The Crusader

by Kasune

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Apple Bloom, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 4936

Growing up as a blank flank, Cutie Marks have always been important to Applebloom. So much so that she has spent years researching the hows, whys and whats of them, traveling all across the realm of Equestria and it's surrounding nations.

Growing up as a blank flank, Cutie Marks have always been important to Applebloom. So much so that she has spent years researching the hows, whys and whats of them, traveling all across the realm of Equestria and it's surrounding nations.

Published 2014-07-09 14:50:03 UTC
Last updated 2014-07-19 02:09:56 UTC

Trouble

The clinic's office was deafeningly quiet, as if all the sound was being consumed by the large red stallion sitting in one of the chairs. Next to him, almost unnoticeable next to his sheer size, sat a small, yellow filly with a red mane, holding an ice pack against her eye as she directed her attention at the floor.

“Are ya mad at me?” she croaked, her uncovered eye looking about ready to tear up.

“Nope.”

When no further answer came, she chanced a look up at the larger pony, to find him just staring ahead. “But...Ah'm still in trouble?”

“Eeyup.” He replied, not breaking his gaze to whatever held his attention.

The little filly's hoof drooped a little, revealing her covered eye had already started bruising up. “But why, Big Mac?” She pouted, looking back at the floor. “She started it!”

The stallion turned his gaze to the filly, grimacing at her. “It don' matter who started it. Ya took a part in it. And that's just as bad.”

“Oh...” The filly replied, lifting the ice pack back up to her eyes.

Big Macintosh returned his gaze upwards. “Ah'm proud of ya fer standing up ta bullies. But there are better ways than getting' inta fights with 'em.”

“Are ya gonna tell Applejack?”

“Eeyup.”

“Darn” The filly groaned.

Silence returned to the office as the two ponies sat quietly, waiting for the nurse. It wasn't too long until the interior clinic door had opened, and a white mare with a pink mane escorted a gray filly wearing glasses out of the office, one of her ears wrapped in a bandage.

“Remember, you're going to need to change those bandages before you go to bed tonight, and have your parents apply a little more healing salve when you do that, but you should be right as rain by morning.” The mare smiled. “I'll be sending your mom a message to let her know as well.”

The gray filly nodded in response. “Thank you, ma'am.” She states, before starting to walk for the clinic's door.

Big Macintosh nudged the yellow filly, indicating for her to go make amends. The filly groaned, but set down the ice pack and trotted towards the other filly.

Noticing the approach, the gray filly rolled her eyes. “What do you want?”

The yellow filly faltered, looking at the floor, her red mane falling in front of her face. “Ah wanted ta apologize. Ah shouldn't've bit your ear.”

“Yeah, whatever.” She snarled in response. “Just don't let it happen again, blank flank.” She walked out the door before the yellow filly could respond.

The filly's jaw dropped open, struggling for some way to respond. “But Ah...” She turned back to look at Big Macintosh, who had stood up and started to walk towards her. “What just happened?”

“Ya did the right thing.” He said, smiling at the small filly as he walked past her towards the door. “C'mon.”

The filly scurried out the door after the large stallion.

The pair of ponies peregrinate the Ponyville plaza, passing plentiful produce stands.

The yellow filly followed the taller stallion absentmindedly, her mouth running a mile a minute. “Ah just don' get it. Why's she gotta be so me ta me? Ah've never done nothing to her and she just keeps bullyin' me an all mah friends. What am Ah gonna do, Big Mac? Ah cain't jus-” She came to a stop mentally and physically as she ran into the stallion's hind leg. Backing up, she smiled sheepishly. “Sorry 'bout that.” Looking beyond the pony in front of her, she saw the sign of the Ponyville General Store. “Why're we here? Ah thought Ah was in trouble.”

“Eeyup.”

The filly scowled at the lack of a more protracted answer. “But, you're gonna let me see Diamond Tiara?””

“Nope.”

“But-huh?” The small filly struggled to get her jaw to put forth words. “Ah'm confused...”

“Eeyup.” The red stallion smiled, walking into the store. The filly scurried to keep up with him.

“Macintosh, my lad.” A brown stallion leaning against the stores counter smiled as the two ponies enter the shop. “Good to see you. Though I can't say I'm surprised by the visit.”

The yellow filly hopped up, leaning against the counter. “Is Diamond Tiara okay?”

“Sure is.” The stallion frowned as he pointed at the filly's black eye. “In fact, looks to me like you got the worst of it.”

“Nope.”

The brown stallion glanced up at Big Macintosh, before giving a confused look to the little filly.

“Ah, uh...bit Silver Spoon's ear.” She dropped to the ground, looking down at the floor. “Hard...”

“Well, I can see how that's no good.” The stallion returned his gaze to the larger pony. “I take it Bloomy's in a bit of trouble then.”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh nodded. “Shouldn't be fightin' dirty when ya cain't avoid fightin'. Ya need ta know how ta do the right thing, not just when.” He cast a gaze around the shop. “Do ya have any notebooks in stock?”

“Sure do.” He gave a big grin. “It's even on the house for the hero. Just don't let it go to your head.”

The filly looked up from the floor. “Thanks, Mr. Rich.”

“Nope.”

“Won't take that for an answer. While you're right to punish her for going about it the wrong way, at least she tried to do what's right and she should be rewarded for that. What your dad would have done.” He looked down, winking at the filly. Then he turned his attention back to Big Macintosh. “If you really feel the need to pay me back, you could try convincing your sister to sell me a barrel of her special cider every now and then.” He turned around, bending down to pick up a notebook. Setting it down on the counter, he smiled. “Deal?”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh picked up the book, laying it on his back. “Thank you, Mr. Rich.”

“Think nothing of it.” He reached over the counter, tussling the filly's red mane. “And don't be too hard on Bloomy. From the sounds of it, she was just trying to help my little princess.”

“Eeyup.” He replied with a smile as the two ponies walk out of the store.

The door creaked open as the little filly trudged into the room, slowly making her way towards the bed.

“Ya cin stay up here 'til supper time and think 'bout what ya did.” Big Macintosh stated as he followed her into the room. Reaching behind himself, he grabbed the notebook and set it down on the desk.

“Yes, Big Mac.” The filly responded sullenly, flopping onto the bed.

“Applebloom.” Big Macintosh stood still for a moment, waiting for a response. Realizing none was forthcoming, he stepped forward and sat down next to the bed. “Applebloom, Ah know Ah ain't Dad, an Applejack ain't Ma.”

She craned her neck to look at Big Macintosh. “Ah know that.”

“Let me finish.” He grimaced. Taking a deep breath, he continued. “Ah'm not very good at being emotionally open an Ah know yer sister cin be...overprotective sometimes. Things ain't 'xactly been perfect lately and Ah know we ain't always helpful. But, ya gotta stop actin' out.” He looked back to catch his sister's eye. “It'll get ya into some real trouble one day.” He glanced over at the notebook he had put on the desk. “Ah think, if'n it'll help, ya should take up writin' or drawin'. Even if ya just use it as a diary ta collect yer thoughts.”

“Is that mah punishment?” Applebloom asked confusedly. “Ta write about mah day?”

“Nope.”

She cast a glance outside her door. “Applejack gonna say Ah cain't have dessert?”

“Maybe.” Big Macintosh smiled as he trotted out of the room.

“Dang.” Applebloom scowled, letting her head drop to the mattress. She rests there for a bit, before looking over at her desk. Hopping off her bed, she trotted over to the desk, taking a better look at the notebook. “Ah reckon Ah should.”

Applebloom opened the notebook and picked up a pencil.

Parole

The sun shone down on Sweet Apple Acres, bathing the apple orchards in nourishing light. Near the front gate of the farm is a farmhouse and barn, with an orange mare inspecting a wagon next to the barn.

“Applejack, please!” Applebloom shouted, hanging out of a window of the nearby house.

Applejack looked up, staring in the filly's direction. “Yer grounded, missy.”

Applebloom groaned, hanging her head over the windowsill. “But Ah'm so bored!”

Applejack shook her head. “Shoulda thought 'bout that before ya got inta that fight.”

“But Ah din't start-”

“Hush now.” The mare interrupted, turning back towards the wagon. “Ah'm tryin' ta fix this ol' wagon.” She stated, poking at the wheel.

Applebloom bolted upright. “Ah cin fix it.”

“This ain't no time ta be messin' round.” Applejack rolled her eyes as she turns to the work bench, grabbing a wrench.”

“Ya need ta use the samoflange ta reset the radial click gauge 'fore ya polarize the suspension shaft.”

“Huh?” Applejack stared at the tools on the workbench in confusion.

“Ah kin help fix it if'n Ah'm not grounded no more.” Applebloom gave a wide smile as her sister turned to look at her.

Applejack groaned as she looked back at the cart. “C'mon down and we'll see.”

“Yay!” Applebloom shouted, bouncing away from the window.

“Ah hope this ain't no mistake.” She sighed, adjusting her hat as she watched her sister disappear inside.

Applebloom bounded down the stairs, taking them three at a time. Hitting the ground floor, she spotted an older green pony sitting in a rocking chair. “Hey, Granny! Bye, Granny!” She shouted as she ran past.

The older pony opened her eye to watch the younger filly. “Hol' on a tick. Ain't ya in trouble.” She grumbled.

Applebloom skidded to a stop, turning to face the green pony. “Ah'm helping Applejack fix the ol' wagon.”

“Who ya callin' ol', ya whippersnapper?”

“The wagon, Granny.”

Granny Smith started to get up out of the rocking chair. “Ah bilt that wagon when yer Ma was but a filly.”

Applebloom gulped, casting a glance to the door behind her. “Applejack said it.” She stated before dashing out the door.

Applejack was inspecting the various tools on the workbench when Applebloom came galloping up to the barn. “Now, what was it ya were sayin'?

“Am Ah ungrounded?” She asked, wiping a strand of red mane out of her face.

“If'n ya kin really fix this ol' wagon,” Applejack sighed, waving at the wagon, “Ah suppose...”

Applebloom reached up to grab a screwdriver off the workbench, diving under the wagon.

Applejack scowled at seeing what her sister grabbed. “That's a screwdriver, not a watchamacallit.”

“Samoflange” A reply from under the wagon was issued.

“'Xactly.”

“Ah needed ta loosen the altimeter valve so Ah kin reach the radial click gauge.” She stuck a hoof out from under the wagon. “Samoflange.”

Applejack stomped a hoof in frustration. “What in tarnation is a samoflange?”

“Should be sittin' next ta the doohickey.”

She rolled her eyes at the response. “Now Ah know yer makin' stuff up. Git out here.”

Applebloom poked her head out, staring at her sister. “Nuh-uh. Dad ne'er said what it was called, so Ah put on a label that said doohickey.”

Applejack turned back towards the bench and indeed finds a tool with a label messily stuck to it reading 'doohickey.' Picking up the tool next to it, she hoofed it to her sister, who promptly disappeared back under the wagon. “Why din't ya ask me or Big Mac?

“Ya don't know what a samoflange is.” A loud clang rang out from under the wagon. “An' Granny called it a doohickey.”

“Ya got me there...”

Applebloom pushed the samoflange out from under the cart. “Moon wrench.”

“What wrench?”

Applebloom circled her hoof. “Looks like a crescent wrench, but with black and white gems in the handle.”

Applejack bent down to pick up the samoflange and return it to the workbench. Looking around, she quickly fiound the next tool and passed it on to the filly. “So...Dad showed ya how ta do this?”

“Yup.” Another crash of metal sounded from underneath. “Well, some of it. Ah picked up a lot on mah own.” A spout of steam billowed out from behind the wagon. “Done.” Pushing the tools ahead of her, Applebloom came out with a grin and several grease spots littering her coat. “Ah wonder what Diamond an' Twist are up ta?” She started to bounce off towards town.

However, her sister grabbed her mid-bounce. “Uh-uh.”

The yellow(and spotted) filly looked up at the orange mare with teary eyes. “But...ya said Ah weren't grounded no more.”

“An' ya ain't.” Applejack flashed a brief smile before going back to her frown. “But yer filthy. Ya cin go socializin' after ya get cleaned up.”

“But Applejack-”

“No buts.” The older pony lightly popped her sisters backside. “Now git.”

Applebloom groaned as she trudged back towards the farmhouse.

“An' don't forget ta clean yer flank.”

The filly grinned. “Ah thought ya said no butts.” She said, shaking her rump.

“Git going!” Applejack laughed as she watched her sister race into the house.

The Ponyville General Store was fairly quiet this time of day. Most stores were during the lunchtime rush. Couldn't really hope to compete with Ms. Pie's Confetti Surprise. Not that Filthy Rich had any intentions of doing so. He was running a general store, after all, not a restaurant. And honestly, having a slow period was nice.

Which is why it's probably forgivable that he slipped from the counter and crashed to the floor when the bell for his door rings suddenly, a yellow filly galloping into the store. “Mr. Rich!”

He grumbled a little, but picked himself up off the floor. This is a visit he doesn't mind. “Well, if it isn't Bloomy. I thought your sister would have put you on lock down.”

Applebloom made a show of inspecting her hoof, as if the topic was uninteresting. “Early release for mechanical knowledge.”

“You mean, good behavior?” He caught Applebloom giving a mischievous smirk. “Too right. I know you too well to believe that.” Filthy Rich smiled as he crossed his forelegs over the counter. “So, to what do I owe the pleasure?”

“Ah was hopin' ya knew where Diamond Tiara was.” Applebloom responded, planting her hoof back on the ground.

“Hmm...” Filthy Rich brought one hoof up, tapping his chin. “Did you try Twist's house?”

“Yup.” Applebloom nodded enthusiastically. “Her mom said ta check with you?”

“Of course.” He nodded knowledgeably back at her. “What about Bon Bon's Candies?”

“Empty as a barrel after cider day.”

“Golden Oaks Library?” A silence filled the store before the two ponies broke out laughing. “Well, I wouldn't give up. I'm sure you'll bump into them.”

At the word bump, two small forms collided, sending the three rolling across the floor. Giggling, the pink filly hopped up and beams at Filthy Rich. “Thanks daddy!”

Applebloom jumped up behind her, ruffling her mane. “How'd ya know Ah was comin' here?”

“I thaw you checking Thugarcube Corner while I wath grabbing lunch.” The beige filly still on the floor adjusting her glasses remarked. “Tho I thought we could thurprithe you.”

“Daddy asked us to help out in the store.” The pink filly smiled, shrugging Applebloom off her back. “Do you want to help?”

“Sure, Diamond Tiara.” She smiled, looking back up at Filthy Rich. “If'n ya are fine with it.”

Filthy Rich beamed back at her. “I am sure it would be alright. The girls were just going to do one delivery after lunch, then you can spend the rest of the day celebrating your early parole.”

“Thweet!” The beige filly shouted, hopping off the floor. “We can thelebrate at Bon Bon'th!”

“Ah dunno.” Applebloom's smirk shrank a little. “She might still be mad about last time.”

“That wathn't my fault...” The beige filly glanced at the floor. “It'th not like I made that thtorm cloud.”

“Twist, Applebloom, there's no need to argue.” Diamond Tiara grinned, stepping forward. “After all, Ms. Rarity could be displaying a new design today. We don't want to miss that.”

The two fillies groaned together. “Ah was thinkin' we could go investigatin' that trail Ah told ya about before me an' Silver Spoon got inta a fight.”

“Girls, one thing at a time.” Filthy Rich walked out from behind the counter, putting an 'Out to Lunch' sign on the door to the shop. “First, lunch, then the delivery. After that, you have the day to yourself.” He motioned for the three fillies to follow him behind the counter into the backroom.

Summer Sun Celebration Pt. I

“Nuh uh!”

“Yuh huh!”

Diamond Tiara rolled her eyes. “It doesn't make any sense, Applebloom!”

“Like anything 'bout Ms. Pie makes sense.”

“That doesn't mean she has horseshoes of improbability,” huffed Diamon Tiara. “If she had a magic item from an old mare's tale, why would she even be living in Ponyville?”

“Thhe could be a retired adventurer.” Twist spoke up. “Maybe thhe wath friendth with Daring Do.”

“As if.”

The three fillies had grabbed a table in Sugarcube Corner, a milkshake sitting in front of each of them. Diamond Tiara scoffed at her friends as she busied herself wiping dirt off of her hooves. Twist was quietly drinking her shake, occasionally piping in as Applebloom told tall tales.

“Ah'm bein' serious.” Applebloom slammed a hoof on their table. “Ya know, Ah saw her walk through a mirror once.”

“So she's clumsy.”

The yellow filly rolled her eyes. “Not inta a mirror, through the reflection.”

“Uh-huh.”

“Hey, girls.” A pink mare popped up between Twist and Diamond Tiara, a cupcake balanced on her nose. “What cha talkin' about?”

“Your horthethoeth of improbability.” Twist answered as her two friends looked around in confusion at how Pinkie Pie had snuck up on them.

“That's silly.” Pinkie Pie remarked, waving her hooves for everyone to see. “I don't even wear shoes.”

“Ha!” Diamond Tiara smirked at her friend before turning her attention back to Pinkie Pie. “Applebloom was trying to tell us she saw you walking in a mirror.”

“Oh, that probably has something to do with my planeswalker piercing.” She responded, tossing the cupcake in the air and catching it in her mouth.

Applebloom narrowed her eyes at the chewing pony. “But, ya don' got any piercings.”

“Or do I?” Pinkie Pie whispered as she wrapped a hoof around Applebloom's shoulders, somehow having gotten around to the other side of the table. After a moment of silence had descended on the table, she started giggling.

“Tho, are you friendth with Daring Do?”

“Of course not.” Pinkie scowled, putting on an air of dignity. With a wink at Twist, she added, “She never shows up for any of my 'You Survived a Deathtrap' parties. Granted, they were deathtraps.” She let loose a maniacal laugh, then ruffled Applebloom's mane. “I've gotta get back to work girls. Maybe I'll tell you more later.” With that said, she ducked under the table.

Diamond Tiara glanced under the table to see that the mare had disappeared. “Okay, I'll admit that was weird.”

“Why's everypony gotta do that.” Applebloom groaned as she smoothed out her mane.

Diamond Tiara slid over, reruffling Applebloom's mane. “Because we know it's just going to get dirty again.”

“Hmph.” The yellow filly jumped out of her seat. “Fine. Ah don' gotta take this.” She smirked, lightly kicking Diamond Tiara's flank. “Granny Smith wants mah help settin' up fer the family reunion tomorrow anyways.”

“Thee you at the Thummer Thun Thelebration?” Twist asked, leaning forward.

“Cain't keep me away,” smirked Applebloom as she walked out the door.

An air of busyness surrounded Sweet Apple Acres as several ponies rushed about the farm, many carrying crates or other supplies. Applebloom smiled as she weaved between ponies, making her way to one of the supply carts in front of the farmhouse. “Hey, Applejack, Big Mac. What's-”

“Cain't talk.” Applejack grunted as she lifted a crate, setting it on her brother's back. “Ain't ya sposed ta be helpin' Granny Smith?”

“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh nodded, walking off in the direction of the barn.

Applebloom groaned at the tag team tattling. “Ah just wanted ta say howdy 'fore Granny sent us all on errands.”

“Nope.” Applejack lifted a crate for herself, stepping off the cart. “Got a last minute order from the Princess, so yer doin' full duty this time.”

“What!?” Applebloom jumped ahead of her sister, coming face to face with her. “That ain't fair!”

“Ya don' turn down a royal order.” Applejack deftly maneuvered around the filly. “If'n we cin finish in time, we'll help settin' up the reunion.”

“Ugh.” Applebloom grumbled, trudging to the farmhouse. Just as she was about to open the front door, she put on a huge grin. It wasn't like her and Granny could finish all on their own. Even if it meant a little extra work for her, they would still get some help. “Hey, Granny, what d'ya want me ta do first?”

Applebloom collapsed on her bed. “Ah cain't believe we set up the whole reunion by ourselves.”

“Yer siblin's don' know what they missed.” Granny Smith cackled as she made her way past Applebloom's room.

The filly groaned, massaging her shoulder.

“Howdy, Aaapppllleeeebloooom!” A stallion grinned as he slid into the room, hopping onto the bed. “Rise 'n' Shine, cousin!”

“The sun ain't even up.” Applebloom mumbled, rolling over. “Five more minutes, Braeburn.”

“Well, shucks,” Braeburn tipped his hat, climbing off the bed. “If ya don't want no breakfast, Ah'll jus' let Granny Smith know.” He smiled as he walked out of the room.

After realizing what she'd said, Applebloom bolted upright and, after struggling against her covers, hopped out of bed. “Braeburn?” She galloped out of the room.

Right into a noogie. “No, Braeburn! Stahp!” She giggled between shouts before finally shoving the tan stallion away. “Ah gotta find somehow to stahp ponies from doin' that.”

“And ruin all the fun?” Braeburn gave his best innocent smile.

Applebloom sat down as she rolled her eyes, not that her cousin could see it. “Ya said somethin' 'bout breakfast.”

“Jus' figured that'd get ya up.” Braeburn poked her in the side. “I'm not sure Macky remembers escortin' me from the train station last night. How 'bout we surprise everypony with some griddle cakes?”

Applebloom grinned mischievously. “Ah call the non burny parts!” She laughed as she bounded for the stairs.

“Ya've done this before, right?”

“How hard can it be?”

“That don' look right...”

“Ah just need ta figure out how to work this.”

“What d'ya mean by that?”

“Hey, ya'll gonna burn Granny's griddle!”

“Don' do that!”

VRRRROOOOOOOOMMMMMMMMMM!

FWOOOOOOOOOOOOOOSSSSSSHHHH!

“Aaaaahhh!”

“What in tarnations is goin' on down here!” Applejack stood in the doorway, her eyes barely open and her mane going every which way but right.

The two ponies looked at each other, Applebloom covered in pancake batter and Braeburn in ash before turning their attention back to the sleepy farm mare. “It was his(her) idea!” They shouted in unison.

“Ya'd let a little filly take the blame?”

“Ya said ya knew what ya were doin'.”

“Ah do! Mostly...”

“That's enough.” Applejack glared at her relatives. “Me an' Big Mac was up all night, most ponies'll be arrivin' at ten, and,” she made a show of checking her bare hoof, “it's 'The-sun-is-still-down' o'clock. Clean up, be quiet, and Ah'll make breakfast when Ah wake up.” She turned around and trotted towards the stairs. Pausing, Applejack looked over her shoulder. “After dawn.”

“That was a mighty fine breakfast, Applejack.” Braeburn smiled, patting his stomach. “Why, Ah do-”

“Hush, you.” Applejack stated firmly as Big Macintosh started picking up the breakfast dishes. Braeburn cringed, directing his gaze downwards. “Ah love ya, Brae, but can ya act yer age fer today?”

The stallion leveled his eyes at Applejack. “Honestly? Why, it's jus' family 'round today.”

“Actually, a Canterlot representative should be poppin' in.” The orange mare stood up, walking towards the sink. “She'll be 'specting this last minute caterin' job. An' we wanna make a good impression over a royal order.”

Braeburn's eye's widened. “Anyway ya want me ta help?”

“Nope.”

Applejack chuckled. “Big Mac's right. We actually got e'erything done last night.” The two siblings worked together to clean the dishes. “Just behave yourself and enjoy the reunion.”

“Shucks, that's-”

“Not mutually exclusive.” Applejack shot a glance over her shoulder. “If'n ya know what's good fer ya.”

“Fine.” Braeburn grumbled. Then, with a grin, he elbowed Applebloom. “Ah'm sure we cin occupy ourselves someway.” He stood up and walked away from the table, trailed by the youngest Apple sibling. Stepping outside, he smirked at Applebloom. “So, cousin. Tell me 'bout the mares o' Ponyville.”

“-and then she tol' us somethin' 'bout a planeswalker piercing, but she don' got no earrings.”

“Ya don' say.”

“Ah think she were foolin' with us.” Applebloom pouted, lowering her head onto the picnic table. “Said somethin' 'bout throwin' parties fer Daring Do.”

Braeburn patted his cousin's back. “Ah'm sure she was jus' tryin' ta keep yer spirits up. Sure sounds like that kinda filly.” All around the two ponies other ponies were lost in their own conversations and activities, the Apple Family reunion in full swing. “Well, ain't she just the purdiest thang?”

“Huh?” The filly looked up, following her cousin's gaze. A purple unicorn was walking towards Sweet Apple Acres, a small dragon riding on her back. “Ya think she's pretty?”

“She's a bit on the small side, but Ah'd say yeah.”

“Just a moment.” Grinning, Applebloom hopped up from the table and trotted up to the unicorn, each reaching the gate at about the same time.

“Well, howdy there!” Applejack beamed as she trotted up to the gate as well. “Welcome ta Sweet Apple Acres! How cin Ah help ya?” She stuck her hoof out at the unicorn.

“I'm Twilight Sparkle.” The unicorn replied, shaking hooves with Applejack. “I'm supposed-”

“I'm Spike!” The dragon on her back piped up.

Twilight shot her rider a dark glare, then turned her attention back to Applejack. “I'm sup-”

“Mah name's Applebloom!” The filly pitched in, hopping next to Twilight.

The unicorn stomped, a wild look in her eyes. “ImsupposedtomeetmissApplejackaboutthesummersuncelebrationcatering!” Applebloom took a step back from the crazy mare.

“That'd be me. “ Applejack chuckled, taking a step forward. “Here ta check on the vittles? Well-”

A clanging bell interrupted Applejack as Granny Smith took to the porch. “SOUP'S ON!”

“What timin'.” She smiled, placing a hoof over Twilight's shoulder. “We prepped most o' the same Apple Family specialties, so ya cin test e'erything without divin' inta the reserves fer tanight.”

Twilight ducked under Applejack's hoof, backing up. “Oh, that's not necessary. I just needed to make sure everything is ready for tonight. As it seems you have everything under control, I should be on to my next stop.”

Spike poked the back of her head. “It's gonna be a long night not to eat, Twilight.” He punctuated with a rub of his stomach.

She shook her head in response. “We're on a pretty tight schedule as it is, Spike.”

“Don'cha wanna have lunch with us?” Applebloom said as she sidled up to Twilight, firing up her best imitation of a sad puppy.

For all that it's worth, Twilight Sparkle lasted a good five seconds longer than most adult ponies ever did against The Pout before her resolve melted away. “My schedule...” She sighed, lowering her head in defeat. “I could do lunch.” She cast a quick glance at Spike. “A quick lunch.”

“Yay!” Applebloom bounced into the air, transformed from a vision of sadness to joy. “Wanna come sit next ta me?”

“I...uh...”

“She has that effect.” Applejack smiled, patting Twilight on the back. “Ah promise it's safe.” Catching sight of Braeburn waving at them, her smile changed to a smirk. “Relatively speaking, that is. Ah'll catch up shortly ta talk arrangements and such.”

“Yeah, that sounds good.” The unicorn replied numbly, opting to follow Applebloom as she bounced back to the picnic table she'd been sitting at.

“Well, howdy there, miss.” Braeburn smiled as the trio approached the table. Welcome ta Sweet Aaapppllleeee Acres!”

Applebloom hopped onto the bench, spinning around to level her eye at Twilight. “He has a crush on you.”

“What!?”

“Oh, yeah. Been watchin' ya e'er since ya walked down the road.” She looked past Twilight, feigning attention. “Ah think somepony's callin' mah name. Better go an' help pass out pies.” Applebloom winked at Spike as she jumped off the bench, dodging Braeburn's attempt to grab her.

“Pie? I want some!” The dragon smirked as he jumped off of Twilight's back, chasing the filly. He caught up as she ducked behind a tree, taking a vantage point to watch. “Why'd we do that now?”

“Woke me up 'fore the crack a' dawn.” Applebloom grinned as she watched the two ponies attempt conversation without blushing. “Least Ah could do was embarrass mah cousin. You?”

“Her teacher told her to make some friends.” He smirked mischievously. “And she's sort of like my big sister.”

“That's the spirit.” She lightly popped Spike's shoulder. “Gonna be around fer the Celebration tanight?”

“That's the plan.” Spike rubbed a claw over his shoulder. “Why?”

Applebloom put on an innocent look. “Ah know a filly who could use a little fright.”