Chapters What Have I Got myself Into?
Author's Note
Alright, m8s, This is my story for the Vogon universe created by LordFrieza . Go check the dude out for the canon stories within his universe. They are all good.
Oh and one more thing: I'm not sure how often I can update since I work 12 hours a day, 6 days a week. So maybe 1 update a week. I'll try my best guys.
Anyway, enjoy. Leave some comments, concerns, positives, negatives,questions, incoherent ramblings, or anything you want.
What Have I Got myself Into?
Chapter 1
You would think that with the advancement of technology my small town would have changed, but it didn’t. From my birth to the present this small town hasn’t progressed a bit. It had the same people, same mom & pop shops, same buildings, same farms, and same old me. Of course, underneath the dust was actual technology-state of the art security systems, automated voice systems, solar-powered vehicles, etc. Though, I enjoyed the old town feel. Everyone knew each other. No secrets were kept. Help was simply a yell away. It was miles better than some place they called the “Stacks”. I never been there, but mobile homes on top of mobile homes didn’t sound too cozy.
Well, enough about the town. Let me get started.
My name is Charles. Charles Stepp. I’m a 27 year old, Brony, college drop-out. After two years of nerve racking torture, I decided to quit my computer degree path and head home. It wasn’t the thing for me. All those classes, all that studying…it seemed like a waste of time. Here at home, I have an empty, tiny, two-roomed, old fashioned apartment in the middle of town. Fortunately, my few years of school made me qualified to work in a local computer store-Ted’s Computer Place. Longs days…decent pay…I can’t complain. I make enough to pay for my home, food, and, with my employee discount, built an amazing computer with Full Immersion Technology. Though, using it with games wasn’t a good idea, especially with sensors on max. Bullets hurt more than I thought. Who knew virtual scars appeared in real life?
Couple years ago, I didn’t feel like playing any games.( Not since some guy ran me over with a tank in Battlefield). Anyway, I put on my custom goggles and gloves, and turned on my computer. A fast start was all any man could ask for. Within seconds, my startup screen shined, I logged in, and was greeted by a tiny 16-bit version of myself- Portly, black, dressed in a polo shirt and khaki shorts, and on top of my head an afro. It danced around before automatically displaying my most visited programs- Steam, and the internet. I started to select the internet, but the background on my desktop changed to a picture of the Mane Six from “My Little pony: Friendship is Magic.” They were posing in the way they did in the show's introduction. Memories of the fandom and show came flooding back. I couldn’t help, but let a small smile appear on my face. Those were good times when the fandom was in full swing.Yeah, I got into the show at the end, but my uncle-who introduced me to the fandom- was there to fill in the gaps. Since then, the fandom died down, and the show ended. I couldn’t bring myself to watch the last episode. Though, I hear it was the better than all the previous ones combined. (Something about Pony fusion?)
“I’m noticing a smile on your face. Would you like to watch some ponies?” asked the 16-bit me.
I simply smiled, and the small me opened a portal and pulled out a folder. In it was every season of My Little Pony. I was the few lucky ones who "acquired" them before Hasbro took them all down. (Paying for Netflix wasn't an option.) I didn’t know which episode to watch; there were so many, yet I decided to watch the episode when Applejack decided to organize the Apple Family Reunion. Back in the day, she was my favorite pony. She was strong willed, determined, athletic, caring, reliable, tough, and honest. Things I strived for. Plus, I was a sucker for freckles and a country accent. Blame that on my southern town which is basically a peanut and peach hub. A few Vidalia onions may pass through every now and then.
“You know, this show was meant for little girls. “said little me, “Aren’t you like 27?”
“You know, I could delete you at anytime, CJ.” I threatened. His 16-bit face turned to worry; the same face I would make. It was hard to code and program that little guy. Especially with my limited knowledge, but it worked out for the best. It would basically respond to me as a friend would. That, I didn’t code; I “borrowed” it from a Housing System Option.
“Well while you enjoy your ponies, I must tell you that you got an email.” Mentioned CJ.
“Delete it…” I replied, too involved with my show to care.
“It’s about ponies.” He replied in a way as if it was a treat and I was the dog.
I paused the show and sighed. With my luck, it wouldn’t even be about MLP. “Open it.”
“Gotcha, bro.”
My screen turned black before I hyperwarped to my email. A feature I installed on my computer. The hyperwarp stopped; and in my vision was a MLP: FiM style unicorn in a suit. It seemed as it would be hot with cotton over horse hair; but it was virtual, so I didn’t question it.
“Imagine that perfect someone, or in your case a somepony. Imagine them being ready for you, waiting for you, loving-“he started before I interrupted.
“What are you selling and what’s the price? I asked, “This is interrupting my ponies…”
“That’s always the question, “The pony sighed, “You didn’t even let me finish my programmed speech.”
“Sorry, but I have an early shift tomorrow…”
The pony breathed heavily before stomping his hoof. The scenery began to change to Rarity’s Boutique,dimly lit, during a fashion show. A chair appeared behind; I took a seat. The pony walked on stage with a microphone enclosed in its magic. The staged lights flashed on, temporally blinding me.
“What we-Vogon Biotech- are selling…is a fantasy!”
The stage lights shifted to the beginning of the runway. In the bright lights were the mane six, except Pinkie, in their anthropomorphic states. Another smile found its way on my lips as I stood up from the chair. I climbed the stage and walked towards them. The suited pony followed me towards them, keeping silent until we reached the ponies. They had enough of their own pony characteristics to make them noticeable, yet not off putting. They were, to say the least, beautiful.
“Mr. Stepp, these are living breathing creatures from your favorite shows. They won’t disappear when the show ends. You won’t wake the next morning wondering if they’ll reappear. They will always be there. No matter what. They are somepony to spend your life with. “
I was too busy examining the ponies to hear much of what he said. They were all just…perfect. After a while, my eyes fell on Applejack. She was a tad taller than the other ponies, but still shorter than me. She had her signature smirk on her lips. Her green eyes and blonde hair were blocked by the shadow of the Stetson, yet I could see her tied ponytail flowing behind her. Her outfit consisted of a brown leather jacket covering a tank-top which stopped above her belly-button, a pair of denim blue jeans with a hole for her tail, and her boots were standard brown ones.
Seeing my examination of Applejack, the suited pony stomped his hoof and all the others disappeared. Only Applejack stayed. She started to move unaware of us. She yawned, scratched, and stretched. Ready for the work day. After that cycle ended, she began running, jumping, and other strenuous activities. I began to wonder how I would keep up with my solitary lifestyle.
“She is not a robot. She will be a living, breathing creature with feelings. She will eat, sleep, sweat, and even bleed. When she awakes, everything will be real. She is not pre-programmed with emotions. I might add that her memories will be slightly altered to fit her new body and lifestyle. She will have her memories of the show, and any fan content you wish to add. Her new memories will be completely on you.Applejack, or any pony you choose, will be by your side forever.”
“You never answered my question…what’s the price?” I asked. I went to touch her, but an invisible barrier stopped me.
“We want the first moment of contact to be special, “the unicorn explained, “The price…based on your current salary reports, you are unable to purchase this product.”
“There has to be a way…anyway…help a dude out.” I pleaded.
“Hmm…we do have payment options available, but I advise that you do not proceed. Paying your bill, housing, food, student loan debts, and other utilities is not possible on your salary. “
“ What’s the price?”
“Twenty-two thousand. Our payment plan will require you to pay five-hundred credits on a monthly basis.”
I wouldn’t put the price anywhere lower than that. It seemed fair for what they were offering. The only problem was that twenty-two thousand credits was just short of what I made a year. I was barely breaking even as it was. I knew it was a bad decision to get her, but I was never good at listening to my brain...and I wanted her.
“I’ll take her.” I said without hesitation.
“Mr. Stepp, I must advise...”
“Just charge her to my account before I regret my decision.”
The unicorn stood there for a moment before speaking. “Good choice, sir. Applejack has been added to your account with payment plans. Before we exit, there’s the matter of her personality and choosing her clothes.”
“I want her canon personality. That’s the one I liked the best.”
“Good choice, sir. Now, her clothes?”
Applejack disappeared and what took her place were three outfits. The one she was wearing originally, her Grand Galloping Gala, and her outfit from when she was trying to impersonate Rarity. I liked the dresses, but down here they weren’t needed. I opted for her original outfit. It was hot here anyway. I didn’t want Applejack dying of heatstroke.
“Another fine choice ,sir.” The unicorn stated as he walked to me, “Now, give us two months time to prepare her for you. Ah, one more thing. You’re not buying one of many Applejacks; you’re buying THE Applejack. The only Element of Honesty. She’s now yours. Please do take care of her. And as always, We at Vogon Biotech thank you for your purchase.”
“No problem there, mate…hey can I ask something?” I asked.
“Why yes, sir.”
“The last dress. Not the Grand Galloping Gala one…the other. Can it be charged to my account also?”
“Yes, sir. It can and has been.”
I nodded and shook the ponies hoof. The fur felt soft. The unicorn took notice of this and smiled, “The real thing feels better.”
With that, my email exited, and I was back to my desktop. My 16-bit buddy was asleep in his bed, yet awoke with a cute yawn before slamming into the floor. He rose as he rubbed his head. He looked to me and smiled as he pulled the episode I was watching back into view. When I shook my head no, he looked at me suspiciously.
“What did you do?” he asked, “I know I’m not allowed to look through your stuff, but I will if I have to!”
“Don’t worry about it, “ I told him, “Right now, I need you to set an alarm for work tomorrow…and look for places I can buy female clothes. We will be having a guest soon.”
Author's Note
Chapter two is ready mates. Imma start spacing out the time. I just needed these two chapters to set the foundation. Oh and through out the story, I may be tipping my hat to the original creator's stories.
Cardio
Chapter 2
It had been two months since my encounter with the Vogon representative. Two months of anxiety…and hunger. With my rash decision, food around my home was less than usual. Growls of my stomach were becoming natural. It was all worth it though. Vogon kept me up to date with progress and told me Applejack would be delivered today at 12 Noon. Fortunately, my boss gave me half the day off so I wouldn’t miss it. Unfortunately, today we received a shipment of new Macbooks; our store was flooded.
“That’ll be Nine-hundred and seventy-seven credits, ma’am.” I stated.
“This much for a computer! This is an outrage!” yelled my angered customer. Her voice climbing higher and higher.
“Well, ma’am, we have more generic versions for much less, but I must tell you that they aren’t nearly as powerful as this one.
“Hmm and it comes with support?”
“For one year, but if it breaks after that, I’ll personally come to your house and fix it.” I promised, giving her a salute.
She seemed to calm down with my words and paid for the machine. As I handed her the receipt, I took a quick glance towards my watch-10:30 A.m. In the corner, 16- bit me was hurrying me to leave, yet when I turned to leave, the next customer was at the register. I sighed as I went to finalize his order. I scanned the box, took off the case, and added his genetic code to the computer. It helped to prevent theft. I took his money, gave his change, and accepted the next customer.
It went on like this for the next hour. People coming in, buying new computers, and leaving. It became tedious and repetitive. What surprised me was how many people came in. Most of these people bought a new computer only a couple months ago and already they were back. Well, it was none of my business. I just sold them. Finally, I caught a break. Everyone was still looking the new model, so I took the opportunity to exit.
“Yo, Ted, I’m leaving!” I yelled as I headed for the front door.
“No you’re not. We got too many customers for that.” Ted stepped from out his office. He was a big guy. Bigger than me. Sort of pale with multiple chins all covered in hair. Though, that’s the life of a computer connoisseur.
“You promised half a day!”
“That’s before this happened. I need you on that register all day.”
“Comeon, dude…” I turned to look at my boss, yet as I did a blue truck caught my view. I turned back and caught a glimpse of the words on the side- Vogon Biotech. They had arrived and were on their way to my house, “Sorry, dude, but I gotta go!”
“Charles…”
“Deduct it from my pay!” I yelled as I ran from the door. I saw the truck turning the corner to my house. I didn’t have a vehicle since the town was so small...and I couldnt afford one. Still, it took me about half an hour to walk home. The truck would be there way before I did. So…I started running.
I haven’t run in years. I was never a good runner. I couldn’t run. I hadn’t done anything strenuous for years. All the sudden I have to run. I don’t know how I did it. I put one foot in front of the other, took longer strides, and slowly picked up speed. My breaths became heavier, my muscles began to burn, yet I kept going. I would arrive before Applejack. I would meet her there. I would be the first person she sees. I just had to.
I saw the truck turn corners, so I didn’t lose it. It wasn’t hard to see a blue truck in the daytime. The only problem was that all the traffic lights seemed to be green, so the truck went straight through. I, on the other hand, was losing steam. I became slower…my muscles wanted me to stop. I should have eased into running but no…I went full speed. I stopped to rest and solemnly watched the truck disappear from view.
“Damn…” I managed to breathe out. My breathing deepened ,and the sweat rained down. What kind of impression would it make if I wasn’t there to let Applejack into my home? I couldn’t do it. I had to be there. I took another deep breath, pushed off with my back leg, and ran into an opening door.
I awoke a couple of minutes later with a splitting headache. Above me was some blonde chick from my high school. If I'm thinking correctly, her name is Rachael. After school, she went on to open her own successful flower shop within our town. I personally never stopped by, but rumors say her flowers are to beautiful to be real. Funny thing is, she grows them naturally. Not with all the chemicals and methods used today. Just good old dirt, water, sun, and fertilizer. (Though, none of that stuff cured my headache.)
"Oh my, oh my, oh my...I'm so sorry!" She apologized while helping me up, "I didn't see you running, so I opened my door, and it hit you! Please forgive me!"
"It's no problem really," I responded. I looked towards her window to see my right eye blackened and swollen almost shut, "That doesn't look good. Hey, can you tell me how long I was knocked out?"
"Oh...about forty minutes. Your watch thing kept going off. Did you miss something?"
I looked towards my watch , and my worst fear had came true. 16-bit was telling me that Applejack had been delivered and was waiting there alone for almost an half hour. I slowly rose began walking to my house. My head ached to much to run. At my speed, I could make it home in about fifteen minutes. The Rachael girl then ran to the front of me, and started pushing me back. I don't know why, but I conceded.
"Why are you pushing me?" I asked."
"I hurt you, and you need medical help!" She breathed out while pushing me. (I don't think she was very strong.)
"What I need is to get home." I said I as I shifted myself, causing her to fly forward. "But there is something you can do."
"What?"
"Give me some flowers...Free of charge."
The walk to my home was long and hurtful. The sun baked my already brown skin, but at least I could my apartment in sight. Also, on the steps, I could see a orange dot. For some reason, I was filled with some energy, and I started running again. My apartment building grew bigger, The dot began to take the shape of a pony I saw nearly two months ago on the internet. The dot took notice of my running and soon began running towards me. Except, The dot was alot faster than. The details of the dot were forming alot faster than I could comprehend.
Before I could process what was happening, I was surrounded by two arms that lifted me off the earth. She was stronger than I thought.
"Howdy, sugarcube! Ah' was wondering when you would get here! Ah've been waiting ages out here for ya. Ya know, It's ain't kind to keep a lady waitin'"
While trying not to swooning from her accent or lack of oxygen to my lungs, I manged to hug her back and speak, "Yeah, I know. I just ran into a little mishap while rushing over here."
She looked me in the eyes before a shocked expression covered her face. Maybe a little defensive too. "Who gave ya that shiner? Ah'll teach 'em not to mess with you."
"Unless you feel like giving the business to a door edge, I suggest we go inside." I replied, "It's pretty hot."
"This aint nothing. Back on the farm, our heat was twice this." She finally sat me back down and wiped the sweat form her brow, "Though, I wouldn't mind a cold glass of water."
"Well, after you mm'lady. "I grabbed her suitcase and a small box that were sitting by the stairs. The suitcase was light, while the box was unnaturally heavy. "Did you bring rocks here with you?"
She smirked before taking the box from my struggling arm. "Well yes and no. This box is filled with rock candy from Pinkie. She gave it to me for the trip."
"But..." I looked at the the box to see the city it came from. " Oklahoma City ...huh? What's Pinkie Pie doing in a city like that?"
The walk up to my apartment was-to say the least- awkward. Not for Applejack, but for me. Of course many people heard about the “living, breathing creature”, but to actually have one was a different story. Well, she seemed content so I guess I was too. Though, the stares from my neighbors were anything but accepting. After having to bear them, we arrived at my apartment-number 302 on the third floor. (I hated walking those stairs.)
“Welcome to my…uh…our home.” I said as I manually unlocked the door. It’s funny how something you’ve grown accustomed to suddenly changes. Instead of my apartment looking like home, it became a barely furnished, colorless humid…cave…that had a couch. I just hoped it wasn’t too bad.
“Well, Ah’ have to say Ah’ was expecting worse.” She looked around the apartment before settling on some idea she had, “With some paint and a little rearranging, this could be a home. Though, Rarity is a lot better with that stuff.”
“I suppose it could use a little…help.” I honestly didn’t see any of the problems before. Chipping paint, dust, stains- It was pretty bad. The only clean area was by my computer which I constantly used.
Even with all the problems, she didn’t seem to mind at all. She only continued to smiled. Before too long she turned around and hugged me again. “Thanks for lettin’ me stay here.” She kissed my cheek and I swooned a little, “Now, where’s my room, so I can unpack.” I pointed down the hall and to the right. It was right across from mine. I’m pretty sure she didn’t want to share. With a nod, and another squeeze, she picked up her suitcase and left for her room.
While she was unpacking, I had time to treat my swollen eye and think. The Vogon representative was right…about everything. She was breathing, sweating, and I hoped I wouldn’t have to see her bleed. Her fur felt real and soft, yet her muscles were lean and strong. Plus, I have to admit, her breasts were soft and that tank top she had on only made them look better. Also, those jeans were making want to build a shrine to her backside. I think she caught me looking because when she went into her room, she turned and smirked at me. Maybe I was just seeing things.
She stepped out of her room a couple minutes later. She had taken off her jacket, leaving only her tanktop. I tried my best not to stare through my good eye, but I’m only human. “Didn’t your mother tell you not to stare like that? Yer lookin’ at me like a timber wolf looks at meat.”
“Sorry…” I apologized.
“It aint not problem. Now, time to get down to business. Where can I find a job?”
“Excuse me?”
“Ya’ thought I was gonna just lay around here all day? Heck no. I’m a working pony. Plus, somepony told me you paid a pretty penny to get me here. Now, I can’t just let ya pay all them bits back yaself. What kind of marefriend would I be?”
“I suppose a bad one.” I said. To myself I was thinking what all "Marefriend" entrails,but I let it go, "I think I know a flower shop that's hiring."
"I don't think I can hire her..."
"You hit me with a door..."
I stood inside the flower shop talking to Rachael. I was trying to convince her to hire Applejack, yet she seemed so adamant about not hiring her. Though, A little guilt tripping can go a far way. Especially since she hit me with a door. Only a little bit more to go.
"She's a farmer. She'll help. Trust me. She worked on an applefarm." I said.
"But these are flowers..."
"Same Difference. Just give her a chance...do it for me...do it for my eye."
"Alright...Have her meet me at my farm tomorrow. It's just outside of time."
"Thanks you...I'll never hold my eye injury over you again." I smiled, "Well, not often."
I walked outside to Applejack who seemed content standing outside. She took of her hat to wipe the sweat from her forehead. I smiled when when she looked in my direction. She smiled back before walking over to the shop.
"Good news!! Ya got the job!"
"How'd ya manage that?" She asked.
"Oh you know...Just some smooth talk."
"If ya say so. When do I start?"
"Uh tomorrow. Her farm is right outside town."
"Well that's good. Now, lets get home."
"Cool, I know a short cut..."
"No, partner. You need some exercise. You were dang puckered out," She pointed out as she poked my stomach, "We're taking the long way."
Chapter 4
I like to think of myself as a man. Or, at least most of one. So when I tell you that I was hiding from a pony, don’t think of me as less of a man. She’s a scary pony. Especially when she is forcing you to run five miles every day. Apparently, I was an “out of shape stallion.” So, to get away from all that running, I hid in a bush outside and kept quiet. There was no possible way she would find me. I was too stealthy.
“You know hidin’ won’t make your exercising disappear.” Applejack yelled, “One way or another, you’re gonna run today.”
My heart beat quickened and became loud. My breathing deepened and became quicker. From my spot in the bushes, I could see her orange form getting closer and closer. The grass crunched under her foot and soon she stopped in front of me. She looked around, sighed, and walked away. I waited until she was out of sight before standing up. I smirked at my cunning, but it was short lived as she tackled me to the ground.
“You think it was gonna be that easy to avoid me. I could hear yer breathing from a mile away. Now get up. We got get our run in before work starts.” She picked me up by the collar of my shirt. With a strong push of her arm, I began jogging.
“You know, there’s an easier way.” I mentioned. I looked towards the distance to see the sun just peeking over the horizon.
“I know…but you either go all the way or go home.” She replied.
I sighed, but continued jogging. It had been a couple days since I started exercising with her, but the agony was still there. To me it was torture, yet to Applejack it was fun. Like she enjoyed this activity. I suppose running with her was the least I can do. Plus, it wouldn’t hurt to lose a few pounds…and Applejack did look amazing in her running suit. That made it a plus to try to keep up with her.
After almost dying from our run, we split paths. She went to her job, and I went to mine. While she still had the power to run to hers, I had to crawl to mine. It was agonizing, but I had to make it. Or else I could be fired. So, I quickly found a place to change into my work clothes and walked to work.
“You look like crap!” said Ted as I walked through the doors.
“Shut up…I’ve been running in the morning. Not used to it yet.” I replied.
“Yeah, we all know. You and that orange thing jogging like it isn’t anyone’s business.”
“Hey! She’s not a thing. Her name is Applejack.” I was becoming a little defensive.
“Whoa…calm down there. Sorry. Sorry.” Ted came to me and wrapped his arm around my shoulders. He was always like an older brother to me. “My bad, dude. Well, enough about that. We gotta get to work. New updates are out and we are going to get an influx of people who don’t know how to use them.”
“Alright,” I said as I straightened my collar, “Let’s get to work.”
A day at work wasn’t long or boring. Just tedious. Most people came in with the same problems, and I solved them. In a way, I ran the store. Ted would just sit in his office and play games till closing time. I, one the other hand, worked. I stocked the selves, ran the register, gave customer support, and answered the phone. Of course, I asked Ted why we didn’t hire any other people. He response being something along the lines of, “We are barely breaking even as is, so hiring another would push us over the edge.” Honestly, I knew the store was doing better than half the other stores in the city. Ted was just cheap.
As I worked, I couldn’t help but think of Applejack. It had been a week since she arrived. Everything seemed fine, but was it really? Was she happy? Was she content? Did she miss her family? All these questions and I didn’t know the answer to any of them. I could only assume she was, but what if she wasn’t? What if it was a mistake buying her?
“Yo! Charles! I closing the shop. Hurry up and log out the system.” Yelled Ted.
I did as I was told and hurried to the door. I told Ted goodbye before rushing off home. As I walked home, I remembered that Applejack gets off of work about 30 minutes after I did, so I decided to wait at the flower shop until she arrived.
(AJ’ POV)
I have to admit: my stallion, Charles, is a little tubby one, but cute. Especially when he gets over dramatic about everything. It could be running, eating better, even waking up early, he will whine about it. Though, I know he is just joking around. Ya know, I even had to drag him away from his computer contraption so he would go to bed on time. He was so adamant about playing his games that he would sacrifice sleep for it. He sure was a weird one. Always talking to the small version of himself. I imagined he didn’t get out much, but ever since I arrived, he had been getting away from this “Technology” and spending more time with me. He even promised to help out at my job one day.
Almost forgot about the job. Ah’ can’t believe he found me one so quick. Though, part of me thinks it wasn’t through legit ways. I can’t complain. The job is doing something I love-farming. It may not be apples, but flowers will still keep this farm girl happy. The best part of this job was that Rachael-the owner- still did everything the old fashion way. Good ole sunshine, water, fertilizer, and love. She even sang to ‘em sometimes. I have to say that she couldn’t sing worth a lick. Nevertheless, the flowers grew almost double the size they were meant to be.
“So…Charles tells me you worked on an apple farm before,” whispered Rachael, “That must have been nice.”
“I grew up on the farm muh entire life. Ever since I was a tiny filly. Apples bucking has been in muh blood.” I replied, proud of my heritage.
“That sounds nice. I too have felt as if plants have always been a part of me.”
“Well we should get along just fine then.” I gave Rachael a huge hug. She was so small that I was afraid I would crush her. Well, that was until she returned the hug with almost the same force I did. To be so small, she had a lot of strength. In a way, she reminded me of Fluttershy. Anyway, for the rest of the day, we worked in peaceful silence until quitting time came around.
“Uh…Applejack…it’s time to head home. I could give you a lift in my truck if you want…” Rachael offered.
“I’d like that very much.”
We drove in silence only making small talk every once in a while until we arrived back to town. After a couple turns, we arrived at the flower shop. To my surprise, Charles was waiting there for me. Not to my surprise, was that he had fallen asleep. He laid on the sidewalk snoring his loud snore. He seemed dang puckered so I didn’t want to wake em. I simply picked him up and asked Rachael to drop us off by his our apartment. She agreed.
(Charles’ POV)
When I awoke, I was in Rachael’s truck on the outside of my apartment. Apparently, I fell asleep while waiting. Applejack thanked Rachael before pulling me out of the vehicle. I was still barely awake, but I saw the flower girl pull off. We walked towards my home. She was still holding me up as we walked. It was nice to lean against her. The fur was soft and she had a faint smell of apples and roses. We almost reached my apartment when I heard a familiar voice behind us.
“You know, rent is almost due, Charles.” Said the voice.
“I know. I’ll pay tomorrow. I just need some sleep.” I replied turning around with Aj’s help.
“Just as long as…you…” He seemed to stop speaking once he got a good look at us.
“I’ll pay it. Don’t worry.”
“Yeah…”He looked at Applejack before looking back at me, “You know we have to talk, right?”
“Yeah…”
“Good. Enjoy your sleep. And don’t make a lot of noise.” He smirked while wiggling his eye brow before leaving.
I looked back to AJ who seemed to be blushing a little. I unlocked my door and we both walked inside. I immediately fell onto the couch. My eyes began to close, yet I felt Aj sit next to me. I opened my eyes and sat up next to her. She smiled and I returned it back to her. I let out a little yawn.
“So who was that man?” she asked.
“Oh, you know…my landlord…and my uncle.”
“What did he want to talk about?”
“Well, you…”
She looked at me confused. Like maybe she had done something wrong. I scooted closer and wrapped my arms around her. I felt awkward at first, but she seemed to like the show of affection.
“Don’t worry,” I say to her, “I have a feeling he’s going to like you.”
Where'd you get that dank pony?
Author's Note
For a second, I forgot about this. Good thing I decided to go through my stuff. Anyway, enjoy this chizz and watch out for my dank pone.
Where'd you get that dank pony?
"You know you haven't paid the rent for this month." said my landlord.
"Yeah..." I replied.
"But more importantly!" My landlord grabbed my shoulders and came in close, "Where did you get Applejack?"
I stood in my landlord's room as he explained to me my situation. Though, that's not what it really was about. Ever since he saw Applejack in the hallway he wanted to know. He watched us every time we left, and every time we came home. I don't think Applejack noticed, but I sure did. It was hard to miss an Afro with a fedora peeking around a corner. Though, It didn't bring us any harm. He was just a curious old man. I must say, his curiosity did get him slapped in the face more than once.
"I ordered her from Vogon Biotech." I replied. I tried to open up their website, yet I couldn't find one.All I got was Error 404.
"So she's an helpmate?" my landlord replied.
"Something like that. Maybe a bit more than just a help mate."
"How did you afford her? With both know you don't earn that much at the computer shop. Plus, you have trouble affording rent here." He pulled out an old tally book and showed me my rent records. Some months were more scantily payed than others. I still kept up with the payments, but some months I had to hide from the land lord.
"I set up a payment plan, ya know?" I rubbed the back of my neck, "You'll get your money. Don't worry."
"Sure you will." My landlord grabbed me and put me in a headlock, "That's what you said when you were building that computer of yours. I still haven't seen that money."
"I worked it off, remember?" I managed to say from his tight grip.
"Oh yeah...this buildings gutters has never been so clean."
I managed to break free of his grip after a minute of no oxygen. I fell to the floor trying to get some air into my lungs as quickly as possible. With a small chuckle, the landlord went to his kitchen and poured two shots of whisky. I''m not much of a drinker, but that doesn't matter. Both were for him. One after the other, he downed both. He then refilled the glasses. With a movement of his head, he told me to get up. Hesitantly, I walked towards him.
"Look, I like you, kid, but rent is rent." He sighed before downing a shot, " Since I'm the one who got you into the damn show in the first place, I'll do ya a favor. I'll lower you rent. Only until Applejack is payed off. Okay? "
"Thanks, Mr. Stepp."
"Plus, your mother wouldn't like it if I had put you on the streets. Also, I'm your uncle. Ya' don't have to be so...professional. Jesus, man." Almost to add emphasis to his statement, my uncle took a small rolled piece of paper from his pocket and lit it. The smell quickly drifted throughout the apartment.
"I suppose that's my cue to leave." I quickly grabbed the other shot and chugged it. I gagged as if it was a reflex. Alcohol and I never go along.
I left my uncle's room and quietly closed the door. Fortunately, he lived on the fifth floor , I lived on the third. I would have to walk down. I began the decent with some new vigor in me. I don't know why, but it felt as if things were looking up. Well until my watch starting going off. I looked at it to see the 16-bit jumping worriedly. His messeage bubble was saying something about trouble in my apartment and it had something to do with Applejack. I starting running to my apartment. What could have happened in that small place? Nothing was dangerous...well I didn't think it was. After flying down the steps, I reached my apartment. I fumbled with my keys until the right one was found. I stuck the key into the lock, turned it, and opened the door.
"Applejack! Are you okay?!" I yelled.
"No, I aint!" She, connected to my immersion gear, said from my computer corner. She was seemed a bit disoriented and confused. "I decided to use this dang contraption, and I aint sure how to use it. Some Battlefield thing came up. Now, ponies won't stop hitting me with y'all weird human things."
I looked down at the 16-bit me who was just laughing his digital laugh. After he looked at my face, he jumped to the computer and turned it off. Applejack seemed to relax after that. I went over and helped take off the equipment which was a tad loose on her.
"I should probably have warned you about that." I said with a chuckle, "People on Battlefield are unforgiving."
"I don't see why ya' would want to play such a thing. A game about killing each other...that ain't right."
"Trust me, you're not the first to say that. It's just for entertainment. No one actually takes it seriously...well...mostly anyway."
"It still ain't right. Glorifying war n such. Just terrible."
I could tell that changing her mind was going to be impossible, so I decided to quickly change the subject.
"Wanna go out to dinner? There's nothing in the fridge anyway."
"Well that's a grand idea. Just not one of those fancy places. I can't stand it there. Too many rules and formalities."
"I hear ya, sister." I grabbed my jacket, "Don't worry. I know this sweet place in town. You'll love it."
(Applejack's POV)
I can't lie. I did love the place. The atmosphere, the people, and even the food was good. They even had vegan accommodations. Though, I could have probably cooked the food better. All in all, I couldn't complain. The place was lively. Like everyone there was family. No matter what, everyone was on a first name basis. They somehow even knew me. It was weird at first, but I got used to the attention I was getting.
"So, Charles, how'd did you find this place?" I asked before taking a bite of a salad.
"Long ago, in a time not so different from our own...Charles Stepp was a college student. One day, while studying for his examines, he realized that college wasn't the thing for him, so he quit. He packed his things and went home, but he forgot one crucial thing...his parents wouldn't let him come back home without a college degree. They were pretty angry about him leaving the family farm, so if he didn't finish, they would disown him." Charles movements were over exaggerated while telling his story. Plus, it seemed as if the restaurant had quieted down, so he could tell it. "Hungry, desperate, cold, and broke, he wandered into this place known as "Faith's Grill". They fed him, and told him every first meal is free. From that day on, Charles' life...has been good...and even better since a certain pony arrived."
The rest of the night was a blur. Just more food, fun, and laughter. It felt like I was back in Equestria with my friends and family. A feeling that I remember everyday. I hope they are doing fine wherever they are. Celestia knows I miss them.
