The Split Core

Source Code had woken up earlier than usual, but even so it seemed like everypony else had already been working in the field by the time he got to the kitchen to have breakfast. After having something to eat, Source Code saw Granny Smith sitting in her chair on the front porch, while all the other ponies were out in the orchard. He saw Braeburn in the distance, and ran over to join him.

"You guys think you need another hoof with the harvest?"

"Sure!" Braeburn replied. "Ya think you could take care of the trees over there?" Braeburn pointed toward a part of the orchard behind them.

"No problem, Braeburn."

"I'll help ya out if you need it." Corn Maize commented.

"That would be great. Thanks, Corn Maize." The two ran over to the trees in the distance, and both started bucking every tree in sight. Although both were quite inexperienced compared to Braeburn and the Sweet Apples, they got the job done very quickly, taking only a few hours to finish all of the trees. Suddenly, a loud bell was heard in the distance. A voice played over the town intercom.

"Attention, Ponyville! Entry for the Ponyville Apple Pie Contest are now open. Anypony wishing to compete must sign up now." All six Apples stopped what they were doing, and gathered to the stand where the entries were accepted. To their surprise, a change to the rules was posted next to the stand. It read,

"Due to safety concerns, fillies and colts will no longer be allowed to participate in this contest. We apologize for any inconveniences." Apple Bloom and Big Macintosh were saddened by this. The two were planning to enter together, and now they couldn't compete. Granny Smith couldn't compete either, in her condition. Luckily, Braeburn and Source Code were able to form a team, as were Applejack and Corn Maize. They all heard a train coming, and as it stopped, several ponies walked off, including several members of the Apple family, and two unicorns that Applejack wasn't happy to see.

"Aw, shoot. Those two. They better not be up to anything fishy." Applejack said in disdain.

"Who are those two, cousin?" Corn Maize asked.

"They're the Flim Flam brothers. They're nothing but lying con artists. We've met 'em twice. First time, we almost lost the farm, and second time Granny Smith almost lost her life."

"That's terrible. What happened to her?"

"They sold her a tonic and convinced her she could dive into a pie tin. If I hadn't stopped her... I don't know." Source Code was listening to their conversation, and when he saw the Flim Flam Brothers, he shot a cold stare at them. He thought they must be the two unicorns his father warned him about in his dream.

Everypony was in line to register. They were all reminded of the rules, and Source Code and Braeburn officially sent in their entry. They were now locked in as partners. Applejack and Corn Maize followed suit, as did the Flim Flam brothers, along with countless other pairs. After the entries were all locked in, they announced that the contest would officially start the next day. The six Apples all ran back to the farm, and immediately got to training, while the Flim Flam Brothers simply went along calmly, not stressing in the slightest. After a few more hours outside, the moon had risen, and Applejack told her family that they should all get to sleep early. Everypony came back inside, and immediately went to bed. Source Code wasn't feeling tired in the slightest, unlike the rest of the Apples. Braeburn was about to doze off, when Source Code asked him with a whisper,

"Hey, Braeburn, do you know much about the Flim Flam brothers?" Braeburn whispered back,

"Sorry, Apple Crisp, but I can't say I do. But from what I heard from Applejack, they're not to be trusted. Is something about them botherin' you?"

"Well, I don't know if it's them, or somepony else, but for some reason I feel like the fact that I came to enter this contest tomorrow was just meant to be. Does that make sense?"

"Hay if I know, but we gotta get some sleep. We need to be at our best performance tomorrow, and it would be great if we could win. Good night, Apple Crisp."

"Good night, Braeburn." Suddenly, Source Code grew tired, and immediately dozed off. He had another dream, and in it, he saw his father again. He ran up to the figure, and said,

"Hello, father. What brings you here again?"

"Son, I know you're troubled about those two unicorns, the Flim Flam Brothers. I just wanted to let you know that, whatever you plan to do about this problem, I'll support you all the way. I know you'll make the right choice. I didn't get much of a chance to raise you, but I know you've learned to make careful decisions."

"Thanks, Father. I'll be sure to make you proud in the contest."

"I know you will." The figure faded once again, but this time, Source Code didn't wake up quite yet. He spent some time inside this void, alone with his thoughts. He knew that one of the contest's rules forbade spying, and he strongly opposed cheating, or any form of dishonesty for that matter. He eventually decided that he'll try to avoid them at all costs, unless he's absolutely needed. He then woke up, and saw that it was sunrise once again. Braeburn was still asleep, though, so he shook his brother up, and he snapped out of it.

"Good morning, Apple Crisp." Braeburn said with a yawn.

"Morning, Braeburn," Source Code replied. "Ready for the contest?" Braeburn then shot out of bed, full of energy.

"You bet your right flank I am!" Source Code and Braeburn then trotted out of their bedroom, and into the living room, where the other Apples were waiting.