FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"Applejack, if you are reading this, it means that I have not comeback from saving Sasha. I want to let you know that I am not angry with you and I am sorry for all that I have put you though over the course of the last few weeks. I want to apologize for it, and for how I said my words at the spa. I hope you forgive me. I am sorry that if I die, then the secrets that I'm keeping from you all will have to remain that, secrets. Please don't look in my left saddle bag, just dispose of it. Keep it away from all, Burn it. Drown it in a deep lake. Just make sure that it does not fall in the hands of other. Despite of my previous words, I still trust you. I have also written several letters in the event of my death. Please distribute them. I have not written to my sister and Mother. I don't know what to say to them since my last letters. There is more I want to say but I'm running out of time. Please tell Applebloom, Big Mac, and Granny that I love them very much. I have to go now. I wont blame you if you are not there at the gates of the farm. Your right and I should listen to you. It's dangerous and I doubt even the rest of Sasha's back will even come, but I can't abandon a friend like that. I hope you can forgive me. Love, Washington."

Washington sighed when he place the quill back into the ink well. He waited a second for the ink to dry then folded the letter into thirds and gave it a wax seal. He looked at the other letters he had quickly written. 3 in total. 1 for Applejack, 1 for Fluttershy, 1 for everyone. The one for everyone was pre-written. He wrote it before he left for Limponeia and kept writing though out his journey.

"This one is for the world." he thought and left it at that. He went down stairs. He spotted some ponies at the entrance of the farm.

"Good." he thought, "I'll have more backup.".

He went into the barn and unrolled his chunk of scrap iron he called "Machina.". It was narrower at the ends and hallow inside. It had tubing and gears running up and down it. He took a small green tank from his bag and and hooked it up to the machine. He checked it out, making sure the cog was replaced from before and then wrapped it around his neck.

He walked to the entrance of the farm. Applejack, Fluttershy, Twilight Sparkle, Pinky Pie, Spike, Zecora and Rainbow Dash. He smiled at all of them and said "Thank you for coming. I don't know if you know the situation but..."

"I came here to share some pastry and fruit, but it seen I've come in a middle of a dispute." replied Zecora, who then reached to her saddle bag to pull out a bag of cinnamon smelling cookies.

"Well let me give you the short version then. We are going to save my oldest friend of mine, a wolf named Sasha. Sasha is pregnant and is a leader of a local wolf group. Fluttershy was going to check up on her also but found the wolf den was just a big hole. Apparently this means a gang of monster dogs named the Diamond Dogs have kidnapped her. Everyone here is coming to her aid." Said Washington, then asking, "Will you help?".

"Washington, so far you seem like a good friend. So yes, I will hop into the hole of the wolf's den." answered Zecora.

"Thank you very much then. I will see about repaying you, when I can. Same thing goes for all of you as well." said Washington looking up at the group, then asking "Where's Rarity?".

Rarity showed up then, almost as if waiting for someone to say where she was. "I'm here Washington. I had to put on the right hat and dress.".

Washington looked befuddled for a second before waving it off and starting the group on the way to the den. They used the main path, saving them about 10 min, before heading off to the woods, passing some blue joke. The wolves were circling the hole when they got there. Washington hollowed, stopping them all in their tracks.

"Okay, this is how its going to go. I'll head in first, followed by my group, followed by the pack. Terrance, you will be up by me, as will you Applejack. Franklin and Maximilian, you two personally guard my group during the escort. When we recover Sasha, you 2, Zecora, Fluttershy, and the southern sec of clan will escort Sasha out of there. The rest of us will cover you until she is out of the field. The southern sec will return after to support us if there is fighting. As for fighting it is standard honor engagement. We go in low and slow until we are discovered. When that happens, we ask kindly with an audience with the leader. If he says no, then we... incapacitate him and continue Everyone under stand?". Washington asked. He noticed a glint of something in the distant.

"Hold on, whats honor engagement? Asked Spike.

"At first contact, I ask for Sasha, no string attached. After that it's simple bargaining. Then I challenge the leader or leaders to a dual for Sasha. And if they refused all of that or betray us, we full blown attack. We don't hurt any innocents and we don't kill any unarmed, with the exception of those who use their claws, teeth or magic as weapons. Any more questions?" responded Washington who was placing the "Machina" on his arms, warping over his neck and mane.

"What's that you putting on? Armor?" ask Rainbow Dash.

"Yes. In a way yes. Anything else?" answered Washington.

The group muttered for a second before shaking their heads no. Washington nodded back at them and returned to inspect his wolves.

"Wow. He's pretty serious about this. He even has the wolves following his orders." commented Twilight Sparkle.

"The wolves have a stake in this too. A pregnant mother is kidnapped." said Rarity.

"It's more than that. Washington says that during his time here, he trained Sasha to fight, to help defend her. When she was accepted into the group so was he and he trained the group to fight. They have been reducing monster populations in the woods since." said Fluttershy, keeping her eyes on the wolves Washington was talking to.

"He told you that? That's the most......" Applejack started to say but stopped.

"What were you going to say?" asked Pinky Pie.

"I..It was about that time when Wash first came to the farm and found her. I..I don't know what to think anymore. Wash has trusted you, Fluttershy, more than I've seen him trust me or Big Mac. I.. I don't know who he is anymore."Applejack confessed. A tear rolled down her face and an arm wrapped around her. She looked up to find Washington.

"Applejack. I'm trusting you more than ever right now. So much so that even the wrong slip of words said unknowingly by you can cause much havoc in my life. Now dry those tears. We are already late." said Washington. He removed his arm and started to march down the hole.

Applejack and Terrance came to his sides, followed by the group with their wolf body guards, and then the rest of the pack. Washington took a flashlight out of his bag and Twilight lit the rest of the way with her magic. Soon though, they came across lit torches and Washington turned off his flashlight. They came across a large cavern soon after. Jewels and gems were embedded in the walls floor and ceiling with rail tracks going in and out of smaller tunnels. Then Terrance stopped and growled softly. Washington stopped and observed.

"We been watching for a while now." Said a baritone voice, with a strong southern accent,from the group's right.

"I know. You had a scout in the tree and another farther away. I saw the glint from his spyglass. You should tell him that when he uses it, the sun always reflects off the glass towards the target. Only should be used at the last second. But enough about that. Give her back. What do you want with her anyway?" said Washington, stretching and with Terrance clawing the dirt on the ground.

"Why, I'm the one your looking for. Not her." Said the voice, who was now walking slowly out of the tunnel, but still in the dark.

"You don't sound much like my friend. And my friend here doesn't think you smell much like her either. Why don't you step into the light so we can see if you truly are my friend." replied Washington, hearing other foot steps now from the tunnel.

"Yes, that would be best to clear up any confusion, now would it. Though one thing." the voice said.

"What would that be?" asked Washington, widening his stance and lowering his head slightly.

"I never said I was your friend." said the voice stepping into the light with 3 other canines directly behind and a small pack behind them. The source of the voice it self was a tall, lean canine with darker fur of the others and a bright orange vest. "The name is Scourge. I would find it convenient if you leave my home.".

"That can be arrange easily. Just give me back my friend and we will be on our way quicker that a moth to a bug zapper from a frog. Oh, before I rudely forget. The name my father gave me is Washington." he said back.

Scourge started to growl then turned to one of the 3 dogs that was tugging at his vest. "What is it, Spot!" He hissed.

A short yellow dog cringed and spoke in fear "Scourge, sir. Those ponies there. There were the ones that broke free before.".

Scourge looked at the group, took a deep breath and muttered "I see.". He then spoke loudly "It appears that you have some of our... property. I would like to have it back.".

Washington shrugged and said "Sorry. Just can't do that. But what I can do is this. I can take my friend that you kidnapped, back, and you will never see us again. Now, all you have to do for that is 1. Never enslave another being again and 2. Simply give back my friend.".

"Why I must say that is a very poor offer. What do you take me as? A fool?" replied Scourge.

Washington looked at the ceiling for a second and licked is lips. He then looked directly into scourge's eyes and said "My friend, I would never complacently so highly as to compare you to a fool. Now Scourge and Diamond Dogs alike. I give you a new chance at a resolution. Your best fighter against me. A...Dual if you will. Weapons and armor are fighters choice. Reward is my friend.".

"Wash!" Applejack yelled. '

"Hush. This is a gentleman's dual." Washington shouted back.

"Well well. Do you really think you can out fight me? I do say this will be a pleasure killing you and turning that sow's pups into my new private army." said Scourge, who then leaped across the cavern at Washington.

Washington stepped to the side and dodged his attack. He then walked 5 steps where Scourge tried to pounce on him again. This time Washington bucked him straight into the wall of the cave.

"You might just want to use a weapon. It will make this last longer." said Washington cockily. He then turned a valve on the green tank and stood ready for Scourges next attack.

Scourge Snarled and ripped a gem off the wall and charged. Washington dodged his first few swipes of the gem's jagged edges before Washington jumped back a bit and stuck out his wooded arm.

"Do you know who I am?" Washington asked. "I am what many call Eetwidomayloh. Do you know what that means? I can see my friend there. She knows what it means.".

The group looked at each other and discovered that Zecora had fear and disbelieve in her eyes.

Scourge snarled and sarcastic said "No! What does it mean? Does it mean one who tames wolves? Or does it perhaps mean that you are an insignificant slime who will die a slow painful death." .

"It means I fought much better than you. Those who were bigger, stronger, faster, those who thought they were clever and those who thought they could win. Monsters, Demons, small armies of many creeds, generalizations and specializations and they all have one thing in common that I don't think you have or will have." said Washington, with a fire in his eyes.

Scourge laughed in disbelief. "Oh? Whats that?".

"They survived the fight. Oh and one more thing. Eetwidomayloh means I greet with fire." said Washington. A small flame came on at the end of his arm and soon after a stream of fire that barely reached Scourge.

Scourge himself crawled away from it as Washington slowly crept towards him. Then Washington stopped his flame and charged him. He punched as soon he was in ranged with his real arm square on to Scourge's face. Scourge swiped back at Washington, hitting him. Washington just smiled and stood his ground as it hit him.

"Good. At least you can see you can hurt me. The problem is that will I let you again?" Washington scoffed.

Desperate and angry, Scourge quickly tried to swipe him again and again, to which Washington easily dodged with a simple step back or to the side each time.

"Why wont' you die." Scourge screamed while swiping wildly.

Suddenly Washington sprayed Scourge with fire causing him to blindly swing until Washington pushed him down to the corner of a wall and and shouted "I'M ALREADY DEAD!". Washington and Scourge breathed heavy for a second. Washington feeling almost nothing but rage and Scourge feeling only fear.

"Why don't you give me back my friend? I will spare you if you just give me back my friend." said Washington who was extending his wooden arm.

Scourge was searching the room. Looking for something, anything to save him.

"You are not understanding this. I will save my friend whether your alive or your life is wasted. Is doesn't matter." said Washington. It was then Washington noticed he was not listening.

"Guard him." Washington ordered to his group. 3 wolves ran up and took Washington's place.

Washington turned and signal the rest of the army to follow. The diamond dogs that followed Scourge now were running down the tunnel. Everyone followed them until they found a new cavern where they found Sasha, who was happy to say the least to see them.

"Fluttershy and Zecora, could you two check her out. I want to make sure we can move her with out injury." ask Washington, who crouched next to Sasha.

The 2 went to work as Washington comfort her.

"Wash, what was that back there?" asked Applejack fearful.

Washington sighed and gave Sasha a pat before turning to the group. "That was something I didn't want you to see of me. I...I don't know what else to say. It's something I don't like to talk about. I had to do something while in Limponiea. Something I don't want to talk about right now.".

"A greeter of fire is a sort of honor indeed. What what made you become that kind of steed?" Zecora asked, in an accusing, disapproving tone.

"I just needed to become one and that's all everyone needs to know now. Is Sasha okay?" Washington asked.

"She's fine but we should get out of here." said Fluttershy, still kneeling next to Sasha.

Washington nodded and helped Sasha and the group left. No resistant from the diamond dogs. No more than what was needed to get out.

After what seemed like an hour Washington spoke to the group.

"I want to thank you all for what you did today."said Washington.

"You did most of it." Said Applejack.

"Yes.. I did. I am sure that you guys have some questions for me." Washington said.

"Yes. Question 1. Can we have a party for this?" ask Pinky Pie.

"Uh... Yeah?" said Washington off guard.

Pinky Pie immediately yipped in excitement and ran out of farm house.

Applejack sighed and asked "Okay... What is a E..weirdo..mayla? And why was Zecora mad at you for it."

"A Eetwidomayloh is a Steed who has fought though the trials of malaika wa vita or the trials of the fighting angles. The angles themselves were..monsters." explained Washington.

"Monsters are an understatement. Now Wash, tell them what you really meant." Zecora ordered.

"Well... a few of the monsters themselves were..perhaps.. demons from Tartarus." Washington explained.

The group had a mixed reaction of anger and disbelieve.

"The Eetwidomayloh, once passing the trails, becomes the leader of the group. I used them for one, non-violent task, that only they could have done, and left the group after. The reason so many other ponies hate the group is the other Eetwidomayloh don't really use their powers for good." explained Washington.

He examined the the group as they processed this new information. Zecora still seamed angry but much more relived. Applejack looked like she had more questions. The rest of the group looked there was more understanding than fear and disgust now. With the exception of Fluttershy who still was quite shaken.

"I should add what happened back there was mostly theatrical. At the wolves' den I mean. I..that's a lie. It wasn't theatrics it was almost pure rage...maybe it was part theatrical. I don't know. I was loosing a friend and didn't know what to do if I did. But I did what I needed to do to keep my friends safe..I hope." added Washington.

"I think we should take a break. I think should be back with party stuff she's bringing any minute now."

suggested Twilight. Everyone nodded in agreement.

Washington stepped outside onto the porch and Applejack soon followed.

"I don't know who I was back there, but I know who I am now. You know that right?" Washington asked as he leaned on the railing, staring at the stars.

"I think it's the other way around Wash. I have never seen you like that. " commented Applejack.

Washington stood silent for a second. "I always have worn a mask. Haven't I? Even when I think of myself, that is who I think of.".

"Wash, when I think of you, your loyal, kind, trusting, clever, and determined. That other you was also." said Applejack.

"If you say so." said Washington, disbelieving.

Applejack sighed and said "You would not give up on your friend, Sasha. That's Loyalty. You let Scourge live when you could have easily killed him. That's Kindness right there. You got all of us to follow you, including Zecora, who you only met a couple of times, and the wolves to follow you. Trust. And your determined. You would not give up on your friend. You were about to go in that hole, by yourself, against an unbeknown force to you.".

"That is true but I also nearly killed a guy in a rage with a flame thrower." said Washington.

"And that's clever." said Applejack.

Washington chucked lightly. "Okay. That's enough about me. How do you feel now.?" he then asked.

"What do you mean?" Applejack asked back.

"About everything I guess. I said some hurtful secret things earlier and I feel like I guilt tripped you into helping me. By the way I'm sorry about that. I was going to keep that secret and and ignorance and bliss take over." admitted Washington.

"Well... I do feel guilty. I've been riding everyone at the farm. Things are drying up here a bit. With work and helping others in the town. I guess I stressed out too much. Then you come along like you never left, full of secret. Then you go and risk your life for a secret, revealing secrets to everyone along the way. I guess you were right the whole time though. I guess I'm mostly mad that your keeping secret from me still, after all theses years." explained Applejack.

Washington sighed and frowned. "Yeah. I do keep secrets.", he paused then continued, "It's not like I don't want ponies to know. It's that if I do have a secret, there's a reason for it. For instants, your keeping a secret from my mother and sister for me. If you tell them that I'm here, breaking the secret, then it will make my whole life harder. They will follow me, despite the dangers that may lie ahead, or the rewards that lie ahead and take them, leaving me with nothing again. I mean if there is something you want to know about me, I guess you can ask but I cant say everything. I may even lie to you to keep the secret and that will hurt me but protect me at the same time."

"Okay Wash. I get ya." said Applejack. They stood silently looking at the stars for a bit before she asking "So what secrets can you tell me? One that won't do much harm to anypony".

Washington was surprised at this but thought and kept quiet for a second before Applejack said "Come on. You can trust me, Wash. I know you.".

Washington smiled as she studied him. He finally said "I just cant say a secret."

"What if I guess it?" she then asked.

"Do you promise not to say anything? Nothing at all." he asked

"Of course. Now..." Applejack started.

"And nothing about me in Limponeia also."

"Okay, okay. That's fair. Can I get a hint?"

"You can ask me 3 questions. How's that?"

"Good by me. Now lets see." "Have you developed a new secrete since you got to Ponyville?"

"Yes, you can say that."

"Okay. Hmm..." Is this secret embarrassing to you?"

Washington turned red, even though his red coat.

"That means yes? " she replied.

He turned even more red and reluctantly smiled. "Yes, I have an embarrassing secret."

"Alright, a juicy secret. Now lets see. What can be embarrassing to you? Applejack looked with a smile at Washington as he turned even more red.

"Now you see why I don't say secrets. I'm bashful."

Applejack giggled "I think I have it"

"Oh yeah, what?" he asked.

"It's a crush." she answered.

Washington turned even more red. Still reluctantly smiling and giggling. "Okay that's 3 questions."

"Nope, its only been 2. I figured out its a crush from logic, not questions. Now let's see.. you weren't this embarrassed when you said your crush was Rarity last time. Not until.....Is your crush here?" she then asked, remembering Washington's past relationship.

"I don't like this game." Washington said.

"Answer the question" Applejack insisted.

"Yes, she's here. And that is 3 questions." he answered.

"HMM, I WONDER" she said loudly and with a smile. Making Washington worry.

"That's not funny."

"Alright. Alright. Lets see, is it Rarity again? Starting up an old flame? You did see her first when you came back to Ponyville."

"No, and that's 4 questions." said Washington, now blushing so much, you could see him in the dark.

"Now Wash, How am I to know how if I'm right if I don't ask? Now lets see. Is it Twilight? She is in charge of the library, where you like to hang out. Book smart and strong. Someponie like that, I can see perfect for you."

"Nope, not Twilight either." he said, now getting anxious

"Hmm, lets see then. Who would you fall for? Rainbow? You do spend a lot of your time in the shop and your room. Where you can see her house from. And maybe you got something for those athletic types?

"Wrong again." he said, getting more and more nervous now.

"Well that's leaves Zecora and Fluttershy. Hmm, You did give Zecora thous spices and she did come back here with plenty of goodies for you. Maybe your time away made you have a broader outlook?"

"No.." said Washington, as he helped Applejack hammer the last nail on his coffin.

"Ahh.. Then is it her then?" asked Applejack as she turned and pointed to though the window at Fluttershy.

Washington quickly turned, expecting a trick, but saw Fluttershy and the others talking quietly to each other.

"Come on Wash. Answer."

Washington knees started to shake and he swallowed hard. "Y...Yes." he reluctantly said, defeated.

"Yes what? Applejack coxed.

"Yes I..I have a crush.....on... Fluttershy." He mumbled.

"Louder. I couldn't hear you."

"I have a ...crush on...Fluttershy." he said louder.

"You have a crush on Fluttershy?" said a voice in between the two

They both jumped and turned around to see Pinky Pie.

"By Celestia, Pinky! How long have you been there?" asked Applejack.

"A minute or so. Why?" replied Pinky Pie.

"Pinky Pie, you cant tell anyone what you just heard. Please!" begged Washington.

"Why?" asked Pinky Pie.

"Cause it's a Secret. It was only meant for me and her, and possibly Fluttershy one day but,..." Washington said in a panic. He turned around to make sure no one was behind him listening.

"Okay." said Pinky Pie.

"What? You promise?" said Washington as he turned back around.

"I pinky promise!" said Pinky Pie, dropping her box of party stuff, making a X on her chest and putting her hoof to her nose.

"I..Uh..Thank you!". Washington said thankfully.

"Do you also pinky promise?" asked Pinky Pie, staring directly at Applejack.

Applejack sighed and said "I pinky promise.", crossing her hoof and touching her nose.

"Good. Now that we gotten that out of the way, let's never talk of it again and party." said Washington starting back to the house with Pinky Pie and Applejack close behind.