Damn Good Pie
Edited By:
Eldorado
Narlepoax III
Willow the Pegasus
Pre-Read By:
RainbowBob
Skeeter The Lurker
“S’good to have ya out ‘ere with us, Brae,” Granny Smith said after munching through her apple fritter.
“Yeah, real great of ya to make time fer th’ reunion.” Applejack added.
“Awww shucks. Ya’ll are family. I gotta make time fer my favourite cousin and aunt.” Braeburn chuckled. “Besides, business at home can wait a lil’ while longer.”
“Personally, I didn’t think ya’d make it,” Big Mac chuckled. “Yer are always caught up with somthin’ that ya never get time to visit.”
Granny Smith lightly smacked the side of Big Mac, scowling at him. “Oh hush it, you. Ain’t none of that talk ‘ere.”
“Sorry Granny.” Big Mac apologized, going silent once more.
“Dang right ya best apologize. Now say sorry to Brae ”
“Don’t worry it none, Auntie. I didn’t think I’d make it either. ‘Sides, I’m here now, that’s all that matters.” Braeburn took a bite out of his slice of pie before returning to the conversation.
“He’s right, Granny. S’long he showed up, that’s what’s important.” Applejack said, wrapping a foreleg around her grandmother.
“I guess ya’ll are right.” Granny returned to eating another apple fritter, as well as everypony else sitting at the table going back to eating their respective meals.
Music and chatter from other tables had began to fill the silent air that flowed around the group. The sweet country styled melodies had been bouncing silently in the background for a while now, but, they had just began to pick up, even making a few couples stand on their hooves and begin to dance under the night sky.
Braeburn watched the couples for a minute, removing himself from the pie he was eating. Heh, really is fun watchin’ everypony havin’ a good time. Braeburn removed his gaze from the many couples and looked over to the family eating before them.
They all looked content and pleased with themselves Granny especially had a look in her eye that showed her happiness. Whether it be from the food or from the many members of the apple family showing up; didn’t really matter. So long as she was happy.
“Say, Granny,” Applejack said, putting down her food. “Didn’t ya said ya’d be doin’ some sort of speech or somthin’?”
Granny looked up from her plate and raised her brow at Applejack. She stared at her for a good minute or two before finally registering the question. “Ooooh! That’s right, Applejack. Gotta make my lil’ ‘thank-you’ speech.”
“A speech, huh?” Braeburn said, a small smile forming on his face. “I hope it’s a good one, Auntie.”
“Don’t ya get too excited, Braeburn,” Granny let out her elderly laugh, her fake teeth rattling in her mouth. “But don’t worry ya none. Promise it’s good.”
“Heh, if ya say so.” Braeburn chuckled softly as Granny Smith shook her head.
She slowly pushed herself away from the table, grabbing her walker that sat at her side and began to slowly walk to the stage.
“Need some help, Ma?” Big Mac asked politely.
“Oh, that’d be great, deary.” She said, accepting the offer.
Braeburn watched as Big Mac stood up from the table and lifted Granny Smith onto his back, carrying her up to the small stage that was set up prior for the music. He gently set her down and she trotted over to the microphone that a bright green stallion was holding in his hooves; singing.
“...Let 'em burn, let 'em burn, let 'em burn~♪ ”
The stallion stopped singing and the microphone pitched loudly through the speakers as he looked down to Granny Smith. Granny kindly pointed to the microphone, indicating that she wanted to use it. The stallion smiled and handed it to her and she turned to the crowd.
“H-hello? This thing on?” She gently tapped the mic a little, the soft thudding echoing from the speakers.
“Oh, good, it is,” Granny Smith cleared her throat. “Hello everypony and welcome to the annual Apple Family Reunion dinner party!”
A soft cheer echoed from the crowd, Applejack lightly yelling from the left “Go get ‘em, Granny!”
“Now, now, no cheering yet. I just wanted to say a few words before ya’ll go back to eatin’,” Granny cleared her throat again, looking over the crowd that was her family. “Oh... My, I didn’t think there were so many of ya’ll.”
The crowd laughed softly at her unintended joke. Granny shook her head. “Well, I guess that makes this reunion more special, now don’t it?
“I know some of ya had to travel a long ways here, having to leave some of the farms unattended and even drag some of the tykes along the way, but I just wanted to let ya’ll know a few things...” Granny Smith took in a deep breath before continuing.
“Ever since my sisters and I started this reunion shindig, we always aimed to make sure everypony was invited. Whether we liked their company or not, we’d invite ‘em anyways. Family is family, ain’t that right?” Granny received a lot of nods from the family members. “Well, back when we did start, I believe we only had two families. No greater than six each.
“But now that I look at everypony here... There are so many of ya’ll. I think I’m losin’ track on how many we have right now. And the fact that all of ya’ll helped rebuild the barn... It just warms my old heart some and makes me giddy that ya’ll want to be here.” Granny smiled as she felt a small tear well up in her eye.
“I don’t know if my sisters feel the same or not, but, this really means a lot to me. All of the dedication fer just a simple little reunion...” Granny closed her eyes, gently breathing away the rush of happiness and joy. “I may not have many years left on this planet, but, I just want ya’ll to know something: especially you, Applejack.”
Applejack’s ears perked up as she heard her name, looking directly at Granny Smith’s old eyes. Granny turned to her and smiled. “I don’t want ya’ll forgettin’ to do this, y’hear? This reunion should remain tradition fer generations to come and ya really showed that ya can handle it.”
“She’s talking to ya, if ya didn’t know, AJ.” Braeburn chuckled, lightly tossing a small bit of apple at her.
“As fer everypony else... I really hope ya keep attendin’, eh? Just because my body is in a casket don’t mean ya can just stop.” Granny let out a rattling giggle, the crowd joining in some. “But, all in all, I really thank ya’ll fer bein’ here. Ya’ll are family and we should stay together, y’hear? That’s all, thank you.”
Granny returned the microphone to the singer, slowly trotting over to Big Mac. The crowd responded with a light clopping of hooves.
“Well, thank ya kindly, Granny Smith. Say, why don’t we take a break from all this eatin’ and get a rodeo goin’, eh? I can see some of ya wantin’ to dance!” The singer announced to the ponies below.
Granny Smith had returned to the table and returned eating her food in silence. Applejack, Big Mac and Braeburn all stared awkwardly at her for a good few minutes before she lifted her head. A small tear was in her eye. “Wassat?”
“Uh... Auntie, ya got somethin’ in yer eye,” Braeburn said. “Also, that was a nice speech. Didn’t think ya appreciated us bein’ here that much.”
Granny gently wiped the tear out of her eye. “Oh shucks, Braeburn. Ya’ll are my family. Families stick together and they’re important fer a healthy life. At least that’s what my mum and pops said.”
“I can get behind that. Heck, ma and pa at home kind of enforce that...” Braeburn tapped his chin for a moment. “Oh! That reminds me, they wanted to apologize fer not comin’.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I know they mean well. Besides, they came to all the ones prior, so, that’s what really matters.” Granny Smith smiled.
Granny looked over at Applejack and saw that she was frowning. Granny shook her head and giggled. “And I know what yer thinkin’, Jackie. I ain’t leavin’ fer a while.”
“Heh, ya read me like an open book, Granny.” Applejack blushed.
Granny began to talk to Applejack now, but, Braeburn had zoned out and moved his eyes back over to the rodeo now going on. The music was lively and filling everypony on the makeshift dance floor with glee. Braeburn even began tapping his hoof against the table, lightly sighing.
I should probably head back to the train station. Gotta deal with that treaty issue... Braeburn sighed again and looked back at his aunt who was still talking to AJ.
“Hey, Auntie,” he interrupted. “I gotta head off.”
“Huh?” Granny raised a brow.
“What, why d’ya need to go, Brae?” Applejack asked.
“I could only make ‘nuff time to come here up ‘till dinner. Gotta head back and deal with some issues regardin’ the Buffalos.” Braeburn said, sliding out of his chair.
“What’s goin’ on with them that’s more important, Brae?” Applejack frowned, not wanting her cousin to leave.
“Lakes are losing too much water. They drink from it, we drink from it and farm with it. We’ve used that lake fer over eighty years, and now it’s just too low in water levels that I gotta contact a pegasi crew to bring in a huge shipment of water fer the lake to readjust its levels.” Braeburn explained quickly. “It’s really complicated, and if I don’t do it, we might lose the farm and our ties with the Buffalos.”
Granny frowned slightly and let out a soft sigh. “Well, we can’t go and lose our farms, now. Besides, ya stayed long enough.”
“Yeah... I guess I have to agree with Granny...” AJ shook her head, getting out of her chair. “But I ain’t lettin’ ya go without me seein’ ya out, y’hear?”
“Heh, fine with me. C’mon, let’s go.” Braeburn said as he began walking away from the table, Applejack soon joining him.
“... And then, blam! Smacked Discord down with th’ elements. Shoulda been there, cuz!” Applejack said excitedly as she trotted next to Braeburn, guiding him to the train station.
“Heh, I was sorta there. Y’know. In spirit. And back in Appaloosa dealin’ with his antics there. Yer not th’only one who dealt with his shenanigans.” Braeburn chuckled.
“I bet. Good thing Discord ain’t much of a bother, now, though.” Applejack flashed a smile before replacing it with a frown, the train station coming into view.
“Well, there’s the station just down there.” She pointed to it with a limp hoof, the sign reading “Ponyville Express.”
Braeburn eyed his cousin for a moment before turning to her and giving her a hug. “Aw shucks, AJ, don’t be so glum ‘bout me leavin’. Ya got plenty of family back there.”
Applejack quickly embraced the hug, shoving her muzzle into his neck. “Yeah... Yeah I do, Brae, but yer mah favourite and I can relate to ya more. Y’know?”
Braeburn separated from Applejack, a smile spread across his muzzle. “I know what ya mean, AJ. We spent a lot of time together as kids... Shoot, remember the time I lost Auntie’s teeth? Man, she was really rattled that day.”
“Or how ‘bout the time we stole Fortissimo’s sheet music?” Applejack quickly commented, reminiscing about their childhood.
“Ha! Yeah, that was a good day, no denyin’ that. We got rewarded for ‘finding’ it. Chocolate ice cream with sprinkles on it.” Braeburn chuckled softly before being interrupted by a sigh.
He frowned and looked at Applejack. Dang, she’s really down about me leavin’ and all. I dunno what to say to make her feel better... Braeburn scratched the back of his neck as he tried to think of something to say.
“Applejack... I really don’t know what to say. I can try to visit more, if ya’d like, but that’s hard as is. Parents want me to run the farm soon, and yer always busy with runnin’ around with yer lil’ adventures,” Braeburn said casually. “I know ya want me ‘round here, but I just... Can’t.”
Applejack didn’t speak, she only looked at the ground, kicking up a small dirt cloud. Braeburn brought her in for another hug, which she then embraced. “I love ya, ya goof.”
“I love ya, too, Applejack. I’ll try my best to come down, but, I can’t make promises.” Braeburn gently pushed out of the hug and smiled.
“I understand, Brae. Maybe I can convince Twi to go to Appaloosa ‘gain.” Applejack had a faint smile at the prospect of visiting her cousin.
“I’d be up for that ” Braeburn’s eyes quickly darted over to the Ponyville clocktower; the hands read 9:45PM. “ but I really need to head out, cuz. Train leaves in just a few.”
“Alright, Brae. See you soon. I love ya.” Applejack hugged him one last time, pulling away with a much bigger smile on her face.
“Love ya, cuz.” Braeburn said, the sound of loud whistling blaring from the station. “Uhh, see ya ‘round!”
Braeburn quickly galloped down the dirt road and to the station. The train was sitting still, many ponies lining up to get onto it, making Braeburn sigh with relief. Oh, thank goodness. Thought it was leaving.
As line of ponies grew smaller, he could hear the faint “Ticket’s, please” from the conductor, which made him withdraw his return ticket to be ready.
“Tickets, please,” the mutton-chopped stallion said, holding a stamp within his hoof.
Braeburn kindly handed him his ticket, and waited for the stallion to look it over and stamp it.
“This ticket seems to be invalid, sir,” the conductor said.
“What? That’s my return ticket.” Braeburn said, confused.
“I’m sorry, sir, but this was valid for an 8 o’clock return, not a 9:45PM return.” The conductor handed him back the return ticket.
“W-what? B-but I need to get home!” Braeburn yelled, a bit louder than he wanted to.
“I understand, sir, but you’ll need to either purchase a ticket for the next train, which arrives at 10:30PM, or wait until tomorrow. It isn’t much of a wait, if that’s any consolation.” The conductor offered, frowning a little.
Braeburn sighed heavily. “I guess I could wait a lil’ longer. I just have business, y’know?”
“I get that, sir, and I’m sorry for the inconve ”
“Hey! Steam, we ready to roll or what?!” A burly stallion covered in black dust poked his head out from the coal car just a few feet away.
“Oh, yes, right. The schedule I’m really sorry, sir all aboard!” The conductor placed himself inside the train as he yelled for a last call. Braeburn, however, was the only pony there, so the train left almost immediately.
Uhg... I knew I shoulda left earlier. Stupid, stupid, stupid... Braeburn belittled himself for his decision and quietly trotted over to the ticket booth to renew his ticket.
He placed his ticket on the counter and stared at the brown coated stallion inside he seemed to be half asleep whilst reading a newspaper. Braeburn lightly rang a small bell on the booth’s counter and the brown stallion jumped to life.
“Eh?! Wassat?! Wasn’t sleepin’, boss, I swear!” The stallion panicked for a moment before his eyes fell on Braeburn. He quickly sighed and smiled. “Oh, thank goodness.”
“Heh, long day?” Braeburn asked politely.
“It’s always a long day when you operate a ticket booth,” he laughed quietly before noticing a ticket residing on the counter. He quickly adjusted himself before addressing Braeburn again. “Anyways, I’m Ticket, how can I help you?”
“I just need to renew my ticket fer the 10:30PM ride.” Braeburn found his bag of bits and pulled it out, ready to pay Ticket.
“Is that even running?” Ticket asked himself out loud, looking to his right and staring at a schedule posted on the wall. “Oh. It is... That’s a VIP train, sir, it’s going to cost you extra.”
“VIP train? When the heck did Equestria get those?” Braeburn asked, raising a brow.
“Well, it’s meant for celebrities who travel in groups. They usually do it by night so they aren’t bothered by the media. Y’know, the usual,” Ticket answered. “I mean, since it’s running, I could offer you a ticket renewal for it. But, that’s about two hundred and fifty bits.”
“Two-fiddy?!” Braeburn exclaimed. “Uhg, dang, can’t anythin’ go right fer me today?”
“Hey, I don’t even get a discount on the VIP train.” Ticket said, chuckling softly.
“Grrr... I guess I have to take it. I really can’t miss tomorrow.” Braeburn slid the whole bit bag to Ticket, in which ticket began counting out the bits swiftly.
It took a few minutes, and Braeburn just stared at the posters behind the stallion during that period. One displayed the image of a slender looking train, sort of curving up at its front and then straightening out at its back, and in giant red letters, it read “Trains of the Future!”
Another poster was the image of the same train, only smaller and it contained more text Maybe a follow up to it...? and from what Braeburn could make out, it offered various bits of info regarding the new types of trains that would be made for the future Equestrians.
“...Eight, nine, two-fifty. Alright, you’re good to go.” Ticket slid Braeburn a new return ticket.
Braeburn took it and read it over to ensure it was right.
Ponyville Express Railways
Ticket Purchased At: Appaloosa
Renewed At: Ponyville
Type: One Way
Time for departure: 10:30PM, August 6th.
Train type: VIP.
Thank you for your purchase!
“Thanks. Hopefully I don’t get booted off halfway through the ride.” Braeburn joked.
“Heh, I know what you mean. Trains can be a hassle sometimes, especially when you’re in a hurry.” Ticket chuckled.
“Yeah, yeah... Anyways, I better get waitin’. See ya ‘round, Ticket.” Braeburn waved.
“Yup. Enjoy the ride, sir.” Ticket waved back as Braeburn trotted off and sat on a waiting bench.
Tonight is the worst night ever... Braeburn sighed.
Braeburn’s gaze looked around the Ponyvillian landscape before him. Fields of grass, trees spread thinly across the emptiness, and the pale moonlight reflecting off of a small lake. To his far left, Braeburn could see the large mountain that held Canterlot, which was just a spec to his vision. To his right, the stretching of Ponyville’s village lined down to the edge of the Everfree.
Dang, it sure is beautiful at night. Too bad ponies can’t see it. Braeburn looked down at his hooves, which gently clicked against each other in idle amusement.
Braeburn sighed again. I really wish I could spend some more time with AJ. I really wish my parents wouldn’t lay down all that responsibility on me. Heck, I’m barely nineteen as it is. I should be able to have fun.
A growl left Braeburn’s mouth, the clicking of his hooves stopping as he felt frustrated. Celestia be damned, I do all th’work for ‘em! I barely get time to myself! “Braeburn, go get the plows and plow the fields,” “Braeburn, go an’ harvest everything by yerself!”
It’s always Braeburn who does the work! Never them anymore! Heck, they won’t even toss in their hooves to help me with th’water situation! Braeburn slammed his hooves down on the bench, gritting his teeth in utter annoyance.
I should talk to them. I don’t deserve all this responsibility, I deserve to have some fun. They’re busy drinkin’ their sarsaparilla drinks while I’m busy doing their stupid work. Sure, I enjoy apple pickin’, but I never get a break! Braeburn sighed annoyingly, putting his face in his hooves.
It’s just too much, sometimes. Way too much. Braeburn removed his face from his hooves, clicking them together again. I’ll just talk to them ‘bout it. Maybe just ask why they’re doin’ it. Probably to teach me somethin’ or other.
Braeburn looked up from his hooves and stared back at the vast landscape before him. He smiled as the beauty of Ponyville’s night filled his eyes, and his smile only grew wider as he thought about Applejack.
I bet Applejack still sits out on th’lake at night, thinkin’ about her life. Askin’ difficult questions and what-not. Braeburn brought a hoof to his chin, gently tapping it. Wonder if she enjoys the night landscape as much as I do?
Braeburn kept a smile on his face for the rest of the wait, simply trying to enjoy his situation until the train arrives.
“Tickets, please.” The young chestnut coloured stallion asked, holding out a hoof.
Braeburn gave him the new return ticket, watching as the conductor looked it over. Hope I can get on th’train this time. He thought, frowning a little.
Promptly, the stallion smiled, stamped the ticket, and gave it back to Braeburn. “Enjoy your private ride to Appaloosa, sir.”
“Thank ya kindly,” Braeburn returned the smile, tipping his hat.
He made his way onto the train, immediately greeted by fancy decor gilded rugging, carved mahogany, and much more comfortable looking booths. A large table was placed in the middle of the car which was folded inward; probably for spacing purposes. Braeburn shook his head, a bit stunned at the design of the train car.
“Would you like me to guide you to your seat, sir?”
Braeburn jumped and turned to see the conductor, who was now chuckling.
“S-sorry sir,” he stuttered, getting the last few laughs out of his system. “I didn’t mean to scare you.”
“Oh, it’s nothin’...” Braeburn smiled. “But, uh... Is this the right car I’m ‘spose to be in, or...?”
“Well, it’s a VIP train. Each car is designed for specific suitors. This one is for Canterlot nobles, persay.” The conductor explained. “But, I see you host a more... Western appeal, and your return ticket is to Appaloosa, so would you feel more comfortable with the Western style car?”
“To be honest, I have no clue what yer talkin’ about,” Braeburn admitted. “But, sure, why not? S’long it’s not as... Fancy.”
“Of course, I understand. Follow me.” The conductor began
