Royal Gala Appleby sirhoofeltorChaptersDeparture and DepressionUnlikely CompanyA Cowboy in the CityDeparture and DepressionThe afternoon sun glowed over Ponyville, giving the quiet little town a warm glow. Ponies were wandering about the train station and the the weather made it a perfect day. Applejack and her friends sat down at the platform with Macintosh. Sadly that wasn't enough to ease Big Macintosh's troubles. ''Ah can't believe this is watcha'll do during your vacation Mac!'' Big Macintosh sighed heavily at his sister's stubbornness, he couldn't stand twiddling his hooves around and she knew it. The wheat sprig in his mouth was bouncing up and down in the air, sometimes doing circular motions. His blonde mane was shining in the light, giving it a golden glow and his ever calm and stoic stare almost made him not notice the two young mares on the other side of the track giving him some rather hungry glances as there was the constant buzzing of his sister's voice in his ears. He loved his sister and liked all of her friends but sometimes he couldn't make the difference between Applejack's ranting and Pinkie Pie's endless verbal blabbering. ''Ah already told ya, AJ, ah hate having nothing to do with mah hooves, an' besides, Ah don't need your approval.'' Applejack frowned at his response, she understood what he ment as she was as much a workahoolic as he was but not quite to his level. His obsession for working had his sister worried, and sometimes she mothered him too much to his liking. ''Ah know that Mac ah just think y'all are overdoin' it, ya rebuilt the barn last week, repaired pinkie's table, fixed twilight's window after rainbow's 'accidental' crash, then ya HMPH!'' Applejack suddeny got interrupted by a blue hoof shoving itself in her mouth. Her eyes narrowed and slowly shifted to her rainbow maned friend, an expression of rage showed in her her eyes, she started to scream at Rainbow Dash with the hoof still in her mouth, making Mac chuckle. ''Chillax AJ! big guy knows what he's doing... plus the sun got in my eyes'' Finally able to shove Rainbow Dash's hoof out of her mouth and giving her a light but annoyed punch on the shoulder, she kept on with her rant. ''Of course he'll be fine gosh darnit he's an Apple: the strongest, hardiest and nicest ponies in all of Equestria! Ah just don't understand why ya choose to work in Canterlot of all the places, an apple in the city is like a lamb in a rattlesnake's nest: its loud an' nasty an' ponies are rude an' bMMPH!'' Now it was Big Mac's hoof that blocked her pie hole, giving her a provocative and yet warm smile, his always calm eyes met his younger sister's. He kept his hoof in her mouth and preserved his calm demanor until she stopped trying to wrestle him, once she stopped struggling he wrapped his hooves around her and as he quietly chuckled he intentionally thightened the grip around his sister, burying her face in his muscular chest. ''Ya can't win sis an' ya know it, ah tell ya ah'll be fine... an' stop motherin' me ya aint Granny... plus ah'm the elder here so why dontcha start wearin' nicer clothes and getting ya a nice colt ta bring home?'' That made his sister blush...a lot. Macintosh grabbed Applejack's hat and started teasing her by keeping it out of her reach. Applejack growled at her brother, he was always calm and serious around his family but whenever he or one of his family had to leave for a time he became immature, constantly teasing his sisters and making his grand-mother laugh when he had the chance. But mostly affectionate and a bit too much for Applejack's taste. ''All right! all right! Ya win ya big oaf!'' She snapped the hat back from him and bucked him on the shoulder, barely making Mac flinch. The echo of the train's whistle could be heard in the distance, it would soon be time to go. After about a minute of awkward silence the train's counducting wagon could be seen. Applejack sighed and finally broke the silence that hung heavily between the two of them. ''No use tryin' to talk ya out of it right?'' ''Eeeeenope...'' AJ leaned onto Mac's soulder and hugged his with all the strength she had. ''Just be safe okay? an' keep us informed if y'all still breathin' out there...an ahm sorry for all that whinin' and rantin', its just that ahm always worryin' bout everything and ya know how ponies are in the...city... ungh! just sayin' it makes me shudder.'' Mac hugged his sister back again, lifting her with relative ease. ''ACK! showoff!'' ''Ah'll survive AJ, Apples have been through worse an ya know it, how bad can three weeks in the city be?'' Their conversation was interrupted by the train finally making its stop. The wagon doors opened, releasing a flow of pegasi, unicors and earth ponies of all colors and all ages, once the drift of ponies who exited the train stopped a ticket master sticked his head ou of the wagon door and shouted. ''Six-Thirty from Ponyville to the capital Canterlot ALL ABOARD!'' Macintosh released his sister from his bear hug, she looked at him with puppy eyes somewhat similar to those Winona does when she breaks something in the house or makes a mess. ''Three weeks?'' ''Eeeyup!'' ''An y'all be back home right after?'' ''Eeeeyup!'' ''Pinkie Promise?'' ''Eeeenope... an before y'all scream why: ah don't need to make a pinkie promise to hold one'' Applejack rolled her eyes with a ''i should've known'' look on her face, her big dumb brother was a stallion of action with little care for words; he has never, ever swore on something he wasn't going to do, he never kept empty promises. Her face regained its happy tone and she smiled jokingly at him. ''Allrighty then! Ah believe ya... but if y'all don't haul your big fat rump back here in three weeks you're gonna need bandages for your ribs again!'' Big Macintosh chuckled and gave her back that hoof on the shoulder she gave him earlier, with little force of course he is a gentlecolt. Being big and strong like he was Applejack almost lost balance and fell to the ground. ''Just ya try lil' missy...'' Macintosh then waved Applejack and her friends goodbye and climbed aboard the train. Applejack, regaining the balance she lost and smiled at the leaving train but the mask quickly crackled and broke. She sighed from the bottom of her lungs and her rump flopped the ground. Luckily her friends were there to comfort her, Rainbow Dash being the first. ''Geez AJ he'll be fine! Mac's the biggest pony I know, he's almost more awesome than the wonderblots..or me'' ''Ah know that! ah just don't know...'' Dash was now confused. ''Huh? OOOOOOooooookay I have no idea what you mean by that but...'' ''Ah mean ah know he'll be fine, ah just hate havin' him away from the family: what if a bunch of punks attacks him while he leaves the train, what if..'' Rarity put both her hooves on AJ's cheeks, giving her a pouting face. ''Now, now dear, you're just panicking, Canterlot is not that bad, you, my friend, are exaggerating, crime is almost inexistant in the capital, guards are everywhere, and even if they did were to go against your brother don't you think that he could easily defend himself?'' ''Yeah... ah guess y'all are rig...'' Everyone was suddenly interrupted by a pink blur bouncing up and down amongst them. ''Imeanlookathimhe'sbighe'sstronghe'sgotthosebigpowerfulhoovesthatgoesKABLAMandtheWHOLEtreeshakesImeanhecouldbe asuperheroifhecouldflyYOUR...BROTHER..IS..AWESOMEImeansometimeswhenIamfeelinglonelyIthinkabouthismusclesandhisblond maneandIdreamofthouchOOPS!'' Pinkie covered her mouth and blushed in embarassment. ''I went a teeny-weeny-bitsy little too far...'' The expression on Applejack's face could be resumed as pure horror. ''WHAT THE HAY DIDJA JUST SAY?!'' Applejack's sudden explosion got the attention of everypony at the station, bringing embarrassment not just to herself but to her friends too. Rarity intervened again, trying to calm AJ down. ''Now Darling, no need to make a fool out of yourself in public, and besides, you can't really blame Pinkie for that.'' Rarity blushed and twirled her mane with a hoof, giving Applejack a shock. ''You too y'all got a crush on mah brother? Ah can't believe ya Rarity!'' Rainbow Dash stepped forward, also blushing, it was only then that Applejack noticed; all of her friends's faces were flushed red, giving each one of them a strange color. ''Come on AJ! Don't tell me you didn't notice, your brother is the best looking guy in miles around!'' Applejack's jaw dropped at Dash's revelation, she always thought her best friend was...on the other side of the fence... She quickly turned to Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy with a glimmer of desperate hope in her eyes. ''Shy, Twilight, PLEASE, tell me you don't have a crush on mah brother...'' Fluttershy simply avoided looking Applejack in the eyes, her answer could be barely heard. ''Uhmmmm, well...you...your...your brother is hot...is it okay if I said this?'' The orange mare looked at her last friend, exasperated, and with a slightly threatening tone to her voice. ''Twilight...tell me...you don't...love...mah...brother...'' The purple alicorn's blush was much less apparent than her friends's. ''If you really want to know, Applejack, no, I don't have a crush on your brother.'' The blonde farmpony suddenly loosened, relief! ''But I do have to admit certain thoughts have crossed my mind...'' Applejack pulled her hat down to her eyes and screamed, sighed to her heart's content and stomped her hoof on the ground a few times while mumbling what seemed like a whole bunch of swearing and made up country slang. After about a minute of high blood pressure, she calmed down. ''Look, Ahm sorry if I seem like ah hate y'all for this now, but y'all could've at least told me about it.'' Rarity spoke up again. ''Its okay sweetheart, we get it, you are just protective towards your brother but I'll tell you again; there is no treat to your brother out there except mares.'' Applejack finally cought on to what her friends meant, after ungracefully facehoofing herself. ''Not a single one of em city mare's gonna let mah brother be huh? well pray Celestia if he ever finds a mare there may it be a nice one'' The clock's ticking echoed inside the dining room. Celestia always enjoyed quiet moments, she was always surrounded by royal guards, shady nobles, robotic servants and zealots who worshipped her to a creepy level so she savored every little moment of peace she could get. She appreciated the power she possessed but most of time she couldn't stand it. Everypony bowed to the floor and treated her like a Godess, she couldn't remember the last time she had a conversation, just a casual talk with somepony else except with her sister. And those were political talks too, her days resumed to Wake up, raise the sun, breakfest, run a nation, manage nation's economy, lunch, appeal to the populace with a social event, diner, fifteen minutes break, lower the sun, sleep, rince and repeat. Today was no exception, the sun princess hoped for something, anything that would brighten up her routine. A guard entered the room, the princesses made a good choice with their guards; they were impressive, for other ponies at least. They pretty much were decoration for the princesses as their powers dwarfed any threats. The guard marched to Celestia and handed her a document before bowing and leaving without saying a word. Luna stared at the document that Celestia laid next to her plate. ''Aren't you going to read it Tia?'' ''Why should I? It is just some documents about the volunteering ponies for the construction of the grand gala dome arriving tomorrow, business as usual.'' Celestia could talk all she want, Luna has already opened the files and read them, she was mumbling words that cought her attention. ''......lack of workers in the city......construction delayed....awaiting volunteering workers from outside the city... what a shame!'' Celestia rolled her eyes at what her little sister unveiled, typical lazy, greedy city ponies, and Luna cought on to it. ''Tia?'' ''What is it Luna?'' ''Why don't you take a vacation?'' While the sun princess was good at mind games and planning, that question went straight through her defenses, shocking her a bit. She tried to collect her shatterred thoughts for a second to come up with a potent answer but before she could formulate her answer, Luna further explained. ''You are tired sister and I can see it; rolling eyes, quiet sighs you don't even pay attention sometimes and you lose patience at everything now!'' ''Luna, this does not concer-'' ''Not to mention the 'dreams'.'' Celestia slammed her hoof on the table, making Luna jump and squeal in surprise, the eloquent and gentle tone of the mistress of the sun gave in to months of stress and anger. ''We had this conversation before, Luna, you are not mature enough to make decisions around here and if you ever eavesdrop on my dreams again I'll--'' Celestia froze in realization before she could even finish her sentence, she let her emotions speak before her mind, proving Luna's point. She let her face ungracefully slammed on the table and sobbed a little; she was exhausted, she had enough of those pesky blue-blooded ponies trying to carve up the nation she fought so hard to build. She was the most powerful mare in all of Equestria but still just a mare, a tired and lonely mare.'' The peaceful atmosphere of the dining room was now filled the sobbing of the princess and the ticking of the clock. ''Tia...I-I didn't mean to... this is what I meant, you take responsability for everything, you burden yourself by running the whole nation by yourself, you are killing yourself...I am not doing this to take over the throne, I am doing this for you...'' ''Thank you, Luna... I just can't take it anymore, I want something fresh and new, I want something exciting, I want-'' ''A special somepony?'' Celestia's face turned to pink upon hearing those words. ''I know you hate it when I visit your dreams but nights and the unconscious are my realm and they are not meaningless, they are what you desire.'' Luna changed her tone from comforting to something a little more teasing. ''Who knows you might meet a charming prince from a foreign land who will sweep you-'' ''Be quiet you! what are the chances of some stallion actually wooing me? most of them are too scared.'' Luna nodded in aggreement, there were some very nice ponies in Canterlot but they mostly belonged to the common mass and were already engaged, finding a handsome stallion was already a difficult task, finding one for the sun princess that would be handsome and kind would be nearly impossible, nearly but not... the moon princess's eyes wandered around the room until the files on the table resurfaced in her thoughts. ''Well, Tia, it would be great if you could just take some times for yourself, like, going to the Grand Gala instead of just making an apparence...'' Celestia pondered on the tought for a while, she didn't see how would this personally help her at all but it would take a lot off of her soulders if she would rest for a while. Luna proved to be more mature than before recently and all the immediate issues were already dealt with. Yes, it would be nice. ''Alright Luna, you win, I shall take some time for myself and we will share the royal duties equally, however, if you don't prove to be responsible, I will cancel my vacation.'' ''You're ON sister! uhhh...I mean, fine its a deal.'' The clock rang, reminding Celestia of the gala organisation meeting, she grinned. ''Well, Luna, go and make me proud, the meeting is waiting for you!'' ''What?! But it was your job t-'' ''We made a deal remember? I shall leave you with social events, the employment of volunteers, the medical department and oh you will also have to inaugurate the castle's grand gala dome.'' ''But-'' ''I would love to stay and chat but I am going to take a bath, thank you so much for letting me have time for myself sister.'' Celestia kissed Luna on the forehead and left the room humming victoriously. ''YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS TIA!'' Author's Note The first chapter of my very first fic. I'll admit, there are only three mac ships for me, Celemac (Celestia/Macintosh), Trimac (Trixie/Macintosh also my personal favorite) and Mac/Dash. I wish to make at least one story for each ship. Anyway feel free to comment and criticise, what should I improve or try for the next chapter. Speeking of what will be next, Mac will encounter trixie multiple times during the story, I do this for shits and giggles. Unlikely CompanyBig Macintosh took a deep breath stepping in the cabin, it was quite luxurious. Amongst the few times he took the train he always took third class wagons so he wasn't expecting this. The cabin was spacious, giving plenty of room to move even for a pony like Big Macintosh, two very comfy looking beds and is that a crystal chandelier? hell, he reckoned even Celestia herself would enjoy this. Its not that he hated luxury, he just tought he didn't belong to it. When the time to show his ticket came it felt like he got slapped across the face; he was holding a first class ticket...Applejack... His stubborn sister must've bought a ticket and swapped them when they were waiting on the platform. Anyway it was too late now, he was going to have to live a day and a half in luxury. ''Good evening sir, am I disrupting you?'' Big Mac slowly turned to the voice that interrupted his strain of thought. There stood an attendant with a cart on wheels filled with tasty looking food. However the attendant seemed surprised to see a farming pony riding first class. ''Eeenope'' Macintosh's short and direct answers confused the pony even more; he looked like he's seen an alien. Focusing back to his job the attendant pushed a large stainless cart to the red stallion. Everything that was presented on the cart was expansive, quality food and nothing was missing; imported coffee and chocolate, wines and champagne. Big Macintosh diverted his attention from the cart to the pony next to it, he was still trying to compute how did a farm pony ended up here. After finally processing the information the uniformed pony remembered his job and presented his cart to Macintosh. ''Uhmmmm...AHEM!...G-Good evening sir, I will be your attendant for the remainder of your travels...wou-would you like something to eat or drink sir?'' There was a hefty amout of contempt in the attendant's tone but the farmer didn't even pay attention to it. The farming pony took a second glance at the cart until something cought his attention, there was a basket filled with tastly looking fruits of all sorts all juicy and ripe for eating but one fruit in all of them cought his attention. ''Eeeyup! Ah'll take three apples an' a glass of cider please'' After handing what Big Mac ordered the attendant turned to exit the cabin but was startled by the passenger. ''Ahem! Ah think y'all forgot something sir.'' The small pony's eyes widened upon seeing Big Macintosh's hoof extended towards him with bits in it. A tip? now that was unusually pleasent, very pleasent indeed, most ponies riding first class were so rich and full of manure (or themselves it dosen't matter) they thought they were above friendliness and generosity; he was absolutely wrong about this pony. Grinning to his teeth and still staring at his hoof full of bits the crew member clumslily pulled his cart out of the cabin. Taking another deep breath Big Macintosh took off his yoke and let his back flop onto one of the beds and took a bite out of an apple. Eeeyup! Sweet Apples Acres's golden harvest apple they were at their best this time of the year. Now he only had to lay back and enjoy the ride... ''FINE! KEEP YOUR STUPID CABIN THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DIDN'T WANT IT ANYWAY!'' *SLAM* Well so much for a peaceful trip. Whoever this Trixie was she sure had a thing for causing ruckus. You could hear her hooves from the other end of the hall and the knocking and the clanging of her luggage raised a trail discontented voices as she went. The door to Big Macintosh's cabin almost slammed open, revealing a unicorn, a really cute one at that. She wasn't even looking at him. Big Mac usually didn't let those thoughts wander around, he was a gentlecolt, but it was only natural for a stallion to have perverted thoughts. He spoke before she could even open her mouth. ''Somethin' ah can help ya with miss...?'' ''Finally some competant servant!'' ''The Great and Powerful Trixie requires a cabin to the level of her greatness'' She was now walking around the room, moving Big Macintosh's belongings and replacing them with her own. She acted like she owned the place and that quickly got on Macintosh's nerves but at the same time interested him; he was sure he knew her from somewhere not making him realize he was staring. Trixie....trixie, TRIXIE of course! how could he forget his sister's screeching about this 'would be' magician, boy his little sibling could be harsh sometimes. ''Are you even listening to Trixie?!'' ''Uhmm, ahm not an attendant, nor a servant missy but ah guess ah can share mah cabin with ya.'' Sharing? SHARING!? what was this peasent thinking? the Great and Powerful Trixie does not share! She was going to give that filthy idiot a piece of her mind. The unicorn finally layed eyes on the stallion who didn't leave his bed. ''THE GREAT AND POWEeerrrful trixie does...not'' Her eyes widened to the sight of the stallion laying in the bed; he was certainly bigger than most ponies she saw and the afternoon light coming through the window shone on his muscular frame. ''Somethin' wrong miss...Trixie was it? There was something about this stallion that intrigued Trixie; he looked very familiar to her. Wait a second! Green eyes, freckles, southern accent and an apple cutie mark...Applejack! ''YOU!'' ''Me?'' ''Yes, YOU! you know Applejack don't you?!'' ''Eeeyup, that's mah sister.'' Trixie let rump fall on the unoccupied bed. This ignorant little hayseed was related to this...this...THIS! She didn't even know how to react, should she hate him? Her guts told her so, he was her enemy's brother but at the same time there was just something about that pony. First of all he was handsome as hell, princess Cadence would have married him if he had asked she was sure of it. And unlike almost every other pony she encountered in her life, he was kind to her, he didn't scream her out of his cabin or treated her with hostility so far. Was she blushing? oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! she had to hide it. Thank Celestia he was looking out the window She quickly restored her Great and Powerful self and tried to get what was going on in her mind out of it. ''Ahem! Trixie demands where are you going and how did a haysee- a farmer like you got to travel first class?'' ''Volunteered for the Grand Gala Dome construction, heading to Canterlot, staying there for a few weeks.'' Well he was certainly not very talkative, that meant he probably had nothing interesing to talk about or that he had a lot going on in his mind. WAIT! This could be a trap. Maybe this hunk was just a bait for her to bite so his rascal of a little sister can use it as leverage...IF they are related that is. The expressions on her face changed as her thoughts did. It was then that she officially set her mind on uncovering the mysteries of this stallion. ''Ummm scuse me miss Trixie but i'll need to take a shower.'' ''Wait, Showers? what show-oohhhh right this is first class, well go ahead.'' Trixie kept her eyes on the stallion as he got up and went to the bathroom. She was going to keep her eyes on him. Then her eyes wandered to his rump. Oh she'll keep an eye on this INDEED! -- Luna dragged her hooves through the hall. Ruling half of a kingdom was a mess she didn't even want to think what must it be to rule an entire one. With the construction of the dome behind schedule the moon princess had to deal with slimy contractors and crooks. One of those dirty bast... bore kept eyeing her through the whole meeting and he dared to make rather rude advances, without focusing too much on the details he left with two black eyes and he was trembling like a little foal facing a mad dragon. Now she understood what Celestia meant when she was talking about stallions. ''Dear FAUST was this what Celestia had to endure all the time?'' One of Luna's guards flew right through the open window next to her, handed her a scroll, nodded and left in a flash. Luna sighed shortly after the guard left; they had their uses and they were loyal but frankly, they were boring. This castle needed a bit more color. ''Well, more chores for Luna...Yay!'' She unenthousiastically opened the scroll only to discover it was a list of names. ''Pffffff! What is the point of telling me who is going to work on the construWAIT!'' A name caught Luna's attention as she read, a name she recognized. ''Apple...Macintosh Apple?'' Big Macintosh! Well this was going to be interesting, poor hunk will be a target for mares here, after all Ponyville mares gossip about how he's fit for a godeWAIT! Luna's mouth slowly turned into a mischevious grin as plan started to form in her mind. It was finally her time to pull Celestia's legs and embarass her. She was given control over the Dome and its workers therefore he was her responsibility... Plus her sister's dreams didn't lie; Celestia was longing for a stallion perhaps even craved for one. Speaking of dreams, let's see if our poor sister is still having restless ones shall we? Giggling coyly luna lit her horn an vanished in the air. The dream world, Luna's true home. She cherished the night, her first creation, but dreams were her beloved masterpiece. Flying through the infinite space she looked all around her; she was looking for her sister's dream. There it was. Luna approached the golden lighted bubble and touched it with the tip of her horn, causing the bubble to burst and warp the princess into her sister's dream. A slender figure sitting alone in the dark, sobbing echoed in silence. A chandelier above, shining a faint light down of her, slowly expanding around the weeping princess. Shadows of appeared from the darkness, dancing, laughing, loving. Each had a parnter, a friend, a lover... except for the princess, sadly looking all around. A strange light suddenly shone before her, at first unrecognizable took the shape of a faceless stallion, a pegasus. The light approached the lonely mare, wiping her tears and stroking her mane. They starting dancing as the shadows disappeared around them, their laughs and joyful voices still echoing. The princess let her lips touch his. It was cold. Taken by surprise, the mare took a step back, still staring at her unknown lover. He turned to stone. In a desperate attempt for the warmth of another, the princess threw herself at the statue crying her heart out. Luna left the dream. Saddened to see her beloved sister in such a state, even if it was just a dream. Only then she knew the extent of her sister's sorrow. How long did she think she was the martyr amongst the two when she was the cherished one. Luna had friends, time for herself and some decent stallions wooing her. What did Celestia have? For how long was she alone? ''Poor sister...all this time you...no...no I won't let you suffer like that anymore and I think I know how it shall be done. Oh my little plan to tease you back will make you happy as well. Tomorrow, the fun shall be doubled!'' Luna rushed back to her room, magically phasing the scroll she just got plus another blank one and some ink. She wrote feverishly as she talked to herself. ''Let's see...hmm...AHA! volunteers must be interviewed in presence of the project's overseer meaning ME so all I have to do is to cancel the meeting with the FAUSTDAMNED contractors, I did prove my point already, and focus on bringing the stallion in somehow...I GOT IT! Macintosh is skilled beyond just building and reparing, meaning that once the construction is completed he could be further required for handling heavy decorations and setting up the stage. All I need to do is to keep that Apple in castlegrounds long enough so that he and Tia start to approach one another. I can't just throw the subject at her, she'll find it suspicious; I shall deal with it as it comes. Tomorrow the subject will arrive and my plan shall be put to action!'' Author's Note Whew! had difficulties writing that one. I am not entirely satisfied of this one but I still like it, stayed up till 2 A.M to finish it. In the next chapter, Big Mac will confront...THE CITY! (tun! tun! TUNNNNNNN!) Oh if you want to know, Trixie is more of a comic relief in this story. Please comment and recommend, I like to know what to improve and what to keep. A Cowboy in the CityIt was thirty past two, the train was going to reach its destination in about half an hour and Big Macintosh couldn't wait. Not only did he had to sit on his rump for a day and a half but he had to cope with a strange unicorn who spent the whole trip staring at him, asking him strange questions and looping back to those same questions ten minutes later. He thought there was something wrong with the poor mare, aside from her narcissism. ''Sooo you're a farmer huh?'' The crimson farmer inwardly slammed his head against the walls of his mind as hard as he could. ''Eeeyup...umm ya know its the twelfth time y'all are asking me this question right?'' Trixie had to admit, he didn't seem like the dishonest type of pony plus the resemblance with his sister Applejack was quite striking, only he was a billion times better to look at...if you are straight...or a colt cuddler... Many images came to the blue unicorn's mind as those thoughts occured to her, naughty thoughts. Come on Trixie! You are the greatest and most powerful unicorn in all of Canterlot, you can't have those kind of thoughts for a simple and powerless earth pony like him, he's a famer a dumb, a dumb...muscular sexy stallion noNONONONO ABORT ABORT ABORT! Macintosh's right eyebrow rose to the mare's strange look. Was she just another one of those mare who spent all her time with him looking at him in strange way? She seemed like one of them: googly eyes, slow and sense lacking responses, she had all the symptoms. Another one, great, why can't anypony some up and talk to him normaly, that is all he really asked for. Why can't he have a converstion without anypony's eyes wandering off and drooling on the ground? How he longed for a mare to talk to just talk to him or even stand up to him: just to have a mare not nodding blindly at everything he said, Faust only know what kind of mare that took. He wanted a mare that would be more forward and straight with him. Big Mac concentrated on the scenery that was rushing out behind the window, he forgot how fast the train was going untill now, the conductor must've been in a hurry or something. After two more unnecessary and overused question by the unicorn, the intercom finally rang out its tune. ''Attention to all passengers, we will arrive in Canterlot in about five minutes, please check your cabins for personal effects and thank you for partonage.'' Oh thank Calestia! destination reached; this was the longest day and a half he ever had to spend EVER. ''Sooo you said you were working for the Grand Gala Dome construction right? what a coincidence! I recieved a letter two days ago about that effect, The Great and Powerful Trixie is required to make an outstanding show for the Grand Gala! maybe we will see each other in the future right?'' The gala was her chance to impress him, otherwise she'll have to wait to her next tour in Ponyville, which she certainly could wait forever for. ''So I guess I'll see you in the castlegrounds right?...right?'' Trixie turned around only to find the cabin empty of its original occupant gone. ''Oh so that is how it is right? RUN ALL YOU LIKE TRIXIE WILL GET YOU!'' -- Big Macintosh felt awful running away on a mare like that, his mind yelled at him to go back and apologize but his guts told him to run as far away as possible from that unicorn. He was out of the station and he was already feeling like it was another world. What was a crowd of ponies to him was now multiplied exponentially, he was almost lost in a sea of rude ponies. Not only most of them would bump into him without excusing themselves but a lot of them would aggressively reply to him, where have they been raised? Look on the bright side Macintosh, it could be wor- *BUMP* Macintosh slammed full force into a random mare. ''Hey! why don't you Watch where you are-'' ''Sorry miss! ah ain't exactly from-'' ''My oh MY! Where are you from handsome?!'' Nnnope, nnnope NNNOPE! not another one... ''Umm well, ahm from Ponyville and ah ain't never been to Canterlot...do you think you could tell me how to get to the cas-'' The mare he bumped into was dangerously close to his face, smiling coyly to his rahter innocent answer. ''What a specimen you are! Ponyville huh? I bet ladies nerver leave you alone.'' As much as he didn't like the overly seductive tone of her voice, he couldn't deny that what she said said was mostly true. He's been hit on by Cheerilee, secretly by Rainbow Dash, awkwardly by Derpy Hooves, and a LOT by Rarity, he knew her origins could be traced back to the city but dear Faust could she be unladylike when she really wanted to, Big Macintosh was one of the few who saw what city mares could be like but did he pay attention? No he didn't, now he had to find a way out of this before it went out of hand. ''Dear Celestia, Sue, who is your new friend?'' Oh no... ''Look ahm just trying to get to the castle, can'tcha help me?'' ''I don't know yet but I think I want to find out, don't you big boy?'' The poor farmer hummed and hissed, praying for anything to get him out of this situation. And just like that, Big Macintosh heard that familiar voice from a couples minutes ago. ''There you are! You thought you could escape me, The Great and Powerful Trixie?'' Macintosh froze in fear. The blue unicorn zoomed next to the poor farmer as fast as Rainbow Dash could fly and she was close to him, very close. ''Trixie has some business to attend to with this particular stallion, go bother someone else!'' ''And who are YOU?!'' The expression on Trixie's face turned to pure anger. ''How DARE you not know who the Grea-'' ''Are you his marefriend?'' ''No and I-'' ''Then MY business with this stallion can continue, you are not a colt cuddler are you big boy?'' Big Macintosh's eye twitched when he heared the words 'colt cuddler', he didn't have anything against it but he sure as hell wasn't one and one of the only thing that got his blood boiling was when his sister, or any mare for the matter, questioned him about his...orientation. ''No ahm not and before y'all ask me I ain't interested in any of y'all.'' The mare named Sue and her friend looked at each other before coming too close to him for his liking, that caused Trixie to step forth and face them. ''He just said he wasn't interested in you.'' ''He also said he wasn't interested in YOU either.'' ''We'll see about that.'' ''Indeed we will.'' The three mares turned to where the stallion was, only to find out that he wasn't there anymore. Trixie shook her hoof at the crowd. ''Next time stallion, NEXT TIME, Trixie will uncover your secrets!'' Leaving a mare hanging was bad enough for a gentlecolt, what would his father be thinking, seeing him running away from three mares like that. Maybe he did deserve being rumored as gay... Well no time to ponder on his misfortune with the ladies, the castle was waiting for him. His arrival to Canterlot was not the most comfortable but the city was certainly one hell of a change in scenery. Applejack was clearly exaggerating when she was talking about the capital but there was this strange feeling and he couldn't shake it off. He felt like being watched constantly, effectively, when he looked around him he noticed somepony taking a quick glance at him. It didn't matter where he went, somepony was staring or glaring at him. A strong sense of discomfort hung over Macintosh as he noticed he was being followed by a bunch of mares and a few stallions. The fact that he couldn't direct himself wasn't helping either, it was embarrassing for him to not be able to find the castle, according to Twilight Sparkle you can't really miss it, and he did. Big Macintosh finally made his way to the main square. Thank Faust he found a way point at least, now remember Mac, remember Twilight's instructions, there was the station, then that old wooden shop, yeah, after that there was the main square. Eeeyup thankfully he almost reached the castle. Now all he had to do was to- *Ffwewwww* Was that whistling? ''Look at what we got here gals!'' Oh Celestia please no... Macintosh stopped and slowly turned his head to his right even though his mind screamed at him to run. Up on the balcony of a restaurent was two mares and a stallion, they probably all had the same age as Applejack and her friends. To his great discomfort, all three of them were eyeing him like fillies in a candy store and the one he really was not interested in was the one who was way to much into it. ''Look at that flank ladies! Hey handsome, do you work out?'' The young stallion's words froze him with discomfort on the spot. He's been hit on by other guys before, awkwardly by Caramel too and he had his suspicion on the Flim & Flam brothers and that Blue-something but that had to be the worst. The lack of response from the farmer fuled the cat caller even more. ''A shy one huh? You know what they say about the shy ones...'' ''Oh come on, leave him alone silly, you're too forward!'' ''Yeah! Give him a couple drinks and I'm pretty sure he'll loosen up.'' ''I'm pretty sure he'll be loosening YOU up!'' The last comment made by one of the fillies left Big Macintosh embarrassed beyond bounds. While his red fur could hide his enormous blush, his wandering eyes and blurting of incomprehensible half-words were a dead give away. ''Umm...Ah-ah gotta be somewhere else...scuse me...'' ''Hey wait a second!'' Ah know you hate this Big Mac but don't turn around; ya know they'll keep making it worse for y'all. *BUMP* Again, something or someone just smashed into him. Keep going Mac, you'll hate yourself later now y'all have to get to the castle, fast. ''Macintosh Apple?'' The Crimson farmer gulped at the sound of the voice. It was not a mare's voice nor a regular stallion's one. While not as deep and low toned as his it had a lot of authority in it. He slowly turned only to find himself face to face with a group of royal guards. ''E-Eeeyup?'' ''Your appointment with the Princess is past due fifteen minutes, we were asked to seek and fetch you, please follow us.'' ''O-Okay.'' The hulking stallion complied and tailed the marching guards not noticing the silence that suddenly hung around the main square. Not even a second after everypony in the square saw Macintosh dissapear in the horizon, a silent uproar of gossip and whispers thundered through the streets. The three cat-callers started gossiping out loud, making rumors like fillies making up stories. ''Did you see that? He must have real pull around here to get that sort of attention.'' ''Have you taken a good look at him? Its obvious what kind of 'pull' he must have around the Princesses.'' The wild fire of rumors kept spreading through the city as the farmer nervously paraded in the streets. -- Celestia sighed in relief. A cup of tea a day keeps the sorrows away...temporarily at least, she constantly had this recurring dream and had the feeling something something was missing or off. The sun princess looked calmly around the room while her sister trotted in circles in impatience. Celestia didn't speak much to her sister lately, in fact, they both have been eerily silent with each other so she decided to break the ice. ''Is something bothering you Luna?'' Luna jumped a bit at her elder sister's sudden interrogation. Her plan just came to be and it was already going wrong. Curses! He was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago! ''AHH! OH! uhh sorry Tia, you startled me there...I uhh...I am waiting for someone.'' Celestia's brow raised to the response. A little glimmer in her eyes paired with her signature smile left the lunar princess concerned. ''Another wooer?'' Luna's blush made Celestia giggle a bit, she had seen how Luna could act around stallion sometimes and she knew her sister would blurt an excuse in about three, two, one... ''N-no! a worker is late for an appointment and now I have to interview him during dinner.'' ''Well, this should prove to be interesting, I always wanted to see how you interacted with normal ponies.'' ''Huh?'' ''I am just curious on how you are going to deal with the common folk after this little...incident'' ''THOSE CROOKS DESERVED IT AND YOU KNOW IT!'' Luna's screaming was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A small group of lunar guards entered the room in line, halfway through they splitted the line in two revealing a stallion who appreared to be lost out of his mind before quietly leaving. Celestia felt a little strange looking at him, he looked very familiar. ''Ah! There you are.'' ''Ah-ahm mighty sorry for bein' late like that, ah ran into some trouble on mah way here.'' ''Don't bother making excuses up, it is quite frequent to be late in Canterlot, even the city's elite is awfully late almost everyday.'' ''Still, y'all are the Princesses, ah should've not kept y'all waiting like that, sorry.'' ''No need, please take a seat and let's begin shall we mister Apple?'' ''Eeeyup an' please call me Macintosh'' Celestia ears perked up after hearing the pony's name. Apple...of course! Applejack's elder brother she knew he looked oddly familiar. Plus the Apples are such a large family they were pretty much all over the map. She couldn't get her attention away from him; he was an impressive sight. He was as tall as her sister and that was something for an earth pony. Plus his large and muscular frame was really hard to miss, her royal guards and her sister's seemed like wet noodles compared to him and he looked like he could handle their captain Shining Armor in hoof-to-hoof combat. ''And you possess multiple skills like carpenting, gardening, masonry, construction in various buildings-wow..the list just goes on, You are a skilled pony aren't you?'' ''Eeeyup'' The sun princess's attantion was now focused on the stallion rather than on her sister; Celestia sparked her magic and levitated the scroll closer to her. Sipping her tea, she carefully read the whole content. The lenghty list left the two princesses quite impressed. ''You do all of that?'' Mac's eyes slowly shifted from Luna to Celestia, she had a slight look of doubt in her eyes and she didn't expect Macintosh to pick up on that. Silence broke into the room, making Luna both excited and nervous about how her sister and the bait were staring at each other. She wasn't as good as her elder sister when it came to 'read' other ponies but she could tell it was not starting on the right foot; the two ponies she tried to match were looking at each other...and not in the way she wanted. She could at least tell from their gazes that it wasn't love at first sight like she hoped, well she still had time. '''Eeeyup!'' ''As strong and healthy as you look, all this work seems to be a little too much for one pony...'' Again, the look on Macintosh's face made it clear to both sisters that he understood what they both implied. ''NNnope! when y'all are the only stallion on the farm, y'all are the one doin' most of the work.'' ''But isn't that a bit much for one-'' ''Nnnope!" Normally, both princesses would have taken his answer as an insult but there was just something about him that intrigued Celestia. Wait a second... With Twilight's letters and other records they had they both knew he was not lying, they had reliable proof and his looks confirmed his abilities. ''He is right Luna, we've got Twilight's letters and her friends's 'testimonies' on his competence'' ''Huhhh s'cuse me princess but...why would y'all have all that info on me?'' Celestia was about to speak up when she was interrupted by her sibling. She shifted through the rest of the documents while her sister talked. She definitely had something for that stallion. ''Well we had to be sure, you see, we've had a little ''problem'' with the employers and now many unqualified workers are on the field, we have to make sure you are not a liability or employed by one of the people we've had a problem with.'' ''Nnnope.'' ''Well, okay, I don't see any reason we shouldn't hire you, French Polish here will you show you to your quarters.'' Celestia and Big Macintosh's heads turned to Luna in complete sync, blurting out the same word at the same time. ''Q-Quarters?!'' ''Well with the upcoming Gala and the construction of the dome the city's hotels are booked and we can't ask you to take a day and a half trip every day now can't we.'' ''Ah know people in the city, ah can ask-'' ''You will rest here at the castle, it would be unreasonable not to give you shelter'' ''But Luna-'' ''No buts from you Tia, you gave ME control over this situation and YOU are staying at the castle, royal orders! French Polish here will show you to your quarters, you will start tomorrow as the master coordinator, I hope you are okay with ordering ponies around.'' The dining room was suddenly silent again only the sound of the french maid's hooves approaching Macintosh was present. She greeted the farmer with a friendly smile and a thick French accent. ''Bonjour monsieur Maquinetoche was it?'' ''Oh uhh Howdy!'' ''Ha ha ha! Your accent iz awful mignon, you are from the souths oui?'' ''Eeeyup, ponyville'' ''Ohhh you know Rarity non? she iz a bonne amie!'' The princesses looked at the maid leading the stallion out of the room. ''That French Maid loves to make friends dosen't she?'' ''Luna, we need to talk'' ''About what Tia?'' ''What just happened, now I know I just gave you power over the Dome and the events surrounding it but I can still revoke that power, now I won't say you are doing a terrible job, on the contrary you are doing great so far but it seems you have an...ulterior motive'' Luna panicked, did Celestia discover her secret motives? She had to come up with something fast! ''You like him don't you?'' The princess of the night froze. That was the second time her plan backfired on her, first the indifference of her sister towards the bait and now her older sibling thought SHE had a crush on HIM. ''WHAT?! NO! I don't have a crush on him you're supp-uhhhh...'' ''I am what?'' ''Nothing Tia, it is just my nerves talking I uhhh guess power got over my head a bit'' Celestia raised an eyebrow, power was something Luna had a little trouble dealing with, she didn't want to talk about what happened between them a thousand years ago. However she couldn't stop thinking that there was something odd with Luna. ''All right Luna, I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time but I have something else on my mind, this stallion, you invited him for the month in the castle grounds, I hope you understand the consequences of having a commoner living with the elite Under YOUR invitation'' Luna's face went redder than the farmer's coat, now everypony would think he is her lover or something. ''Sweet Faust the media is going to be all over it now'' ''Well, be a little more subtle about inviting a wooer next time'' Celestia smiled at the sight of her sister's reaction. ''I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH HIM!'' To Luna's dissapointment, Celestia already left the room but she kept on swearing revenge on her sister. ''Tomorrow Tia, I swear tomorrow you will fall in love with him or I will never raise the moon again, EVER!'' Author's Note Heyyop! new chapter out, sorry for the delay, had a bit of a blank on what to write next. Will Luna's plan succeed? It Macintosh actually capable of loving without a potion? Is French Polish really French? Do I even know what I am doing? Next time on the Royal Gala Apple...something will happen!
Departure and DepressionThe afternoon sun glowed over Ponyville, giving the quiet little town a warm glow. Ponies were wandering about the train station and the the weather made it a perfect day. Applejack and her friends sat down at the platform with Macintosh. Sadly that wasn't enough to ease Big Macintosh's troubles. ''Ah can't believe this is watcha'll do during your vacation Mac!'' Big Macintosh sighed heavily at his sister's stubbornness, he couldn't stand twiddling his hooves around and she knew it. The wheat sprig in his mouth was bouncing up and down in the air, sometimes doing circular motions. His blonde mane was shining in the light, giving it a golden glow and his ever calm and stoic stare almost made him not notice the two young mares on the other side of the track giving him some rather hungry glances as there was the constant buzzing of his sister's voice in his ears. He loved his sister and liked all of her friends but sometimes he couldn't make the difference between Applejack's ranting and Pinkie Pie's endless verbal blabbering. ''Ah already told ya, AJ, ah hate having nothing to do with mah hooves, an' besides, Ah don't need your approval.'' Applejack frowned at his response, she understood what he ment as she was as much a workahoolic as he was but not quite to his level. His obsession for working had his sister worried, and sometimes she mothered him too much to his liking. ''Ah know that Mac ah just think y'all are overdoin' it, ya rebuilt the barn last week, repaired pinkie's table, fixed twilight's window after rainbow's 'accidental' crash, then ya HMPH!'' Applejack suddeny got interrupted by a blue hoof shoving itself in her mouth. Her eyes narrowed and slowly shifted to her rainbow maned friend, an expression of rage showed in her her eyes, she started to scream at Rainbow Dash with the hoof still in her mouth, making Mac chuckle. ''Chillax AJ! big guy knows what he's doing... plus the sun got in my eyes'' Finally able to shove Rainbow Dash's hoof out of her mouth and giving her a light but annoyed punch on the shoulder, she kept on with her rant. ''Of course he'll be fine gosh darnit he's an Apple: the strongest, hardiest and nicest ponies in all of Equestria! Ah just don't understand why ya choose to work in Canterlot of all the places, an apple in the city is like a lamb in a rattlesnake's nest: its loud an' nasty an' ponies are rude an' bMMPH!'' Now it was Big Mac's hoof that blocked her pie hole, giving her a provocative and yet warm smile, his always calm eyes met his younger sister's. He kept his hoof in her mouth and preserved his calm demanor until she stopped trying to wrestle him, once she stopped struggling he wrapped his hooves around her and as he quietly chuckled he intentionally thightened the grip around his sister, burying her face in his muscular chest. ''Ya can't win sis an' ya know it, ah tell ya ah'll be fine... an' stop motherin' me ya aint Granny... plus ah'm the elder here so why dontcha start wearin' nicer clothes and getting ya a nice colt ta bring home?'' That made his sister blush...a lot. Macintosh grabbed Applejack's hat and started teasing her by keeping it out of her reach. Applejack growled at her brother, he was always calm and serious around his family but whenever he or one of his family had to leave for a time he became immature, constantly teasing his sisters and making his grand-mother laugh when he had the chance. But mostly affectionate and a bit too much for Applejack's taste. ''All right! all right! Ya win ya big oaf!'' She snapped the hat back from him and bucked him on the shoulder, barely making Mac flinch. The echo of the train's whistle could be heard in the distance, it would soon be time to go. After about a minute of awkward silence the train's counducting wagon could be seen. Applejack sighed and finally broke the silence that hung heavily between the two of them. ''No use tryin' to talk ya out of it right?'' ''Eeeeenope...'' AJ leaned onto Mac's soulder and hugged his with all the strength she had. ''Just be safe okay? an' keep us informed if y'all still breathin' out there...an ahm sorry for all that whinin' and rantin', its just that ahm always worryin' bout everything and ya know how ponies are in the...city... ungh! just sayin' it makes me shudder.'' Mac hugged his sister back again, lifting her with relative ease. ''ACK! showoff!'' ''Ah'll survive AJ, Apples have been through worse an ya know it, how bad can three weeks in the city be?'' Their conversation was interrupted by the train finally making its stop. The wagon doors opened, releasing a flow of pegasi, unicors and earth ponies of all colors and all ages, once the drift of ponies who exited the train stopped a ticket master sticked his head ou of the wagon door and shouted. ''Six-Thirty from Ponyville to the capital Canterlot ALL ABOARD!'' Macintosh released his sister from his bear hug, she looked at him with puppy eyes somewhat similar to those Winona does when she breaks something in the house or makes a mess. ''Three weeks?'' ''Eeeyup!'' ''An y'all be back home right after?'' ''Eeeeyup!'' ''Pinkie Promise?'' ''Eeeenope... an before y'all scream why: ah don't need to make a pinkie promise to hold one'' Applejack rolled her eyes with a ''i should've known'' look on her face, her big dumb brother was a stallion of action with little care for words; he has never, ever swore on something he wasn't going to do, he never kept empty promises. Her face regained its happy tone and she smiled jokingly at him. ''Allrighty then! Ah believe ya... but if y'all don't haul your big fat rump back here in three weeks you're gonna need bandages for your ribs again!'' Big Macintosh chuckled and gave her back that hoof on the shoulder she gave him earlier, with little force of course he is a gentlecolt. Being big and strong like he was Applejack almost lost balance and fell to the ground. ''Just ya try lil' missy...'' Macintosh then waved Applejack and her friends goodbye and climbed aboard the train. Applejack, regaining the balance she lost and smiled at the leaving train but the mask quickly crackled and broke. She sighed from the bottom of her lungs and her rump flopped the ground. Luckily her friends were there to comfort her, Rainbow Dash being the first. ''Geez AJ he'll be fine! Mac's the biggest pony I know, he's almost more awesome than the wonderblots..or me'' ''Ah know that! ah just don't know...'' Dash was now confused. ''Huh? OOOOOOooooookay I have no idea what you mean by that but...'' ''Ah mean ah know he'll be fine, ah just hate havin' him away from the family: what if a bunch of punks attacks him while he leaves the train, what if..'' Rarity put both her hooves on AJ's cheeks, giving her a pouting face. ''Now, now dear, you're just panicking, Canterlot is not that bad, you, my friend, are exaggerating, crime is almost inexistant in the capital, guards are everywhere, and even if they did were to go against your brother don't you think that he could easily defend himself?'' ''Yeah... ah guess y'all are rig...'' Everyone was suddenly interrupted by a pink blur bouncing up and down amongst them. ''Imeanlookathimhe'sbighe'sstronghe'sgotthosebigpowerfulhoovesthatgoesKABLAMandtheWHOLEtreeshakesImeanhecouldbe asuperheroifhecouldflyYOUR...BROTHER..IS..AWESOMEImeansometimeswhenIamfeelinglonelyIthinkabouthismusclesandhisblond maneandIdreamofthouchOOPS!'' Pinkie covered her mouth and blushed in embarassment. ''I went a teeny-weeny-bitsy little too far...'' The expression on Applejack's face could be resumed as pure horror. ''WHAT THE HAY DIDJA JUST SAY?!'' Applejack's sudden explosion got the attention of everypony at the station, bringing embarrassment not just to herself but to her friends too. Rarity intervened again, trying to calm AJ down. ''Now Darling, no need to make a fool out of yourself in public, and besides, you can't really blame Pinkie for that.'' Rarity blushed and twirled her mane with a hoof, giving Applejack a shock. ''You too y'all got a crush on mah brother? Ah can't believe ya Rarity!'' Rainbow Dash stepped forward, also blushing, it was only then that Applejack noticed; all of her friends's faces were flushed red, giving each one of them a strange color. ''Come on AJ! Don't tell me you didn't notice, your brother is the best looking guy in miles around!'' Applejack's jaw dropped at Dash's revelation, she always thought her best friend was...on the other side of the fence... She quickly turned to Twilight Sparkle and Fluttershy with a glimmer of desperate hope in her eyes. ''Shy, Twilight, PLEASE, tell me you don't have a crush on mah brother...'' Fluttershy simply avoided looking Applejack in the eyes, her answer could be barely heard. ''Uhmmmm, well...you...your...your brother is hot...is it okay if I said this?'' The orange mare looked at her last friend, exasperated, and with a slightly threatening tone to her voice. ''Twilight...tell me...you don't...love...mah...brother...'' The purple alicorn's blush was much less apparent than her friends's. ''If you really want to know, Applejack, no, I don't have a crush on your brother.'' The blonde farmpony suddenly loosened, relief! ''But I do have to admit certain thoughts have crossed my mind...'' Applejack pulled her hat down to her eyes and screamed, sighed to her heart's content and stomped her hoof on the ground a few times while mumbling what seemed like a whole bunch of swearing and made up country slang. After about a minute of high blood pressure, she calmed down. ''Look, Ahm sorry if I seem like ah hate y'all for this now, but y'all could've at least told me about it.'' Rarity spoke up again. ''Its okay sweetheart, we get it, you are just protective towards your brother but I'll tell you again; there is no treat to your brother out there except mares.'' Applejack finally cought on to what her friends meant, after ungracefully facehoofing herself. ''Not a single one of em city mare's gonna let mah brother be huh? well pray Celestia if he ever finds a mare there may it be a nice one'' The clock's ticking echoed inside the dining room. Celestia always enjoyed quiet moments, she was always surrounded by royal guards, shady nobles, robotic servants and zealots who worshipped her to a creepy level so she savored every little moment of peace she could get. She appreciated the power she possessed but most of time she couldn't stand it. Everypony bowed to the floor and treated her like a Godess, she couldn't remember the last time she had a conversation, just a casual talk with somepony else except with her sister. And those were political talks too, her days resumed to Wake up, raise the sun, breakfest, run a nation, manage nation's economy, lunch, appeal to the populace with a social event, diner, fifteen minutes break, lower the sun, sleep, rince and repeat. Today was no exception, the sun princess hoped for something, anything that would brighten up her routine. A guard entered the room, the princesses made a good choice with their guards; they were impressive, for other ponies at least. They pretty much were decoration for the princesses as their powers dwarfed any threats. The guard marched to Celestia and handed her a document before bowing and leaving without saying a word. Luna stared at the document that Celestia laid next to her plate. ''Aren't you going to read it Tia?'' ''Why should I? It is just some documents about the volunteering ponies for the construction of the grand gala dome arriving tomorrow, business as usual.'' Celestia could talk all she want, Luna has already opened the files and read them, she was mumbling words that cought her attention. ''......lack of workers in the city......construction delayed....awaiting volunteering workers from outside the city... what a shame!'' Celestia rolled her eyes at what her little sister unveiled, typical lazy, greedy city ponies, and Luna cought on to it. ''Tia?'' ''What is it Luna?'' ''Why don't you take a vacation?'' While the sun princess was good at mind games and planning, that question went straight through her defenses, shocking her a bit. She tried to collect her shatterred thoughts for a second to come up with a potent answer but before she could formulate her answer, Luna further explained. ''You are tired sister and I can see it; rolling eyes, quiet sighs you don't even pay attention sometimes and you lose patience at everything now!'' ''Luna, this does not concer-'' ''Not to mention the 'dreams'.'' Celestia slammed her hoof on the table, making Luna jump and squeal in surprise, the eloquent and gentle tone of the mistress of the sun gave in to months of stress and anger. ''We had this conversation before, Luna, you are not mature enough to make decisions around here and if you ever eavesdrop on my dreams again I'll--'' Celestia froze in realization before she could even finish her sentence, she let her emotions speak before her mind, proving Luna's point. She let her face ungracefully slammed on the table and sobbed a little; she was exhausted, she had enough of those pesky blue-blooded ponies trying to carve up the nation she fought so hard to build. She was the most powerful mare in all of Equestria but still just a mare, a tired and lonely mare.'' The peaceful atmosphere of the dining room was now filled the sobbing of the princess and the ticking of the clock. ''Tia...I-I didn't mean to... this is what I meant, you take responsability for everything, you burden yourself by running the whole nation by yourself, you are killing yourself...I am not doing this to take over the throne, I am doing this for you...'' ''Thank you, Luna... I just can't take it anymore, I want something fresh and new, I want something exciting, I want-'' ''A special somepony?'' Celestia's face turned to pink upon hearing those words. ''I know you hate it when I visit your dreams but nights and the unconscious are my realm and they are not meaningless, they are what you desire.'' Luna changed her tone from comforting to something a little more teasing. ''Who knows you might meet a charming prince from a foreign land who will sweep you-'' ''Be quiet you! what are the chances of some stallion actually wooing me? most of them are too scared.'' Luna nodded in aggreement, there were some very nice ponies in Canterlot but they mostly belonged to the common mass and were already engaged, finding a handsome stallion was already a difficult task, finding one for the sun princess that would be handsome and kind would be nearly impossible, nearly but not... the moon princess's eyes wandered around the room until the files on the table resurfaced in her thoughts. ''Well, Tia, it would be great if you could just take some times for yourself, like, going to the Grand Gala instead of just making an apparence...'' Celestia pondered on the tought for a while, she didn't see how would this personally help her at all but it would take a lot off of her soulders if she would rest for a while. Luna proved to be more mature than before recently and all the immediate issues were already dealt with. Yes, it would be nice. ''Alright Luna, you win, I shall take some time for myself and we will share the royal duties equally, however, if you don't prove to be responsible, I will cancel my vacation.'' ''You're ON sister! uhhh...I mean, fine its a deal.'' The clock rang, reminding Celestia of the gala organisation meeting, she grinned. ''Well, Luna, go and make me proud, the meeting is waiting for you!'' ''What?! But it was your job t-'' ''We made a deal remember? I shall leave you with social events, the employment of volunteers, the medical department and oh you will also have to inaugurate the castle's grand gala dome.'' ''But-'' ''I would love to stay and chat but I am going to take a bath, thank you so much for letting me have time for myself sister.'' Celestia kissed Luna on the forehead and left the room humming victoriously. ''YOU'LL PAY FOR THIS TIA!'' Author's Note The first chapter of my very first fic. I'll admit, there are only three mac ships for me, Celemac (Celestia/Macintosh), Trimac (Trixie/Macintosh also my personal favorite) and Mac/Dash. I wish to make at least one story for each ship. Anyway feel free to comment and criticise, what should I improve or try for the next chapter. Speeking of what will be next, Mac will encounter trixie multiple times during the story, I do this for shits and giggles.
Unlikely CompanyBig Macintosh took a deep breath stepping in the cabin, it was quite luxurious. Amongst the few times he took the train he always took third class wagons so he wasn't expecting this. The cabin was spacious, giving plenty of room to move even for a pony like Big Macintosh, two very comfy looking beds and is that a crystal chandelier? hell, he reckoned even Celestia herself would enjoy this. Its not that he hated luxury, he just tought he didn't belong to it. When the time to show his ticket came it felt like he got slapped across the face; he was holding a first class ticket...Applejack... His stubborn sister must've bought a ticket and swapped them when they were waiting on the platform. Anyway it was too late now, he was going to have to live a day and a half in luxury. ''Good evening sir, am I disrupting you?'' Big Mac slowly turned to the voice that interrupted his strain of thought. There stood an attendant with a cart on wheels filled with tasty looking food. However the attendant seemed surprised to see a farming pony riding first class. ''Eeenope'' Macintosh's short and direct answers confused the pony even more; he looked like he's seen an alien. Focusing back to his job the attendant pushed a large stainless cart to the red stallion. Everything that was presented on the cart was expansive, quality food and nothing was missing; imported coffee and chocolate, wines and champagne. Big Macintosh diverted his attention from the cart to the pony next to it, he was still trying to compute how did a farm pony ended up here. After finally processing the information the uniformed pony remembered his job and presented his cart to Macintosh. ''Uhmmmm...AHEM!...G-Good evening sir, I will be your attendant for the remainder of your travels...wou-would you like something to eat or drink sir?'' There was a hefty amout of contempt in the attendant's tone but the farmer didn't even pay attention to it. The farming pony took a second glance at the cart until something cought his attention, there was a basket filled with tastly looking fruits of all sorts all juicy and ripe for eating but one fruit in all of them cought his attention. ''Eeeyup! Ah'll take three apples an' a glass of cider please'' After handing what Big Mac ordered the attendant turned to exit the cabin but was startled by the passenger. ''Ahem! Ah think y'all forgot something sir.'' The small pony's eyes widened upon seeing Big Macintosh's hoof extended towards him with bits in it. A tip? now that was unusually pleasent, very pleasent indeed, most ponies riding first class were so rich and full of manure (or themselves it dosen't matter) they thought they were above friendliness and generosity; he was absolutely wrong about this pony. Grinning to his teeth and still staring at his hoof full of bits the crew member clumslily pulled his cart out of the cabin. Taking another deep breath Big Macintosh took off his yoke and let his back flop onto one of the beds and took a bite out of an apple. Eeeyup! Sweet Apples Acres's golden harvest apple they were at their best this time of the year. Now he only had to lay back and enjoy the ride... ''FINE! KEEP YOUR STUPID CABIN THE GREAT AND POWERFUL TRIXIE DIDN'T WANT IT ANYWAY!'' *SLAM* Well so much for a peaceful trip. Whoever this Trixie was she sure had a thing for causing ruckus. You could hear her hooves from the other end of the hall and the knocking and the clanging of her luggage raised a trail discontented voices as she went. The door to Big Macintosh's cabin almost slammed open, revealing a unicorn, a really cute one at that. She wasn't even looking at him. Big Mac usually didn't let those thoughts wander around, he was a gentlecolt, but it was only natural for a stallion to have perverted thoughts. He spoke before she could even open her mouth. ''Somethin' ah can help ya with miss...?'' ''Finally some competant servant!'' ''The Great and Powerful Trixie requires a cabin to the level of her greatness'' She was now walking around the room, moving Big Macintosh's belongings and replacing them with her own. She acted like she owned the place and that quickly got on Macintosh's nerves but at the same time interested him; he was sure he knew her from somewhere not making him realize he was staring. Trixie....trixie, TRIXIE of course! how could he forget his sister's screeching about this 'would be' magician, boy his little sibling could be harsh sometimes. ''Are you even listening to Trixie?!'' ''Uhmm, ahm not an attendant, nor a servant missy but ah guess ah can share mah cabin with ya.'' Sharing? SHARING!? what was this peasent thinking? the Great and Powerful Trixie does not share! She was going to give that filthy idiot a piece of her mind. The unicorn finally layed eyes on the stallion who didn't leave his bed. ''THE GREAT AND POWEeerrrful trixie does...not'' Her eyes widened to the sight of the stallion laying in the bed; he was certainly bigger than most ponies she saw and the afternoon light coming through the window shone on his muscular frame. ''Somethin' wrong miss...Trixie was it? There was something about this stallion that intrigued Trixie; he looked very familiar to her. Wait a second! Green eyes, freckles, southern accent and an apple cutie mark...Applejack! ''YOU!'' ''Me?'' ''Yes, YOU! you know Applejack don't you?!'' ''Eeeyup, that's mah sister.'' Trixie let rump fall on the unoccupied bed. This ignorant little hayseed was related to this...this...THIS! She didn't even know how to react, should she hate him? Her guts told her so, he was her enemy's brother but at the same time there was just something about that pony. First of all he was handsome as hell, princess Cadence would have married him if he had asked she was sure of it. And unlike almost every other pony she encountered in her life, he was kind to her, he didn't scream her out of his cabin or treated her with hostility so far. Was she blushing? oh gosh oh gosh oh gosh! she had to hide it. Thank Celestia he was looking out the window She quickly restored her Great and Powerful self and tried to get what was going on in her mind out of it. ''Ahem! Trixie demands where are you going and how did a haysee- a farmer like you got to travel first class?'' ''Volunteered for the Grand Gala Dome construction, heading to Canterlot, staying there for a few weeks.'' Well he was certainly not very talkative, that meant he probably had nothing interesing to talk about or that he had a lot going on in his mind. WAIT! This could be a trap. Maybe this hunk was just a bait for her to bite so his rascal of a little sister can use it as leverage...IF they are related that is. The expressions on her face changed as her thoughts did. It was then that she officially set her mind on uncovering the mysteries of this stallion. ''Ummm scuse me miss Trixie but i'll need to take a shower.'' ''Wait, Showers? what show-oohhhh right this is first class, well go ahead.'' Trixie kept her eyes on the stallion as he got up and went to the bathroom. She was going to keep her eyes on him. Then her eyes wandered to his rump. Oh she'll keep an eye on this INDEED! -- Luna dragged her hooves through the hall. Ruling half of a kingdom was a mess she didn't even want to think what must it be to rule an entire one. With the construction of the dome behind schedule the moon princess had to deal with slimy contractors and crooks. One of those dirty bast... bore kept eyeing her through the whole meeting and he dared to make rather rude advances, without focusing too much on the details he left with two black eyes and he was trembling like a little foal facing a mad dragon. Now she understood what Celestia meant when she was talking about stallions. ''Dear FAUST was this what Celestia had to endure all the time?'' One of Luna's guards flew right through the open window next to her, handed her a scroll, nodded and left in a flash. Luna sighed shortly after the guard left; they had their uses and they were loyal but frankly, they were boring. This castle needed a bit more color. ''Well, more chores for Luna...Yay!'' She unenthousiastically opened the scroll only to discover it was a list of names. ''Pffffff! What is the point of telling me who is going to work on the construWAIT!'' A name caught Luna's attention as she read, a name she recognized. ''Apple...Macintosh Apple?'' Big Macintosh! Well this was going to be interesting, poor hunk will be a target for mares here, after all Ponyville mares gossip about how he's fit for a godeWAIT! Luna's mouth slowly turned into a mischevious grin as plan started to form in her mind. It was finally her time to pull Celestia's legs and embarass her. She was given control over the Dome and its workers therefore he was her responsibility... Plus her sister's dreams didn't lie; Celestia was longing for a stallion perhaps even craved for one. Speaking of dreams, let's see if our poor sister is still having restless ones shall we? Giggling coyly luna lit her horn an vanished in the air. The dream world, Luna's true home. She cherished the night, her first creation, but dreams were her beloved masterpiece. Flying through the infinite space she looked all around her; she was looking for her sister's dream. There it was. Luna approached the golden lighted bubble and touched it with the tip of her horn, causing the bubble to burst and warp the princess into her sister's dream. A slender figure sitting alone in the dark, sobbing echoed in silence. A chandelier above, shining a faint light down of her, slowly expanding around the weeping princess. Shadows of appeared from the darkness, dancing, laughing, loving. Each had a parnter, a friend, a lover... except for the princess, sadly looking all around. A strange light suddenly shone before her, at first unrecognizable took the shape of a faceless stallion, a pegasus. The light approached the lonely mare, wiping her tears and stroking her mane. They starting dancing as the shadows disappeared around them, their laughs and joyful voices still echoing. The princess let her lips touch his. It was cold. Taken by surprise, the mare took a step back, still staring at her unknown lover. He turned to stone. In a desperate attempt for the warmth of another, the princess threw herself at the statue crying her heart out. Luna left the dream. Saddened to see her beloved sister in such a state, even if it was just a dream. Only then she knew the extent of her sister's sorrow. How long did she think she was the martyr amongst the two when she was the cherished one. Luna had friends, time for herself and some decent stallions wooing her. What did Celestia have? For how long was she alone? ''Poor sister...all this time you...no...no I won't let you suffer like that anymore and I think I know how it shall be done. Oh my little plan to tease you back will make you happy as well. Tomorrow, the fun shall be doubled!'' Luna rushed back to her room, magically phasing the scroll she just got plus another blank one and some ink. She wrote feverishly as she talked to herself. ''Let's see...hmm...AHA! volunteers must be interviewed in presence of the project's overseer meaning ME so all I have to do is to cancel the meeting with the FAUSTDAMNED contractors, I did prove my point already, and focus on bringing the stallion in somehow...I GOT IT! Macintosh is skilled beyond just building and reparing, meaning that once the construction is completed he could be further required for handling heavy decorations and setting up the stage. All I need to do is to keep that Apple in castlegrounds long enough so that he and Tia start to approach one another. I can't just throw the subject at her, she'll find it suspicious; I shall deal with it as it comes. Tomorrow the subject will arrive and my plan shall be put to action!'' Author's Note Whew! had difficulties writing that one. I am not entirely satisfied of this one but I still like it, stayed up till 2 A.M to finish it. In the next chapter, Big Mac will confront...THE CITY! (tun! tun! TUNNNNNNN!) Oh if you want to know, Trixie is more of a comic relief in this story. Please comment and recommend, I like to know what to improve and what to keep.
A Cowboy in the CityIt was thirty past two, the train was going to reach its destination in about half an hour and Big Macintosh couldn't wait. Not only did he had to sit on his rump for a day and a half but he had to cope with a strange unicorn who spent the whole trip staring at him, asking him strange questions and looping back to those same questions ten minutes later. He thought there was something wrong with the poor mare, aside from her narcissism. ''Sooo you're a farmer huh?'' The crimson farmer inwardly slammed his head against the walls of his mind as hard as he could. ''Eeeyup...umm ya know its the twelfth time y'all are asking me this question right?'' Trixie had to admit, he didn't seem like the dishonest type of pony plus the resemblance with his sister Applejack was quite striking, only he was a billion times better to look at...if you are straight...or a colt cuddler... Many images came to the blue unicorn's mind as those thoughts occured to her, naughty thoughts. Come on Trixie! You are the greatest and most powerful unicorn in all of Canterlot, you can't have those kind of thoughts for a simple and powerless earth pony like him, he's a famer a dumb, a dumb...muscular sexy stallion noNONONONO ABORT ABORT ABORT! Macintosh's right eyebrow rose to the mare's strange look. Was she just another one of those mare who spent all her time with him looking at him in strange way? She seemed like one of them: googly eyes, slow and sense lacking responses, she had all the symptoms. Another one, great, why can't anypony some up and talk to him normaly, that is all he really asked for. Why can't he have a converstion without anypony's eyes wandering off and drooling on the ground? How he longed for a mare to talk to just talk to him or even stand up to him: just to have a mare not nodding blindly at everything he said, Faust only know what kind of mare that took. He wanted a mare that would be more forward and straight with him. Big Mac concentrated on the scenery that was rushing out behind the window, he forgot how fast the train was going untill now, the conductor must've been in a hurry or something. After two more unnecessary and overused question by the unicorn, the intercom finally rang out its tune. ''Attention to all passengers, we will arrive in Canterlot in about five minutes, please check your cabins for personal effects and thank you for partonage.'' Oh thank Calestia! destination reached; this was the longest day and a half he ever had to spend EVER. ''Sooo you said you were working for the Grand Gala Dome construction right? what a coincidence! I recieved a letter two days ago about that effect, The Great and Powerful Trixie is required to make an outstanding show for the Grand Gala! maybe we will see each other in the future right?'' The gala was her chance to impress him, otherwise she'll have to wait to her next tour in Ponyville, which she certainly could wait forever for. ''So I guess I'll see you in the castlegrounds right?...right?'' Trixie turned around only to find the cabin empty of its original occupant gone. ''Oh so that is how it is right? RUN ALL YOU LIKE TRIXIE WILL GET YOU!'' -- Big Macintosh felt awful running away on a mare like that, his mind yelled at him to go back and apologize but his guts told him to run as far away as possible from that unicorn. He was out of the station and he was already feeling like it was another world. What was a crowd of ponies to him was now multiplied exponentially, he was almost lost in a sea of rude ponies. Not only most of them would bump into him without excusing themselves but a lot of them would aggressively reply to him, where have they been raised? Look on the bright side Macintosh, it could be wor- *BUMP* Macintosh slammed full force into a random mare. ''Hey! why don't you Watch where you are-'' ''Sorry miss! ah ain't exactly from-'' ''My oh MY! Where are you from handsome?!'' Nnnope, nnnope NNNOPE! not another one... ''Umm well, ahm from Ponyville and ah ain't never been to Canterlot...do you think you could tell me how to get to the cas-'' The mare he bumped into was dangerously close to his face, smiling coyly to his rahter innocent answer. ''What a specimen you are! Ponyville huh? I bet ladies nerver leave you alone.'' As much as he didn't like the overly seductive tone of her voice, he couldn't deny that what she said said was mostly true. He's been hit on by Cheerilee, secretly by Rainbow Dash, awkwardly by Derpy Hooves, and a LOT by Rarity, he knew her origins could be traced back to the city but dear Faust could she be unladylike when she really wanted to, Big Macintosh was one of the few who saw what city mares could be like but did he pay attention? No he didn't, now he had to find a way out of this before it went out of hand. ''Dear Celestia, Sue, who is your new friend?'' Oh no... ''Look ahm just trying to get to the castle, can'tcha help me?'' ''I don't know yet but I think I want to find out, don't you big boy?'' The poor farmer hummed and hissed, praying for anything to get him out of this situation. And just like that, Big Macintosh heard that familiar voice from a couples minutes ago. ''There you are! You thought you could escape me, The Great and Powerful Trixie?'' Macintosh froze in fear. The blue unicorn zoomed next to the poor farmer as fast as Rainbow Dash could fly and she was close to him, very close. ''Trixie has some business to attend to with this particular stallion, go bother someone else!'' ''And who are YOU?!'' The expression on Trixie's face turned to pure anger. ''How DARE you not know who the Grea-'' ''Are you his marefriend?'' ''No and I-'' ''Then MY business with this stallion can continue, you are not a colt cuddler are you big boy?'' Big Macintosh's eye twitched when he heared the words 'colt cuddler', he didn't have anything against it but he sure as hell wasn't one and one of the only thing that got his blood boiling was when his sister, or any mare for the matter, questioned him about his...orientation. ''No ahm not and before y'all ask me I ain't interested in any of y'all.'' The mare named Sue and her friend looked at each other before coming too close to him for his liking, that caused Trixie to step forth and face them. ''He just said he wasn't interested in you.'' ''He also said he wasn't interested in YOU either.'' ''We'll see about that.'' ''Indeed we will.'' The three mares turned to where the stallion was, only to find out that he wasn't there anymore. Trixie shook her hoof at the crowd. ''Next time stallion, NEXT TIME, Trixie will uncover your secrets!'' Leaving a mare hanging was bad enough for a gentlecolt, what would his father be thinking, seeing him running away from three mares like that. Maybe he did deserve being rumored as gay... Well no time to ponder on his misfortune with the ladies, the castle was waiting for him. His arrival to Canterlot was not the most comfortable but the city was certainly one hell of a change in scenery. Applejack was clearly exaggerating when she was talking about the capital but there was this strange feeling and he couldn't shake it off. He felt like being watched constantly, effectively, when he looked around him he noticed somepony taking a quick glance at him. It didn't matter where he went, somepony was staring or glaring at him. A strong sense of discomfort hung over Macintosh as he noticed he was being followed by a bunch of mares and a few stallions. The fact that he couldn't direct himself wasn't helping either, it was embarrassing for him to not be able to find the castle, according to Twilight Sparkle you can't really miss it, and he did. Big Macintosh finally made his way to the main square. Thank Faust he found a way point at least, now remember Mac, remember Twilight's instructions, there was the station, then that old wooden shop, yeah, after that there was the main square. Eeeyup thankfully he almost reached the castle. Now all he had to do was to- *Ffwewwww* Was that whistling? ''Look at what we got here gals!'' Oh Celestia please no... Macintosh stopped and slowly turned his head to his right even though his mind screamed at him to run. Up on the balcony of a restaurent was two mares and a stallion, they probably all had the same age as Applejack and her friends. To his great discomfort, all three of them were eyeing him like fillies in a candy store and the one he really was not interested in was the one who was way to much into it. ''Look at that flank ladies! Hey handsome, do you work out?'' The young stallion's words froze him with discomfort on the spot. He's been hit on by other guys before, awkwardly by Caramel too and he had his suspicion on the Flim & Flam brothers and that Blue-something but that had to be the worst. The lack of response from the farmer fuled the cat caller even more. ''A shy one huh? You know what they say about the shy ones...'' ''Oh come on, leave him alone silly, you're too forward!'' ''Yeah! Give him a couple drinks and I'm pretty sure he'll loosen up.'' ''I'm pretty sure he'll be loosening YOU up!'' The last comment made by one of the fillies left Big Macintosh embarrassed beyond bounds. While his red fur could hide his enormous blush, his wandering eyes and blurting of incomprehensible half-words were a dead give away. ''Umm...Ah-ah gotta be somewhere else...scuse me...'' ''Hey wait a second!'' Ah know you hate this Big Mac but don't turn around; ya know they'll keep making it worse for y'all. *BUMP* Again, something or someone just smashed into him. Keep going Mac, you'll hate yourself later now y'all have to get to the castle, fast. ''Macintosh Apple?'' The Crimson farmer gulped at the sound of the voice. It was not a mare's voice nor a regular stallion's one. While not as deep and low toned as his it had a lot of authority in it. He slowly turned only to find himself face to face with a group of royal guards. ''E-Eeeyup?'' ''Your appointment with the Princess is past due fifteen minutes, we were asked to seek and fetch you, please follow us.'' ''O-Okay.'' The hulking stallion complied and tailed the marching guards not noticing the silence that suddenly hung around the main square. Not even a second after everypony in the square saw Macintosh dissapear in the horizon, a silent uproar of gossip and whispers thundered through the streets. The three cat-callers started gossiping out loud, making rumors like fillies making up stories. ''Did you see that? He must have real pull around here to get that sort of attention.'' ''Have you taken a good look at him? Its obvious what kind of 'pull' he must have around the Princesses.'' The wild fire of rumors kept spreading through the city as the farmer nervously paraded in the streets. -- Celestia sighed in relief. A cup of tea a day keeps the sorrows away...temporarily at least, she constantly had this recurring dream and had the feeling something something was missing or off. The sun princess looked calmly around the room while her sister trotted in circles in impatience. Celestia didn't speak much to her sister lately, in fact, they both have been eerily silent with each other so she decided to break the ice. ''Is something bothering you Luna?'' Luna jumped a bit at her elder sister's sudden interrogation. Her plan just came to be and it was already going wrong. Curses! He was supposed to be here fifteen minutes ago! ''AHH! OH! uhh sorry Tia, you startled me there...I uhh...I am waiting for someone.'' Celestia's brow raised to the response. A little glimmer in her eyes paired with her signature smile left the lunar princess concerned. ''Another wooer?'' Luna's blush made Celestia giggle a bit, she had seen how Luna could act around stallion sometimes and she knew her sister would blurt an excuse in about three, two, one... ''N-no! a worker is late for an appointment and now I have to interview him during dinner.'' ''Well, this should prove to be interesting, I always wanted to see how you interacted with normal ponies.'' ''Huh?'' ''I am just curious on how you are going to deal with the common folk after this little...incident'' ''THOSE CROOKS DESERVED IT AND YOU KNOW IT!'' Luna's screaming was interrupted by the sound of the door opening. A small group of lunar guards entered the room in line, halfway through they splitted the line in two revealing a stallion who appreared to be lost out of his mind before quietly leaving. Celestia felt a little strange looking at him, he looked very familiar. ''Ah! There you are.'' ''Ah-ahm mighty sorry for bein' late like that, ah ran into some trouble on mah way here.'' ''Don't bother making excuses up, it is quite frequent to be late in Canterlot, even the city's elite is awfully late almost everyday.'' ''Still, y'all are the Princesses, ah should've not kept y'all waiting like that, sorry.'' ''No need, please take a seat and let's begin shall we mister Apple?'' ''Eeeyup an' please call me Macintosh'' Celestia ears perked up after hearing the pony's name. Apple...of course! Applejack's elder brother she knew he looked oddly familiar. Plus the Apples are such a large family they were pretty much all over the map. She couldn't get her attention away from him; he was an impressive sight. He was as tall as her sister and that was something for an earth pony. Plus his large and muscular frame was really hard to miss, her royal guards and her sister's seemed like wet noodles compared to him and he looked like he could handle their captain Shining Armor in hoof-to-hoof combat. ''And you possess multiple skills like carpenting, gardening, masonry, construction in various buildings-wow..the list just goes on, You are a skilled pony aren't you?'' ''Eeeyup'' The sun princess's attantion was now focused on the stallion rather than on her sister; Celestia sparked her magic and levitated the scroll closer to her. Sipping her tea, she carefully read the whole content. The lenghty list left the two princesses quite impressed. ''You do all of that?'' Mac's eyes slowly shifted from Luna to Celestia, she had a slight look of doubt in her eyes and she didn't expect Macintosh to pick up on that. Silence broke into the room, making Luna both excited and nervous about how her sister and the bait were staring at each other. She wasn't as good as her elder sister when it came to 'read' other ponies but she could tell it was not starting on the right foot; the two ponies she tried to match were looking at each other...and not in the way she wanted. She could at least tell from their gazes that it wasn't love at first sight like she hoped, well she still had time. '''Eeeyup!'' ''As strong and healthy as you look, all this work seems to be a little too much for one pony...'' Again, the look on Macintosh's face made it clear to both sisters that he understood what they both implied. ''NNnope! when y'all are the only stallion on the farm, y'all are the one doin' most of the work.'' ''But isn't that a bit much for one-'' ''Nnnope!" Normally, both princesses would have taken his answer as an insult but there was just something about him that intrigued Celestia. Wait a second... With Twilight's letters and other records they had they both knew he was not lying, they had reliable proof and his looks confirmed his abilities. ''He is right Luna, we've got Twilight's letters and her friends's 'testimonies' on his competence'' ''Huhhh s'cuse me princess but...why would y'all have all that info on me?'' Celestia was about to speak up when she was interrupted by her sibling. She shifted through the rest of the documents while her sister talked. She definitely had something for that stallion. ''Well we had to be sure, you see, we've had a little ''problem'' with the employers and now many unqualified workers are on the field, we have to make sure you are not a liability or employed by one of the people we've had a problem with.'' ''Nnnope.'' ''Well, okay, I don't see any reason we shouldn't hire you, French Polish here will you show you to your quarters.'' Celestia and Big Macintosh's heads turned to Luna in complete sync, blurting out the same word at the same time. ''Q-Quarters?!'' ''Well with the upcoming Gala and the construction of the dome the city's hotels are booked and we can't ask you to take a day and a half trip every day now can't we.'' ''Ah know people in the city, ah can ask-'' ''You will rest here at the castle, it would be unreasonable not to give you shelter'' ''But Luna-'' ''No buts from you Tia, you gave ME control over this situation and YOU are staying at the castle, royal orders! French Polish here will show you to your quarters, you will start tomorrow as the master coordinator, I hope you are okay with ordering ponies around.'' The dining room was suddenly silent again only the sound of the french maid's hooves approaching Macintosh was present. She greeted the farmer with a friendly smile and a thick French accent. ''Bonjour monsieur Maquinetoche was it?'' ''Oh uhh Howdy!'' ''Ha ha ha! Your accent iz awful mignon, you are from the souths oui?'' ''Eeeyup, ponyville'' ''Ohhh you know Rarity non? she iz a bonne amie!'' The princesses looked at the maid leading the stallion out of the room. ''That French Maid loves to make friends dosen't she?'' ''Luna, we need to talk'' ''About what Tia?'' ''What just happened, now I know I just gave you power over the Dome and the events surrounding it but I can still revoke that power, now I won't say you are doing a terrible job, on the contrary you are doing great so far but it seems you have an...ulterior motive'' Luna panicked, did Celestia discover her secret motives? She had to come up with something fast! ''You like him don't you?'' The princess of the night froze. That was the second time her plan backfired on her, first the indifference of her sister towards the bait and now her older sibling thought SHE had a crush on HIM. ''WHAT?! NO! I don't have a crush on him you're supp-uhhhh...'' ''I am what?'' ''Nothing Tia, it is just my nerves talking I uhhh guess power got over my head a bit'' Celestia raised an eyebrow, power was something Luna had a little trouble dealing with, she didn't want to talk about what happened between them a thousand years ago. However she couldn't stop thinking that there was something odd with Luna. ''All right Luna, I will give you the benefit of the doubt this time but I have something else on my mind, this stallion, you invited him for the month in the castle grounds, I hope you understand the consequences of having a commoner living with the elite Under YOUR invitation'' Luna's face went redder than the farmer's coat, now everypony would think he is her lover or something. ''Sweet Faust the media is going to be all over it now'' ''Well, be a little more subtle about inviting a wooer next time'' Celestia smiled at the sight of her sister's reaction. ''I AM NOT IN LOVE WITH HIM!'' To Luna's dissapointment, Celestia already left the room but she kept on swearing revenge on her sister. ''Tomorrow Tia, I swear tomorrow you will fall in love with him or I will never raise the moon again, EVER!'' Author's Note Heyyop! new chapter out, sorry for the delay, had a bit of a blank on what to write next. Will Luna's plan succeed? It Macintosh actually capable of loving without a potion? Is French Polish really French? Do I even know what I am doing? Next time on the Royal Gala Apple...something will happen!
