The Split Core

The contest was finally over, and the judges had come to a decision on the winner. However, they had to make an announcement before they could announce the winners. Apparently, a few pairs weren't quite following the rules. One of the judges, Mrs. Harshwinny, anounced,

"After speaking to the other judges, we have determined that two teams had breached the rules, and must be disqualified. Flim and Flam, as well as Applejack and Corn Maize, you two pairs were declared guilty of using magic and spying, respectively. For that, both of you are disqualified." They were all disappointed, as well as Source Code. He wanted to stand up for his cousin, but had no idea how. He was starting to sweat from nerves, when he suddenly blanked out, and a voice beckoned to him inside his head. It was his father's voice.

"You know what you must do. Now's the time to fulfill your purpose here." Source Code snapped out of it, and had a serious look in his eyes. He said to his brother,

"Braeburn, stand aside. I got a score to settle for my cousin." Braeburn was shocked from not only Source Code's serious demeanor, but the fact that he spoke in a slight southern accent. Source Code walked to the judges, and said, "Judges, I have somethin' to say. Somethin' important." Source Code The judges had already determined their results, so Mrs. Harshwinny replied,

"Very well. What is it?" As Source Code spoke, his accent became progressively heavier.

"I don't think it's right for Applejack and Corn Maize to be disqualified for trying to protect this contest's integrity. I know them. They gave it everythin' they had in the contest, and after seeing the pie they made, I was nothin' short of amazed. Sure they were gawkin' at the Flim Flam Brothers, but I can tell ya they had good reason to. Applejack and her family have fallen victim to their scams and cons twice before, and I don't want them to have to suffer for the same thing a third time. Braeburn and I may not have done the best in the contest, but darn it I know Applejack and Corn Maize did the best. She deserves to win, even if it means breakin' the rules in order to enforce 'em." Source Code took a deep breath, and continued in his normal accent, "I have no further comments." He then walked back to his brother's side.

The judges were moved by Source Code's words. They announced that they will have a quick conversation among themselves, and return with the results afterwards. After about 3 minutes, Mrs. Harshwinny said,

"In light of Source Code's words, we have decided on a new result. Applejack and Corn Maize will still have to be disqualified, since spying is against the rules, but the Flim Flam Brothers will be as well, and they will be banned from ever competing in future contests. Thank you, Source Code, for bringing their actions to our attention."

"Please, Mrs. Harshwinny, call me Apple Crisp," Source Code replied in a southern accent.

"Yes, of course, Apple Crisp." Mrs. Harshwinny winked at him, acknowledging his contribution. "Anyway, after analyzing everypony's performance, as well as the pies they have baked, we have determined that the winners are..." Everypony was stomping their hooves, anxious to hear who won. "Rose and Daisy!" The two victorious ponies went on stage to accept their award, as well as the prize money. Source Code recognized Daisy. She was the first mare he saw back when he was in Appleloosa. The judges announced the 2nd and 3rd place teams as well, but what they said next really shocked everypony. "We'd also like to give an honorable mention to another pair. Not only did they recover from their last place finish in apple bucking and peeling by giving us the best pie in the contest, but Apple Crisp helped us stop a completely dishonest team in their tracks. Congratulations to Apple Crisp and Braeburn!" Everypony cheered for them. As fireworks were launched to officially conclude the contest, Source Code and Braeburn trotted over to Applejack and Corn Maize, who were disappointed in being disqualified, but happy that Source Code stood up for them.

That evening, a celebratory party afterparty, obviously planned by Pinkie Pie, was held to honor everypony that competed. The Flim Flam Brothers were not allowed to attend, but Applejack and Corn Maize were. The two of them joined Braeburn and Source Code, or Apple Crisp as Ponyville all knew him as now, and they all cheered to a great day and a fantastic contest with a mig of cider. Braeburn asked them all,

"So, did we all have fun in the contest?"

"You bet we did, Braeburn," Source Code replied.

"Hey, Apple Crisp?" Applejack asked. "I want to thank ya for standin' up for me like that. I had my doubts that you were an Apple family member, but I know only a true Apple would do that for their family."

"Aw, shucks," Source Code said as he blushed."

"So, what are y'all gonna do after the party is over?" Corn Maize asked.

"Well, I can't stay here forever. I got a farm of my own back in Appleloosa. I'll probably sleep here for the night, and return home in the mornin'," Braeburn replied.

"I should probably do the same. I do have a job in Las Pegasus to get back to. I hope my boss isn't too worried that I'm gone," Source Code commented. "But I'll be sure to visit my family in Ponyville, as well as my brother in Appleloosa, again very soon."

"Well, my Ma and the rest are still waitin' for me in Appleloosa, so I should go with Braeburn tomorrow. I don't want my family gettin' too worried about me." They all smiled, and clanked their mugs again as they downed their cider. After the party was over, all the Apples returned to the farmhouse, and Braeburn and Source Code went to bed. Neither could get any sleep, as they were both still excited from the day's events. Braeburn whispered to his brother,

"Hey, Apple Crisp, thanks again for helping out Applejack. I can tell she really appreciates what you did."

"Well, I wasn't about to let my own cousin suffer for the same thing a third time." Both of them chuckled as they said good night to each other, and finally dozed off, each with smiles on their faces.