly let it out. "So, what is this cutie mark thing you talked about?"

"Oh yes, i guess i never explained anything about that." She chuckled and took a moment to think how to best explain it to him. "Well you see, a cutie mark is this symbol that appears on us once we find that special something that makes us who we are. A special talent or characteristic, something that sets us apart from the others." She nodded towards her flank. "You see i have apples because, well i like apples." Astral nodded slowing down a bit so he could look at her cutie mark. He took his time inspecting it, even to the point Applejack started to blush. "Hey, eyes up here pardner. It's not polite to stare at a mare's flank like that."

Astral nodded and started to blush too. "S-sorry!" he quickly moved up beside her again, feeling embarrassed he had looked for so long.

Applejack could not help but to giggle. "I'm just messing with you." she punched his side and Astral could not help but to take a step to the side as her punch had quite the power behind it.

"Ouf! Wow.. You're strong.." he smirked a bit and moved back to where he was before. "So you like apples, what about your brother, he had an apple on his flank too, so i guess he likes apples like you then?"

Applejack nodded. "Yeah, though his apple is open, because he is an apple to the core. you don't have to take the cutie mark literally all the time, sometimes it can symbolize something, like my brother's cutie mark. It is hard to explain and i don't know all them fancy words to explain it to you." She said apologetically and frowned a bit.

"It's okay." Astral assured her.

Applejack smiled slightly. "Well there is more to my cutie mark, we all have a story behind it. My cutie mark does not just say i like apples, but that i belong with my family. So to us we know the deeper meaning behind it, while others get the basic idea." She said trying her best to explain it like her teacher once had.

"So what do you think my cutie mark tells about me?" He asked glancing back to his flank.

It was a fair question, and if she was being honest she had no idea herself. "Sorry, i have no idea. Truth is, i have never seen a cutie mark like yours before." Applejack said honestly and let out a sigh.

"So you think this Twilight can help me then?" Astral asked and Applejack nodded eagerly.

"Yup, she's probably the smartest pony in all of Ponyville. If anyone can figure this out, she can." Applejack assured him. Astral smiled, it seemed Applejack had a lot of faith in this Twilight. "She also happens to be one of my friends, so i am certain she will help us!"

"You seem to have a lot of faith in her." Astral noted looking to her with a warm smile.

Applejack nodded. "Well we have been through a lot, along with our other friends. You already met Rainbow Dash, just wait until you meet the others, well just wait until you meet Pinkie."

"Who?"

She chuckled. "You'll see." Applejack suddenly stopped when she spotted something in the distance. "Well turn me around, smack me and call me miss lucky of Luckyville, is that what i think it is?" They walked closer to whatever she had spotted and stopped. It was a brown hat. "Well hello there old friend." Applejack said and dusted her hat off before placing it back on her head. "I was afraid i had lost it forever." Turning her eyes onto Astral she smirked. "Seems like you are my lucky charm."

Astral was not really sure what she meant, but he simply smiled and nodded. "Happy to be at service my lady."

Applejack giggled, blushing a bit of being called a lady again, it was mostly something she imagined Rarity being called, but coming from him, it felt nice. They walked for another 15 minutes until a sign came into view. On it, written in large black letters it said: WELCOME TO PONYVILLE

It did not take the two ponies long to finally reach the town, when they did Applejack felt excited to show Astral around. He was quite interested in looking around, feeling he had never seen houses like this before. The houses were timber framed and had overhanging upper floors. The straw roofs added a certain charm to them, gave them a nice cozy look.

Of course, the streets were still a little messy from the storm. There was a lot of leafs and sticks laying around, some garbage and paper here and there, but it seemed everypony in town was helping out cleaning up the place. It would not take long before all of Ponyville looked as good as new!

"Well this is Ponyville, sorry if it seems a little dirty now, but you know with the storm and everything." Applejack said even though she knew he probably already had figured as much.

Astral shook his head. "No need to explain, your town looks nice, i'm looking forward to seeing it back to it's former glory." Applejack raised an eyebrow at his choice of words, glory? Seems a bit much.

She however decided not to ask about it and simply smiled. "Well then pardner, let me give you the grand tour!" With that the two of them started to walk around town.

Applejack found it fun, she had shown newcomers around before, but this felt quite different. 'It be a date.' Rainbow Dash had said. The thought of this being a date made her blush yet again, but she shook her head in attempt to try to get the thoughts out.

This was not a date, it was a simple tour of the town that would end with them going to Twilight, perfectly normal. She took him down to see the marketplace, the town square, some of the cafes and shops. Astral was clearly impressed, soaking in everything Applejack said like a well behaved student.

She could not help but find it fun how intently he listened, then again he was a bit out of his depth with having no memory and all. "Well, that's just the basic tour, let's head on over to Twilight, then we can-"

Applejack did not even get to finish that sentence before a pink figure rushed past her. The pink mass came with such speed it made her blonde mane and tail wave behind her as the pink mass made the stallion vanish. "What in tarnation!" She looked behind her and saw what had happened.

Astral was on his back, he looked up in shock at a pink mare who seemed to almost explode in excitement. "Oh who are you? I'm Pinkie Pie! How do you know Applejack? Are you friends? Family? Where do you come from? Oh i am sure you come from far away and-mmfpphh-mmfmmhpphh-mmfmmh."

Pinkie Pie kept talking and asking at an increasing speed, Astral felt quite overwhelmed until Applejack trotted over and placed a hoof over Pinkie's mouth. Applejack's expression told Astral she had kind of expected this. "Pinkie, this is not the time. Get off the poor fellow now." She said in a calm tone of voice.

Applejack removed her hoof and Pinkie Pie proceeded to bounce off the muscular stallion. Despite being tackled with such great force, Pinkie herself weighed almost nothing. Astral got back up on his hoofs and dusted himself off a little. "So i guess this is the Pinkie you told me about?"

She nodded a little with a small smile. "Yes, the one and only Pinkie Pie. Sorry, i should have warned you about her way of meeting new ponies."

Pinkie's smile grew, it actually grew beyond her facial features which was a bit disturbing. "You talked about me?! Does that mean you two know each other?" She asked excitedly. Then she gasped. "Could he be your coltfriend!?"

Applejack blushed, though this time Astral could have sworn her entire body became as red as Big Macintosh's. "NO! We're, uhm, we're just friends! He saved me during the freak storm and i-"

Once again Applejack was interrupted as Pinkie Pie seemed unable to contain herself. "He saved you?? Like a damsel in distress?!"

"I'M NOT A DAMSEL IN DISTRESS!" Applejack yelled out all red from embarrassment. She took a moment to regain her composure. "Listen Pinkie, we don't have time to stand here and chatting all day, my friend here needs Twilight's help." She explained hoping this would get Pinkie to back off for a little while.

Pinkie kept her smile and simply nodded. "Oh while you do that, i start planning a hero/welcome to Ponyville party!!" she squealed. "Okay okay! You two go, i make the preparations!"

Before Applejack even got a chance to reply, Pinkie Pie had already left in a cloud of dust. Astral looked bemused but then smiled a little. "A party? That sounds fun, she seems nice."

"Sugarcube, you have no idea, no idea at all.." Applejack replied in almost a menacing way. "Let's go see Twilight." Astral nodded and the two of them started to walk down one of the streets.

It was a short walk, soon enough they found themselves in what almost could be mistaken for another town square. In the middle of this square was a massive tree. To Astral's amazement the tree seemed to be hollowed out, and there were windows and doors build into the tree itself. There was even two balconies, and a telescope on the top one.

Applejack smirked seeing his reaction. "Come on then pardner." They walked up to the red door and knocked.

A sudden commotion could be heard from the other side of the door, someone was moving, some things fell to the floor, but what was going on Astral had no idea. Finally after a short moment of silence, the door opened, but no one was there. At least that was what Astral thought until he heard a small voice say. "Oh, hello Applejack."

Astral looked down and saw a small reptile looking creature holding the door. "Hey Spike, sorry for intruding, but is Twilight home?" Applejack asked.

The little purple reptile nodded. "Yeah, she's inside organizing the library...Again.."

"Who is it Spike?" A mare's voice called from within the library.

Spike looked back over his shoulder and called back. "It's Applejack! She has someone with her!" He turned his head back towards Applejack and Astral. "You better come inside"

Applejack thanked him before she walked inside with Astral following close behind her. Spike had barely managed to close the door behind them before a purple mare came down and greeted them. "Hey Applejack, oh, who's your friend?" Twilight asked with a friendly smile. Astral noted the horn on her head and felt something deep within him, like he had seen such a thing before, her kind before, but he simply could not place it.

"Hello Twilight, sorry for barging in like this, but we need your help." Applejack said and nodded towards Astral. "This is Astral Thunder, Astral this is my friend Twilight Sparkle."

Astral bowed his head. "It is an honor to meet a friend of Lady Applejack." Twilight looked confused and sent a look to Applejack, she however simply shook her head in return.

Twilight smiled. "The honor is mine Astral, welcome to Golden Oak Library, which also happens to be my home." Astral noted the many books neatly lined up on the shelves. Though in one of the corners was a small pile of them, no doubt what he had heard fall to the floor when they knocked on the door. There was a stairway on the left side of the library leading up to the other floors. On the first floor he could see a big bed which was presumably Twilight's bedroom. "So, what can i do for you two?"

"Well, it's kind of a long story.." Before Applejack started to explain Twilight made them some nice tea and served some biscuits for them to snack on. Then once they had settled down Applejack began to explain everything that had happened up until now. The storm, him rescuing her and his memory loss.

Once Applejack was done with her story Twilight levitated the teacup back down onto the table. "That is an amazing story, so you have no idea who you are or why you are here?" Twilight asked looking over at Astral.

Astral shook his head. "No, i only remember waking up right outside a forest, that was just before i found Lady Applejack trapped under the tree.."

"And then there is his cutie mark." Applejack pointed out.

Twilight nodded. "Yea, i have never seen such a cutie mark before, nor do i think i have seen such strange letters before.." She frowned as she levitated a quill and a piece of paper. Twilight proceeded to write down the strange letters. "If you can't remember how to read them, then i must find a way to translate.." She mumbled as she wrote down the letters.

Applejack moved over to take a closer look. "Have you seen these strange symbols before Twilight?"

Twilight tilted her head. "Hmm, maybe.." She frowned and made a few books levitate towards the table. She scanned her books, turning the pages with her magic, but after maybe 15 minutes she sighed. "It seems i have to find some older books.. Or maybe write to princess Celestia.." She turned her attention back to her guests. "Sorry for not being of much help, i promise i will look into this." Twilight assured them.

Applejack shook her head. "It's alright Twilight, i reckon if anyone can figure this out, you can."

"At the very least you have my thanks for trying." Astral put in. "I hope i can repay you both for your kindness once i get my memories back."

"Don't mention it." Applejack smirked and punched his side yet again.

Twilight nodded her head. "Applejack is right, you saved her from what could have been a horrible injury.. It will be my pleasure to help you."

Astral bowed his head to her again. "Thank you, Lady Twilight."

The two of them said their goodbyes and left Twilight to her research. "So, what do we do now?" Astral asked.

"Now? Now we go back home and prepare.." Applejack said with a smirk.

Astral frowned, hearing the change of tone in Applejack's voice. "Prepare? Prepare for what?"

"For the party..." She simply said. Astral had never been to one of Pinkie Pie's parties before, but this was not a normal party. It was two parties at once, which meant Pinkie was gonna plan something big and that meant there were gonna need all the energy they could save up.

Astral had no idea what he was in for, but he was gonna learn that soon enough...

Author's Notes:

Fun fact, Golden Oak Library was inspired by the tree of knowledge and the tree of life. The tree of life is Yggdrasil in Norse Mythology ;)

So this is the longest chapter so far, not by much, but still the longest. We got three new characters introduced, i hope i can do them justice and the other characters as they show up.

Leave me your thoughts and i be happy to take them into account in my next chapter. If you have suggestions, praise or corrections please let me know, as long as we keep a polite tone i will be happy to hear you out ^^

Chapter 5: Work & Play.

Chapter 5: Work & Play.

Carousel Boutique

Rarity stood in her round shop surrounded by mannequins and fabrics. Normally this would have been a great day to work on some of her orders, but today she had gotten a visit from a certain pink pony. Pinkie Pie had suddenly burst through the door and had simply started to go on and on about, something? Rarity could hardly get a word in other than small attempts to get an idea of what she was talking about! Pinkie seemed to insist on talking faster and faster whenever she was excited about something, she was like a little filly who had just eaten an entire shop worth of sweets. "And that's why i think we should have a super duper hero welcome party!" Pinkie Pie finally finished.

Taking a deep breath, the white mare put on a patient smile for her friend and said. "Pinkie, darling, would you care to explain it again." She held up a hoof just before Pinkie could start her rant off again. "Slowly please. Now, who's a hero?"

"Applejack's new coltfriend who's not her coltfriend, but still her hero because he saved her!" Pinkie repeated all giddy like a filly excited to see her favorite coltband play live. However this certainly got Rarity's attention.

"Applejack was saved by a colt?" Rarity asked and Pinkie Pie nodded. "Well, do you know the details dear?" Truth be told she was quite interested in the fact Applejack, her friend, might have gotten herself a coltfriend.

"Yes, he saved her during the storm! It is also his first time in Ponyville, so i am throwing him a Hero/Welcome to Ponyville party!" Pinkie squealed excitedly.

Rarity took a step back as it seemed this squeal was even higher in pitch this time. "Darling please." Rarity begged before Pinkie finally finished. "So what do you need from me?"

"Oh!" Pinkie let out, like if she was just now remembering the reason she came bursting through the doors and nearly tore it off it's hinches in the process. "I just came by to give you the invitation and the story!" Pinkie smiled and pulled out an envelope seemingly out of nowhere. "Gotta dash! I have to kidnap Venyl Scratch so she can do the music! Laters!" And with that she was gone.

Rarity was left with a surprised and confused look on her face, but after a few seconds she just shrugged. Pinkie was just being Pinkie, however this colt she mentioned, had he really saved Applejack? More importantly was he really her coltfriend? Really? Applejack? She was not exactly the classic damsel in distress type, nor a very feminine mare. She certainly had her charms and when she really wanted to be she could be very feminine. She would need to see for herself tonight and- Wait... Did Pinkie Pie say kidnap?

Sweet Apple Acres

The day had been interesting to say the least, Astral had a good time in Ponyville and it was nice to meet some of Applejack's friends. When they had gotten back she had given him a tour of the farm, explaining what they did and how they worked. Once again Astral found himself impressed and interested in everything Applejack told him, they really had a nice life here it seemed.

They walked down the small dirt paths between the apple trees, it was incredible. So this was Applejack's world, it was an amazing range of colors. The green leaves above them, the many colors of the apples, all around and above them. It was like they were in their own little world, a world only a few could see or even notice.

She noticed the way he looked around, the sense of wonder that sparkled in his eyes, something that mostly only the Apple family could see he was now seeing. Applejack stopped, not really at a specific place, but it did not matter, they were surrounded by beauty. "So, what do you think?" She asked not really needing the answer as she already knew it.

Astral stopped and took a moment to take it all in, then after maybe 12 seconds of silence he let out a deep sigh. "It's amazing.. You have a beautiful home.." He had said that before, but this time he had seen a world not many could see. No matter how many times her friends spend out here they never saw what she saw. "I can see why you love this place so much.." He continued. "It must be nice."

Applejack smiled gently and nodded. "It's my home, everything here is something my family has worked at for years.. A lot of blood sweat and tears has gone into making this place our own, it's a part of us.." She blushed a little as she was not really used to being so serious and deep, especially not with a stranger! Still, she could not help it.. She knew she had not really been acting like herself lately, and with Astral she felt relaxed, like she could share with him without fear of humiliation. Applejack was strong and just like Rainbow Dash it was never easy to feel vulnerable, though maybe it was what Ma and Pa felt, they had just clicked too.

"Well." Applejack smirked. "How about we help out a little pardner?" She suggested and started to walk again. "The storm made some apples fall to the ground, let's see what we can salvage!" And with that she started to run. "Come on then Astral!"

He was a little taken aback by her sudden change, but he did not mind, he laughed and started to run after her. "Right behind you lady Applejack!" The two of them galloped down the small dirt paths, the dust building up behind them as they picked up speed.

Astral got closer and closer to the galloping mare, but she simply smirked and took a sharp turn to the left. She managed to throw Astral off for now, but she did not run away, she stayed just within his sight. "Come on then slow pony, my granny moves faster than you!" She laughed and started to run away.

Astral had managed to come to a stop when she yelled that, he smirked and started to run after her again, this time moving faster than before. Applejack was not sure what was coming over her, but she felt a like a little filly again. The sudden playfulness had taken her by surprise, each time Astral came close to finally touch her tail she let out a giddy squeal and took a sharp turn to avoid him.

They ran and ran, their hearts beating faster and faster until finally he got close enough to get her tail. Applejack didn't mind, she wanted him to catch her. Moving up a small hill Astral moved closer and closer until!

Bite~

Applejack let out a gasp as she felt him finally getting her, she let herself fall into the grass with Astral suddenly finding himself falling with her. They slided and rolled down the grassy hill laughing like playing foals. Applejack finally landed on her back, but before she had a chance to open her eyes and get up she felt something above her.

She could feel him, his heavy hot breath tickling her, she could even swear she could hear his fast heartbeat. She slowly opened her eyes, his face come into view, his snout only inches from hers. Astral had managed not to land directly on her by stopping his fall with his forelegs, the result was she was right under him, looking up into his blue eyes. They were looking straight into hers, they did not speak, the only thing breaking the silence was their heavy panting.

"Ahem.." a voice suddenly coughed lightly.

SLAM!

"Arhh!"

"Argh!"

Their heads slammed together as Applejack tried to sit up in a panic. Astral fell down onto his flank and held his head with his hoof, Applejack did the same only laying down on her back. When the pain had vanished she turned her head, only for her cheeks to light up once again as she saw her sister, her friends and her brother all standing there looking at them.

Applejack quickly got up on her hooves and tried to look as natural as possible, she failed.. "Howdy y'all!" she said with an awkward smile. The group suddenly burst out laughing as it was such a strange display. "Hey! what y'all laughing about!?" She yelled out feeling her cheeks becoming warmer.

"Your face!" Apple Bloom replied rolling around on the grass, holding her tummy with her front legs.

Astral stood up looking confused for a few seconds, but then smiled. "You have a thick head." he gave her the exact same line she had given him when they first headbutted each other. The line only added fuel to the fire as even her stoic older brother started to laugh even more, soon followed by the cutie mark crusaders. Applejack was so embarrassed, but she was not mad, she knew she would have reacted the exact same way if it had been Rainbow Dash and Big Mac, so she started to laugh as well.

It took a minute, maybe two before the laughter died out. "So.." Big Mac was the first to talk. "Did you get to see Twalight?"

Astral nodded, this time speaking for himself. "Yes, she was a very kind mare, smart, just like Lady Applejack had said.. Though she had no idea about my cutie mark or what could have happened.. She has promised to look into it however, so i will put my faith in her."

"Eyup." Applejack continued. "In the meantime we ran into Pinkie Pie, she seems bent on throwing a party in his honor this evening."

"She seems nice, i look forward to see what she has planned. Can she even organize a party that fast?" Astral asked which earned him a few chuckled from the others.

"Pinkie Pie is always ready to throw all sorts of parties!" Apple Bloom said with a big smile.

"Yeah!" Continued Scootaloo. "She has that big party canon on standby, ready to throw any kind of party!"

"Honestly, you should see what she can make when she has a lot longer to plan it out." Applejack said with a shudder. "That mare is as eager to party as a bee is for honey."

They all shared another little laugh before Big Mac once again took lead on the conversation. Honestly he had been a lot more talkative since he and Rainbow Dash got together, it was nice to see. "So what brings you two out here?"

"We thought we could help clean up the fields a little." Applejack smiled.

Big mac nodded and walked towards some of the empty baskets. "Much appreciated. Astral, i assume you are not one to shy away from a little hard work."

Astral shook his head and followed Big Mac. "Not at all, just tell me what to do."

"Well.." Big Mac walked past the baskets and over to a knocked over apple tree a few meters away. Astral knew that tree, it was the one Applejack had been pinned under, the one he had moved. "Ah need ya help moving this, though if Applejack is right then you can do it by yourself." Astral could hear the skepticism in his voice, maybe even a slight teasing. It was not mocking or anything like that and in all honesty Astral could understand why he had a hard time believing it, a simple earth pony moving this during a stormy weather, that just sounded insane.

Applejack in the meantime looked at the baskets, it was the ones she carried the other night. She raised an eyebrow as something seemed wired, the leather straps that was around her had not been opened like she would have done normally. Picking the thick leather up she took a closer look. Her eyes went wide.... They had been bitten over..

"So anyway." Big Mac continued. "I have already tied some rope around it, i just need to find another yoke for you to use, then we can drag it away." He turned around. "In the meantime you can help the girls picking up some of the apples." Big Mac started to walk away, he did however not get very far.

CRAACK!!

He could hear leafs rustling, branches and sticks twisting and snapping. He then heard the girls gasp and so he turned around, only to gasp himself! Only a meter behind him was Astral, hooked up to his yoke, pulling the tree by himself!? Now this was not some normal average little apple tree, if it was then sure Big Mac could have taken it by himself, but this one was one of the bigger ones.

Applejack and the cutie mark crusaders all stood to the side, their mouths hanging open. Astral looked up at Big Mac. "Shall i just follow you?"

"E...E-eeyup.." Big Mac said in shock as he started to walk away with Astral not far behind him. Dragging the tree like he was pulling a simple cart, Astral had figured out this was not possible for a normal earth pony. If their expressions was anything to go by, then it seemed they had never seen anyone doing this before. It only cemented the fact in him that he was not like them, but then, who was he?

Author's Notes:

Yay finally, my fifth chapter!

I had to rewrite it all the time as i was not happy with how the first draft turned out. This chapter was shorter that i would have wanted it, but i wrote until i found a place i was happy to end the chapter.

I am also aware about apple trees not being that big and not so heavy for a pony, so i will just admit to the plot hole and hope you wont hang me for it ;)

Anyway, leave some feedback if you want or maybe even a like if you, well liked the story XD

Chapter 6: The Party

Chapter 6: The Party

After the shocking event with the tree and then some light work cleaning up the orchard, Astral could relax a bit in the bath before the party. He did not stay for very long, but it did give him the time to reflect a bit, the looks of shock on the others faces. Had they truly never seen anypony do what he did without the use of magic? It kind of scared him that he was so different, it put so many thoughts into his head, like how, why and what.

Twilight said she would look into it, but he had already gone over some possibilities. Maybe he came from a far away land? Then again, if he did then surely they had to have some records on what this land was, not to mention which land used these symbols on his cutie mark. Another possibility was he was maybe a time traveler? Somehow he doubted that, he did have chainmail, something that had not been used for a long time, but still, he did not buy it.

He sank a little into the tub, the warm water moving up and above his muzzle. He blew some bubbles while trying to think of an answer, he got none, not even a memory, nothing. Astral let out a sigh and got out, it would not be long before they had to go and he did not want to be late.

Half an hour later he walked towards Ponyville with Applejack, Rainbow Dash and of course Big Macintosh. The four of them were in high spirits, Rainbow Dash seemed excited and pumped as she hovered above them. "Of course, i should get a hero party too for being so awesome all the time!" Sure it sounded arrogant, but she had a spark in her eye telling Astral she knew that and it was all in good fun.

Applejack asked Big Mac about Granny Smith looking after Apple Bloom, Big Mac confirmed this with his trademark. "Eeyup." Apparently there was gonna be alcohol at this party, so foals were not allowed to come, much to the annoyance of the Cutie Mark Crusaders.

"How do you feel?" Applejack suddenly asked as she turned her attention back to Astral. "If you are not feeling up to it you don't have to go.." Applejack knew that would disappoint Pinkie, but she was sure she would understand if she told her Astral did not feel up to it.

Astral however shook his head. "No, thank you, but i am okay. I feel fine and i am honored Lady Pinkie Pie has invited me to a feast in my honor." Once again his choice of words were strange, but Rainbow Dash loved it.

"Ha! That's the spirit! I like that, a feast!" She seemed to love the sound of that, Applejack and Big Mac already suspected she wanted such a feast when she finally joined the Wonderbolts.

"Well.. If you are sure about this." Applejack smiled as her concerns faded away. "I'm sure you will have fun, if anyone can throw a proper, uhm, feast, it is Pinkie Pie, except maybe for the Apple Family." She smirked a little knowing maybe the term feast was better suited for the Apple family's get togethers

The four friends reached their destination, but when they did Astral took a moment to marvel at the building in front of him. Golden Oak Library was one thing, but this simply looked insane. Surgarcube Corner looked like a small cake castle, it even had what looked like a small tower in the middle that resembled some kind of cake, though which kind he had no idea.

"That's strange." Applejack said. "I was pretty sure the party would be here." All the windows were dark, it seemed nopony was home. Of course Applejack, Rainbow Dash and Big Mac all knew Pinkie was waiting inside with the others ready to spring their surprise. Applejack just figured it would be nice to play the part so Astral could get the full experience.

"Well what are we waiting for? We won't find out if we keep standing out here!" Rainbow's raspy voice said from behind Astral. "Why don't you go knock?" Astral felt her hooves push him towards the door.

"Uhm, as you wish?" Astral was a little confused, but he did not protest it. Making his way towards the door he sort of sensed that his three companions were moving back. He was just about to reach the doorknob with his hoof when suddenly the door burst open! A tornado of colors surrounded him, small papers moving all around him in a great force that also forced him to fly back and land on his back!

"Surprise!" Pinkie's cheerful voice said from the door.

In truth Applejack and the others had not really expected that, they had expected her to wait until he was inside. "Uhm Pinkie, maybe that is a little much?" Twilight said as she walked up behind Pinkie.

"What do you mean?" Pinkie asked and started to push her confetti canon to the side so Astral and the others could come inside.

"Astral, are you alright there buddy?" Rainbow Dash asked as she landed on the ground beside him. Applejack was quick to trot over as well along with Big Mac.

Astral sat up, freeing most of his body from the mountain of confetti that had buried him. His eyes looked unfocused for a few seconds, but with shaking his head a few times seemed to fix that problem. "What happened?"

"I'm sorry." Twilight said as she walked out. "I told her it would probably not be the best way to greet a newcomer."

Pinkie Pie jumped outside with a big grin. "Well i told you it was a surprise party! Were you surprised?" She asked excitedly seeming to have no worry she just shot Astral in the face with a canon.

"Yeah, i guess you can call it that.." Astral confirmed as he stood back up, shaking his body a little to get all of the confetti off.

"Yay!" Was Pinkie Pie's only reply.

Twilight smiled gently. "Come inside, the others are excited to meet you."

Astral smiled and followed, however he, or rather Applejack did not expect to find what she was about to find. Her eyes went wide with horror as right there, at the end of the main room was a massive banner that said.

"WHAT IN TARNATION IS THAT??!" Applejack roared and looked at Pinkie who suddenly appeared behind her.

"It's a banner silly." Pinkie smiled innocently while the whole room full of ponies Astral had never met chuckled a little.

Applejack face hoofed. "I know that, but i mean why did you write that last part?"

"What? You told me he was not your coltfriend!" She asked and tilted her head.

"Yes but now ponies will think that..." Applejack blushed, though it was hard to see if it was out of anger or embarrassment.

"Anyway." Twilight said as she walked over to the side with Astral. Two mares waited for them, a white one and a light yellow one. "Astral this is Rarity and Fluttershy."

"Greetings." Astral said and bowed a little in greeting.

"My, what a gentlecolt. We heard about you saving our Applejack and we simply had to show up to thank you darling!" Rarity said with a charming smile.

Fluttershy was more timid in her greeting, but she did send him a small smile. "H-hello.. Thank you for saving Applejack.."

"It is an honor to meet you both, Lady Rarity, Lady Fluttershy. A friend of Lady Applejack is a friend of mine." Astral replied with a warm handsome smile.

"Well i be, seems like Applejack got herself quite the stallion. Tell me darling, what is your relationship to our Applejack?" Rarity asked.

Astral was not quite sure what she was going for, but he could see she was trying to dig for something. "She has been so kind to help me, her and her family had kindly taken me in until i get my memories back."

"Oh my.." Fluttershy exclaimed. "I hope you will get your memories back soon, it must be hard.."

Astral shrugged. "It can be, but thanks to the Apple family i am not nervous. In the meantime i hope to be of some use to repay their kindness."

Before the conversation had a chance to continue Pinkie Pie called out. "Alright everypony, let's get this party started, let's show Astral how we do it in Ponyville!" All the guests cheered and Venyl started the music!

Astral spend some time at first to shake hoofs with a lot of ponies happy to meet him. There was a lot of questions, like where he was from or how he saved Applejack. Soon enough though it died down and ponies started to dance, eat, drink and chat.

Pinkie made sure Astral tasted a lot of the cupcakes she had prepared for the party, she had learned he had no idea what they were and so she made sure he tried one of each! Other than that he talked a lot with the six friends, hearing about them, learning about their adventures. Once again he soaked everything up like a sponge hungry for water.

At one point Rainbow dragged Big Mac out onto the dance floor, insisting on dancing with her stallion. As far as he could understand from the others, Rainbow was not one who liked to be all feely feely and all that fluff. It seemed Big Mac had made her change in that regard, at least in some way or another.

Soon enough however Applejack smirked and looked at Astral. "Well come on there pardner, don't think you can get away by sitting here. Come on out with me and let me see what you can do." She winked at him which made Astral's heart beat two extra times. Her friends started to cheer and waved them off towards the dance floor.

Laughing a bit to himself Astral smiled and nodded. "It would be my honor lady Applejack." She smiled back to him, feeling her heart beat a little faster as well. Soon enough they were both out there dancing to the beat.

Astral could already see Applejack had more experience in this, her movements were more fluent, elegant and upbeat. His were more clumsy and stiff, but he did his best and Applejack seemed to have fun. He figured his best option was just to let go and just do what felt fun and right, as a result he did loosen up and the whole dancing thing became much more enjoyable.

The party lights moved all around them, the base could be felt through their bodies, the dark room only added to the excitement. The lights moved over Applejack's body, they made her green eyes sparkle and soon enough her eyes was the only thing Astral could look at. By the gods she was beautiful, her blonde mane flowing and almost sparkling in all the different lights, it was like everything happened in slow motion.

Applejack suddenly looked past him, she nodded to someone and then with a hint of playfulness in her eyes she looked back at him. She moved close, very close, so close Astral for a moment thought she was going to kiss him.

Bump.

She bumped his side with her rear, pushing him back towards the table. Applejack laughed a little. "Sorry to disappoint you sugarcube, but i need to rest my tired hooves." She smirked walking past him and back to the table with her friends. For a moment Astral was confused, how long had they been dancing? To be honest he had lost track and it was only now he realized how tired his hooves actually were.

They all sat down once again and hardly a minute afterwards they were joined by Rainbow Dash and Big Mac. "Well you two seemed to enjoy yourselves." Applejack remarked with a grin as she got herself a drink.

"Well of course we had fun, but look who's talking. You two kept staring at each other for almost an entire hour." Rainbow replied with a small laugh as she too got one of the drinks on the table. Big Mac got a mug full of cider, he needed it, he was panting as it was always hard to keep up with his Rainbow Dash.

"Urgh..." A small voice suddenly whined. They all looked to Twilight who was resting her head on the table. "No more.."

"Twilight, are you alright?" Astral asked with a worried look.

"Oh don't worry darling." Rarity said. "Twilight has just had one to many."

"Yeah right." Rainbow snorted with a small grin. "Twilight can't handle her drinks to well, a few glasses and she is out for the count, she is such a light weight."

"I think i should take her home, i'm a bit tired anyway.." Fluttershy said and moved closer to Twilight. "Come on then, time to get you back to bed.."

"Urgh..." Twilight groaned in response.

Fluttershy looked at the others. "Sorry for leaving, but thank you for inviting me Pinkie Pie..." She said with a small smile before looking back to Astral. "It was nice meeting you Astral.."

Astral nodded. "You too, it was an honor."

They watched for a moment as Fluttershy helped the poor lavender mare outside. Rainbow laughed a bit before looking at Astral. "So Astral, what about you? Do you drink?"

"Hm, i don't know, i don't mind what i have tried so far." He moved a hoof over and pulled a bottle of beer closer.

Rainbow smirked. "Me and Big Mac sometimes compete who can drink the most, but of course i am always the winner."

Big Mac nodded. "Eeyup."

"And you always end up sleeping until noon!" Applejack cut in, sure she could drink more, but Big Mac could at least get up and work the next day...Well..Most times..

"So what do you say?" Rainbow continued, ignoring her friend's point. "A little friendly drinking game?" Her eyes narrowed, her muscles seemed to tense up, it was clear she was already gearing up to compete.

Astral considered for a moment, then smiled. "Sure, that sounds fun. I accept your challenge Lady Dash."

"Great! Let's get the drinks!" Rainbow announced and just like that Pinkie had got a whole trolley filled with mugs containing beer. Rarity rolled her eyes and excused herself, she did not want to bear witness to such a vulgar competition.

One must always look forward, to be a better pony today than you were yesterday. To keep up the fight, seek strength from your friends so you can fight on. Tonight however, neither spirit, heart or the magic of friendship had helped Rainbow Dash in her hour of need. She had lost, big time, first Big Mac had gone down and then several mugs of beer later Rainbow had finally given up. Now the two ponies were laying in a wagon and being pulled home by their new rival. "Urrrghh...." She groaned. "How are you...Hic!.. Still standing...?" Rainbow mumbled as she scooted closer to seek comfort in her coltfriend who laid knocked out beside her.

Applejack rolled her eyes, but then looked at Astral with a small smirk. "How did you do it?" Applejack asked with a small laugh as she walked beside Astral. She was amazed he had not collapsed from the insane amount of beer he had consumed, he barely acted drunk.

Astral shrugged as he continued to march on. "I have no idea, i just kept drinking.." He laughed a little barely feeling the buzz or the cart with the two sleeping ponies he was dragging along.

Applejack chuckled and moved closer to him. With Applejack walking close beside him he felt his heart beat faster, a small smile moved to his face. "Well i suppose that will keep her from any drinking games for some time.. Though i think they will both be out for the count tomorrow. You will need to help out since this is partly your fault." Applejack smirked knowing full well this was Rainbow Dash's mess, but she would be in no condition to help out tomorrow.

"Just show me what to do lady Applejack, i be happy to work by your side.." Astral smiled warmly to her and Applejack smiled back. Applejack could not help but be glad the trip would be slower with the cart, it meant she would spend just a little more time walking in Luna's moonlight with Astral.

What a night... What a party... Hopefully they would not reach the farm for a little while...

Author's Notes:

There!

To be honest i was looking forward to getting this chapter over with, i had not planned for it to be longer than the last one, i actually thought it would be one of the shorter ones! XD

Anyway, i hope you enjoyed reading it, as always leave a like if you did enjoy it and if you have time leave some feedback, helps me grow ;)