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                      My baby brother                      
                      -by DeDarkest-                       
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          Chapter One Welcome to the Apple Summer          
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Chapter One Welcome to the Apple Summer
Welcome to the Apple Summer
It was a warm sunny day In Ponyville. Schools where already out and every filly and colt was out on parties or hanging out with their friends. Even the mares and stallions were enjoying their break, making the most of it. Making it last acting as childish as possible laughing and playing. But one little yellow filly, with a rosy red bow, glowing cherry red hair and heart sinking peach eyes will try to prove she is old enough to do anything and everything. Her name was Apple Bloom, she lived on a farm that many grew apples.She was sitting on the wooden colored porch in front of the house watching her older sister packing up everything in the apple's truck faster then rhino. Applebloom tilted her head wondering why her sister, Applejack, was leaving in such a hurry.
Applejack was a young mare but old enough to pull her own weight in which she did and ten times more. Her job was mainly bucking apples from the orchard and selling them, time to time baking them into treats for parties and what not. Apple jack had creamy pumpkin-like skin, with freckles across her face, her mane was bright yellow blonde and always in a ponytail to keep it from getting in the way. Applejack almost didn't even notice Applebloom in the mix of her running back and forth packing what looks like everything the Apple family had. Applebloom tried calling out to her sister but she didn't respond. Applejack also had a brown cowgirl hat that kept her perfect ivy colored eyes in the shade. Just as Applejack was done packing she wiped the sweat of her face and leaned on the families truck.
"Um....Applejack? What you doing"
Applebloom asked concerned and a bit confused. Applejack looked at her and smiled with her eyes looking right back at Applebloom.
"Don't you remember? Me and Big Mac are going to the Hay Hills and going to have a cattle run race with all the other farmers in Ponyville, this happens every summer. Don't you worry baby girl, We'll be home before you even miss us."
How could Applebloom have forgotten, the cattle run was a huge deal for the Apple family. Not because of the fame and glory of winning five years in a row, but that every last gold bit earned from it, helps the Apple family keep the barn. The race starts at Hay Hills and ends when the last farmer family reaches their farms with the cows. Some farms are really far away then others so they have the faster cows. The Apples don't have the fastest cows but they can run a few miles without breaking sweat. This cattle run used to depend on life of the ponies but now is just a celebration of summer. With ponies watching from afar and betting what farm family will win first, second, or third.
"The cattle run? So soon!? Wow Applejack!"
"I know Sugar cube, every member of our Apple family has gone to this cattle run and now its our turn......Big Macintosh and I mean"
"Wait why can't I go?! I'm old enough!"
"Yeah,Applebloom? Baby girl you can hardly keep up with a calf! I just don't want to see my little sister get hurt. Plus you wont be alone you'll have Granny Smith!"
Applebloom sighed and looked at Granny smith, she was an old pony with her mane and tail in a bun. Applebloom had her granny's eyes but not her lime colored skin. Granny Smith was in a rocking chair talking to her self in her sleep. She woke up and waved at Applebloom.
"Heelloo there grandbaby! We'll have the whole farm to ourselves! I know just the game you want to play! Puzzles! I loved puzzles when I was your age!....Or was I older....maybe you're to young for puzzles hmmm."
As much as Applebloom adored her grandmother she just wanted to be treated more then just a baby in the family.
It  was now around around lunch time, Applebloom went in to kitchen set up the table it was a large wooden table with many chairs. Although there was only four ponies living in the farm they had many family members all around Equestria and time to they they do come to say "Howdy". The home is a very comfy looking with the fresh air of the country right out side the doors. It has a very homey and family feeling to it and photos of Apple family hang everywhere all along the walls. Anypony could feel right at home as long as they don't mind a little dirt here and there although the home was moderately clean. Applebloom was grabbing the plates but had to pick them up with her mouth and balance some on her nose. It can be difficult  to do this, and it does not get much easier when, in Applebloom's case can barely pick up her four legs. Applebloom tripped and then went sliding on the floor as if the plates were hockey pucks. She tried to gather the plates but a few skid out of the kitchen and right into the living room right under the sofa. The sofa is big five times as wide as Applebloom and three times as tall. It has hoof knitted pillows and goose feathers stuffed inside almost every part of the furniture in this farm was hoof made. Apple bloom laid her head to the floor looking under the sofa. She saw the plate just out of reach.
"Maybe I could lift this old thing and get it."
She said to herself, and so she went to the side of the couch and pushed it up with her two front hooves. It was easy, almost to easy Applebloom was able to lift of the couch with out straining anything! Once high enough Applebloom let go of the couch, grabbing the plate and running far away from the sofa waiting for a "THUD" sound. But oddly there wasn't. Applebloom came back in to the living room and frowned. Putting the couch gently down was Big Mac, her older brother. Big Macintosh was a very large stallion. From the very day he was born he was very big. He has velvet red skin that's a little rough here and there  but a kind and gentle soul with an even sweeter heart. Like Applejack he also had freckles and soft sad puppy green eyes the you can't turn away from. He had a harness around his neck and wore it all the time, It just gave him more personality. As he put done the sofa he looked at Applebloom. She came closer and asked.
"You where the one lifting up the couch?"
"Eyup."
"I didn't even help even a little to pick it up?"
"Nope."
  Applejack had come in with Granny Smith. Big Mac joined them to the dinner table and Applebloom followed but walked slowly, even her bow looked liked it wanted to cry. Applejack now,setting the table and putting all the dishes Applebloom had dropped on the floor, in the sink. She didn't seem to wonder why there were plates were everywhere nor did she care. The ponies gathered around the table.What was cooking was soup and what was baking was,the most mouth watering delicious apple pie. Applebloom was climbing in to her chair Granny giggled.
"Ain't she sweet, oh I remember when Applebloom was still in a baby chair and Applejack, you where feeding her. But you didn't even start feeding her when she was already chewing on something."
"Oh yeah I remember that! Ha ha."
Applejack replied slightly chuckling.
"Then I called out to you granny, I said something like, Granny Smith!? Shes eat'n something real nasty!"
"Then I said, just tell it to give it to you,Applejack."
"Give it to me Applebloom! Heh heh and then you said"
Applebloom sighed and looked and her sister wishing she could go back in time and change everything. But Applebloom went ahead and said.
"I don't got nothing but spit!"
"And she spit right in your hoof Applejack! ha hah!"
All the ponies where laughing expect Applebloom. She was playing with her bowl of soup and after everypony was done laughing she turned to Applejack and asked.
"When can I be in the cattle run?"
"When your just a bit older,Applebloom"
"Well how old was Big Mac when he went on his first cattle run?"
"About the time he was old enough to take care of me."
"How old were you on your first cattle run?"
"Around the time you were born."
"So I'll never be older in your guys eyes unless I have a younger sister? Or brother?"
Applejack gave Applebloom a hug telling her its okay and that she will grow up and be in the cattle run someday. She also said to Applebloom that she shouldn't be in such a hurry to grow up and be thankful she is the baby sister. Applebloom simply replied that she wasn't hungry and asked to be excused. She recoiled from Applejack as soon as she said "Baby sister" and left the table. She said she needed fresh air, but she just wanted to talk to someone who just might understand. 'Zecora always has the answer for everything.' Applebloom thought to herself, and headed to the Everfree Forest.

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               Chapter Two A Little Red Bow                
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Chapter Two A Little Red Bow
Chapter Two A Little Red Bow
Although the Everfree Forest took over a large part of the Apple farm, Zecora lived on the other side of town. The sun was still shining and it really does not take much time to get to her hut. Applebloom trotted through Ponyville thinking about the cattle drive,and her reasons for being upset. She thought to herself maybe she's overreacting a bit,the cattle drive isn't the one thing where she always wanted to go. But, then again, that's where Big Mac got his cutie mark and a year after that Applejack got hers too.  A cutie mark is a part of growing up in every ponies life, it shows the ponies who they really are and what they were meant to do. As simple as acting like a bratty princess with a silver crown, to being knowledgeable, and powerful with six stars. Cutie marks came with many shapes and sizes just like ponies.  Applebloom has yet to have her own.
"That's why they don't want me going. They don't want me to grow up."
She mumbled to herself. Ponyville was a very simple town, ponies lived in trees, clouds and sometimes built them on top of their stores. There was a large market place which was held outside, most ponies sold food like fruits and vegetables, while one oddly sold sushi and crab.
"BUY SOME SUSHI ITS FRESH....I think."
Applebloom had to pass through the market to get to the forest she could get there in less then ten minutes if there wasn't so many ponies blocking her way. Some stepped on her hoof others shoved her to the side. At first she could sort of understand, it was very crowded.  But then, it really started to bug her. It was like she was walking through a stone wall and no matter how much she pushed and pushed, she was not getting anywhere.  Applebloom finally took a deep breath and screamed with every cord in her voice.
"EXCUUUUUUES ME!"
"Oh? I'm sorry little lady, I didn't see you there.  Are you in a hurry?  Oh!  Your bow looks so cute on you."
Applebloom thanked the mare, she was a yellowish brown with dark sea eyes.  Applebloom liked the fact she called her lady, but not the "little" nor did she like her tone when she said "cute". So after Applebloom thanked the mare she nodded and wiggled her way through the crowed shouting from time to time when she couldn't get past. Sometimes shouting worked, other times it just had ponies giving her an odd stare. But what happen every time was comments on her bow.
"Awh look at that little fillies bow!
"I just want to dress her up in something that matches it!"
"Where did she get that bow? Lets get it for our foal."
Her ribbon that danced on her head happily while the wind blows, was pasted down from her parents, like her brother and sister's harness and hat. It's really the only thing except a few pictures that they have to remember their mother and father. Applebloom blocked out the other ponies voices and found herself entering the forest.
The forest had a dark beauty to it both mystic and different then what Ponyville was all together. Colors of violet, starless and watercourse echo through out the trees and bushes. The wind blows through Applebloom's mane kissing her cheek. This was a forest of wild music, full of life, Bird chirping and clicking. Ferrets digging and munching on berries. Everywhere she looked, there was something interesting going on. There was a stream that glows and silver sparkly fish would swim in it. The river goes through the forest getting wider and wider at parts.  It ran through Ponyville and all through the other towns. It was a famous river that at times in the Everfree Forest it would glow and shimmer colors that would sway along with the water and whatever was swimming along with it at the time. Not harming anything, but just giving anything a good show if they were lucky enough to see it. The river was called Celestial Borealis. The stream was not doing anything odd today it was as normal as seeing bark on a tree. Applebloom kept walking closer and closer to Zecora's hut.
"Mind your step dear Applebloom, for in that hole something looms."
Zecora said, as she took the little filly away from a large snake hole that she almost shoved her little hoof in. Applebloom smiled at Zecora. It looks like she was out gathering flowers and herbs to use for her spells and medicine. Applebloom was so busy looking for the hut she didn't even notice Zecora was there. Zecora wasn't really a pony, she was a zebra with flashing colors of ebony and ivory dashes along her body. Her mane and tail were as wild as her homes surroundings. She had a sharp mohawk. With gold earrings, a necklace, and bracelets to match.Her eyes were hypnotic with blue and green clashing with in them. She smiled at Applebloom and asked.
"What brings you here to the forest today? How about some sandwiches, what do you say?"
"No Zecora, I came here to talk to you, you see I having some problems. Can I talk you about it? Maybe you can help?"
"Let us talk in my hut, so I can hear all about your fuss."
Zecora lead Applebloom in to her home. It looked as if an evil witch with ill plans lived there. Odd masks, blood ink lettering, and a big black cauldron with green bubbling goo dripping down the sides. It did not seem the best way to say "lets be friends." But Zecora was all and all a sweet and loving zebra, who treated Applebloom as her closest friend, maybe even her own child. Applebloom loved her very much as well and respected her way of living from the very day she met Zecora. Applebloom sat beside the black boiling pot, getting warmed by the fire. Zecora gave her a plate that had a sandwich filled with flowers and greens. Then she made her own meal and sat beside Applebloom, her ears perked up and her soothing eyes were watching Applebloom's every movement. Applebloom took a bite of the snack and told Zecora about the cattle drive and how Applejack and Big Mac are going, but not her. How they never see how much she has grown nor does anyone else. How she will always be the baby sister and never be able to get her cutie mark. She ranted on and on, Zecora never lost any interest, she took in every sentence.  As Applebloom carried on Zecora imagined herself in Appleblooms' hooves.  Applebloom insisted that she was happy and proud to be one of the Apple family. She just wants the day to come when they see her as a full grown pony living life. After she was done ranting Applebloom gulped down the sandwich looking for more food, she was very hungry after ditching lunch to go see Zecora.
"And I just wanna go to the cattle run and prove I'm a big pony now!"
Seeing how hungry Applebloom was, Zecora gave her a platter of sandwiches that she was planing on eating all by herself. She didn't mind giving the food away. Zecora took a deep breath and thought for a moment on what she would say to Applebloom.
"Growing up is what you wish, and all these problems you pile on a list. I don't wish you to age so fast instead enjoy your childhood while it lasts! You say your family won't let you grow, because of the mother you'll never know.  And because you are the last one, no foal behind you shall ever come. Growing up takes time, just wait and you will shine. Believe me when I say, your family is not in your way.  They want you to cherish the foal years ahead, unlike your siblings who had to grow quickly instead.  Oh!  Your family will always be proud of the things you do, for they stand fast beside you. Applebloom, growing up, means you have to give up. You want to give up your childhood, I say WAIT and I think you should."
"You rhymed up with up, Zecora."
Zecora tilted her head and thought about her speech as if it was a lost memory she was trying to fish out. Applebloom laughed and so did Zecora. Applebloom didn't really understand the message, but knew the main point of what she was trying to say. Applebloom and Zecora talked a little bit after, but it was nothing too important.  Zecora was agreeing with the Apples' family that she is to young but maybe next year Applebloom could go to the cattle run. The visit ended when Applebloom realizing how late it was.  Zecora offered to walk her out of the Everfree Forest  but Applebloom told her she knew the way home night or day. Zecora still felt she should do something so she packed her a saddlebag with sandwiches and a flash light. The saddlebag was hoof made with warm wool and flower scented colors. Zecora then decided she would walk Applebloom out no matter what the little filly said. Applebloom then replied sneakily that instead she wanted to spend the night with Zecora but she needed a place to sleep. As Zecora went into the other room to get her some pillows, Applebloom snuck off in to the dark forest.

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               Chapter Three The Yellow Eyes               
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Chapter Three The Yellow Eyes
Chapter Three The Yellow Eyes
"Maybe that wasn't such a good Idea, its so cold here. It's like a whole new place, I've never been here maybe I should go back...No I can't this is and easy walk. I just have to fallow the path."
Applebloom wasn't as carefree as she was coming in to the forest. Every sound was a threat in her mind. Her mouth held the flashlight, sweat was rolling down her chin as she heard branches break a couple feet to the right of her. She held the the flashlight shivering jolted her body to the left and pointing it at a bush. It wasn't windy and birds were not chirping. It was amazing how dark it was in the forest.and how it looked more like an untouchable area from the ponies life style changes. Applebloom jumped at every whisper, of every creek and pop within the darkness. She started thinking about Her family and how she will make it out of the forest with her chin high and mighty. Then she felt a cold light touch on the nape of her neck that sent the coldest shivers down her back. It sent lighting sparks throughout her body running through her blood. Applebloom screamed not even looking back, dropping the flashlight, and running in completely thick darkness. That held creatures with big eyes, ears, and minds that were controlled by their stomachs. She ran dodging every tree and once she could see it, she began to hear something chasing her.
Its warm moist breath grabbing at her tail. The yellow filly moved left and right trying to shake whatever it was that was chasing her. She felt its paws swing at her back hooves, she bucked and kicked it in the bottom jaw. She heard a large a large crack and felt blood splatter. It rained all over her tail and back legs. And although it cried and stopped hunting her, she felt the ground become wet and uneven it was very slippery. She than lost her balance, and fell on all four of her legs tumbling but still moving pretty fast. Uncontrollably, she slipped off the the soap like ground and fell down smacking her body into the river a few feet below. Her lungs had the wind run out of them. She fainted and sunk deeper in the river.
Applejack was worried. Her sister was not seen since lunch, and now that it is dark she began thinking shaky thoughts. Big mac said not to worry, he was washing the dishes inside their home. He does not wash dishes that often, but when he is washing he ends up breaking a plate or two. Not meaning to but his massive hooves carry a lot of power. Applejack walked up to him and helped scrub of the hard plates, that Big mac couldn't get the dirt of. Without breaking the plate anyway.
"It's not like her to just storm off and not come back, shouldn't we go look for her?"
Applejack asked him. He wasn't looking at her but he said what he meant when he answered her.
"Surely you have seen how saddle sore she had gotten about the whole cattle run? You know how she is with her friends trying to get their cutie marks and all."
"You're right,brother, you know, maybe I should give her a real talk about the cattle run, still... I feel something odd about her just runnin' off like that."
"Don't be Applejack. I betcha shes just with Zecora or maybe Sweetie bell. Somepony who will,will understand her. Ponyville is a safe place. What trouble could she ever get herself into?"
Applebloom was out of the river safe for now. She awoken out of the river oddly, but near it. shivering, sniffing, and bleeding. The fall had thrown her body in rocks cutting her legs and scraping them. The fall had also made her lose the one thing she held close to her. Her mothers bow. The mud had started grabbing at her legs sinking dirt within her wounds. She dipped her front hooves in the cold water and watched the trail of blood and dirt run away along with the river. She had just realized that what was chasing her was a young bobcat. But what she didn't know is that she could barely escape two yellow hungry eyes, when in fact there was four watching her at this very moment. After cleaning the dirt off, she thought about starting a small fire. And then she could follow the river back home. Applebloom learned how to make fires by her older sister but its still hard to do. Plus she was never able to make one by herself. Let alone with wet bleeding hooves. She still had to try something. She grabbed the closest barks and sticks she could work with and tried to get a spark. The area Applebloom was resting at was were the river was were the river was calmly running by her reassuring her that everything will be fine.
The sticks she was holding, has yet to light a single spark or even smoke. She was sweating, begging for warmth. Like the blankets Granny smith would make for her. And comforting feelings Zecora's home had, anything to get her nerves to clam down. It was going to be a long cold night. But what Applebloom wanted more then ever, was some pony to guide her home. Applebloom was still badly wounded she wouldn't be able to escape anything that would want to gobble her up. The only thing that would protect her would be... fire. Applebloom could feel the sticks heating up. But heard a "cah-plunk" with in the river. As if something had fallen in like she did. She stared at the river trying to see movement. But by doing so she lost the heat of the fire. It was painfully cold again, so Applebloom went back to making a fire.
"Please, please please please please! I don't want to die a little filly! I miss my friends! My family I just want to go home!"
She screamed in tears. She laid in an area where the grass was brown and gray but stringy and tall. Trees looked hunched and branches look as if they are reaching to grab a leg or two. Creeks and whispers became louder within the night. The only light ever seen is a group of fireflies by the river that come and go. Applebloom payed no attention to them. The crickets sounded as if they were all singing the same song but the lyrics where made up as they go along. Frogs joined in, too this tune but everyone silenced when an owl played its part. Applebloom didn't mind the frogs or insects but the drop dead silence had killed her. She heard something creeping closer and closer. She can feel the sticks and smell smoke. A small flame started on the branch and grew. She could see golden eyes crawling in the grass. Her legs throbbed in pain. There was something that ran by her. They're teasing her wanting to make the most of this kill. She could hear them laugh at her. She could hear them lick their lips and stretched out there claws. Applebloom made amber and cinders around the stick it grew. Not to big but enough to hold a small torch. And enough to scare off the cats. She swung it near the closest one. Her eyes glaring in fear and heart feeling as if it where to burst out. Only to reveal a river otter was looking right back up to her with the same look.
"...Oh its just an..."
She was not able to complete her sentence the otter ran under her and attacked a bobcat who was just about to jump on her, hold her down and break her neck. The otter screamed in the cats ears and bites its eyes. The bobcat, only a year old jumped back in confusion swinging the otter of its face then rising both of its claws to tare the thing off of his face. Swiftly, the otter recoiled from the young cat and ran back in to the river before the cat could even touch him. The cat as well ran off, but in the opposite direction. Amazed, Applebloom stared with the torch in her mouth. She almost dropped it when the otter came back pushing some sorta cloth on her bleeding leg. It was her bow, and the otter was trying to help her.
"...Thank you...why are you doing this?"
Otters are not ponies so, simply Otters can not speak to ponies but they could understand each other better then most animals. The otter was young too, but it seems he has no family. What might of happen is that he was lost, or they were killed...maybe even hunted. But what was important was that he was alone, and desperately wanted to talk to someone to connect. The otter swam in to the river and came back with and odd plant like leaves with calming scents like lavender or sage. Carefully wrapping it around each hoof of Applebloom. The otter did not leave it just sat by her and stared almost saying:"Please don't leave me."