Gear Grinder a green earth pony stallion with a brown mane and tail made his way through the busy streets of Ponyville trying to make it back to the library, his temporary home that his friend Shining Armor managed to arrange for him, his little sister being the librarian made it easy enough. He barely knew Twilight, he had moved in with her three days ago. As he continued down the dirt path his deep brown eyes staring off into space, he remembered their argument about him staying with her.

Three days ago

“C’mon Twilight, do it for me, please.” Shining said as he smiled at his younger sister.

“No!”

“Twiley.” he whined.

“Don’t ‘Twiley’ me mister, I'm sticking by my decision!”

“Please Twilight he’s been in the institution for five years without any kind of disciplinary action and we’re the only one’s he trusts.”

“He’s crazy!”

“I seem to recall hearing a similar story about you. Something involving the smarty pants doll I gave you.” he said with a grin.

“That was totally different!” she said with a blush.

“How? You and I both know what he’s been through. I’m not asking you to be best friends with him, just to help him come out of his shell. Introduce him to your friends and it’s only for three weeks. I’d look after him if I could but with Cadence and my job...”

“Alright, he can stay, but ONLY for three weeks got it!”

“Thank you Twilight you’re the best little sis a stallion could ask for.” he said as he hugged the lavender mare. “And don’t worry I’ll check up on him whenever I get some time to myself.” he then glanced at the clock. “I have to go now, please don’t tell any-pony that he was in a psychiatric hospital for five years.”

“I won’t.” she said with a sigh

“Thanks and remember if anything happens send Celestia a message and I’ll be here as fast as I can.” he then motioned for some-pony to come over in stepped Gear with his bags and a nervous look in his eyes. Shinning put a hoof on the stallions shoulder. “Gear, you remember my sister Twilight right?” Gear nodded his head and gave a little wave. “She’s gonna look after you for the next few weeks. If you need anything talk to her. Okay?”

“Alright” he said in a calm tone.

“Okay, I’m gonna go now. Twilight be sure to keep an eye on him.”

“I will. Bye.”

“Bye.” Shinning said as he exited the library. As the white stallion left Twilight then set her gaze upon the green stallion who avoided eye contact with her.

Present

Since then the days haven’t been too different. He got up at the same time, kept to his habit’s of walking and was plagued by the same nightmare. He was so lost in thought that he didn’t notice the orange mare that had collided with him. He and the mare both lost their balance and hit the dirt.

“Ah’m mighty sorry about that, I guess I didn’t see where ah was going.” she said as she looked over to the green stallion and picked up her hat.

“No! I’m sorry I was in deep thought I should’ve looked where I was going.” he said as he helped the mare to her hooves.

“Well thank ya kindly. Hey I’ve never seen you before what’s yer name?”

“Gear Grinder but you can call me Gear. I just got to Ponyville three days ago.”

“Well ah’m Applejack, pleasure to meet you Gear.” she said as she shook his hoof.

“Gear there you are!” Twilight said as she trotted up to the two ponies. “Oh, hello AJ.”

“Howdy Twi, you know him?”

“Yeah, he’s staying with me at the library for a few weeks.” Applejack then cocked an eyebrow.

“Why Twi, I didn’t know you had colt-friend.”

“WHAT!? No, he’s not my colt-friend he’s just a friend of the family.” Twilight said with a cross look on her face.

“Twilight’s correct, I’m just visiting and Twilight is giving me a place to crash.” Gear interjected. Applejacks cheeks turned red in embarrassment.

“Oh, sorry about that Twi. I gotta get going, I’ll see you later tonight. 8:00pm right?”

“Yep, 8:00pm. See you there.” she said as she waved good by to her friend. Twilight then shot a glance at Gear.

“What?”

“Don’t what me! Where did you run off too?” she said as the two trotted back to the library.

“I took a stroll around the town, took in the scenery. I don’t get to do that a lot back in Canterlot, remember?” he said as he eyed the mare.

“Yeah, I suppose you’re right.”

“It’s fine, and thanks.”

“For what?”

“For not telling Applejack that I’m a psych patient.”

“Don’t mention it, I promised Shining I’d look after you, so that’s what I’m doing.” she said with a smile.

“Hey, can I ask you something?”

“Sure what?”

“Does the fact that me being in a mental institution bother you? And be honest with me.” Twilight bit her lower lip at the statement.

“Well, yes it does a little bit. I’ve known you practically my whole life, you’re my brothers best friend and I even thought of you like a second brother. So when you ‘lost it’ I was very confused and scared, and now that you’re living with me..it just feels really awkward. I’m sorry.” Twilight said as she avoided his gaze.

“It’s okay. I appreciate the honesty. I just wanted to get that out of the way so I knew where I stood with you.” there was a silence in between the two of them that seemed endless. “So, Applejack seems nice.”

“She is. She’s one of the most dependable ponies in Ponyville, although she can be a bit blunt at times.” she said with a chuckle. “In fact my friends and I are going to meet at Sugar Cube Corner tonight you should come and meet them.”

“I don’t see why not.” he said as he shrugged his shoulders.

“Great. I’m sure they’ll like you.” she said with a grin.

“Okay, I’ll just need to take my med’s before I go alright?”

“Yeah that’s fine, we just plan on hanging out and chatting.”

“Okay I’ll be in my room until then.” he said as the two ponies trotted inside the library. As he trotted inside his room, he decided to take an early nap. As he closed his eyes he dreamed.

His home was dark and cold as he made his way inside.

“Mom? Dad? Brass? I’m home. Where are you guys?” he made his way through the house looking for his family. He didn’t expect to see Brass, his little sister always had trumpet lessons after her class got out.

“Help!” he heard the sounds of struggling he raced up stairs, the smell of smoke filled his nostrils, the temperature was rising. He reached his sisters door, when he stretched his hoof out to touch it it burned his hoof, he ignored the pain and opened the door to reveal a wall of flames.

Gear woke up in a cold sweat. He made his way to the bathroom and splashed the cold water onto his face. He breathed heavy trying to calm his pounding heart as he looked in the mirror he saw his reflection, only it was different, he was different the reflection had a sinister grin on his face, his coat was a lot darker too, but the one thing that stuck out in his mind was the eyes, the calm light brown was replaced by a bright red. He cringed back and reached for his medicine, he swallowed the pill and the image began to vanish and be replaced by his usual reflection.

“Phew, that was close.” he said as he continued to breath heavily, eventually calming himself down. As he exited the bathroom he saw Twilight knocking on his door.

“Oh there you are. It’s almost time to go.”

“Alright thanks, I just took my medicine so I’m all set.” he said with a grin. The two trotted down stairs and exited the library into the warm summer night.

The two ponies made their way down the now quiet street, dimly lit by the street light’s on the corners. They entered the bakery, they were greeted by a pink mare with curly hair.

“Hey Twilight! Glad you could come!” her eyes then fell on the green stallion.
“Heyi’veneverseenyoubeforeandIknowever-ponyinPonyvillesoyoumustbenewso-” her barrage of words was silenced by an orange hoof.

“Settle down there Pinkie, this here is Gear Grinder he arrived three day’s ago.” Applejack said.

“THREE DAYS AGO! Twilight did you keep him locked up or something?” Pinkie said in a surprised tone.

Locked up.

He cringed at those words, he then turned his attention to the mares.

“No, I was just getting settled, don’t blame Twilight.” he said as he threw on a smile.

“Oh, that makes sense. Well my name is Pinkie Pie. party thrower expert.”

“Nice to meet you Pinkie, my names Gear Grinder, but you can call me Gear.” he then trotted over to the booth and introduced himself to the rest of her friends. They spent most of the night, gossiping and telling stories.

“So Gear, where do you live?” Rainbow asked. Twilight and Gear's eyes shrank as she asked the question.

“I live in...Canterlot.” he hesitated for a moment.

“Really? What made you come here?” Rarity asked in delight.

“Well...I just wanted to get out of the city, enjoy the fresh air.”

“I can respect that. So how do yah know Twilight?” AJ asked as she tipped her hat back.

“Shining Armor has been my best friend since we were foals.”

“You’re best friends with captain of the guard!” Dash yelled.

“Yup. We went through school together.”

“But, you don’t look as old as him.”

“You’re right he’s a few years older than me. When we were in school I skipped a few grades.”

“So why didn’t we see you at the wedding?” Rarity interjected.

“Rarity!” Twilight exclaimed.

“What? It’s just a question.”

“It’s fine Twi, I was on vacation in Saddle Arabia. I was going to be there but my transport got delayed and couldn’t make it for another three days.” he lied. As he held his poker face, he noticed that Applejack was eyeing him.

“Oh, darling I cannot tell you how many times that has happened to me when I’m visiting my parents in Missourneigh.” she said in an annoyed tone.

“Yeah it was a drag, I really wanted to be there. I heard about the invasion.”

“So what do you do? For work I mean.” Rainbow asked.

“Currently unemployed. But my special talent is fixing machinery.” he said as he pointed to his cutie mark, it was two gears in a turning motion. “I also write stories.”

“Well then you and Twilight must get along great, considering how big an egghead she is.” Rainbow snickered.

“Rainbow!” Twilight said as she eyed the cyan mare.

“Yeah, she’s always been like that. In fact one of the first books she read was one of my originals.” he said with a grin.

“Really! Is it famous?”

“Not really, I prefer to keep a low profile. Writing is more of a hobby, what I really enjoy doing is physical work. It’s part of the reason why I came here there aren’t a lot of jobs like that in Canterlot.”

“Hey I have an idea! Why don’t you work with AJ down at Sweet Apple Acres.” Pinkie exclaimed.

“Wait. You mean to tell me that she owns the same Sweet Apple Acres that makes the world famous Zap-apple Jam?”

“Yes sir, and ah would be glad to have an extra hoof around the farm. Can yah start tomorrow?” Applejack said with a smile.

“Sure, what time do I have to be there by?”

“6:00 am.”

“Not a problem I’m usually up by five anyway.” he said with a smile.

“Really? Why most ponies like their rest.”

“I’ve always been an early riser.” he said as he scratched his mane. “So that being said I think I’ll hit the hay early. See ya tomorrow Applejack.” he said with a grin as he trotted out of the bakery. Twilight then turned to Fluttershy who hadn’t said a single word all night.

“Hey Fluttershy you okay? You’ve been awfully quiet, even for you is something wrong?” Twilight asked.

“No it’s just that.....never mind.” she said in her usual timid voice.

“What is it darling?”

“Well it’s just that, something feels ‘off’ about Gear. I can’t explain it but he just seems unbalanced some how, it’s just my opinion though.”

“Yeah I got that vibe too. Somethings fishy about him.” Pinkie said in a suspicious voice.

“Calm down y’all he’s still settling in, he seemed nice enough.”

“Yeah, he just needs time to adjust to Ponyville. You know coming from a big city to a small town is a big transition.” Twilight said with a nervous grin.

“Yes, I sometimes find it hard to readjust even when I come back from doing business there.” Rarity interjected.

“Whatever, there’s something he’s not telling us and I’m gonna find out what it is.” Rainbow said with a determined look in her eye, she then zoomed out the door.

“When will that pony learn?” AJ said as she shook her head. “Well I’ll see you gals later I gotta hit the hay. Goodnight.” Applejack said as she yawned and trotted out of the bakery. Twilight left soon after, as she trotted back to the library she kept asking herself.

Should I tell them about Gear’s past?

“No I promised Shining that I wouldn’t tell any-pony.” she said in a firm voice. Twilight trotted upstairs and laid down to sleep.

Gear woke up at 4:30 am. He looked out the window, Celestia’s sun hadn’t risen yet, he made his way down stairs as quietly as he could and had a bowl of cereal, after he finished eating he grabbed his medication and left the large library. Gear could see through the darkness easily, darkness was all he saw back in his cell at the hospital. He rarely saw other patients, he was the only pony there who was admitted by choice. He got along well with the orderlies and doctors that worked there, he knew they pitied him and felt bad. Gear didn’t want their pity or condolences, he just want’s to forget what happened to him.

Gear was so deep in thought that he bumped into the Sweet Apple Acres sign. He glanced at the farm house and began trotting up the dirt road to the barn, once he was there he started to look around inside the barn, he eyed an old tractor and started to examine the old piece of machinery. He then trotted to the door of the barn and watched the sun rise, it was his guilty pleasure. Every day for the past five years he would watch the sun rise and set. Gear was so captivated that he didn’t notice the rope being throne over him, as soon as he tried to scream he was dragged inside the barn, hogtied and gagged with what tasted like an apple. He looked up to see a huge red stallion glaring down at him.

“What’re you doing here?” Gear was to terrified to respond, he then heard Applejacks’ voice coming from outside the barn, he remembered her from yesterday. His eyes fell upon the orange mare

“Hey Big Mac have you seen a.....Big Mac what did you do?!” Applejack said as her eyes fell upon the tied up green stallion, she removed the apple from Gears mouth as she did he let out a massive breath.

“Is this some type of sick hazing ritual or something?!” Gear bellowed as Applejack untied him.

“Ah’m might sorry about this Gear.” she said as she helped him to his hooves. She then cast an icy glare at her older brother. “Why in the hay did you go and tie him up?”

“He was in the barn poking around....ah reckoned he was a burglar.” he said in a deep voice.

“He ain’t no thief, he’s the new stallion ah hired yesterday. Ah told ya about it when ah got back from Sugar Cube Corner.” she said as she rolled her eyes

“Oh......Sorry about that.” Big Mac said with a weak smile.

“It’s fine, and I wasn’t poking around I was looking at the old tractor over there.” he said as he pointed a hoof to the old machine.

“That thing? That’s been busted for years, we’ve tried to fix it but it’s never worked.” Applejack said with a sigh.

“Mind if I take a crack at it?”

“Be mah guest, there are tools stashed off to the side of the barn. This is mah brother, Big Mac.” the mares said as she pointed to the red stallion.

“Yeah, we’ve met, names Gear.” he said in a flat tone. “So I’ll get to work then.” he then trotted over to the bucket of tools and retrieved what he needed and began to work on the old tractor. He popped the hood and examined the old engine inside, it had become a breeding ground for rust and spiders. He spent most of the day working on the engine alone. He laid on his back and started to work on the exhaust system. It was getting close to noon when he felt a tapping at his back hoof, Gear crawled out from underneath the tractor to see Applejack with a grin on her face.
“Hey.” he said to the mare.

“Hi, ah mighty appreciate you trying to fix this thing for us.”

“Give me a few more hours and it’ll run again.”

“Ha, I’ll believe that when ah see it, anyway it’s lunch time, food’d being served inside.” she said as she trotted away. Gear washed the grease and oil off of his hooves and made his way inside. He saw Big Mac, Applejack, a little filly and an elderly green mare, Gear took the seat next to Applejack, he was still apprehensive about Big Mac’s stunt this morning. The little filly glared at him, Applejack noticed and frowned at the little filly.

“Applebloom, you know it’s not polite to stare.”

“Sorry sis, but ah was just wondering, who is he?”

“This is Gear Grinder he’s fixing our tractor.”

“Why are yah wasting yer time on that thing?” she said as she looked at the green stallion.

“Well..It’s what I do, I fix things.” he said in a low tone.
“What kind of things?”

“Machinery mostly, but I sometimes fix cabinets, shelves and other things of that sort.”

“How come ah’ve never seen you around Ponyville before?”

“I just got into town a few days ago.”

“Where are you staying?”

“With Twilight at the library, she’s an old friend of mine and she...offered me a place to stay.”

“Oh that’s nice of her...so where are you from?”

“Canterlot.”

“Really? Why’d you come here then?”

“Just liked small towns I guess.” he got to his hooves and brought his dishes over to the sink. “Thanks for the meal, I’ll get back to work now.” Gear made his way back to the tractor and began to examine the pistons. Around 3:00 pm. Gear’s work was interrupted, again. This time by the cyan pegasus mare with a burning look in her eye. “Can I help you?”

“Yeah, what’s your deal?”

“Could you be a bit more specific?”

“I don’t know what your hiding but I will find out.”

“Rainbow Dash right?” the mare nodded. “I have no idea what your talking about, now if you’ll excuse me I need to get back to work.” he picked up a wrench in his hoof, Rainbow smacked it out of his grip and glared at him. “What’s your problem? I’m trying to work here.”

“There’s something-”

“Rainbow! What in tarnation are you doing here?”

“Relax AJ, I was just leaving.” as she in a harsh tone, she made the ‘I’m watching you’ motion with her hoof as she took off into the sky leaving a very confused Applejack standing in the doorway. Gear continued working on the tractor, the orange mare then trotted over to him.

“What was that about?”

“Don’t know, she just came in here and started shooting her mouth off. Can you pass me the socket wrench?” AJ handed him the tool. “Thanks.” she then took a look at the old tractor.

“So...will it work?” Gear finished tightening the last bolt and took a few steps back.

“Try it.” he said with a grin. Applejack mounted herself up onto the seat and pressed the ignition switch, a few small clouds of exhaust left the mufflers and the the engine sprung to life. AJ had a massive grin spread across her face. She turned the switch off and leapt down from the seat.

“Ah can’t believe it! You actually fixed it!”

“I said I would and I meant it.”

“But how?” Gear then trotted over to the tractor and lifted it’s hood, he then began to point out all of the parts that he patched up.

“You’ll need a replacement carburetor by the end of the season though. I managed to get what little life this one had left in it. Until then I wouldn’t run it.”

“Why not?”

“Because there are so many part’s that need replacing that it could possibly blow up.” AJ’s eyes shrank.

“Oh, that’s a good reason.” she said as she scratched her blond mane. “I’m not sure if we have the money for those parts.”

“I could lend you some.” she was taken back by this statement.

“No, ah couldn’t ask that of ya.”

“Consider it a gift. I insist.” AJ bit her bottom lip, she looked over at the tractor she let out a heavy sigh.

“Alright, thank yah kindly.”

“It’ll take some time for me to get it, all my money is back in Canterlot.”

“Take yer time, ah’m in no hurry and thanks again for fixing the tractor.” AJ then looked outside and saw that it was almost dinner time. Gear was putting the tools he used away and was about to leave the barn when Applejack called out to him. “Hey would you like to stay for supper?”

“No thanks, Twilight’s probably worried about me. I should head back, thanks for the offer though.”

“It’s fine, maybe some other time then?”

“Sure.”

“Bye.” she called out,

“See you tomorrow.” he gave her a quick wave and started to trot back towards the library. Once he got there he was surprised to see not only Twilight but Shining armor there as well.

“Gear, there you are!” Shining said as he trotted up to his friend.

“Sorry I’m late. I was finishing up a project for Applejack.”

“What were you doing?”

“Fixing her tractor, it’s actually good that your here I need you to get some of my bit’s from my account Canterlot.”

“How much?”

“Around 900 should do.” Both Twilight and Shining’s jaws dropped at the amount.

“That is a lot of money what are you going to use it for? Twilight asked.

“To buy some parts for Applejacks’ tractor. It needs a new carburetor and a few other parts.”

“Um yeah, I’ll get it by next week.”

“Thanks and take your time I’m in no rush.” he said with a smile.

“So I assume things are going well?” Shining asked.

“Yeah, the ponies here are nice save for a few.” he said as he yawned. “I’m just gonna fix myself a sandwich then go to bed, that alright Twilight?”

“Yeah sure.” she said as the stallion trotted into the kitchen. Shining put a hoof on his sister’s shoulder.

“Wow, Twiley I don’t know what you did but good job!”

“Why? I didn’t do anything.”

“I haven’t seen him act like that in years who did he hang out with today?”

“My friend Applejack.”

“She's the farmer right?” Twilight nodded. “Well I guess she made a good impression.”

“I guess she did.” they saw Gear leave the kitchen and head up stairs he gave a quick wave to the two and made his way upstairs, the two returned the gesture and continued talking.

“Seriously nice work, he’s acting like he did before...the ‘accident’ what ever it is keep it up. I’ll be back soon.” he gave Twilight a quick hug and galloped out the door. Twilight stood there very confused, she followed the stallion up stairs and knocked on the door.

“Come in.” he said.

“Hey it’s me.” Twilight said as she opened the door.

“What’s up?”

“Just wondering what you did today.”

“Like I said I fixed Applejack’s tractor.”

“That’s it?”

“Well I got hogtied by her brother and Rainbow came by and started to interrogate me.” Twilight’s face was struck with confusion

“Wait what?”

“Yeah, that’s about it. I’m due back tomorrow same time so now I have a job.”

“You told Shining to get 900 bit’s how did you get that large amount of money?”

“Inheritance.” he said in a flat tone.

“.......Oh right. Well then, goodnight.”

“Goodnight Twilight.” Gear trotted over to his bed and laid down to sleep. Gear found himself standing outside in the woods he started to wander around until he came to a clearing, as he walked through it he began to talk to himself. “Hm this is different, a bit odd but different.” he continued down through the clearing until he came to alone tree in the center and an odd but familiar smell filled his nostrils. “What is that smell?” Sniff, sniff. “Is that...Apples?” as he continued through the dream the smell started to shift to a bitter and foul stench. The smell of smoke. Suddenly the clearing became a blazing inferno, Gear was frozen on fear as the flames engulfed the area, as the flames reached him his eyes snapped open. He glanced over to his clock it read 4:45 am. Gear shot up realizing that he was going to be late, he charged out of he room and took his medicine and galloped out the door towards Sweet Apple Acres.