An Apple a Day.

Chapter 4

Rarity’s Home, Ponyville

Spike finally managed to put on some clothes after his little incident with Rarity. He now sported a pair of dark blue jeans, an emerald colored polo, and a pair of stylish but rather comfortable sneakers. The former drake had wondered why he even needed any sort of footwear because ponies certainly had little need for it, considering that they had hard hooves to trot on. His own claws had been equally durable, capable of crushing gems and able to withstand blisteringly hot temperatures. Sadly, he realized the necessity of properly covering his human feet just prior to donning his shoes, when he stubbed his toe into the wall.

As he paced around the room, his thoughts slowly drifted back to what happened with Rarity earlier. He was still extremely confused as to why Rarity had been so upset when he entered the room. Spike understood that humans needed to wear clothing at times to keep warm, but surely they didn’t have to wear them all the time.

Why had Rarity been so embarrassed to be seen in her natural form? Did she believe she was ugly? Just judging from the brief glance that he got of her, Spike certainly didn’t think so. In fact, now that he thought about it, she was actually rather beautiful in his opinion with her smooth alabaster skin and her perky pink—Sweet Celestia! My thoughts are starting to wander into very dangerous territory…

With a slight blush, Spike pushed such wanton thoughts to the back of his mind. Earlier he had blamed hormones, but now he wasn’t quite so certain they were solely to blame. Still…it was an absolutely ridiculous notion to him that any creature could be ashamed of the skin they were born in. Humans were vexingly odd creatures and it was going to take quite a long time to understand their cultural norms.

After letting out a heavy sight, Spike heard someone knock on the door lightly. “Spike are you dressed yet?”

“Yeah, I’m good to go. You can come in Rarity.”

Rarity too, was dressed this time. Both her skirt and t-shirt were the same shade of lavender, as well as her knee length boots. Spike had to suppress a giggle when noticed a little white kitten on the front of her shirt. It very nearly looked like Opal and he would have thought it was, save for the fact that he hadn’t seen the aforementioned feline around Rarity’s house since he arrived.

What surprised him the most though was how she chose to style her hair. The Equestrian Rarity always kept her mane in that coiffured style she loved so much. While he always had thought it was beautiful, Spike often wondered why she never changed it. This world’s Rarity had no such compunctions.

Today, she chose to straighten out her hair, which included a small braid that trailed down her left shoulder. It reminded him of how AJ styled her mane sometimes but far more elegant. He paused for a moment, content to simply admire her handy work. Of course, his stare didn’t go unnoticed.

“Spike? Hello. Earth to Spike! Whatever are you staring at?”

“Oh sorry, I was just admiring your new hair style. It’s really hard for me to put in words but…I think the best way to describe it is simplistic.”

“Simplistic? That’s hardly…”

“Allow me to finish. What I mean is the style isn’t overly complex but it doesn’t need to be. It gives you a sort of…girl next door look I think. Yeah. Just elegant simplicity, that’s it!”

“Really?”

“Mhmm. I like it. You should try new hairstyles out more often. I bet you could pull off just about any style and still look positively radiant.”

Rarity blushed as she played with end of her braid. “O-oh why thank you Spike. I didn’t want to curl my hair today because it would get all frizzy from the heat and humidity. But…I think from now on I’ll try different styles and not just for the sake of practicality.”

“I’m glad to hear that. So…what exactly do you have planned for today?”

“Well, I was thinking that we could go visit my friend Applejack. Before you arrived, I promised that I would help her with a personal issue she’s been having for quite some time.”

Spike scratched his head. “What kind of personal issue are we talking about?”

“Umm…I’m afraid I’m not at liberty to say. I promised her I wouldn’t tell another soul about it. Surely you can understand a lady’s agreement, right Spike?”

“I guess so. AJ is a really good friend of mine too…or at least she was back in Equestria. I’ll respect her privacy.”

Rarity placed her hand on his shoulder. “Don’t fret darling. I’m sure she’ll be more than eager to become your friend. She’s always been the most extroverted out of all my friends…errr with the exception of Pinkie, of course.”

“No doubt. I swear, Pinkie would befriend a flesh-eating zombie, if the opportunity presented itself.”

Rarity giggled. “That’s so true! And she’d even try to throw the thing a party, I bet. The banner would read: Welcome to Ponyville and sorry that you have a horrible, disgusting skin condition party!.”

The both of them shared a laugh as they walked out the front door of Rarity’s home. Once Spike caught his breath, he realized something. How exactly did Rarity intend to arrive at Sweet Apple Acres? When he’d been a dragon, it was as simple as just flying to wherever he needed to go. Clearly, humans didn’t have wings so did she want to walk there? His thoughts drifted back to when he stubbed his toe. Humans didn’t have hooves either and even with shoes, they didn’t really seem built to walk for long distances.

Spike’s curiosity only increased when Rarity walked up to a strange-looking carriage. It didn’t appear to have any kind of harness, so how did it even move? Furthermore, the whole vehicle appeared to be crafted from some kind of metal. This thing, whatever it was, must have cost her a fortune!

What put the icing on the cake was when Rarity took out a small rectangular device from her purse and pointed it towards the carriage. In response, the thing make a loud honking noise that made him yelp in surprise. The fashionista scrunched her brow with concern, gently placing her hand on Spike’s shoulder.

“What’s wrong?”

Spike pointed at the carriage. “W-what is that monstrosity?”

“It’s just a car, darling. You act like you’ve never seen—oh right you haven’t. I’m sorry Spike. I keep forgetting that you didn’t grow up on earth.”

“It’s alright but would mind telling me exactly what a car is?”

“Well, a car is basically a self-propelled vehicle that transports people from place to place.”

“Uhh…does it run on magic or something?”

“Oh heavens no! Cars run on gasoline which fuels the engine.”

Spike frowned. “Ok, I know what an engine is because I’ve seen trains before. But the ones I’ve seen run on coal and steam. What exactly is gasoline?”

“Hmm I guess you could say that gasoline is like a liquid form of coal. It combusts inside the engine to create miniature explosions that in turn, drive the wheels forward.”

“Explosions? There’s no way in Tartarus I’m even getting inside some contraption that explodes all the time. That’s extremely dangerous!”

“I assure you that it’s completely safe, otherwise I wouldn’t be using it myself.”

“I dunno…”

Rarity stuck out her bottom lip. “You…don’t trust me?”

“I… fine, I’ll get in the damned thing. But if I die in some horrible explosion, you’re going to be the first person I haunt!”

“Oh stop being such a drama queen! That’s my job, after all.”

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

After a fifteen minute white-knuckled car ride, Rarity and Spike finally arrived at the Apple family’s prized orchard. To his credit, Spike didn’t scream or do anything drastic during the ride over but as soon as he opened the door, he immediately sank to his knees and kissed the grass. Despite feeling a slight twinge of sympathy for the young man, Rarity still couldn’t help but roll her eyes. Even if he wasn’t used to cars, there was positively no need for him to be acting like that. I’m starting to think that Spike is nothing more than an overgrown man-child. I even drove at a pace that would’ve made my grandmother look like a speed demon! Yet…he still has the gall to act as if he was traveling at mach-speeds.

Rarity’s slightly sour mood quickly evaporated when she spotted AJ riding in the back of an old red pick-up truck as it pulled up next to her own car. AJ’s trademark Stetson still sat upon her head but her clothing was more appropriate for hot, sweaty, physical labor. She wore a tattered pair of daisy dukes, work boots and a flannel t-shirt tied just below her breasts, leaving her midriff exposed.

With a surprising amount of athletic grace, the cowgirl jumped out of the truck bed and jogged over to Rarity, giving her a firm hug. While Rarity was happy to return her friend’s embrace, she still cringed slightly, knowing all of filth and sweat AJ’s body was undoubtedly covered in. Rarity chuckled to herself, finding it amusing that AJ always managed to smell faintly of apples even when she worked like a dog.

“Howdy Rares. It’s nice ta see ya!”

“And you as well darling. I take it you’ve been hard at work this morning?”

AJ wiped her forehead. “Mhmm. We got half o’ the west orchard pruned already and it’s only ten in the mornin’. Ah guess ah got mah new worker ta thank for that. She’s been a real asset the last few months.”

“I’m glad to hear that. By chance, is this a good time to discuss your...issue? If it isn’t, I can always come back later.”

AJ put her finger on Rarity’s mouth. “Shhhh keep it on the down low! Ah don’t want Bloom or Mac nosin’ around in mah personal matters.”

“Ah yes, I can certainly relate. We wouldn’t want a repeat of the whole ‘Crusader’s Dating Service’ incident. But I am curious about one thing though. Why are you so concerned about Big Mac? He doesn’t strike me as the type of man to meddle in other people’s affairs.”

“Normally, you’d be right about that. But…ah ain’t what you’d call a normal person to him. He can get kind o’ protective of me sometimes…which scares off a lot of mah potential romantic interests.”

“Oh dear. That’s unfortunate, but you can’t blame anyone for being a bit intimidated. I mean no offence to your brother, but he’s practically a brick wall of muscle.”

AJ sighed. “Ah know all too well. Maybe if he had a special girl o’ his own, he’d be less inclined ta worry ‘bout his little sister.”

“Ah ah, only one Apple sibling at a time dear. I’ll ask once more: Is this a good time?”

“Sort of ah guess. Even though we got quite o’ bit of work done, there’s still plenty ta go ‘round. I’m not sure if ah can just drop everthin’ and talk with ya. It’d look mighty suspicious…and not ta mention lazy.”

Rarity grinned. “I just so happen to have a solution to your labor shortage.”

“That so?”

“Tell me Applejack, do you remember Twilight Sparkle and her dog?”

“O’ course ah do, but what do they have ta do with mah labor shortage?”

“I know that this sounds utterly ridiculous but I actually brought Spike with me today. You see, he’s returned to us…as a human male. A very strong and capable human male, if you catch my drift.”

AJ rolled her eyes. “More o’ that fancy magic ah presume? Oh well, at least it ain’t as bad as a rampagin’ demon girl.”

“Quite. Now before you ask, I’m certain he’ll be willing to help. He was apparently good friends with your pony counterpart.”

“Fine by me. Ah ain’t never been one ta look a gift horse in the mouth.”

“Excellent. I’ll handle Spike’s temporary employment, all you need to do is wait right here.”

Rarity quickly ran over to Spike and grabbed him by the hand, pulling him towards Big Mac’s truck. With her best puppy dog eyes she stared at Spike, while gently grasping his hand with both of her own. The former drake was completely caught off guard, only offering a slight blush and a gaping mouth in response.

“Uhhh…is there something you need Rarity?”

“OH SPIKE! I feel so terrible but I desperately need to ask a favor of you.”

“Sure, name it.”

Rarity smiled. “I knew you were a true gentleman! I’m afraid that Applejack and I need some girl-time, you know…to talk about things. As a result, the farm needs an extra hand to fill in for her absence. Would you mind helping Big Mac out while we chat? I know AJ would be grateful if you did.”

“I don’t mind at all. I could probably use the exercise anyway.”

“That’s the spirit! I promise that we won’t take too long. Oh and make sure that you stay hydrated. I don’t want to have to take you to the hospital.”

“Right. Enjoy your girl talk.”

While Rarity and AJ conversed amongst themselves, Spike ambled over to Big Mac’s pick-up truck. Granted, he was no expert when it came to vehicles, considering that he saw his first car only twenty minutes ago. But even he had to admit that Mac’s truck looked…shabby. Compared to Rarity’s car (which happened to be just as tidy as her sense of fashion), the truck’s red paint was faded and a few spots of rust covered the areas where wheels sat. Spike giggled to himself, completely unsurprised that the thing was caked in mud too. As he approached the passenger door, Mac rolled down the window whilst chewing a sprig of wheat.

“Get in.”

Spike gingerly took his place next to Mac, nervously twiddling his thumbs. In Equestria, Mac had been almost like a big brother to him, always giving him advice and offering assistance to him whenever he needed it most. But…it wasn’t always that way. Back when he had originally volunteered to help out at Sweet Apple Acres, he was actually rather intimidated by the lumbering red stallion.

Now was no different. Mac, the human, was just as intimidating. Although he was seated, the man still gave off the impression of burliness. Even through his flannel shirt, Spike could clearly the man’s rippling muscles. His emerald eyes still gave off a sense of serenity, but were backed by that same stern intensity they always seemed to exude. The man must have sensed how nervous Spike was, so he softened his expression by raising an eyebrow.

“Don’t worry, ah don’t bite. Unless…ya do somethin’ stupid, then all bets are off.”

Spike’s voice cracked. “S-sorry I…uhh…I’m just a bit nervous.”

“Eeyup. No kiddin’. Ah take it you’re here ta fill in for mah sister?”

“Yeah, but how do you know that? She didn’t say anything to you, did she?”

“Nope. She’s been distracted for a while now. It’s probably ‘cause she’s got a man on her mind. Ah figure it’s best just ta let Miss Rarity and her iron it out.”

“Huh, well that’s pretty much it. Man, you must be psychic!”

“Nah. It’s only because I’ve known AJ since she was in diapers. That and…well ah might not have reacted in the most civil manner the last time she was interested in datin’.”

“What happened?”

Mac sighed. “Ah acted like a stubborn jackass, that’s what. She liked some fella in town and the first day she brought ‘im over…ah intimidated the poor guy. Ah might o’ mentioned that if he broke mah sister’s hymen, I’d break his legs.”

“Wow that’s…pretty harsh.”

“Eeyup. Ever since that time she hasn’t really dated at all. Ah feel like it’s mah fault and ah just want her to try again without feelin’ like she has to get mah approval. AJ’s a woman now and she’s allowed ta make her own choices.”

“I guess everyone’s entitled to their own choices, even if you don’t agree with them.”

“Mah thoughts exactly. Not ta change the subject too abruptly, but ah couldn’t help but notice that ya got some muscles on ya. Did ya ever do farm work before?”

“I did for a while, mostly because I needed money. But as time went on, I enjoyed doing it because I was helping my friends. In fact, I’d even go so far as to say that they practically became a second family to me.”

Mac offered his hand. “Anyone willin’ ta help mah sister is a friend o’ mine. Name’s Big Macintosh, most just call me Mac.”

Spike shook it. “I’m Spike. Hey...umm I know we got a bit off topic, but what exactly am I going to be doing?”

“Well Mr. Spike, you’re gonna be helpin’ our newest worker chop some firewood.”

“Firewood? But there’s only apple trees around here…”

“Eeyup. Every so often we prune the healthy trees and chop down any unhealthy ones. We either use the firewood for makin’ cider or we sell it in town. Ah would’ve figured you’d know about that, considerin’ ya worked on a farm before.”

“Oh well…I mostly helped out with the harvesting part.”

“It ain’t a big deal. All ya gotta do is chop up timber.”

“This worker of yours, is he going to be helping me?”

Mac chuckled. “Nope. She’ll be helpin’ you.”

“SHE?! I’m sorry but this kind of work doesn’t seem fit for a mar—woman. Well…expect for your sister but she’s been doing this kind of work her whole life.”

“This particular woman is an exception, Mr. Spike. You could say that she’s workin’ for us as a kind o’ community service, on account of her past deeds. Don’t get me wrong. She’s a hard worker and we provide for her needs just fine, but service is still service.”

Mac parked the truck near a small clearing in the orchard, motioning Spike to follow him. The elder farmhand led him to a small shack that had the remains of an ancient stump sitting next to it. As they drew closer, Spike nostrils were filled with the scents of freshly cut lumber and a slight hint of smoke. Mac stopped in front of the shack and knocked on its door a few times.

A few moments later a young woman opened the door with a slight look of surprise on her face, not expecting Mac to bring a visitor. She was about average height with orange tinted skin that was dark enough to be considered a shade of bronze, suggesting that she had acquired a healthy tan. Her two-toned ruby and gold hair was tied back with a dark blue handkerchief, both to absorb sweat and keep her hair out of the way while she worked.

Like Mac, she too wore a plaid shirt; the only difference was that the sleeves were torn off. As was popular with the rest of the Apple clan, she also chose to wear a pair of jean shorts, although they were far less tattered than AJ’s. The woman rapped her gloved fingers along the side of the door as if to ask: “Yes, what do you want?”

Mac gestured towards the woman. “Spike, I’d like to you meet your new workmate, Sunset Shimmer.”