A Wise Decision

Chapters

Deal!
Open For Business
Ready. . .

Deal!

Chapter 1: Deal!

The first day of apple cider season had arrived! Everypony in Ponyville was lined up from the Apple family farm all the way back to town, just so they could get in on the fun. No one wanted to miss out, so most residents took to camping out on the road from the farm to the town. This came to the chagrin of those who didn’t camp out and were stuck at the back of the line. One particular cyan pegasus was fuming when she found out about the townsponies’ tactics, but respected the event too much to make a scene.

As the day went on the amount of cider dwindled. A growing concern spread down the line as the prospect of getting cider seemed slimmer and slimmer. As Rainbow Dash grew closer to the front, her anxiety wouldn’t stop attacking her heart. Fluttershy, a yellow and pink pegasus, had just ended her journey for the elusive cider. Rainbow Dash was next. She politely gave the stand owners two bits, and stared in awe at the cider tap. With one pull of the handle, the cider was going to pour out like liquid gold.

Imagine the disappointment when a dry cough was the only thing to come out.

“Oh, it looks like we’re done today!” A filly named Apple Bloom announced.

“Ugh!” A resounding groan met the announcement. Rainbow Dash started to cry.

“You always run out!”

“Yeah, what about the rest of us?”

“It’s not fair!”

A round of jeers and complaints were hurled at the cider making family. They were taken off guard until the middle child Applejack, Element bearer of Honesty, jumped on the stand.

“Now, everypony calm down. We’re tryin’ our best every year to make more cider--”

“You say that every year.” A stallion from the crowd yelled challenging the claim.

“And it’s always true. But Apple family cider is made with love and integrity, and only the highest quality apples in all of Equestria! Sorry but that recipe takes time.”

The whole crowd was in an uproar. Year after year, they would spend hours waiting in line and never get anything out of it. Applejack tried to calm the crowd down with the assurance there would be more cider tomorrow, but it did little to help. Just then an odd noise came out of the distance.

“What in tarnation?” Applejack spoke for the group.

It was a strange contraption that was somewhat similar to a wagon. It was a mode of transportation, that was for certain. However, the alien craft had one large dome and a couple of spires sprinkled over it, the sight was completely unseen in Equestria. Nevertheless, curiosity was always a pain in the flank, and it forced everypony to investigate the peculiar sight. The group didn’t have to go far as the machine went directly to them. Before the townsponies could wonder about what was going to happen next, two male unicorns came out of the machine.

“Well looky what we got here, brother of mine, it’s the same in every town.”

______________________________________________________________________________________

One song later:

The Apple family were gathered together in a huddled group. They were discussing what the true implications of dealing with Flim and Flam would be. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh, the older brother of Applejack, seemed to agree that Flim and Flam were not to be trusted. Apple Bloom was in an entirely different camp, believing that the brothers could be of great benefit. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh weren’t really upset at the young’n, given the fact she was just a filly. But it was offsetting that Applejack hadn’t said two words. This fact wasn’t dwelled upon as two more ponies joined the huddle,

“We’ll sweeten the deal! You provide the apples. . .” One of the unicorns, named Flim, began.

“. . . And we’ll provide the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.” The other unicorn, named Flam, continued.

“Then we split those sweet, sweet profits.” The brothers spoke together.

“Seventy five...”

“...Twenty five.”

“Deal!” Apple Bloom proclaimed.

“Now Apple Bloom, we aren’t just going to end years of tradition, and integrity for some whippersnappers’ fancy invention!” Granny Smith said, scolding her granddaughter.

The salesponies watched in amusement as the two Apple family members bickered. While that was happening, another pony was taking into consideration the options laid out in front of her.

‘Granny’s right, we can’t just give up years of tradition fer some namby-pamby machine! But, I keep hearin’ from Rainbow that she ain’t got cider in years, and I coulda swore she was on the verge of tears when we ran out. I don’t wanna hurt Dash and everypony else, but I can’t give up on everything I knew. If there was only a . . . Wait, if their machine could actually mass produce cider, that means with a seventy-five/ twenty-five we would actually lose. . . And if it was only . . . Plus a few strings pulled here would . . . I GOT IT!’

“Well, if you refuse our generous offer to be partners, then we’ll just have to be competitors.” Flim said, getting close to Granny Smith’s face.

“You wouldn’t dare!”

“Oh?” Flim motioned to his brother who was standing atop the machine.

“Don’t worry everypony, there will be plenty of cider for all of you! The Flim Flam brothers guarantee it!” Flam boasted on top of his and his brother’s machine.

“Conflabbit, I tell you the Apple family will never--”

“That wasn’t your final offer was it? ‘Cause I really want to come to a deal, but we have to come to something better.” Applejack chimed in.

“WHAT!” Everypony in the small group shouted.

“Are you serious Applejack, are we gonna make a deal?” Apple Bloom asked, barely holding back her excitement.

“I think we can work out a better deal. But yes, we can come to a compromise.”

“A-Applejack you can’t be serious.” Granny Smith whispered in shock.

“Sis, what are ya’ thinkin’?” Big Macintosh inquired, equally confused.

“W-Wait, you’re actually going to make a deal?” Flim didn’t seem to be faring any better.

“If we can do some talkin’, then sure.” Applejack flashed a simple smile.

Flim was at an absolute loss for words. He and his brother had been traversing the countryside for as long as they could remember. Every town they went to had gone the same exact way: arrive, boast about machine, get general approval, be denied a deal, end up doing some wacky stunt, get kicked out of town. It was disheartening after some time. They put their heart and soul into the machine, and they would get nothing out of it. Rejection just came as a usual event in their life. Acceptance was too odd to truly understand. But maybe that alien feeling was a good thing.

“Flam!” Flim called out.

“Yes ponies, the Flim Flam brothers can be the answer for your every need!” Without hearing his brother, Flam continued to pander to the crowd.

“Flam!”

“You’ll never go thirsty again!”

“FOR THE LOVE OF CELESTIA, FLAM!”

This got the attention of everypony in the nearby area. Flam looked at his brother, perplexed by his tone, but his brother’s face told him that the situation was urgent. Hopping off the machine, Flam quickly made it back to his brother.

“Brother, what seems to be the problem?”

“T-The Apples want to make a deal.”

It was Flam’s turn to have his jaw unhinge. Even his mustache was shocked as it stopped defying gravity in light of the revelation. His line of thought began to go down the same road that his brother’s did. This was the epitome of a miracle. Could they really stop moving from town to town and actually settle down? The salesponies were quite tired of going from town to town. But they believed in the invention they put their entire life into, and there was no way they’d just give up on it.

Getting the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 accepted amongst other ponies was, at the beginning, the brothers number one goal. Most ponies don’t know but the brothers had dozens of prototypes of their machine, hence why it has '6000' in the title. As foals they tried several times to make a cider machine, but failed miserably multiple times.

The brothers were so occupied with their invention, they alienated themselves from any friends and family. Their parents found their distant behavior so odd that they legally disowned their sons. They felt as if Flim and Flam were detriments to the family image. So since mid-foalhood the brothers have been on their own looking for a place that the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 can do some real good.

But as their time as salesponies dragged on, their motives and goals changed. Their childhood naivety didn’t fair well in the cold, hard cynical world of business. They had to adapt and become something that they never intended to be in the beginning. But now, there’s a chance to be something different, to be something that they always wanted to be.

These thoughts preoccupied the brothers so, all they donned on themselves were blank expressions.

Applejack started to chuckle because of the brothers. Seeing them now as partners instead of possible threats really shines a new light on the humorous duo. Apple Bloom felt the same as she jumped around for joy. The citizens of Ponyville also joined in on the celebration, hooting and hollering at the promise of all the cider they could drink. Not everypony was excited about the revelation though.

“Applejack, how could you go back on everything I taught you?” Granny Smith asked more hurt than anything.

“But Granny, I’m doin’ this for everypony, and ain’t the best fer everypony something you taught me too?”

“You’ve lost sight of what’s important, Applejack.” Granny Smith said as she slowly walked back to the family house.

“C’mon, you understand, don’t you Big Macintosh?” Applejack pleaded with her older brother, who met her with a mile long stare.

“Nope.” He walked away.

The celebrations were still going on at this point, the roar of the crowd too loud to hear the conversation. It wasn’t until Twilight Sparkle noticed the downcast Applejack, that the festive mood began to change. One by one the audience stared at the orange pony wondering what happened. For now though, everypony stared at Applejack who was on the verge of tears. Apple Bloom kept to her sisters side, just as downcast as a result of her family's decision. It wasn’t long before the rest of the Elements of Harmony moved in to comfort their friend, but they were stopped by an unexpected force.

“Please, let us handle this.” Flam said standing in front of the five mares and baby dragons.

“Our friend is hurt and you want us to what?! Fat chance pal!” Rainbow Dash said, no longer caring about the situation with the cider.

“Yes, and that’s why my brother and I ask you to let us help her. This is our fault and we need to make this right. Please, let us do this.” Flam pleaded while his brother in the background was with Apple Bloom comforting Applejack.

The group was skeptical of the brothers intent, and they wanted to help their friend. But Flim and Flam wanted to make up for an offense, who were they to take it away? Granted some of the more enthusiastic friends were still against the idea of leaving Applejack to Flim and Flam, but Twilight made it clear that the brothers deserved at least one chance. Grudgingly, the group made their way with the rest of the town back to Ponyville. Flam made his way over to the remaining group.

“Apple Bloom, could you check on Granny and Big Mac?” Applejack whispered.

“But sis--”

“Please, Apple Bloom, just. . . Please.”

Apple Bloom flinched at the foreign tone in her sister's voice. Applejack was always the strong one in the family. Her being so hurt and defeated was deeply unsettling. Apple Bloom took granted her sister’s request, just to cheer her up a little bit.

Left alone with the orange mare, the brothers looked at each other nervous for what was to come. They always had a plan for everything they did, so impromptu was the polar opposite of their forte. If it was for the mare that gave them a chance, the discomfort was well worth it.

“Hey, Applejack was it? On behalf of my brother and I, I would like to say that we’re deeply sorry for the trouble we caused.” Flim said taking off his hat, his words awkwardly tripping out of his mouth.

“Most definitely, brother of mine, we didn’t mean for this to happen! We are deeply regretful about this entire situation.” Flam said, not fairing much better than his brother.

Applejack raised her head looking at both the brothers. Even with tears obscuring her vision, she could see that what they said was sincere. Taking a few deep breathes, Applejack regain her composure. Her eyes narrowed substantially as she tried to do her best to hide her hurt.

“So, are we gonna hammer out a deal or what?”

“Um, are you sure you want to do that now? We can wait--”

“I think now would be the best time.” Applejack firmly stated.

“Okay then. How about we go over to the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000? It has a place to sit down.” Flim offered, gesturing towards the machine.

“I do feel mighty tired. I think taking some weight off my hooves would be helpful.” Applejack walked over to the machine, still wary about its capabilities.

“Don’t worry, it won’t bite!” Flam shouted, receiving another chuckle from Applejack. While she was getting herself situated the brothers took the time to hammer out a quick strategy.

“Brother, we can’t go with the seventy-five/twenty-five.” Flam began.

“I know that brother, but we can’t lose focus on making doing what’s best for us too.” Flim flimsily retorted.

“Can we really say that after what we’ve done.”

“We’re businessponies; this is what we do. You’re acting as if this is the first time we’ve done something uncouth.”

“This would be the first time we did it to somepony who gave us a real chance.”

Flim inhaled as if to say something, but quickly deflated. He couldn't argue with that sentiment.

“You boys just gonna stand there all day or are we makin’ a deal?” Applejack yelled out from the sofa.

Shaking the brothers out of being lost in thought, the duo made their way to their machine and subsequently Applejack. She sat in the middle of a sofa built into the machine, and the brothers sat on each side of her. To the brothers the couch seemed a lot smaller than usual, as they were a lot closer to Applejack than what was expected. Applejack sensed the discomfort as well, so she began to wiggle uncomfortably as her face heated up.

“Um, if we’re gonna make a deal, I think it should be in writin’.” Applejack said trying to shift the focus.

“Y-Yes, of course.” Flim quickly agreed.

He proceeded to open up the back of the podium which had several stacks of unused paper and pens, just for this occasion. Also in the back was a small wooden board that held the papers. Flim took that out as well, to use as a surface to write on. Hoofing over the materials to his brother, Flam levitated the pen over the paper.

“So where do we begin?” Flam asked

“Well, I think we need to talk about the profit share.” Applejack suggested.

“OK, what do you think the split should be?”

“Fifty/fifty” She responded coolly.

“WHAT!”

“You heard me.”

“Don’t you think that’s a bit much?” Flim asked sweating. This deal was a little more difficult than expected.

“Not really, considerin’ the other fifty/fifty deal I want to propose.” Applejack spoke clearly, grabbing the interest of the brothers.

“When I first heard about your offer I was scared. The farm is my life, and losing it is one of my worst nightmares. I knew your invention would do my family so much good, but we still love working the farm. So I thought we could have it both ways. You could help with gettin’ cider to everyone in Ponyville. My family on the other hoof, will make the cider we do now, and sell at a higher price. A special hoof-made brand, I guess.”

“So you’re saying that you want to share profits,” Flim said slowly.

“Eeyup.”

“With a product that we don’t have any part in making of.” Flam said slower.

“Eeyup.”

“While we get half the profits.”

“Eeyup.”

“And you’re doing this why?”

“Eey. . . Oh, that was a question. Um, I’d say it’s just a sign of trust.”

The brothers looked at one another, losing count on how many times they’ve been stunned today. This was unprecedented in any area of reality. Show much generosity from one pony, how is it even possible? All they did was try to scam to make a living, and now they’re being treated to kindness only worthy of saints or kings. This was too good to be true.

“What’s the catch?” Flam inquired, quirking his brow.

“Only that you make the first deal fifty/fifty.”

“Deal.”

The group of three continued to debate the merits of the contract until the ending hours of twilight. Several provisions were made, such as: The Flim Flam Brothers can only use Apple family apples, the mass production of cider must be done with the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000, If the Apples run out of apples it is Flim and Flam’s obligation to help them expand the orchard, If the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 breaks down the Apples have to put bits into fixing it, etc.

Dwindling sunlight alerted the group of three to the hour of the day. They looked at each other, surprised at how quickly the time went. Without a sufficient amount of sunlight to continue writing properly, the brothers conjured a dull green light with their horns. As the contract stipulations were being edited, a more casual environment was created.

“So uh, how did you guys come up with your machine?” Applejack asked, still focused on the document in front of her.

“You want to explain, brother or should I?” Flam inquired his brother, who sighed.

“How about we both do it?” Flim offered, getting a nod from his brother. Applejack turned her attention to the brothers. She could tell when ponies were going to relieve a heavy burden, she was the big sister figure after all.

“You see, as small foals we loved to make things.” Flam began.

“Usually it ended up being a complete failure.” Flim continued.

“But one day we were brought to the shopping district by our parents.”

“We saw the most beautiful inventions, and wondrous technologies.”

“The only thing we wanted to do in life was to be a part of that world.”

“But our parents thought differently, they wouldn’t allow us to stray from the family traditions.”

“Like what?” Applejack interrupted.

“Like living in the Church of Celestia, worshipping the goddess almost twenty-four seven.” Flim answered.

Applejack was a little confused by that answer. She was a loyal subject of the princess, hay, she even goes on missions specifically assigned by her. But she was completely unaware of churches dedicated to her. It seemed more like flank kissing than anything.

“Anyway, my brother and I thought we could prove them wrong if we showed them what we could do.”

“We worked every night and day on this foal.”

“But before we could ever show them what we had, they left us in the dust.”

“Told us they failed, and they couldn’t stand living with their failures.”

Applejack sat, aghast. Hearing that Granny Smith was disappointed in her, was one of the worst feelings she had ever experienced. Hearing that she was seen as a complete failure? It wasn’t even fathomable. The fact that these two boys went through that, it showed that they were more than business. They were just normal ponies looking for their place in the world.

“Ever since then we’ve been on the road.”

“Town to town, waiting for a chance to show what we could really do.”

“For years, that never came.”

“Until you gave us the chance.”

Taking a cue from Big Macintosh, Applejack turned a shade of deep red. The happy gazes and smiles shining down on her was enough to make any mare blush. Feeling uncomfortable under the pressure, she cleared her throat and said, “I think maybe we could finish this up in the mornin’? Reviewin’ and finalizin’ it?”

Flim and Flam looked at each other and agreed. The sweat pouring down their faces from the constant magic expulsion was taking it’s toll. Putting out their makeshift flashlights, the surrounding area turned into a black pitch. Applejack was the first to explore, taking the first step, followed by the brothers. All was well until Applejack took a step off the machine. She stumbled her way to the ground, and let out a pained groan. Worried about her condition, Flim and Flam quickly made their way over to her.

Only to fall directly on top of her.

With two stallions’ limbs strewn across her body, Applejack felt as if she would combust on the spot. She couldn’t lie though, being the Element of Honesty and all, it felt kinda good. The brothers seemed to be ignorant of this, as they jumped to their hooves to see if Applejack was alright. Making her way to a vertical position, Applejack denied any claims of injury. Not wanting to stay any longer, she quickly said her goodbyes, leaving the brothers to themselves.

“This isn’t going to get any easier, is it brother?”

“Nopony’s that lucky.”

Open For Business

Chapter 2: Open For Business

‘I really should’ve thought this through.’

The blanket of darkness that covered the Apple family farm made it incredibly difficult to navigate the landscape. Even with her years of experience, Applejack was bumping into: trees, rocks, and other natural decorations. An elevated heart rate didn’t help the situation either, as it lead to unnecessary jumps and scares, due to small noises. Applejack was still in a heat from the rather intimate situation, not five minutes ago.

She tried to shake her head free of the unwanted thoughts. But the constant heat on her face prevented that tactic from working. The question of how to get rid of the heat melted into, is it really a bad thing? Another question happened to be, when in the hay did they get all these pointy rocks?

Applejack had a bit of luck when she spotted a dull light from her house. Sighing in relief, she moved full speed towards said house. She knew that there couldn’t be any obstacles, because she could see the light, so there was no reason for reservation. Steps here and there landed uncomfortably on the ground. Applejack’s teeth, like old gears, grinded against each other to distract from the pain in her hooves. The farm girl eventually made it to her front door. Lifting a hoof, she turned the handle.

Opening the door, a horrible sight was waiting for her. The living room was a comfortable, small area, with two different seats. One was a large green recliner, which Granny Smith sat in. Another was a red, three chaired sofa, which an angry Big Macintosh and a downcast Apple Bloom occupied.

“We need a serious talk about this.” Granny Smith spoke in monotone.

“About what?” Applejack inquired, as she closed the door and entered the building fully.

“About those Flim Flam brothers you seem to be so happy with.” Granny Smith barked.

“What about them? I’ve been with them all day, and I can tell that they really are good--”

“Ain’t nothing good about them, Applejack. They’re salesponies, everything they told you was just to trick you. They don’t have a single honest bone in their body!”

“I tried to convince them, but they won’t listen to me.” Apple Bloom said to Appleajck, moving over to her.

“Now Applejack, I know that you want to help your friends.” Granny Smith continued, barely changing her tone. “But there are things that we need to preserve, tradition being one of them.”

“But Granny, I’m tryin’ to do what’s best for everypony. Is it fair that so many walk away disappointed, even though they support us year after year? How is it right to ignore like they somehow don’t matter! ” Applejack spoke through the adrenaline pulsing through her veins.

“Sis, I don’t think that’s how you should be talkin’ that way to Granny.” Big Macintosh reprimanded.

“I just think that we need to give the Flim Flam Brothers a chance. They put hard work into their machine, just like we--”

“Don’t you compare us with them Applejack! They’re nothing but trouble.”

“How could you know that? Do you know what pain those boys have been through? Disowned by their own parents while they were youngins. Travelin’ from town to town, nopony ever giving them a chance. How can we turn a blind eye to that.” Applejack said growing upset.

“Yeah, why shouldn’t we get help from ponies who just want to help us!” Apple Bloom started in, hopping every few syllables. “C'mon Big Macintosh, you know what I’m sayin, right?”

“Nope.” Apple Bloom shrunk at the answer, as the other two mares continued arguing.

“Why are you so attached to those no good tricksters?” Granny Smith asked as Applejack’s face grew red. “No.”

“What?”

“Don’t tell me that you have feelings for them.”

Applejack’s body went rigid, and her mouth opened in shock. Broken words tripped their way out of her mouth. The apple buckers big brother facehoofed, while her little sister started to squeal. Granny Smith was in utter disbelief. She knew when Applejack was hiding something; it was something else that was greatly bothering her.

“I can’t believe you would fall for unicorn salesponies.”

“I told you I ain’t. . . Wait, what’s wrong with that?”

“Salesponies are scam artists who--”

“No, not that. The unicorn part, what’s wrong with me likin’ unicorns?”

“You know just as well as I do that our family are earth ponies.”

“What about Crisp Apple, and Caramel Apple? They’re both unicorns.Two of my best friends are unicorns!”

“It’s not something I like talkin’ about, alright?” Granny Smith declaimed leaving Applejack agape.

“I can’t believe I’m hearing this! You know what, I’m hitting the hay, and tomorrow you can say hello to our new partners!”

Storming up stairs, Applejack left a silent room behind her.

“Brother, is this the right decision?” Flim asked sitting next to his brother, a firefly lamp lighting the immediate vicinity. They had found it stuffed away in their cart, and had spent the last few minutes gathering fireflies.

“What do you mean? Of course it is! We finally get to show off The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.” Flam said barely holding back his glee.

“I mean, fair to Applejack.”

“Are we not providing her and the Apples with the most ingenious machine in the past millennia? What exactly is not far?”

“You know, as well as I do, that it’s not the business that’s the problem.”

“Yeah, I know brother. The Apple family has always been very regressive. The fact Applejack isn’t. . . It’s a true blessing to us.”

“That’s just it brother, it’s all profiting us!”

“How exactly is that wrong again?”

“Flam, you can’t be serious. You know that this deal is going to hurt Applejack, badly.”

“Yes, I remember Baltimare clearly, but it can be different this time. We know the mistakes we’ve made before and how to prevent it.”

“That’s not the point! We’re splitting another family apart. We’re taking a mare who has shown us kindly rarely seen before, and ruining her life.”

“What you don’t get Flim, is that we couldn’t harm her even if we tried. She’s too strong to have any colt, mare, or filly bring her down, and with us around, it’s a guarantee she’ll be ok!”

“I hope you’re right brother. I really, really do.”

A roosters crow awoke the residence of the Apple farm. Applejack and Apple Bloom donned great smiles, as they, in their respective rooms, jumped out of their beds and prepared themselves for the day ahead. The elder sister took a few seconds to comb her hair in front of a small hoof mirror, while the younger used magnificent speed to organize her hair and bow in her own way. A simple adjusting of a hat and bow, the sisters simultaneously made there way to the front door.

“I’m so excited, I can’t wait to see the look on everypony’s face when they all get some cider!” Apple Bloom exclaimed with a smile that should be physically impossible.

“I’ll be glad when I don’t have to announce that we’ve run out of cider.” Applejack said with a relieved sigh.

“Hey Applejack, do you know where Granny and Big Macintosh are?”

“Uh, they’re probably waiting at the stand for us.”

“Oh, well let’s go then!”

The sisters began walking out of their house, and began quickly trotting to the stand, no longer able to get their excitement hidden. It took a matter of seconds for them to spot the stand, but without the speculated family members waiting for them there. Instead they were greeted with a long line of ponies, and two brothers waving frantically at them.

“Apples, you finally made it!” Flim and Flam cried out.

“Of course we did, it’s our sale after all!” Apple Bloom shot back, causing the brothers to chuckle.

The Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000 had already been hard at work. Barrels upon barrels stacked on each other, just waiting for consumption. Ponies in line started to drool at the idea of the limitless cider. Apple Bloom took her position at the stand, getting ready to serve up the cider.

“Alright everypony, order up!”

“Hold it everpony, just a second!” Applejack quickly said, tugging on the back of the Flim Flam brothers necks to make a quick huddle.

“What about the rest of the contract?” She whispered to the brothers.

“We took the liberty. . .” Flim began with usual gusto.

“. . . Of signing the contract last night . . .” Flam continued, speaking just like his brother.

“. . . Seeing as how we covered almost everything . . .”

“. . .All that’s left is for you to sign.”

Flam took out the contract from his shirt, along with a pen, and hoofed it over to Applejack. She glanced over it one last time. She saw that there weren’t any noticeable changes made since last night. Applejack took the pen and signed the contract with her mouth.

“Now, it’s time to begin!” Applejack exclaimed, getting a roar of approval from everypony present.

The second day of cider season began just right. The sun was high in the sky, leaving no shadow untouched. Apples on the trees glistened like morning dew. Even the dirt road seemed to be swept clean, as it had a perfect sand colored cover. The Apples broken fence from the previous day, as a result of Flim and Flams entrance, still leaned at an acute angle.

The line that use to stretch on for miles, dwindled down in a matter of minutes. One particular cyan pegasus was shaking with joy. Her tongue fell out of her mouth, drool increasing as she got closer and closer to the stand.

Rainbow Dash stood in front of the yellow earth pony, Apple Bloom, and the two engaged in a shiny, gleaming, death battle of smiles. As two bits lay on the table before her, Apple Bloom grabbed a mug, and began to fill it completely, delicious froth spilling out from the top.

Unable to wait any longer, Dash grabbed the mug, and brought it up to her mouth. She savored the moment, as the froth connected with her lips. Then the edge of the mug secured itself between the upper and bottom lip. Rainbow’s head tipped back as the heavenly liquid gently slalomed across her tongue and down her throat.

Just like that, years of pain were forgotten. Rainbow fell into the ecstasy, along with every other pony that got a drink. They all stood in the general area in front of the cider stand. They didn’t know what to really do after everypony got a drink, this being the first time. So the citizens of Ponyville just talked. Sharing everything from, mundane concerns, to weddings, reunions, etc.

“So, did we tell you our machine was great. . .” Flim began

“Or did we tell you our machine was great?” Flam finished high hoofing his brother.

“Yeah, yeah, keep your hats on.” Applejack said with smile, shaking her head at the brothers antics. “So how early were you guys out here, and where did you go to sleep?”

“We’ve been out here all night, we kinda just sleep on the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.” Flam said with a simple shrug.

“Wait, you guys slept out here? In the cold. Why?” Applejack said surprised.

“It’s what we do. We’ve traveled all across Equestria, sleeping outside is more natural to us honestly.” Flim answered just as casually as his brother.

“Hmm, you guys really don’t have to do that anymore, not since you’re helping us.”

“And what exactly did you have in mind?”

“W-Well I thought that you could possibly. . . I mean, maybe if you wanna, I’m not going to force ya. . . “

“Whaddaya tryin’ to say Applejack?” Apple Bloom asked, with the brothers standing nearby, their attention caught.

“Can you move in with us?” Applejack murmured to herself.

“What was that?”

“Can you move in with us?”

“Pardon?”

“Oh in tarnation, will you move in with us!” Applejack shouted.

All the commotion ceased at that moment. Nopony misunderstood the words, yet there were a few different interpretations out in the open. While some ponies swooned at the romantic implications, others giggled perversely. Even Rainbow Dash, who was still on a high from the cider, grew red as a result of her own imagination.

Applejack stood through the embarrassment strong, and looked Flim and Flam in the eyes. The two stallions returned the look, albeit a lot more weak kneed then the mare standing in front of them. They looked at each other, sweating profusely, but nodded their heads in mutual understanding. Flim and Flam nodded again, this time at Applejack, who shined a smile at them.

“Do you need help with moving any stuff inside?” Applejack said moving over to the cider machine, looking for personal belongings.

“We don’t really bring much with us, just the shirts on our back and the Super Speedy Cider Squeezy 6000.” Flam said to the farm mare.

“Oh, well then. I guess you guys can just move right in.” Applejack asserted, hoping off the machine. “We have a guest room with a couple beds. That’ll be ok, right?”

“Are you sure, we wouldn’t want to be an imposition.” Flim asked slightly wary of the generosity.

“Of course you guys aren’t an impos-, an impi-. . . Of course you guys aren’t a bother, just look around! You’ve done something I’ve dreamt of since I was a little filly, you made every single pony happy during cider season, and only in one day. Givin’ you a place to stay is the least I could do.” Applejack elaborated. She wasn’t prepared though when the brothers shook their heads in negation.

“No, it’s actually all because of you AJ.” Flim said putting his arm over her.

“Yeah, if you didn’t say yes, none of this would’ve happened.” Flam said mirroring his brothers lead.

“Oh, garsh guys, I don’t know what to say.” Applejack said hiding herself behind her hat.

“But we do!”

“Three cheers for Applejack everypony!”

“Hip-hip hooray!” All of Ponyville joined in the cheer.

“Hip-hip hooray!”

“Hip-hip--”

“Just wait a dang gone minute!” An elderly voice shouted. Granny Smith and Big Mac strolled up to the group, with gnarled frowns doned on their faces.

“Ah, Granny Smith, it’s so good to see yo--” Flam began but was abruptly stopped.

“Now feller hold it there for one second! You never got my permission to use our apples in your heartless brew.” Granny Smith quickly narrowed the gap, and began poking Flam in the chest. “You are nothin’ but a bunch of lyin’, good-for-nothin’, cheatin’, cowards! You are not welcome here. Get off of our farm immediately!”

“Granny, where have you and Big McIntosh been all day?” Apple Bloom asked.

“We were talkin’ about this mess, and we’ve figured out how we’re going to handle it.”

The brothers looked at each other warily, then they shrugged their shoulders. Both of them looked at Apple Bloom who started looking very uncomfortable. Applejack starred on with bated breath, truly conflicted as to what she should do. While she knew what Granny was saying was wrong, it’s not like she could actually say it in front of everypony. If only there were some kind of sign, to tell her what to do.

“You liars will not fool anypony else here! Especially Applejack, tryin’ to seduce her and whatnot.”

The true definition of quite took form. Everypony looked with bugged eyes at Granny Smith, and like acting with a single mind, they moved their gaze over to the brothers and Applejack. Gears in their heads turned slowly. Flim, Flam, and Applejack this time refused to meet eyes.

Since movement was a rare things at that moment, the sudden motion of the red stallion was a slightly jolting experience. Big McIntosh walked over to the stack of cider, and stood in front of it without a single word. His head cocked sideways, like he was looking at an abstract painting.

“Hey big guy, is there something we can help you with?” Flim asked cautiously, standing behind Big Mac alongside his brother.

“Nope.” Big McIntosh said simply. . . As he bucked his two hind legs into the chests of Flim and Flam.

The brothers went flying into two separate, yet equally stiff, trees. These walls of wood stood a full twenty feet away from the launch pad. Applejack quickly rushed to the side of the slumped over salesponies, accompanied by her sister. They were still conscious, but in serious pain. Distracted by the sudden violence, the citizens then turned their notice to the destruction of cider by the rampaging stallion.

“That’s right McIntosh, makes sure there’s not a drop left.” Granny Smith yelled, encouraging with a huge, close-eyed smile.

“What the hay has gotten into you two!?!” Applejack demanded with an ember burning in her eyes.

“Applejack, if you don’t listen to reason, then that’s up to you. But you ain’t gonna bring the rest of the family in on this.”

“Eeyup.” Big Mac said joining the side of his grandmother.

“You two have crossed the line! I don’t care what you have against these two, but this ain’t how you handle it!” Applejack yelled, ember turning into flames.

“I don’t like that tone you’re carrying young lady.”

“And I don’t really care!”

“Applejack. . .”

“No, you don’t understand Granny. Flim and Flam came here trying to make something of themselves, and in doing that, they’re helping us too. They are good friends to our family, and now you’re pushing them away!”

“And here Applejack, I thought you cared for the family.”

“I do, that’s why I signed a contract with these two.”

“You did what!?!”

“That’s right Granny, I already signed the papers for us!”

“You can’t do that!”

“I already did!”

“I’ve had enough of you little missy. Big McIntosh, bring your sister to her room, she needs some time to think about what she’s been doing.”

Big Mac obeyed without question. He strolled over to his little sister, who was still over by an injured Flim and Flam. As Applejack’s fear began to build, she looked frantically for a way out of the situation. That’s when Flim and Flam made do on their promise, and gave Applejack what she truly needed, opportunity. Two powerful green blasts shot through the air, sending the red stallion flying back, making a sickening thud as his actions came full circle.

Flim and Flam rose from the ground, legs shaking terribly, dry coughs escaping their mouths. Despite the protests from the Apple sisters, they began charging magic in their horns again. Big Mac shrugged off the cobwebs in his head, and removed himself from the tree he was lodged in. Flim and Flam wasted little time in shooting off their next barrage. Green magic flew through the air like heat seeking missiles, redirecting their paths as Big Mac dodged them.

The green lights did not alter the red vision of Big McIntosh

After a few blasts, the hive mind of Flim and Flam combined their powers to create a magically explosion. A dull green light illuminated the field, encompassing it in a dome. Ponies from miles away stopped in awe at the display of spherical art. Dieing slowly, the light rescinded and revealed the prone form of the red stallion. Granny Smith ran, as quick as she could, to her inert grandchild. Her green hooves brushed over the crimson fur, to which she was disturbed to find crimson liquid. .

“McIntosh, get up, please Macintosh, get up.” Granny Smiths frail voice pleaded.

“Big McIntosh!” Apple Bloom and Applejack exclaimed, running past Flim and Flam who were breathing heavily on their knees.

Apple Blooms small body allowed her to get to her brother first. She couldn’t stand the sight of him for a few seconds before breaking down into tears. Applejack wasn’t far behind, but she never had a chance, as two cold eyes and a sneer stopped her dead.

“Don’t take another step.”

“W-What?”

“You’re the reason for this. You acceptin’ those snake in the grass salesponies. It’s brought nothing but trouble! You’re bringin’ nothin’ but trouble!”

“Granny, I don’t understand.”

“I don’t want you anywhere near me anymore Applejack, I don’t you want anywhere near my family! As far as I’m concerned, you’re no longer part of my family.”

Big Mac made it safely to the hospital, where Nurse Redheart had declared his injuries superficial and non-life threatening. Granny Smith never left his side during the entire ordeal. She had made Apple Bloom follow her to the hospital, just in case her old body couldn’t stay awake during the long hours.

Another brawl was on the brink of spilling out. A few of the more ambitious mares and rambunctious dragons, gunned for some sort of violence. They approached the unicorn duo, as Twilight and Fluttershy were concerned with directly comforting their friend. Barred teeth was the theme of intimidation, with snarls acting as the rising action. Flim and Flam cared not for the maddened mares and dragon. Simply, they strolling by and an anti-climax ended the confrontation as soon as it began.

Applejack remained where she stood, in an open area close to the front of the cider stand. The only thing moving on her, were strays of hair from her mane in the soft wind. At first she couldn’t stand on her own, but the Flim Flam brothers quickly attached themselves to her sides, ensuring she didn’t tip. Both of them tried to speaks words of encouragement, but they were largely ignored.

The remnants of the mane six tried their hoof at helping. No matter what they did though, Applejack just looked on with vacant eyes. Even Pinkie Pies antics, that usually receive sighs of frustration and facehooves, didn’t budge the petrified pony.

The rest of the crowd returned back to town. It was largely known that the Apples were as close as you could get when it came to family. Sure, there were stories about evictions in the family before, but the ponies that left were described as horrible, beasts of the filth. Then letting the scene sink in some more, one question began to arise.

‘Did Applejack deserve it?’

She did go against her family wishes, and against everything that they’ve stood for since the creation of Ponyville. Granny Smith did seem to tell Applejack, explicitly, the wrongness of her actions. It all then boiled down to a brawl. Shouldn’t that of been a clear sign of to Applejack that her family had taken a side? And that she should’ve chosen them to be with them? Does that warrant her expulsion?

It wasn’t until later afternoon, that signs of life began to reappear. Flim and Flam could feel AJ bumping against their sides. They also began to feel a definite tug downwards from the mare. With a simple glance, their thought processes aligned. They pushed against the mare. Creating a wedge that gently held her up, the brothers escorted Applejack to the couch on the front of their machine. There, the brothers let her down gently, her body laying mostly on the armrest, her flank resting on the far left sofa cushion.

“Applejack, darling, can you say something.” Rarity spoke softly.

“I have no home.” Applejack whispered.

“That’s not tru--” Twilight tried to say before she was interrupted.

“I have no Granny.” Applejack voice cracked under the pressure.

“I-I-I still think she loves--” Fluttershy followed in her friends footsteps.

“I have no brother.” Her mane shadowed her face.

“C'mon, you know that’s not rig--” Rainbow Dash tried, but ultimately failed.

“I have no sister.” Tears fell with gravity.

“Applejack, please list--” Pinkie Pie, in a rare case of seriousness, tried her hoof at reaching her friend.

“I. Have. No. Family.” Applejack slumped down to her stomach, sprawling across the entire couch, completely defeated.

“Applejack, there's no reason to think that.” Flam said nursing his ribs. He was met with silence.

“Yeah, you have your friends here.” Flim elaborated, painfully motioning to the rest of the mane six.

The farm girl smiled slightly from her prone position. Looking at all the ponies still with her, was at least a small comfort. But there was the still lingering results of rejection in her mind. Applejack let her head hang in the air. Her eyes strained on the ground, as if looking directly through it.

“I think I should leave.” Applejack said with a resigned sigh.

“Oh, ok then, I have room left in my library, I’ll just have to move a few things. . .”

“No Twi, I think I should leave Ponyville.”

Ready. . .

Chapter 3: Ready. . .

Applejack's friends weren’t exactly happy with the decision. Even the perpetual optimist Pinkie Pie was repeating her dislike for the situation. But Applejack stood strong. Her strong green eyes stared into her rivals defiant magenta orbs.

“AJ I know what just happened is difficult to deal with, but you can’t just leave.”

Rainbow’s tone filled the air with finality, but her friend would have none of it.

“I’ll make my own decisions thank you very much!” Applejack shouted in her own defense, as Rainbow Dash dragged her by her hind legs.

“Did you drink too much cider? You’re going back home and sorting this thing out now. If you want a problem solved you have to confront it!” Rainbow words were muffled behind her struggle with her farm pony friend.

“They don’t want to see me right now, and frankly, I don’t want to see them!”

“Applejack you should listen to Rainbow. You can’t just runaway from your problems.” Twilight said moving down to Applejack's prone figure.

“None of you get it! I can’t do this. Not now!” Applejack buried her head under her hooves.

A muffled sob barely slipped through Applejack's arms. Rainbow stopped dragging her friend and gently lowered the farm girls lower half back to the ground. She tried to utter words of encouragement to her friends, but the cyan pony’s words fell flat.

“What are we going to do?” Fluttershy whispered.

“I don’t know.” Twilight muttered with lowered ears.

“Ahem, I think that we have a solution.” Flim said in a strangely upbeat tone. “Applejack, seeing as how my brother and I are the cause of the problem, we should be part of the solution.”

Applejack sniffled as she lifted her tear stained face from the earth. To both her left and her right the brothers stood. Similar to the night of the contract formation, the brothers body heat warmed the farmgirl. Unlike the night before, pleasure couldn’t be derived from this contact. Leaning in, Flam began to sing in a quiet, gentle, and slow tune.

“~You’ve got opportunity~. . .”

“~With us, Applejack, don’t you see?~”

“~He’s Flim, he’s Flam, we’re the world famous Flim Flam brothers! And Aj is going to be nonpareil.” The brothers concluded with a slightly toned down version of what they had performed just a short time ago. Applejack's smile was quickly covered by her confused look.

“‘is going to be. . .’What exactly are you fellas getting at?”

“Isn’t it clear, we want you to hit the road with us!” Flim’s smile couldn’t be wider.

“What!” Everypony else shouted in shock.

“No, no, no! AJ isn’t going anywhere with you guys. She’s going to stay here with her friends, and make up with her family! And then everything will go back to normal” Rainbow Dash flew uncomfortably close to Flim’s face.

“Rainbow Dash is in the right again. Applejack needs to stay with her friends and rectify the problems with her family as soon as she can. There’s no reason why she should put it off. Even when Sweetie Belle and I get in an argument, we don’t go leave each other.” Rarity explained walking over to the growing crowd.

“We respect the fact that you guys want to help Applejack, but she really does need to stay here in Ponyville.” Twilight's words came next.

Flim tried to rebuttal but the voices of the outspoken mares began to drown his own voice out. A fact that perturbed him to the point of anger. His voice went from smooth and relaxed too loud and abrasive. The open hostility fueled the fire and the aforementioned mares spat venom at the male unicorn. Fluttershy on the other side remained quiet, and Pinkie kept repeating the word ‘argue’.

“Aren’t you aware that time heals all wound. When Applejack comes back, this entire problem will become a funny memory.”

“Or it could turn Granny Smith and everypony that stays behind cold. What’s to say that they won’t see Applejack leaving out of nowhere as a slap in the face? Do you really want to risk that?” Rarity asked in an accusatory tone.

“Of course my brother and I wouldn’t want to see that. We have the best interest of Applejack at heart. We would tell the Apple family ourselves that Applejack is leaving, but still cares for them.” Flim continued to speak in an unhappy and uncouth tone.

“You’re incredibly naive to think that the Apples would just let one of there’s go without a fight. Flim and Flam understand, we are the same way. We can’t say goodbye to a friend when there’s a much simpler option on the table.” Twilight tried to say with professionalism but ultimately failing.

“Easier for who, her or for you?” an upset Flam interjected “It’s not any of our decision what happens to Applejack, it’s hers!”

Everypony turned around and saw Applejack. She slowly rose to her hooves, mustering up what could be called a scowl. With a deep breath she began.

“While I’ve never been a mare to avoid a confrontation, especially with my kin, I won’t be forced into a confrontation. I still love my family dearly but I need space, and I think Flim and Flam would be the safest way for me to get that space.”

“But Applejack, why can’t you just stay with one of us?” Rainbow asked.

“Everything about Ponyville reminds me about my family, and I what I think I need, is to completely get away. I need time to clear my head, and shake off this feeling I have. I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to abandon anypony.” Applejack began to tear up again as her friends approached her with sad smiles of their own.

“Is this what you truly want?” Fluttershy whispered through the dead silence, tears threatening to break out on her..

“. . .I think so, yes, this is what I want.” Applejack couldn’t smile, but she did sound certain.

“Well than we support you wholeheartedly.” Fluttershy embraced the farm girl.

“Yeah! There’s nothing wrong with a little vacation!” Pinkie jumped in on the hug.

Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Twilight looked at each other with mixed expressions. They approached the rest of their friends. Rainbows attention was mostly drawn to the ground, and Rarity’s was off to the east. Twilight looked dead ahead at her three other close friends who were entirely oblivious of her presence.

“Applejack. . Do you need help packing?”

Pinkie, Fluttershy, and Applejack turned to Twilight, giving her a bright smile and a slight nod to join them. The purple unicorn did so happily.

“I guess there’s no point in trying to fight it anymore. Girls don’t forget me!” Rarity said as she jumped in on the pile. The rough entrance caused the girls to break out into laughter. Rainbow Dash looked on, a rare look of defeat filling her eyes. She lifted off from the ground and floated over to the group.

“I. . just don’t want to say goodbye.”

“It ain’t goodbye Rainbow, just, until we see each other again.”

Rainbow couldn’t hold back anymore, she dived into the pile, or more accurately Applejacks neck. Her tears soaked the orange earth pony, but nopony cared. They all huddled together, not really wanting to let go.

“Girls, thank you so much.”

“We really just want what’s best for you.” Rainbows muffled voice tickled AJ’s neck.

“What would I do without you guys?” Applejack asked, and then melted back into the moment.

The Flim Flam brothers blubbered in each others arms.