Apple Picking
by Spastic Foot
Chapters
Prologue
~Apple Picking~
Prologue
“The start of another day.” I said grudgingly. Shutting off my alarm I headed off into the shower. Each day, some say, brings new beginnings. On the other hand I have had the same routine for the past fourteen years of my life. Wake up, go to school, come home, do homework, then sleep, with meals in between. I do like to paint when I can in my spare time but inspiration is hard to find in the gray city of Chicago. I have been told by many to try out for a sport. It made sense as to why they tell me to, since I’m tall and we live in the city. But having only those two things going for me won’t cut it. I have butterfingers when it comes to sports, so being it that way I was put off by the whole thing after many failed attempts. One of those attempts, my parents decided to take me to relatives that lived in Wisconsin, who are adamant sport lovers and they religiously watch every game. Since they coach many teams in their county, they took it upon themselves to get me to learn how to play every sport known to man. But it was in vain I still couldn’t handle all the laborious activities they put me through, I’m white for Pete’s sake. When all seemed lost during that time, the nature around my relatives place found me in a state of despair and chose to show me the beauty that I was. Being a living breathing human. My troubles soothed, I found peace in those quiet woods and cold mountains. Soon after I took up painting nature in all its glory, my parents found out later and, truly, they don’t care for it. They prefer their son would ‘get a real hobby’; it only separated me with the rest of my family. Those two were never around whilst I grew up. Always busy and never had time for their son, other than the criticism I get for everything I do.
It was starting off to be a bad day. As soon as I got out of the shower and dried myself off; I took a look at my calendar. It was the ninth, I somewhat perked up knowing what tomorrow was. My eighteenth birthday, and praise the world it was on a Saturday too. Normally they end up on a school day, so most celebrations were cut short, and friends were never around since they had homework or a project to do. But tomorrow was Saturday and school was ending soon. So with that thought I got ready to go, almost forgetting the time.
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Sixth period, the day at school was nearing its end and it went horribly. I invited all of my friends to come over tomorrow since it was my birthday, and without hesitation they said no. Saying they were too busy and all. But I knew the truth, and I wasn’t even surprised that they wouldn’t be coming to my party. Getting them together is like asking a rhinoceros to be gentle. Every single one of them hated each other and they rarely wanted to come to my gatherings, knowing that the others would be there. It was sad but I dealt with it, and I soon learned to keep friends not so close. It was a crap day and it wasn’t over quite yet. My English teacher assigned me to write a 4 page essay on the ideas of F. Scott Fitzgerald after I dozed off in the middle of class. It’s not my fault that her lecture on the subject was boring. So now I had to deal with that over the weekend. The bell rang and I left, only to come back Monday. Getting home was easy enough having a bike and all, about an hour ride. When I got there I found that both of my parents were already home. I was surprised to see that since both of them work late. After putting my bike back, I went inside wondering what they were doing home so early. As I entered both of them were sitting on the couch in the living room. They called me over and it seemed that they were eagerly awaiting my arrival. My father started to speak .
“Son your mother and I thought it would be a great idea for you to go back up to Wisconsin to see your uncle again for your birthday.” My mom continued,
“We noticed how much you love sports and all, so I called to see if you could spend the weekend with him and your aunt.” ‘Oh great they decided to get rid of me for the weekend, they probably didn’t even get me a present this year.’ As I thought to myself my parents were busy talking to me but I wasn’t listening. I was thinking of what I could do up there. ‘Why don’t I just bring my painting supplies and canvases so I can paint, hopefully this weekend won’t be a total bust.’ Finishing up my thoughts about the trip, it seemed my parents were awaiting for approval.
“Sure that sounds fine by me.”
“Great” they said in unison. Soon they were off to do other things most likely work related since they were home so early. I started packing my things and thinking out loud “What would I need other than clothes and my paints? Oh! My iPod! I should have some form of entertainment while I’m up there other than my paints. Probably should load it up with some more music for the time I’m with them.” I headed over to my computer bringing up ITunes as I sat down.
“Let’s see. Hm. Ah yes Caravan Palace and some mix of the genres shall do me some good.” I, being a lover of electronic music and other types of genres, felt that this was perfect. I’m not too picky but still I prefer my electro music. It makes all those beeping sounds and dubstep with its extra bass, good stuff. That doesn’t mean I’m a complete rave head, I also listen to Rossini and Bach, Blue Danube comes to mind.
“That’ll be good for now, I guess.” I said finishing up on the computer. As I was about to get up my dad comes in. ‘Now I’m in for it’ thinking that he found out I was sleeping in class.
“Son,” here we go
“I want to let you know I haven’t forgotten to get you something for your birthday. Now you’re probably thinking ‘what did he get me this year?’ Well boy I got you something special, something for you to think about.” As he finishes he hands me a small box, wrapped of course. I’m about to rip the wrapping to shreds, he tells me
“Hey, you can’t open it yet, wait till you’re on the train to open it. Oh and you are leaving for that train in 2 hours.” With that he left, leaving me with that box. Not one to go back on my word or against my father, I set the box inside my bag. ‘Hopefully,’ I thought ‘It isn’t some stupid keychain.’ I found myself ready within 30 minutes of those two hours and decided to watch some TV before I left. Sitting down, my mother sees me as she walks by.
“Alex Macray O’Shea! Get your dirty school self into that shower and get some better clothes on, you are going to be seeing family!” And just like that she was off again doing god knows what. Now I was somewhat clean but my hair was a mess. So it was to the shower with me. After about twenty minutes, I came out of the shower. As I was getting dressed I took a look in the mirror to make sure I was up to standards.
My hair was short so that was easy to take care of, but with the blond streak in my brown hair was something I couldn’t take care of. I had it with me most of my life and wasn’t about to get rid of it, not like I could though. Wearing my grey pants and grey long sleeved shirt, I was color coordinated, even though wearing my dad’s old canvas jacket did not help. ‘It is going to be cold while I’m up there so I might as well be bringing my jacket’ I thought to justify my mismatched outfit. ‘It’s too bad that this jacket isn’t made anymore; it’s rugged as all hell. Better wear boots instead of sneakers, I may want to get a better vantage point or if I go hiking.’ With that my mom was happy when she found me again.
“Much better now you look presentable.”
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Only thirty minutes left before the train gets here. ‘It damn well be. How does a train even get delayed, it’s on rails! Ugh, At least I’m away from my parents, that car ride was, jarring. Why my dad took all those side paths I’ll never know but at least I’m here now, even though the train is late.’ “Attention passengers the train for Wisconsin will be arriving in 3 minutes” ‘Oh wow that was a quick thirty minutes, that or I need to get my ears checked. Better get ready. Okay let’s see: Luggage, check, IPod, check, phone, check. Alright I got everything I need, probably should tell my friends that I’m leaving for the weekend and I won’t be in contact.’
‘Mass text: Hey guys I’ll be gone for the weekend so you won’t be able to reach me. I’ll be back on Monday so I will see you guys then, also get friendly with one another, for me. I’m tired of being alone on my birthdays. Bye guys see you all at school.’
“Attention, the train leaving for Wisconsin is now boarding.” ‘Well I guess I should get on.’ As I arrived on the platform I saw what was to be my train. It looked like it came straight out of the fifties. Old wood paneling that was decaying faster than anything I’ve seen, and a tin roof that was rusted to all hell. ‘Thanks for the first class treatment, dad.’ But as I thought that I took a quick look at the rest of the train, and it seemed as old as the car I would be staying in. ‘The rail line here needs to get some more funding. Well I hope the inside looks better than out here.’ A conductor greeted me as I got on.
“Well there, you have your ticket on you?”
“Yeah it’s in my pocket give me a sec.” Pulling it out, he checks it for authenticity. Handing it back
“Yup, that’s genuine, and it seems you’re our only passenger that’s going to be in this car.” ‘Well that’s pretty cool,’ I thought ‘I won’t be bothered by anybody during the trip.’
“Okay thanks for letting me know.” I said.
“No problem kiddo, have a good trip.”
“Thanks. Oh, I forgot to ask, how long is the ride up there anyways?” He turns to me,
“Well if there aren’t any stops we need to make, we’ll be there in about three hours.”
“Three hours! That’s quite long of a trip. Are we going to be taking the scenic route or something?”
“Actually we are,” he said “this route isn’t taken by many people but it is used mostly for cargo trains.”
“Well is it at least a ride most people enjoy?”
“From what I hear yes, those people who ride enjoy it thoroughly.”
“That’s good to hear. Thanks Again!”
“No problem kiddo, now get on before we depart.” With that I stepped up into the train car. And to my surprise, it was a luxury car. Most likely made for those playboys and millionaires from yesteryears. It had a faint smell of cigarettes and gin. The fabrics on the seats were made of old leather painted red to match the interior walls. The lights were hanging from the roof of the car, most with dim bulbs to give the cabin a cozy feeling. I decided to take a seat in the very back of the car to take full advantage of the views while in the comfort of the big seat.
“All Aboard!” I heard the conductor call out and it seems that I was about to head out into the land known as Wisconsin. “I wonder where this scenic route will take me. Hopefully it’ll pass Lake Sinissippi, it’s very pretty about this time of year.” Drawing back on the memory of the lake, I remember the lake house my dad used to rent out every winter. The cold brisk mornings going out onto the lake for Ice fishing and skating. The snow forts I built with my dad, when he could take time away from his computer, and the snowball fights afterwards. Those were mainly business trips my dad took, but he let me come with so I didn’t mind it was beautiful every day I was out there. I miss that lake. Thinking about those mornings put me into a sleepy mood, along with the car ride over. It was probably five o’clock when the train started to board so it was already dark out. I got my IPod switched it to play Caravan Palace and I slowly drifted off to sleep.
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The train shook, waking me up with a start. I looked up and I noticed the cabins lights were swaying back and forth. ‘Must’ve been the old rails were riding on, that or the train is slowing down.’ Looking out the window I could see the lake.
“Well hot damn,” I said “That is one hell of a coincidence.” It was strange but it was true. It wasn’t Sinissippi, though, but it was a lake nonetheless. It was still while I was watching. As still you can get most likely. I could see the small insects and fish dance across the water. Little ripples that affected the whole of the lake, less and less noticed until it was just a part of the lake again. The stars on those waters danced. A never ending waltz, with the only music being the calm slapping of the water against the shores. Opening the window next to me, I stuck my head outside. Feeling the cool breeze as the train kept moving on, smelling the wet air and breathing it in. The must in the cabin was nice at first but the fresh air was a nice. Noticing the stars once again, I took a quick look at the clock in the cabin. ‘Seven thirty, well that was a nice enough nap. We should be arriving soon I best find the conductor and ask.’ I got up head toward the next car.
“Hopefully it’s a dining car, I’m starving.” On queue my stomach grumbled in agreement. The next was just a passenger car but I found the dining car right after it. I was in luck because they were still serving dinner. Walking up to the counter the waitress notices me.
“Hi Hun what can I get yah?”
“Could I get a small cup of hot chocolate and a cheeseburger without lettuce and pickles, please?”
“Sure Hun I’ll be right back with yah.”
‘She seems like a nice person, though it could just be another part of the job.’ These thoughts always bring me down. ‘No she is an actual nice person I won’t let this get to me.’ A few minutes later she arrives with my food. After I finish with my stomach sedated for now I shot the bull with the waitress for a while. She tells me that this is her last night working as a waitress on a dining car. I found that to be quite sad, but I was reassured that it was time for her to leave.
“Well when are we arriving for the station?”
“I think it’ll be another hour dear.”
“What! Another hour!”
“Yeah we had to stop for a bit for some reason I can’t remember.”
“Thanks for the info.” As I reach for my wallet I’m stopped by the waitress.
“No need Hun, you don’t have tah pay.”
“You sure? I have enough to…”
“No it’s quite alright dear, call it a late meal.”
“Thanks give my compliments to the cook!” Heading back to my car I hear a call from the waitress but I pay no mind. Entering the cabin reminded me of the box my dad gave me. With that I hurried over to my luggage, bringing out the box. As I carefully started to unwrap the box, I heard some commotion in the other car but I was too involved in opening the box. Opening it I find a small note and nothing else. It starts ‘My Boy, Alex, I know you...’ But before I could finish I found myself flying through the train car and out the back window still clutching the note. A bright light shines before I hit the ground and I’m whisked away into unconsciousness.
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“Oh now what should I do with this one.” A great voice resounded, full of sorrow. “This one is young and has much to learn and offer in this universe.”
“Father why don’t we send this one to a much more peaceful world, one filled with harmony?”
“Good idea my son, without you I wouldn’t be able to function properly.”
“Thanks dad.” the younger voice let out a small chuckle “Heh, make sure he look like he fits in world you’re going to send him to.”
“Of course my boy, of course. Let him keep what he wears as a reminder of his life on his planet.”
“Shall he keep his memories too?”
“Yes son he will. I’ll make sure he doesn’t forget who he was and how he has acted. Turning to my body “Now off young one too the land of harmony, to Equestria.”
Chapter 1: A New Place
Apple Picking
Chapter 1
A New Place
I woke with a start. It was some sort of dream but I couldn’t remember. Everything was very white and there were voices. Remembering what they said would be too much of an effort, and reading into a dream that much could hurt. So I stopped caring. Where I was though, that was worth my attention.
“Seriously? Uncle why did you… I mean… I know we’ve had our differences, but a forest, that’s low even for you.” The middle of a forest. I couldn’t believe uncle would do something like that. He was an ass most of the time, but I learned how to deal with that easily enough. This was new. To move a sleeping person, a relative no less, into an unknown wooded area. It’s just not right.“Oh when I find the house you’re in for one hell of an argument.” With vigor I got to my feet, only to fall on my face. “Dammit, that hurt.” I went to pick myself off the ground but I didn’t feel my hands moving or my feet. “That can’t be good.” Rolling over on my back, I looked for the problem. With that I discovered something new, and possibly, dangerous to my mental health.
“Hooves? Hooves? Why do I have hooves?” I was hoping this was some sort of joke or a concussion from the fall. Shaking, I moved what I thought to be my hand, but the hoof followed the order. “I’m delusional I can’t be a…oh…Oh my.” I saw the rest of my body, noticing its certain equine features. Most of it covered by my clothes. My heart was racing, my ears were thumping and my face felt like it was on fire. I was in panic mode. Wild screams left my mouth,I was thrashing violently,and the whole scene was something out of an exorcist movie. This went on for a few minutes, only stopping to catch my breath for another wave of screams. Everything was a blur and I passed out from the insanity of the situation.
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I woke again. It was later than before, I judged it was about 6:30 at night. “When did it become ni…? Right, I must’ve passed out from that episode.”Remembering what happened was scary and I looked once again at my body. The clothes covering me were small and my pants were nowhere to be seen. With grim thoughts as to who took my pants, I rolled over and used a new tactic.I tried getting up again but this time using all fours, and it came with ease. Standing, I looked back at myself again, I found that my eyes didn’t betrayed me. “At least I ain’t some sort of monster.” I said “But it will be a few months before I get over this.”
My surroundings looked nothing like the Wisconsin woods, more like a southern swamp but hold the water. It was really eerie, and a strange fog was clinging to the ground. Creaking noises could be heard from the trees, everything screamed spooky. I wasn’t having any of it. “Yeah this place isn’t creepy at all.” I rolled my eyes. “It looks like some child’s nightmare version of a forest, all of these hues of green and brown, it has to be fake. Then again, I am a horse thing now so I shouldn’t be surprised.” I chuckled slightly at the thought. ‘A horse thing yeah that’s a good name for me.’
I was still in a predicament. I didn’t know how to walk like a horse. It seemed like as good of a time as ever to learn though. “Baby steps now, just take it slow.” Sometime later, I got the movements down well enough. My abilities to start again from a nonmoving position however, those still needed to have their kinks worked out. So I kept moving in a small circle. “Alright, problem number two, how to get out of this forest? Let’s see.” My eyes wandered to the sky and what I saw was amazing. A very bright moon and a galaxy full of stars. “Oh wow, and I thought the woods in Wisconsin were far enough away from civilization to see the stars. This, it’s something else.” It may have been a pretty sight but I should have been focusing on where I was walking. “So coo-OH SHIT!”
Down on my face for the second time today, but it was a rock to blame. I grumbled and got back to my feet, err, hooves. There was sure to be some swelling later but it didn’t matter, I still had to find my way out of this forest. “Okay let’s see, its night so following the sun isn’t an option. There isn’t a stream nearby here so that is out of the question. It’s almost winter so the mountains aren’t a good idea. Keep walking this way I guess, I’m bound to find something.”
It took a few hours of walking but I did find something. “Yes, a path!” It was a sign but not a good one though. “Thing is, where does it lead and which way do I go?” The first question I couldn’t answer, not for sure at least. The other could be decided by a coin toss. “So, which way to grandma’s house?” I couldn’t decide and it was really late. I was tired from walking and the mental breakdown I had earlier. I needed to find a place to sleep in relative safety, though in this forest nowhere is safe.
“Maybe a tree will find me and keep me company.” I look to my left. “Oh hey I didn’t see you there, mind if I sleep under you?” The tree says nothing as it is a tree. “No objection?” Not a word was spoken. “Great! Thanks so much you have no idea what this means.” I looked for a comfy nook in the roots of the tree, and one seemed to call out to me. “Ah this will do just fine.” I sat down, squirming to find the right spot. “Come. Ugh. On. Err. Ah, that’s the stuff.” It wasn’t the Hilton but it would have to do. I took a look up at my savior thanking him one more time before I drifted off to a deep sleep.
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“Wow this is awesome! Why can’t everyday be like this?” Higher and higher, it was a rush. Clouds passed me by. Only the open sky was ahead and I was climbing further into the blue.
A lone cloud was the only thing left in my view and headed right to it. Landing and yet not falling through, I sat down perched on my view above the world. The landscape was amazing, hues of orange and pink stretched across the sky. Dark greens covered the land below. Mountains piercing the sky, casting dark shadows.
An easel awaited me on the cloud, already set up with canvas. I headed over pulling out my color palette and brush. The painting came to life as I painted. Beautiful colors crossed the canvas the brush creating the picture. It ended up exactly how I saw it.
The colors started to run. The picture deformed and massed into one giant blob of black. A pair crimson eyes opened, a toothy smile soon followed. “You’re worthless you know? Come up here to paint a picture, it is very quaint.”
“W-What do you want. I don’t owe you anything anymore, we had a deal!” “Oh you thought I kept to my promises? Think again pal, because I have plans for the both of us.” “No you listen to me! We already settled our dispute, why can’t you leave me alone?” “Because, I can’t let you have all the fun. We are done here goodbye.”
I was falling after it muttered those last words. The ground was ever present and it wanted me. I couldn’t help but look. I was accepting my fate all that has come will no longer matter.
It was time.
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A gasp of air left me, and I was wide awake. My eyes darted from left to right, hoping for signs of safety. They were met with a dark forest. I couldn’t tell if it was day yet but I felt well rested, despite the dream. So I could only guess it was before dawn. Wanting out of that forest as soon as possible I went to get up, only to find I was stuck. “Oh you have got to be kidding. I’m not in the mood tree.” A tug here a pull there,and soon only my back leg was stuck. “Listen I know you don’t get much company, but you’re acting like an overly attached girlfriend. Now if you don’t mind.” One more pull and I was free. “Thank you, I best be off now.”
With that I came back to my position I was in last night. “Right well I could go left,” Looking left I saw a much darker jungle and vines everywhere. “Or I could go right.” To the right was a lit path though it looked untraveled. “That wasn’t there before, that could mean civilization though.” I was at odds with myself, a way to town or a way to death. Against my better judgement I headed to left ,remembering a small passage.
“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil.” With those words I became engulfed in a mass of vines and a dark abyss, and my journey began again.
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The forest was unforgiving. I had been attack by wolves made of wood, lion things with scorpion tails, and the flora itself. I was able to escape most of it, but the plants did the most damage. My clothes were with small tears here and there, but a giant gash was on the back of my jacket. That lion thing got a bit too close and was able to take a swing at me with it’s tail. I was saved thanks to the jacket, but now it was ruined. Damn good jacket too, hopefully I could get it repaired.
I took a brief respite near a small pond, drinking it’s contents greedily. After all that has happened, the cold water felt refreshing. Due to my imbalance I teetered a few times ,but never falling. I was getting better at being 4-legged. As soon as I finished I let out a quick sigh. “Damn. Water never tasted better. Back to the road I suppose.” I walked back to where the path was and started walking again. This wasn’t a journey filled with much excitement, more or less. The demeanor I had soon left me, and my walk soon became a slight jog. The things in the forest could surprise at any moment, and I wasn’t about to find out what was waiting.
The light at the end of the tunnel, or rather the forest, could now be seen. At first I dismissed it as a lightning bug. It didn’t leave and it only grew brighter as I moved along. Now it had my attention and it was begging me to come closer. My pace quickened until I was at a full blown sprint, instincts having taken over. The light became a giant sun and I was Icarus, I had to close my eyes due to how bright it was. I didn’t stop until the warmth of the sun hit me.
My eyes creaked slightly and I was slowly adjusting to the difference in light. That forest was too dark for it’s own good. I never wanted to go back again. Not even if it turned into Candyland. I returned from my thoughts to beautiful place. Sparse white clouds hung high above the land, green grass was growing everywhere. A picture I would have loved to paint if I had my hands. It was, and still is, too beautiful to put into words. The sun was high in the sky and I felt a renewed sense of vigor rise up.
“I have to be dreaming this is too good to be true.” Looking back I notice the dark forest that I came from. I shudder, that place has something wrong about it and I didn’t want to find out. Walking away seemed like the best idea at the time. So I threw direction to the wind and started walking once more looking for a spot to take a quick nap.
Judging from the sun and shadows, it was about 11-ish and lunch would have to wait. Napping sounded so much better than food and I wasn’t about to let that feeling leave me. I soon found a tree, much prettier than the one in the forest. “Sorry guy but you have been replaced. You, my man, are now my new favorite.” Another nook was found and I found myself off to a dreamless sleep.
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"Scoots, ah don't know about this." What now, all I wanted was a nap, can't I have that much?
"Don't worry AppleBloom, it's only a sleeping stallion,what can he do to us?" Maybe if I pretend they're not here, they'll leave.
"I guess you're right, but yah hav’ta wake him up." No, please leave me alone, I just want to sleep.
What came next was close to the worst experience I've had in the past two days.
"WAKEUPWAKEUPWAKEUP!" It was loud, very loud, but I could handle loud. The jumping, that’s something else.
"Alright! I'm up! Just stop jumping please."I was in no mood to deal with this, but I had no choice. I sat up and opened my eyes, and was greeted by three technicolor ponies. I couldn't believe my eyes, I wasn't the only one.
"Hello, are you okay?" The orange one was waving it's hoof in front of my face. I shook my head.
"Yeah I'm fine just tired is all, what did you want?" The three ponies converse in a small circle, taking quick glances back at me. After about ten seconds, they return, the yellow one taking the lead.
"Well we were wonderin' what yah were doin' out 'ere, and why it looks like yah were mauled." I looked over myself,now in the light of the sun. My clothes looked like I came from a knife fight and dirt covered ninety-five percent of my body. My gaze returned to the three. All on the edge of their seats, so to say.
"Well I'm out here because I woke up inside of a forest a few miles back, and you're right. I was almost mauled by this lion looking thing and a bunch of wood wolves. So I wanted to rest, which you three disturbed." Their faces contorted with different expressions. First confusion, then awe. They pawed the ground with their hooves at the last part.
"Sorry, we didn't know." Aww, dude that is sad, but adorable,but sad. I gotta say something to fix this.
"Its okay though, I needed to get up anyways, no harm done." They looked back up to me and I smiled. No point in making enemies if I don't know where, or what, I am.
"Wait, you came from a forest? You mean..." Orange's voice drifted off and her face looked worried.
"You mean Everfree?" The white one spoke up. I had no idea what Everfree was but it sounded like they knew the place was dangerous. I should tell them, but would they see me differently than they do?
"We'll if you say it like that, then probably. I don't know what it's called but it was pretty dangerous.Made it out alive and I would never go back there, even if it was made of gold." They all looked at me, mouths agape, like I just told them it was Christmas. Orange spoke, almost yelling."THAT'S SO AWESOME.You must’ve been fighting like you were a judo master. HIYAH!” Orange goes into a “Bruce Lee” moment. Grey strolled up to me. “ Weren't you scared though?"
"Of course I was but it wasn't too bad, I had to stay tough so I could get out alive. What's your name kid?"
“Sweetie Belle, that's AppleBloom and Scootaloo." She said pointing to the other two. Weird names but I’m not going to say anything. Guess I should use a different name. Nah I'll just use my middle name.
"Cool name kid, names Macray." I held out my hoof , hoping she knew the gesture. I was rather surprised when I was tackled by the group. Questions were buzzing all around and I had to stop the nonsense.
"EVERYONE OFF, NOW!" They all jumped off faster than lightning, and looked at me with fear in their eyes. The situation needed to be diffused, fast.
"Look I don't like having to yell but I had to stop the questions. I have a feeling I'll be telling this story ,and who I am, more than once. So I'm gonna wait off on that, but you all will be told." Fear dissipated and formed into curiosity. AppleBloom spoke up.
"Well if yah say so, guess we should head back tah town. Yah comin’ with Ray?" I chuckled.
"It's better than staying out here and lost for the rest of the day. Seeing as it is almost noon, and my lunch isn’t out here.” The three laughed at that. I got up headed off with the kids and couldn’t wait to see what this place had to offer.