A Dash of Apple Sauce: chapter 1 (Anon/AJ/RD romantic fic)

>At first there was nothing except the void, an infinite darkness enveloping your body and mind. When suddenly…

>You bolt upright, gasping for air. You sat there, breathing in, your mind too flayed to think.

>When the shock had left your system and the adrenaline had finished coursing through your veins, you finally noticed your surroundings.

>You appeared to be in an orchard full of Apple trees, which stretched for as far as the eye could see. In the distance stood what appeared to be a farmhouse and a barn.

>The presence of the apple trees calmed you. It reminded you of… of…

>You frown and groan into yourself. What did it remind you of? Your memories danced at the edge of your conscious, just out of reach, taunting you. You couldn’t remember anything for that matter. Just your name… Anonymous. He who has no name. A contradiction in itself.

>The apples reminded you of happiness. That was the most you could remember.

>You pick yourself off the grassy floor and brush yourself down. You were dressed in a simple shirt, trousers and boots. Your pockets were empty, and your clothes bore no clues as to how you ended up in the orchard.

>Sighing, you start walking towards the house. If someone wanted you hurt, they would have done it while you were unconscious. The house would also provide answers as to your location, and possibly even food and shelter.

 

>You reach the house shortly. It has a quaint charm to it, and you believed that nice houses were always inhabited by nice people.

>You reach the door and knock twice. Funny, the door seemed rather short for use by a human. Maybe this was a family of midgets?

>”Comin in just a sec!” hollered a Texan sounding voice from inside. Wait, Texas? That’s in… that’s  in… America! Yes! You remember something!

>The smell of apple pie wafts by, eliciting a groan from your stomach. Hopefully these people are hospitable, you might depend on it.

>The door begins to open and you clear your throat.

“I’m sorry Madam, but…” Your words choke in your throat at the sight before you.

>Standing before you in the doorway is some sort of orange quadruped, sporting a matching Stetson hat atop its straw blonde mane. You would call it a pony, except it was unlike any pony you had seen before.

“What… what the hell is going on?” you whisper in shock.

>”I dunno partner, I’m just as confused as you are.”

>It can talk?

>It can talk.

>Well Anonymous, you’ve done it. You’ve achieved insanity. Please collect your complimentary straight jacket and lifetime medication and proceed to the padded cell.

>You sway on your feet, unable to process what is happening.

>”Uhh, mister? Why don’t ya come in and sit? You don’t look so good…” says the orange equine.

“What? No, I’m perfectly fine.” you say, before collapsing to the floor.

>I lied.

 

>You are brought to by the aroma of apple pie, most likely the one from earlier.

>You open your eyes and see that you are seated in a chair in a kitchen of sorts. In front of you is sat the orange pony from earlier, holding out a plate with pie on it.

>Without hesitation, you take it. You were hungry enough to eat a horse, hehe.

>You finish it quickly, and give back the plate, not questioning how it holds it with hooves.

>For a few seconds, there is an awkward silence between the two of you.

“So… what are you?”

>The pony blinks at you in surprise.

>”I’m a pony, mister. Ain’t ya ever seen one before?”

“I have, just never one like you. Back where I’m from, ponies don’t talk either. And they don’t wear adorable hats.”

> The orange pony does a weird blush/grimace. “Ah appreciate the compliment, but whatya’ mean ponies don’t talk back where you’re from? Where exactly are ya from? I’ve seen a fair bit of Equestria, and I ain’t never seen nothing like you.”

“I’ve never heard of Equestria. I… I can’t remember where I’m from. But it’s as sure as rain, I know it’s not here. And back home, ponies don’t talk. No animals can. Except humans of course.”

>”Your home sounds mighty strange. You said you’re a human, right?”

“Yup, I’m a human.”

>”I thought they were just a bedtime tale for little fillies… never thought I’d see one with my own two eyes.”

>You look into her eyes and notice they are the deepest hue of green you’ve ever seen. Something about them tugs at your heart, and memories began to resurface…

>”Ya’ll right, mister? You look any harder and you’ll be able to see into ma head.” The p0ny laughs.

>You realise you had been dazing.

“Oh, sorry. You just reminded me of… something. I’m guessing human are an old folk’s tale round these parts?”

>”You’re pretty quick stranger. Yup, humans are something of a legend here in Equestria.”

>She laughs again. “You’re weirder than Pinkie Pie, and boy is that sayin something. But you seem ok. Let’s get going, I know someone who can help ya with that memory issue o’ yours.

>”I really appreciate this. Thanks… wait, I didn’t catch your name.”

>”The name’s Applejack. Pleased as punch to meet ya. You gonna return the favour?”

“The name’s Anonymous.”

>The pony… Applejack raises an eye at you. “Anonymous?”

“Yes, Anonymous.”

>”Well, it wouldn’t be ma first choice… but it’s got a certain ring to it. Welcome to Equestria, Anonymous.” She extends a hoof, and you grasp it.

>You had been here for hardly any time, you were lost, had nothing to your name… but you already knew things were going to be ok. Applejack… something about her made you know that everything was going to be ok.