Chapters There was an awkward silence in the air as the wind pushed against the swaying tree limbs. Rainbow Dash was taking a nap (As usual). Rarity was taking notes for an order she was going to have to fill at a later point in time. Pinkie Pie was inhaling cake that she had brought for the picnic. Twilight was sitting down reading the newest addition of Daring Do (Daring Do And The Emerald Quest). Apple Jack was sitting down herself to some of her famous apple pie. Fluttershy noticing the need for some kind of conversation, attempted to start some small talk.
"So um.... how is everypony's day"
"Its going great fluttershy. How is it going with you" Said Twilight just coming back to reality.
This soon brought Rarity to lookup from her notes and set them aside.
"Oh forgive me darlings , I must be acting so rude" Said rarity with a goofy grin spread across her face.
"That's ok. so how is business with the shop" answered fluttershy happy that she managed to start a conversation.
"Its going simply marvelous darling, and how are your animal friends doing" She said taking a bite out of her apple.
"Oh just great, the birds should have their musical part down by next time the princess decides to visit" She clarified with pride
"Oh that's lovely, I actually........." She tried to speak before being interrupted by a rustling sound coming from the bush.
This sound soon woke Rainbow Dash from her deep sleep, turned Pinkie Pies attention away from her cakes, and made Apple Jack come out of her day dreaming. The sound soon came to everypony's attention causing them to shoot worried glances at one another.
They were near the Everfree Forest where most wild beast called home, and after going into it as much as they have, they have learned to use caution around that area.
were about to investigate, when the figure stepped out in to the clearing, showing its purple scales and green spines that crawled down his spine. Everypony present exhaled with relief at the realization that it was spike.
"Spike, you shouldn't scare a lady like that." She said sternly
Spike felt guilty for scaring Rarity but remembered why he had come and returned to his annoyed gesture and looked at Twilight who noticed this and got curious about her number one assistant's expression.
"What?" she asked hoping to get an explanation for his attitude
"Oh nothing, just wondering why you didn't feel the need to tell your assistant that the princess would be here today.
"WHAT!?!?!?!" she said spitting out the lemonade she was drinking all over spike.
"How could she not tell me she was coming to Ponyville." She said with a bit of hurt in her voice
All the others looked at each other with equally shocked expressions. Seeing there friend going into extreme over reacting mode was a bad sign, that she was about to go overboard with theory's on what the reason for the princesses arrival may be. Spike noticing this quickly responded with his best explanation he had.
"Will.....I don't know for sure. All I know is that they landed in town square fifteen minutes ago, and then the started to walk towards........um....." The thought had escaped his mind.
"Well what!!? " said Twilight wit a bit of concern in her voice
"They were heading towards ...um" The thought then came back to him."Sweet Apple Acres" He said worriedly
"WHAT?!?!?!?!?" All six mares said in unison.
"What could be so important about mah farm that both princesses came without Celistia telling her prized student?" Questioned Apple Jack Getting concerned.
"I don't know" Said Twilight, "But what I do know is that we need to go figure out right now" She said with a determined look on her face.
Without anymore questions, all six mares (and one dragon) made their way to Sweet Apple Acres, in a quick manner after picking up the remains of what was left of their picnic.
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Ten minutes later they came to the walk-way leading into the Sweet Apple Acres residents. They saw three little fillies with blank flanks who they quickly identified as Apple Bloom , Sweetie Belle ,and Scootaloo. They all had a bored expression on there faces. They quickly noticed the seven figures walking up to the house.
"Heya sis" Apple Bloom said relieved that she could finally start a conversation with somepony.
"Hey" said Apple Jack with a bit of relief seeing no royal princesses in sight "So what are you guys doing?"
"Oh nothing much , just waiting for the princesses and Big Macintosh to finish their talk" Said Apple Bloom with a casual expression
Apple jacks expression again turned into one of concern. A thousand thought were going through her mind at a million miles a minute. Rarity who was about to speak up was suddenly distracted by the opening of the cold farm door. All they mares immediately recognized as the moon goddess Luna.
"Princess" Twilight immediately asked
"Oh, hello how are you doing today my little pony's'" she said wearing a cheerful smile
"Why didn't I get informed that you were coming" said twilight wit a bit of hurt in her voice
"And why of y'all places did you come here of all places" butted in Apple Jack
Luna just smiled "It all will be explained in good time my friends. but if for right now you'll excuse me" She said before walking twenty feet, and teleported with out warning.
They all gave each other confused glances, but before any of them could comment any of them could talk, the door opened yet again. But this time the sun goddess Celistia appeared accompanied by Big Macintosh. Before she notice the others she turned to Big Macintosh.
"Macintosh, I want you to consider this offer" she said in a serious tone.
"There are thousands of stallions who would kill to be offered what I have offered you. I want you to take a week and then get back to me" She said smiling at him and then much like her sister teleported with out warning.
Apple Jack ran to her brother and gave him a hug. "Is everything ok" she asked seriously concerned
He looked down at her and smiled "Eeyup" he said softly
"What is it?" she then made a sad expression "Is it about the farm?"her voice shaking
"Nope" he said plainly
"Oh then what" she asked confused
He hesitated to say it but he had to say it eventually.
"They want me to join the guard"
THUMP
Big Macintosh's hooves struck the trunk of the tree with full power, followed by a dozen or so apples falling and hitting the damp ground .He then proceeded to bend down and pick up the apples with his mouth and then put them into the basket.Today he was going to take the day off from work, and use that free time to repair the roof of the barn.But Apple Jack went off to have a picnic with her friends, so he was doing her chores so they wouldn't fall behind on work.He didn't mind doing the work.He wanted his sister to enjoy her young life while she still had it.
He loaded the last bucket of apples onto the old cart,then got hooked up and started his slow walk to the farm house.
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( Fifteen minutes later)
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Big Macintosh had just pulled up to the cellar door located at the back of the house. He unhooked himself from the wagon and proceeded to the back of the cart. He pulled the tail gate down and loaded the first bucket of apples onto his back. He suddenly froze when a odd smell reached his nose. He thought for a moment he smelled a perfume , but his sisters didn't wear perfume and neither did Granny Smith so he quickly dismissed the thought, and continued toward the cellar.He opened the door and made his way down the old stair case to the dimly lit cellar.
He carried the apples to the back of the cellar and placed them on a shelf , where they will stay until the apple family needed them. Big Macintosh then returned up the stair case to get more apples . When he opened the cellar door he was immediately blinded by the sun beating down on him, but despite the sun he had a job to do so he continued to the back of the cart.
"Hello there" an unknown voice said from behind him.
"What the....." He said turning around revealing a white alicorn with a sun for a cutie mark standing before him.
At that moment he noticed how rude he addressed her and regretted it, so he immediately bowed down to show the proper respect she deserved.
"H-Hello y-your highness, may I be of your assistance today" He barely managed to stutter out.
The sun princess saw how shaky and and confused he was, so smiled to try and brighten the atmosphere. She new exactly why she was here but didn't want to be to straight forward with her proposition. She decided to take this conversation to a more comfortable environment for him.
"Mr. Apple would you mind having a chat inside with my sister and I" She said hopping that he would loosen up a bit.
"Um sure, ah guess that shouldn't be a problem" He said still a bit of confusion in his voice
Big Macintosh and princess Celestia then proceeded up the path leading to the farm house.Big Macintosh had his head lowered assuming that the sun and moon goddess's were there do to financial reasons. Princess Celestia noticed this and felt bad for making him feel uncomfortable at his own home, but knew that the situation but be explained inside.
As soon as they reached the porch they were greeted by a blue alicorn with a moon for a cutie mark.she saw Big Macintosh's slumped posture and looked at her sister and traded worried looks.
When they entered the house they noticed the were in the standing in the living room.to the left was a stair case leading up-stairs, and to the left was the entrance to the kitchen, but the most amazing feature of the house was a strong smell of apples.
"You guys can take a seat on the couch,ah will go fetch us some tea from the kitchen" He said before exiting the room.
The princess's proceeded to take a seat on the couch.Luna inspected the room to see a lot of pictures hanging off the wall, the one that caught her eye the most was one of Big Macintosh, and Apple Jack as foals with their parents behind them.She noticed how happy the seem in the picture causing her to smile a bit.Her gazing was interrupted by her sister.
"Luna how should we ask him?" Her sister asked from beside her.
"I'm not sure,but things will turn out for the best" She said giving her sister a reassuring smile.
Big Macintosh then strolled in to the living room holding a tray of tea. He then set the tray on the coffee table in front of the couch,and sat in a chair across from them.As soon as he was settled and every pony had made themselves a cup of tea Princess celesta thought that it was the perfect time to start a conversation.
"So Macintosh you are probably curious why me and my sister have gathered you here today" she said before taking a sip of her tea.
"Oh-um yes actually I ah am just a bit curious" He said a little worried
"Well right now I can assure you that it has nothing to do with your finances or farm" she said hopping that would help him be a little less nervous
"Thank goodness" He sigh with relief
"So what is it about then if I may ask "He said noticeably less worried
"Well Me and my sister have a proposition for you, and you may decline or accept, we are not trying to pressure you into anything".
She looked at her sister hopping for some back up. fortunately Luna noticed and came to her sister's rescue, hopping she could explain things a little better.
"Well Macintosh we both have a spot open on each of our guards, and we want to know if you want to fill one of the spots?" she asked not knowing what the response would be.
"You will have a choice to join my solar guard or my sister's lunar guard" Celestia quickly added in.
"O well I didn't expect you to ask that".He said with a shocked look on his face.
"Here is some information you will need to know if you accept"
she levitated a scroll to him. He opened it and saw what physical requirements were needed,but what caught his attention was how much he would be paid.
"Wow that's a bunch of zeros" He said in amazement
The princess of the sun smiled at this,but she knew the worst part was yet to come yet though
"However" Luna said "This position will require you to move to canterlot, but the good news is you will get a room in the castle".She said convincingly
"Well this is something I will have to talk over with my family. I hope that's okay with you" He said
"Of course we understand" said Luna standing up and walking to the door
"sister I am going to head back to the castle I will see you there later" she said shooting her sister a smile
She then left the house onto the front porch leaving Big Macintosh and celestia alone.she then stood up and slowly walked toward the door Macintosh walking beside her.He then opened the door and let her walk out first and then followed behind.
"Macintosh I want you to consider this offer. There are thousands of stallions who would kill to be in your position" she said not noticing the mane six standing behind her.
"Take a week to think this over then get back to me" She said before teleporting back to the castle before anything else could be said.
"Macintosh?" A worried Apple Jack called from the walkway
"What did they want they didn't come to talk about the farm's financial situation did they?"she asked almost choking halfway through her sentence.
"No" he said giving her a reassuring smile
"O than what for than?" she asked curiously
"They want me to join the guard" He said sternly
"WHAT?!?!" she and her friends said in unison.
"Come inside and I'll explain everything" he said as everypony followed him into the house
He had alot of thinking to do.
The sun seeped into the bedroom and into Big Macintosh's eyes. He tried escaping the sun by turning over, but the sun's rays had already woken him up. He reluctantly got out of bed and made his way over to the cracked mirror mounted on his dresser. The figure looking back at him was sleep deprived and had bags under his eye's.The previous night he hadn't slept at all, that conversation with the princess's had been replaying in his head over and over again.
Him and his sisters hadn't talked much on the matter, they thought it would be best to sleep on it for the night and discuss it in the morning. A conversation he had dreaded all night, but knew it would eventually come. He himself didn't know if he wanted to accept or decline the offer from the princess. On one hoof he would be on a very different path that he never expected to be on, and wouldn't know where it would lead,and on the other hoof he would be away from his family and couldn't help his sister out on the farm. He was at a stand still with himself.
A knocking on his door woke him from his thoughts, he realized he had been standing there for a while.He slowly moved to the door and as he opened the door the hinges gave a high pitched squeak. When he opened the door he saw a yellow filly with a bow tied in her mane. He smiled gently at her trying to hide the fact he had alot on his mind.
"Heya big brother" Applebloom said with a hint of cheer in her voice.
"Hello ,what can ah do ya for sis" He asked while maintaining his calm attitude
"Ah just came to tell ya that Granny smith is nearly done fixin up breakfast"
"Well alright you go down stairs and ah will join you guys in a minute"
"Well alright see ya in a minute then" she said before casually walking away where she eventually disappeared going down the stair case.
He backed away into his room and sat on his bed, he tried to mentally prepare himself for the bombardment of questions he would be asked by Apple Jack and the other members of his family.He sat there for a good five minutes before sucking it up, he walked into the hallway and proceeded to the stair case,as he descended down the stair case he could smell apples and giggling coming from six mares. When he entered the kitchen he not only saw his sisters, he also saw his sisters friends giggling while eating their breakfast. Rainbow Dash noticed him enter the room and quickly got the others attention, they all went dead silent and focused all their undivided attention on him.
He walked to the table and took an empty seat across from Apple Jack and begun pouring himself a bowl of apple soup.The uncomfortable silence lingered on until Apple Jack had enough of it and decided to start talking to him about yesterday.
"So have you aren't actually going to take the offer are you?" she said getting right down to the point
"Ah have thought about to be quite honest" He said not making eye contact with his sister and her friends
"What do you mean your thinkin about it,you cant accept it,how are we going to tend to the farm if your not here" now she was getting annoyed.
"Ah didn't say ah was gonna take it, ah just said ah was thinkin about" he calmly stated before taking a bite out of his eggs.
"Well ah sure hope ya'll don't we would be pretty lost with out ya" said Apple Jack starring down at her own food.
"Ya everypony would find it weird if you were not around any more" Rainbow Dash said trying to back up Apple Jacks statment.
"Guy's, ah appreciate that you want me to stick around but this is a decision that ah have to make alone". He said softly before getting up and moving to the sink to clean his plate.
"Sorry to cut our conversation short but ah have work to be attendin to"He then walked to the door and opened it where he proceed down the front path.
Today he had to plow the south field ,and that usually helped to take his mind off things. As he continued to the barn where the plow was stored, his mind had already begun to wonder onto his dissension he had to make in one week.He wanted to get out and explore the world one day , but at the same time he didn't want to abandon his family. With that another question popped up in his head.
"Why do the princess's want me to join their guard out of all the other ponies who qualified?" He silently questioned to himself
This question kept popping up as he continued to plow the field.He couldn't understand why he was invited but not any other stallions who may have qualified.What would his family think if he decided to go? Would they be happy? Would they be angry? Or would they be able to make ends meet without him.All these questions bombarded him while he worked the field, and refused to leave his mind.
He paused and realized he was already half way done with that field he was working, he was so caught up in his thoughts that he didn't pay any attention to the fact that it was noon and the sun was centered in the sky. He then decided to take a break to go and get some lunch from the house.So he unhitched himself from the plow and slowly paced on the path towards the farm house. As he walked into the house he noticed the absence of six mares and three little filly's. The only one who was there was an elderly mare who was in the kitchen cooking a apple pie in the oven. The scent of the apple pie lead him into the kitchen and to the kitchen table.
"Hello sonny, hows that field comin along" She said while taking the apple pie out of the oven and carefully set it on the table where they would eat.
"Hello Granny, where's everypony at?" He responded still eyeballing the apple pie
"The all went into town" She said while pouring some tea for them
"What do they need in town"
"Nothing, Ah asked them to get out of the house for a little while" she said while setting the drink in front of him, and then taking a seat at the table with him.
"Why would you do that?" Macintosh asked with curiosity in his voice as he looked up from his pie
"I wanted to talk with you one on one" She stated with a stern and serious face.
Macintosh immediately knew what it was she wanted to talk about with him, and cringed up knowing she would have alot of questions that he wouldn't have all the answers to give her.
"y-yeah?" he said not knowing what was to come of this conversation.
"So, ah understand you have a decision to make, and it is a big one to"
"Eeyup" Big Macintosh said looking down into his glass of tea
"Do you know what your goin to do yet"
"Eenope"
"Why" Granny Smith was now obviously pushing the subject now
"I don't know Granny, one one hoof if ah leave ah will have many opportunity's and on the other hoof I don't want to abandon ma family like that" He glumly said still looking down.
"Now look here sonny, do you really want to stay on this here farm your whole life" She said in a very serious tone looking straight into his eyes.
"Ah don't know, I'm not good at anything outside the farm Granny"
"Don't sell yourself short like that, have you seen your strength compared to others"
"Ah guess , but how are you guys gonna make ends meet without me to help with apple buck season"
"Well Apple Jack can pull her weight and Applebloom will be able to buck the trees soon. So together they will be fine" She said trying to give him a reassuring pat on the back.
"Ah just don't know Granny, what if something goes wrong and am not here to help".
"Now look, your young and your not going to stay young forever. Your at the age where you need to go out into the world and see what you can make of yourself" She said with enthusiasm
"Okay ah have to get back to work Granny but Ah will consider what you have said" He said before walking to the door and leaving to continue his work.
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Later that night
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Big Macintosh was sitting in his room looking out his window trying to make up his mind on what he wanted to do with his future when a knock was made on his door.
"Big Mac? It's me Applebloom, can ah come in and talk to you for a minute?
"Eeyup" He responded as he turned towards the door.
The door opened and the yellow filly with a bow in her hair came in and sat on his bed, and Big Macintosh then went and sat beside her
"So what do ya need sis" A bit of concern in his eye's
"Well it's about you becomin a guard and what no."
"Oh" His ears flattened and he looked down at his hooves "So you heard about that?"
"Well ya,It's just are you gonna do it"
"I don't know sis, What do you think about that?"
"I think ya'll should do it"she said with a smile
Big Macintosh was shocked at his sisters response. He knew Apple Jack wasn't fond of the idea but he didn't expect Applebloom to think that it was a good idea. He wondered why she thought this.
"Why?" was all Big Macintosh was able to say
"Well ah can read you better then ya'll can read yourself, and ah can tell when ya'll work in the fields that you dont want to stay here on this here farm the rest of your life. So you should consider getting out into the world"
"Do you really think so" He said looking at his sister
"Yes ah do, Ah want ya'll to be happy and you should do what makes you happy"she said and smiled
A knock on the door caught their attention and they both got up and went to open it. When they opened the door they saw Apple Jack standing there waiting patiently.
"Hey Applebloom can ah have a moment with our brother, please?"
"Sure thing sis" She said and then walked down the hall.
"Heya big bro can ah come in"
"I don't see why not " he said before letting her into the room and then sat her on the bed like he did with Applebloom.
"so...." she said nervously
"Ah just wanted to apologize for bein on your case earlier today about your decision."
"That's okay sis you were just lookin out for me, and don't want o see me go."
"Yeah ah guess your right, you should do what you want to do." She said
"So what do you think ah should do then sis?"
"What do ya want to do?"
"Ya'll should do it" she said
"Ya think so he said"
"Ah know so" she said confidently to her older brother." Oh yeah ah almost forgot, we have twilght and spike over for dinner. Want to join
"Sure sis."
With that they went down stairs and joined their company. the dinner they had was a homemade apple soup and apple pie. everypony had a great time, but eventually it ended. Twilight and spike were about to leave but Big Mac but he had one more thing to do.
"Spike could ya take a letter for the princess for me?"
Spike then got out a quill and a piece paper out ready to write.
"Okay ready" spike said
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Dear Princess Celestia
I have thought about your offer and after much
thinking I have decided to accept this offer.
Send me any additional information I will need to
know.
Thanks
Big Macintosh
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And with that they sent the letter
Macintosh had made his decision.
Big Macintosh's going away party was in full swing now. It was being hosted at sugarcube corner curtsy of the cakes and Pinkiepie. The news of Big Macintosh leaving spread like wild fire and half the town showed up at the party. The smell of pastries and other baked goods assaulted the air as the cakes continued to bake for the party guests. Every pony was there, every pony except for Big Macintosh that is. He was walking into town with his siblings at his side, both looked like they were ready to have a great time, but he however looked like he was walking to his death.
"What's wrong big brother?" Applebloom asked looking as her brother slumped as he walked.
"Oh nothin much sis, it's just that it's goin ta be hard sayin goodbye to all of my friends."
"Well it's not goodbye forever." said Applejack butting in.
"Ah suppose." he said dully
"Just try to have a good time Big Mac." she said giving him a pat on the back.
"Ah will sis." He said lifting his head up a bit
They soon arrived at sugarcube corner and quickly split up. Applebloom left and joined her fellow crusaders at a table in the back of the room, Applejack went to go join her friends on the dance floor, leaving Big Macintosh alone. He then went to find his own friends, and found Dr. Whooves, and Carmel standing over by the snack table chatting among themselves.
"Hey guy's hows it goin?" Big Macintosh asked walking over to them and getting himself some punch and a cupcake.
"Oh hey Big Red how are ya doin?" Carmel said in a sarcastic tone.
"Oh hello Macintosh, how are you doing today?" Dr. Whooves asked in a much more serious tone.
"Goin pretty good ah suppose, just enjoying my last day here." He said calmly
"Yeah I know, its gonna be weird with you gone and all." said Carmel looking up from his glass to look at his friend.
"I do agree, I never expected you to be joining the guard. what guard force will you join?" He asked curiously
"Well the princess's said that I'll have to choose which one ah join, but ah don't have a clue which one to join"
"Well since your used to daily hours and are not a bat pony it would make since for you to join the solar guard."
"Ah guess you have a point there" He said taking a drink of his punch.
"But for now let's go mingle with others" He said gesturing to the growing crowd of ponies.
"Sure why not" He chuckled before making his way slowly in that direction with his friends in tow.
For the rest of the party every pony had a great time socializing and saying goodbye to Big Macintosh,but before they knew it the party was over. Big Macintosh soon parted ways with his friends and walked home with his siblings to start packing.
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Meanwhile in Canterlot castle, Prince Blueblood was in his study. It was a large room that smelt strongly of expensive leather. He was in the middle of doing some paperwork when a knock on the door interrupted his thinking process. He looked up at the door with an annoyed expression.
"You may enter!" He scolded
This was followed by the door opening and stallion wearing solar guard armor entered the room. He was a Pegasus who had a short cut black mane. He had a dark brown body, and his eye's were a dark green. He had a war hammer for a cutie mark. He took a respective bow towards the prince.
"My lord I regret to inform you that their will indeed be a new guard coming in, in the next few days." He said wincing as if expecting the prince to hit him.
"That is okay Shadow hoof, unfortunate, but it isn't a big deal." He said not taking his eye's of his paperwork.
"My lord that's not the bad part" He said sternly
Princess Blueblood looked up from his paperwork and looked at shadow hoof who was standing there nervously looking down at the marble floor.
"What do you mean that's not the bad part" He now had a confused and aggravated look on his face.
"Well you see my lord um...um the stallion they choose for the job isn't important or noble pony by any means" He was still looking at the floor.
"You better elaborate, what do you mean?" He was now obviously annoyed.
"Well you see um the pony they choose was one of Macintosh Apple, he is a farmer from ponyville." He said with a stutter.
"WHAT?!?!" My aunts went so low as to recruit a FARMER!!" His face was now red with anger and shadow hoof was flinching expecting to be hit.
"Listen! I want you to make this farmers life as miserable as possible, and until then I will think of a plan on how to get rid of him. Do you understand me!?!"
"Y-Yes sir" Shadow Hoof said shaking down to his very core.
"Now, get the hell out of my study" He said now with a lower voice.
"Of course sir" Shadow hoof said before slowly walking towards the door.
As soon as he left the room Prince Blueblood started thinking of ways and solutions for the situation. He then had an idea he walked over to a glass case outlined in gold. It held a book written by star swirl the bearded. (FORBIDDEN SPELLS OF MAGIC) It appeared to be several hundred years old but was in surprisingly good shape he carefully lifted the glass cover off of the stand on which it was sitting. He then levitated the old book out of it. After putting the cover back on the stand he walked over to his desk and sat down, not making a sound. The only noise that could be heard was a crackling coming from the fire place. He opened the book and and looked at spells, seeing a spell he liked he started to smile.
A big grin could be seen growing on his face. Then he started chuckling.
"That stupid farmer wont know what hit him" He chuckled.
Today was the day that Big Macintosh had feared for the past week. It was the day he departed for canterlot. He was standing at the train station with his suitcase sitting beside him. Granny Smith, The Crusaders, Spike, and the mane six had come to see him off. The train station was dead silent, the only sound that could be heard was the clock tower in the distance.This was going to be the first time Big Macintosh had left ponyville in his entire life.
The lingering silence was interrupted when a pony walked on to the platform. He was a green stallion with a yellow mane. He had a bulky build just like Big Macintosh and was wearing a conductors hat and jacket. He reached his hoof inside his jacket and pulled out a pocket watch flipped it open and looked at it before closing it again.
"THE TRAIN FOR CANTERLOT WILL ARRIVE IN TEN MINUTES" He yelled at the top of his lungs.
Big Macintosh started to give his goodbyes. He first looked to his siblings, Apple bloom was teary eyed and looking at the ground. Her fellow crusaders next to her each trying to comfort her. Applejack was standing behind her sister with her own friends beside her, She was obviously holding back tears but was trying to stay strong for her younger sister. Big Macintosh was thankful that since he wasn't going to be here , at least they would have their friends to turn to. And last but not least was Granny Smith. she was sitting on an old bench that looked a hundred years old humming a tune to herself.
From the horizon puffs of smoke could be seen as the train neared. it was time to say his goodbye's to his friends and family. He looked at his older sibling first and saw her trying to fight back her tears, to be strong for Apple bloom. He walked over to her and put a hoof on her shoulder.
"Ah guess this is goodbye for now." He said glumly
all of a sudden applejack rushed forward and buried her face in his chest, letting all the tears flow free. She then looked up at him with her tear stained face.
"Ah sure am gonna miss you." she said trying to regain control of her tears.
"Ah'm gonna miss you to A.J." He was now struggling to try and control his own emotions.
After a very long embrace with his sister he then looked to his grandmother who was trying to reassure him with a smile. He didn't know when the next time he would see his family would be, but he was going to make every second right now count.
"Ah sure will miss having you around the house" she said her calm smile never leaving her face.
"Don't worry none granny ah'll visit every chance ah get, ah promise".
"Ah know you will sonny" she said giving him one last hug.
The puffs of smoke got closer and closer until the train came screeching in. As the old medal machine came to a stop the conductor checked his pocket watch once again. After giving a satisfied nod he got everyponys attention.
"THE TRAIN FOR CANTERLOT DEPARTS IN FIVE MINUTES"
Big Macintosh then went to his younger sister who was now in tears, It pained Big Macintosh to see his sister crying, but she would soon get over it.
"Ah s-sure will miss you big bro " she said still sobbing.
"Ah am gonna miss ya to" He said giving her a hug.
"Do ya promise to write every chance ya get?"
"Ah promise as long as you take care of Granny and Applejack for me" He said ending the hug.
He turned around to face the train that was now at the station. It had eight passenger carts hooked up to the coach engine. It was also painted a brownish tan. He started to slowly walk towards the train to board. Each step was more agonizing then the last but he eventually made it to the door where he looked back. He smiled at his family members and their friends.
"Well wish me luck guys" He said loud enough for them to hear.
"Don't worry you'll do great!" shouted Twilight who had up until now remained silent.
"Thanks"
"Oh my brother is going to meet you at the train station, so that way you wont get lost in canterlot"
"Ah sure do appreciate it" He then proceeded to get on the train.
Big Macintosh walked up to the door of the cart. This was the hardest step he was going to have to take all day. If he stepped over there was no turning back around, but if he stayed he would be on a farm his whole life.
Without thinking about it he took a step forward onto the train. He had decided his future. This was his new life now he was now a pony who lived in canterlot. It was a startling realization and he didn't know how to feel about it.
He walked into the cart which was completely empty. It had five rows each made to seat four ponies. The seats were all made of expensive looking leather. He had decided to take the seat closest to the front. He looked out the window to see the scenery zooming by the window. The train had apparently already started it journey to canterlot. Big Macintosh keep his eyes on ponyville as the train got further and further away.
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Prince Blueblood awoke to rays of sun assaulting his eye's. He sat up in his bed as the memory's of last night came storming back into his mind. He was angry at his aunt for recruiting a pony who is nothing less then a commoner in his eye's. He had scheduled an appointment with his aunt to talk about this matter. A knocking on his wooden door interrupted his thoughts. He rolled out of bed and opened the door. When he opened the door Shadow Hoof was revealed.
"I am truly sorry for disturbing you at this early hour my lord, but I am here to tell you your aunt is ready for your discussion." He said bowing down.
"Very well I shall be joining her momentarily."
"Yes my lord." He said before walking away down the hall.
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Half an hour later he was standing at his aunts study door. He knocked on the door, and a few moments later the door opened revealing none other then princess Celestia.
"hello nephew, please come in" She said gesturing for him to come in.
They both walked in to the surprisingly clean study where she sat at the desk. Prince Blueblood sat across from her and begun pouring tea for the both of them. He was trying to find the best approach for subject.
"So the reason I asked you here is about your new choice of guard." He said getting right to the point.
"What about him?" she said quizzically
"Well for starters, why did you choose him when he is not a pony of importance"
"Blueblood the royal guard are responsible for protecting me and my sister. So that being said we may choose who we wish."
"But..." He begun before being cut off be his aunt.
"There are no buts here." She said sternly.
"Very well then I shall excuse myself." He said before storming out and slamming the door.
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Later that day he was in his study talking to Shadow hoof. Shadow Hoof remained silent as Prince Blueblood continued to ramble on about his aunts poor choice of guard. Finally Prince Blueblood had talked most of his anger out at shadow hoof.
He went to sit behind his wooden polished desk and thought of a plan. Several minutes passed as Shadow Hoof stood there patiently. Finally blueblood stood up with a wide grin on his face.
"Shadow Hoof, I think My aunt has ruled long enough what do you think" He said still smirking.
"U-uum I don't know I guess." He said nervously
"Well I have a plan. Can I trust you?" He said obviously trying to get under his skin.
"Yes Sir" He said puffing his chest out.
"Great well do you want to know what it is before you leave"
Shadow hoof was walking to the door , but then stopped at his words. He turned around to face him.
"What is your plan sir" He asked a hint of annoyance in his voice.
"I am going to hire an assassin to kill my aunt"
Canterlot came into view as the train traveled over the hill. The sun was just rising above the horizon. The trip was an over night ride in which Big Macintosh found sleep exceptionally hard. He reluctantly opened his eye's and saw he was still in his seat. He wiped the saliva off of his chin with a fore leg before standing up and stretching his stiff muscles. After he stretched he walked over to the window.
The site of the capitol city was breathe taking. He had seen pictures , but none could compare to the real thing. The town had mostly white and grey buildings and houses. The canterlot castle is what stuck out the most in the city. With at least six towers and several more balcony's on each of them.
The speakers in the train cart came to life as a voice filled the room.
"Attention all passengers we should be arriving at the station in five minutes."
On that note Big Macintosh gathered his luggage and prepared for the train to arrive in Canterlot. At this point he was sweating bullets, afraid of screwing up in front of everypony.He didn't want to let his family down. That thought alone was enough to keep him going.
The gravity on the train suddenly increased as the train came to a screeching halt. The automatic doors slowly swung open revealing Canterlot.
He exited the train and stepped on to the solid marble platform. The air was cold and thick, which he assumed was because of the altitude of the city. The next thing that caught his eye was the snow on the rooftops of the buildings which complemented the smoke rising from the chimneys.
The streets were littered with pony's, There was carriages being pulled, and Pegasus flying low to the ground.
The pony's from the train flooded the platform of the train station. Some were greeted by family others by friends. He however was looking for the older brother of Twilight Sparkle and also captain of the guard.
He walked in circles for a few moments looking for him with no luck. Just as he was about to give up he felt a poke on his side.
He turned to see a white unicorn, he had a mane that consisted of two different shades of blue. And on his side he had a purple shield with a pink star.
"Hello are you Macintosh Apple by any chance?"
"Eeyup, and you must be Captain Shining Armor?"
"Indeed I am so Shall we get going then?" He said gesturing his hoof in the direction of the castle.
They continued to walk through the streets of canterlot for about half an hour. Along the way he saw gardens decorated with statues, shops with wide windows to view their merchandise, and movie theaters towering several stories high. They all were truly astonishing sites to behold.
They soon came up to the gates leading into the castle grounds. The gates themselves stood at about thirty feet high and were painted gold. Behind the gate was a path leading to the grand doors that allowed entrance into the castle.
As soon as they got close to the gate they were stopped by the spears held by the guards.
"Halt" one of them said in a firm voice.
"State your name and business here" The other said.
"Captain Shining Armor. In other wards your boss, and this is a new recruit, open the gate."
The guards looked at each other and nodded. They then proceeded to open the gates to let them pass through. Once they got through the gates they walked up the path to the grand doors. The guards stationed there bowed respectfully and let them through.
It was truly amazing, the stone white columns stretching several stories high, and the shinny granite floor which covered the whole lobby. The paintings of important pony's lined the wall.
Big Macintosh had never been to canterlot castle before.... or any part of canterlot for that matter. However he has heard wonderful things about the architecture of the palace, even though the gala wasn't so good.
"Now....." Shining Armor begun.
"Your room is in tower one on floor eight, I'll show you. follow me." he said walking towards the crooked and twisted stair case. They walked up for five minutes until they reached floor eight.
Once they arrived on floor number eight Big Macintosh noticed that the hall way was small and had four large wooden door ways, and at the end was a grand window.
"Now there's a lot to explain but I will do my best. First thing to know is we are divided into squads of four. There's a Pegasus named sky spark, he's very cocky about his skill but in the end he's alright and gets the job done. And then there's Iron clutch who's an earth pony just like you, but don't let the name fool you he is a tender hearted soul who gets along great with every pony. And finally there's fizz flash who is a unicorn, but very weak in the field of magic. This hallway belongs to your squad."
The two stallions walked to the doorway on the far right. Shining Armor opened the door to let Big Mac in. Big Mac was impressed with the room. The room was very expansive, the walls were painted a pierce white color. The beds were up against the wall on the far right, and next to it was a night stand. On the far end of the room was a glass door leading onto a balcony that over-looked all of canterlot.
"I'll comeback in a few hours and help you. until then you can unpack everything" He said before closing the door and trotting towards the staircase.
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A few hours passed, and Big Macintosh was finished unpacking when a knock on the door broke the silence. When he opened it Shining Armor was there to greet him.
"Hello the princess would like a word with you in the thrown room, so if you would follow me." He said in a serious tone.
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The princess sat alone with only her personal escorts by her. When suddenly the doors opened, revealing Big Macintosh and Shining Armor. The princess turned to the two stallions standing in front of her who where bowing down.
"Please rise my little ponies" She said as the two pony's stood up.
"Everypony, I would like to speak with Macintosh alone."
Shining armor slowly trotted back to the large door and left without word. She then turned towards her escorts.
"Everypony" She said sternly
The two escorts looked at each other confused, but left with out questioning her. once they were gone princess Celestia stood up from her thrown and walked down to Big Macintosh.
"So are you finding everything to your liking Mr. apple?"
"Yes yer highness" He said respectfully
"Well that's good so have you been assigned to a squad yet?"
"Yes Ma'am "
"Well anyways I called you here to talk about...."
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A dark hooded figure was on the roof ready to burst in and do his job. He was hired as a hit pony to assassinate the princess by Prince Blueblood. Any minute now he would burst through the window on the right side of the thrown room and take a shot at her from the side.
Since his target was an immortal alicorn it required a special kind of spell, that requires dark magic. The spell is very complex so he would only have one shot.
He steadied his heart beat before lunging down in to the window. He broke the glass.
CRASH!!!
He saw the princess turn his way so he fired.
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"I will think about it princess but I don't see..." he was interrupted by a crash.
CRASH!!!!
Everything went in slow motion for Big Mac. A bolt of green magic was caught in the corner of his eye. To his horror he noticed it was heading right for the princess. With out thinking he lunged in front of the princess to take the bullet for her.
He felt a burning pain erupt in his chest, and when he looked down he noticed a crimson liquid falling to the ground. The last thing he noticed was the escorts running in shouting something, but he couldn't make out what they were saying do to the buzzing in his ears.
Big Macintosh fell to his knees as his vision blurred he saw the assassin taken down by the two escorts. The blood kept slowly leaking out of his chest. He could make out the princess calling his name through the buzzing.
"Y-your H-h-highness?" He was barely able to mutter.
But before he got a response he collapsed to the floor.
And then everything went black.
BEEP......BEEP........
Big Macintosh groaned as he woke up to the beeping.He sat still for several minutes keeping his eyes shut while trying to remember what had happened to him. The memories of the assassin trying to kill the princess and him getting shot came flooding back to him. The last thing he remembered was the assassin being taken down, and after that it all went black.
BEEP......BEEP........
Several more minutes went by as he tried to piece together his surroundings. The air was chilly and the strong smell of medicine was present. The beeping of some kind of machine was the only sound that could be heard. His chest rose and fell delivering a small sting each time. He slowly opened his eyes where he found himself staring directly at the white ceiling above. He was also in a bed with an I.V. Bag that had a clear tube of water running into his arm.
BEEP.......BEEP.......
He attempted to sit up right ,but the jolting pain in his chest served as a reminder that he had been injured. Although the pain was excruciating he managed to fight it long enough to prop himself up into a slightly more elevated position. He wondered how long he had been in the hospital, if the princess was okay ,and Many more questions arose.
BEEP.........BEEP........
Big Macintosh first turned the volume of the life support machine down so he didn't have to hear it anymore. He then surveyed the rest of the room. There was a couch to the right of his bed and a Large painting of the everfree forest hanging from the wall opposite of his bed. The last piece of furniture was the night stand beside his bed. there sat a lamp, flowers, and a button. The button had a slip of paper beside. With curiosity over powering him he picked it up and read.
'Big Macintosh, if you are reading this you must be awake. When ever you're ready hit the button and a doctor will be with you as soon as possible.'
Big Macintosh reached over ignoring the pain and tapped the button twice. He then recoiled back to his sitting position to avoid any more pain then was needed. The door to the room clicked as a unicorn holding a clip board walked in. He then walked the life support machine and flipped a few buttons and switches before returning his attention to Big Mac.
"So how are we doing Mr. Apple?" he asked looking at his clip board.
"Good ah guess, but my memory is a bit blurred, can ya tell me what happened after ah passed out?"
"We'll after you were hit by a magic bolt you were immediately brought to the emergency room.when we found you you were in critical condition"
Big Macintosh recalled how he had leaped in front of the princess to take the magic blast, but he never learned of the princess's fate. He had only hoped that she escaped unharmed. But the bolt of magic that it him was very powerful, how could he have survived it if it was intended for immortals, and yet he was only a mere mortal.
"is the princess alright?" Big Macintosh asked in a panicked voice.
The doctor didn't want to answer at first, fearing his response. but knew he would learn of what happened eventually.
"We'll Mr. Apple,although you took most of the spell some of the magic from the spell did bounce off of you and hit the princess's front left hoof. So yes she did get hurt but with only a minor injury."
That did little to calm Big Macintosh, knowing he failed to do his duty hit him like a ton of bricks. He was ashamed in himself for letting the princess get hurt. He scolded himself mentally and frowned.
This frown did not go unnoticed by the doctor as he was taking Big Macintosh's blood pressure. He tried to think of something to cheer Big Macintosh up.
"And if it means anything,you did save the princess's life. Even if she got hurt in the process.And besides if you hadn't been there it could have been much worse."
Big Macintosh could be seen visibly relaxing as the news had calmed him down a bit. He had many more questions but decided to get the important ones over with first. One question stained his mind more than others.
"Hey doc, how long was ah out?"
"Oh well , you were in a coma for two weeks after getting shot. I believe the only reason you survived was because of your strength and excellent health. Other then that there were no complications. I expect that you will be able to make a full recovery. The only mystery is how you survived dark magic..."
This was a mystery that Big Macintosh himself hadn't figured out. Although he knew he had great health he to did agree that the magic itself should have killed him.
but it didn't.
The door opened again as a white alicorn with a sun for a cutie mark entered. She had a bandage wrapped around her hoof. Although the princess didn't limp when she walked it brought a frown on Big Macintosh's face to see his ruler hurt because of his mistake. Big Macintosh was mentally beating himself up over this.
"Excuse me Dr. Mane can Macintosh and I have a moment, please?
"Of course, your highness. I will be outside if you need me for anything."
Dr. Mane bowed respectfully to the princess before trotting to the door. As soon as the thump of the door hitting the door frame could be heard Princess Celestia walked over to Mac's bed side and looked at Big Macintosh. He was avoiding eye contact with her and looking down in shame, a frown visible on his face.
"Is something the matter Macintosh?"
"A-ah guess ah just feel ashamed about how you got hurt when it is my job to make sure your protected."
"Macintosh, no pony could have foreseen an assassination attempt against me. You hadn't had any training and it was you first day in Canterlot. I will never be able to fully repay you for your heroic actions."
This was a very shocking statement to Big Macintosh. Not only did he not get yelled at, as expected but he was being called heroic by the princess herself.
"Princess if that magic's purpose was to kill immortals then why did ah not die?"
This question was hard for the princess to answer herself, she had no idea why he was not killed. The magic was indeed meant for alicorns and other immortals. But there was no logical answer for Big Macintosh's survival. The dark magic should have killed him instantly. This matter would require more research and studying.
"I do not have a answer for you at the moment Big Macintosh, but I will look up on it as much as I can. But for now I think you need your rest, until next time."
Princess Celestia stood up and slowly paced through the room to the door and walked through to go to her study to research the matter.
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(POV switch to Celestia)
For the next two days Celestia had spent a majority of her time in her study looking at books to find the cause of Big Macintosh's survival. So for she had found nothing, as she quickly became frustrated at the lack of answers.
She begun to poor herself some tea thinking it would calm her down a little bit.
"I don't get it! I have read everything from the wildlife health section all the way to mystic creature health section with little to no information!"
She finished pouring herself a cup of tea, and then added two sugar cubes to it. As she levitated the cup towards her she got to thinking.
Where have I heard of this. I know it was in a book, but I just cant remember the name of it for the life of me. I think it had something to to with the seasons and....
CRACK
Princess Celestia dropped her cup with her jaw dropped not even bothering to look down at the broken cup.
"Could it be.....no, it cant be......its impossible!"
She stood up and trotted to her private library to find the prophecy's and legends section.
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fifteen minutes later she returned to her study and went to sit back down at her desk. The broken cup had been picked up by one of the servants, and a new cup of tea in its place. She set the book down on the table revealing the title.
The Prophecy Of The Four Seasons
She took a deep breathe before she opened the cover. She then began to read the first chapter.After a while a certain section caught her attention she had found what she was looking for. She had confirmed her theory and as shocking as it was she didn't know what her next course of action would be.
She was interrupted by the opening of her study door. She looked up to see a blue alicorn with a moon for a cutiemark. They hadn't spoke in a few days due to Celestia spending most of her time in her study and Luna's very different sleeping schedule. Luna took notice of her sisters odd expression.
"Sister has something happened?" Luna asked afraid equestria was in danger
"Sister I need you to take a look at this" she said pointing towards the open book on her desk.
Luna approached the desk with caution not knowing what this was all about. She got to the desk and looked down at the book her eyes went wide as she read.
the prophecy has it that the prince/princess of the four seasons will have an
unbreakable bond with the earth and a natural resistance to dark magic.
The prince/princess of the four seasons will have special abilities having to do with
the seasons themselves...... Luna read aloud
"Hold on one moment sister. Let me get this straight."
"You think that Mr. Apple is the Ruler of the four seasons?"
Princess Celestia could only nod at her sisters accusation. They had both been taught about the ruler of the four seasons and how no pony knows when they will be found, if found at all. The more Luna thought about it the more it made since.
Big Macintosh did have an unbreakable bond with the earth but she just thought it was due to the fact that he was an earth pony. And it would explain how he wasn't killed by the dark magic
"Tia, are you absolutely sure of this. If we public with this finding then there is no turning back."
"I am sure of this, but we shouldn't go public with this quite yet. We should wait and observe Macintosh to prove or disprove our theory."
They were both very uncertain of the situation, but then again who wouldn't be. They both had their beliefs and doubts about the situation. If they went public then surely the news would spread to every corner of the globe like wild fire. This decision was like a double edge sword, it could either turn out to be a miraculous discovery and every pony would celebrate with joy, or they could be wrong and the whole situation blows up in their face and bring shame upon them for their false claim.
But one thing was certain.
Big Macintosh Apple could very well be the ruler of the seasons.
Chapter 8
The New Guard
Chapter 8
"What?!?!"
Shadow Hoof began to tremble under his powerful symbolic voice. He was being very careful with how he told his boss about the failed attempt, knowing that if he wasn't careful, it might just cost him his life.
"So your telling me that a trained assassin can't take down a single target that's completely alone?" He maintained his harsh tone to show his dominate appearance over Shadow Hoof.
"Y-yes sir." he answered in a tone that was barely audible.
Blueblood stood up from his leather chair and walked over to Shadow Hoof, causing him to tremble even more then he already was. As soon as blueblood walked over he looked at him with a hint of death in his stare.
"My aunt is sure to have extra guards with her at all times after the assassination attempt." He started to pace around Shadow Hoof to plan his next course of action. After a minute of walking in a circle he stopped in his tracks out of frustration.
"I have no idea what to do do next. How about you Shadow-" A grin crept onto his face.
"Shadow How about we take out the farmer. He's sure to be an easy target since he's not going to have all of his strength." He turned to face the weapon rack behind him that contained every weapon from crossbows to swords.
"Shadow, I think it's about time you got some field action. What do you think?"
"U-um I don't know if this is a good idea. And I don't want to be the one who does it if that's okay." He knew he had just made a mistake by refusing his 'masters' request.
"Very well; I understand. You have a wife and a foal, and you don't want to risk getting caught because you have to provide for them." He said in a sinister tone, never taking his eyes off the weapon rack.
"But it would be a shame if something happened to them while you were at work." His grin faded into a scowl as he directed his attention to Shadow Hoof.
Shadow Hoof knew what he was trying to hint towards. On one hoof, if he agreed to do this he could get caught and be arrested. On the other hoof,if he didn't do this then Blueblood might harm his family which was a far worse punishment. He decided that if being arrested is what it takes to protect his family then he would do it without hesitation.
"I'll do it if I have to"
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( Big Macintosh's point of view )
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
The sheer boredom he was forced to endure in the hospital was almost unbearable. His only source of entertainment was a small television that occupied the corner of the room, which rarely ever had any reception.
The door opened with a squeak revealing the doctor who was levitating a clip board in front of him scratching information with a quill. He then walked over to Big Macintosh's bedside and lowered the clip board.
"So, how are we today Mr. Apple?"
"Ah'm doin pretty good ah guess. Ma chest don't hurt as bad."
The doctor began to unravel the large bandages that were rapped around his chest where he had been hit. After examining it, he scratched more information on his lip board before returning his attention to Big Macintosh.
"The good news is that the swelling has gone down in your chest and your breathing appears to be normal again. The bad news is that you may have to wait a week or two before you get your full strength back. You can probably check out of the hospital tonight if there are no more complications. Any questions?"
"Eenope" he responded.
"Well if there are no further questions then I have some other patients that need attending to. Oh! And before I forget, you have some visitors i'll send the in."Macintosh could only guess who would be here to see him. The only pony's he didn't want to see him like this were......
"Heya big brother" and apparently the universe wasn't going to let him have any victories today. Applebloom ran into the room and jumped on his bed to give him a hug. Following in behind her was Applejack and Granny Smith.
"Hey guys how's it goin" he asked slowly tilting to try conceal his wound a little.
This action did not go unnoticed by Applejack as she quickly gave him a stern look. She and Granny Smith took a seat next to his bedside.
"Applebloom will you please go and get me some coffee from the lobby." It was more of demand then it was a question.
"Uh sure sis" she said giving her sister a questioning look for her rather weird request, since she didn't even drink coffee. Once she left Applejack turned her attention to her brother. The look on her face was anything but happy; Big Macintosh knew that that was her 'Im about to yell at you' look.
"So have you learned your lesson, and are you ready to come back to the farm?" She asked in an annoyed tone.
"Pardon?" Her forward accusation and her off personality caught Big Macintosh off guard.
"Well ya'll aren't planning on going through with this guard thing are you?" She asked in disbelief.
At this point Macintosh was annoyed; that his sister tried to make the decision for him as if he was some foal. Applejack wasn't even considering him in her demand, she was only thinking of her own desires.
"AJ this is my decision to make, not yours." He stated bluntly
Applejack's face turned red with anger, from not having her way in the conversation. She turned to get support from Granny Smith only to find her asleep in her chair, mumbling something about apples.
"Macintosh Apple, if you do not do as I tell you then don't even bother coming back home!!"
This left Macintosh speechless. Family meant everything to an apple family member, so for him to have to choose between the princess's safety and his own kin was unthinkable. But if she kept treating him like a foal then how was he ever going to become his own pony.
"Applejack if ya care about me in the slightest, then ya will understand why ah have to stay here."
She couldn't believe her own brother would choose the princess's safety over his own home. This was the straw that broke the camels back.
"Very well 'Mr. Apple', it looks like we will be having an extra guest room in our house". She said looking straight into his eyes. "and it Looks like ah am no longer ya'll's sister".
"Come on Granny lets go". She said as she yanked Granny out of her seat startling her from her sleep. she was still in a daze not aware of what was going on. Before she could question anything she had already been lead out the door.
Once he was alone the realization that he had just been disowned by his own family set in.
A tear slowly streamed down his face
"You will always be mah sister". He said quietly.