applejack as a human

Outside, Roc was engaged in the opening battle of the day, fighting against a talented warrior who could use both shield and sword magic. Again and again, he pounced on his foe, trying to smash through his defenses with powerful kicks and punches. However, even while his limbs were wrapped in mana, he could not break through the glowing tower shield the man wielded. With every attack that failed to break through, his enemy would counter with a slash, able to swing his sword with more speed and force than an average warrior could ever hope to achieve. Roc relied on his wings to pull him in and out of danger, but they were all that was keeping him alive, and he was left bloody from numerous close calls.

The moment came, Roc ducking under Ingram’s leg, his speed enhanced with eagle reflexes like in his fight against Beck. He compressed his mana into his fist and punched Ingram in the jaw, jerking his head back. However, the instant he made contact, Roc realized something was wrong. He thought the punch landed, but his fist skidded off Ingram’s face as he twisted his head around 360º like an owl, allowing him to deflect the force from Roc’s attack and send his fist hurtling past him.

“It's not that,” I said, trying to figure out the words to explain, when I only partly understood how I was feeling about it myself. “I know he'd be okay with it... and we might end up going there, eventually. But once he knows, there's no taking that back. I... I just need more time to think about it, first, before we go there. Right now, he's just my Grandpa, nothing else, and I'm just his innocent little baby girl... I'm not sure I'm ready to give that up, not yet.”