A Swap They'll Never Forget

Leonardo Oliver Osborn Presents:

A Grandparents Day Special,

Applebloom and Granny Smith- A Swop They Will Never Forget

It was the end of Luna’s shift, as her moon has fallen once more, and again arose Celestia’s sun to take it’s place- as it did, the light slowly crept it’s way to Sweat Apple Anchors, the home of the Apple Family.

Little Applebloom was sound asleep- when the sun slowly slide it’s way into her window, soon awoke the said Filly. Usually, she dosn’t wanna get out of bed- but that’s on the week-days. She instead woke up with a smile because there was only one thing that was on her mind; today’s Sunday.

So she swiftly hoped out of bed, filled with excitement.

“So... ‘All-Day-Crusadin’, Ah’m ah’ guessin’?” asked her big sister, Apple Jack. Applebloom was eating far too quickly, and sense it was like this every Sunday -and Applejack, her big, big brother Big Macintosh, and her Grandmother Granny Smith had to at least ask what the rush was for for the first few weeks it happened- by now it was as obvious as how moist and dialysis a freshly bucked apple from Sweat Apple Anchors is.

Applebloom tried to explain her plans- spitting apple juice, seeds, and pie crumbs everywhere- but was soon stopped when Applejack covered her mouth with her hoof (and if Rarity was there, she would never stop badgering her to clean that hoof as soon as possible until she did) “Jus’ chew, Sugar-Cube. Ah’ll hear about whatcha’ doin’ in dem’ Crusadin’ later, alright?” Applejack asked her softly. Applebloom responded with two understanding hums, and a nod, then Applejack released her hoof. And no, she did not wash that hoof- she never dose these days...

***

With everything set; Applebloom soon meet with her friends; Scotaloo and Sweetie Belle, both with almost the same story at the orphanage and Rarity’s Carousel Barque. The moment they united in the Crusader Tree House was the moment Applebloom had already put down their check-list and map in front of them.

“So, we already tried Monster Huntin’, Chair Makin’, Candy Bakin’, Psychic Readin’, Zip-Linin’, n’ even Arguein’, n’ blah, blah, blah, blah.” Apple Bloom stated, looking at the list of things they’ve already done- and it was quite the long list, it could take hours to read it through all the way- and they can’t afford to waste that much time on their All-Day-Crusading. “So, what is there we haven't already done yet?” Sweetie Belle was the first to have an idea.

“Oh! Rarity’s making a new Fall-Collection Fashion-Line! Maybe we can help with that!”

“NO!!! That sounds so BORING! And so filly!” Scotaloo immediately objected, not liking the idea of scarves and dresses and all that Filly stuff.

“But you are a Filly!” argued Sweetie Belle with her usual cracky voice, which gave her a glare from her Pegasus-Friend, saying silently ‘I know that!’.

“Well, ah’ heard that she didn’t wanna ‘spoil’ it or somethin’ like that.” Applebloom recalled.

“Well... ya... I just wanted an excuse to get Rarity to show me already! Don’t you wonder what it looks like?”

“I bet it’s something stupid, filly, and probably have those ‘Fall color’ things.”

“Ah’m surprised you know that much about fashion!” Applebloom playfully teased.

“W-what are you talking about!?” Scotaloo demanded.

“Oh, jus’ how you know how color work’s n’ stuff.” Applebloom explained.

“What am I; color blind?” Scotaloo spat back. “Take a hick!” she playfully jeer.

Before Applebloom could forward her argument about colors and fashion, an idea struck her. “Wait- that’s a great idea!” she exclaimed.

“What?” Scotaloo and Sweetie Belle asked in unison, puzzled. “What Scots’ said!” Applebloom explained, thinking that was specific enough for them to get the idea-

“That I’m ‘color blind’?” asked Scotaloo. -but it was not.

“Hah! Y’all jus’ said yer’ color blind! But no; that’s not it...” Answered Applebloom. “I did not!” Scotaloo argued.

“That Scotaloo asked ‘What am I?’ sense that’s the big question we have been asking sense he have been striving to look deep into our hearts to find our selves to earn our Cutie-Marks?” Suggest Sweetie Belle, which was followed by a pause, but was soon broken by Scotaloo’s usual response to a time like this;

“What are you, a Dictionary?”

Applebloom thought for a moment.

“Well... maybe y’all can write a song about it, like y’all did fer’ our Cutie-Mark Crusaders Theme Song!”

“Well....” Sweetie’s voice cracked. “I don’t know, I think I’ll do better at what Rarity dose!”

“Alrighty then’!” replied Applebloom. Little did they know that this was the thousandth time their special talent was right in their face, but was once again ignored. Applebloom continued.

“But seriously, it’s what Scots’ said; ‘Take a hick’-that’s what we’re gonna do today! Hickin’!”

“But we did that already, remember?” Scotaloo recalled.

“Yeah, but Twilight found out on that time,”  reminded Applebloom “So we had to take that tiny hill in the playground fer’ foals!”

“Yeah... that wasn’t enough to get a hiking Cutie Mark! We need a real adventure!” announced Scotaloo.

“YEAH!!! CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS MOUTAIN HIKERS 2.0!!!”

***

After they packed their bags with snacks, drinks, a Scotter, a comb, and an Apple for luck- they were ready for their Fellowship of their Ring of friend’s adventure to the Mountain filled with possible Doom. And after a long journey just to find one; they were already tired enough to venture back home. And in all that time, it was already the end of the day for the Crusaders. The tragic end of their week-end.

But it was a great one, for in their journey they faced many a challenge; they ran away from Dark-Ponies with hoodies, they helped Fluttershy with a sick Hedgehog and they fought against a fire-breathing Dragon! One was actually their imagination, one was fully true indeed, and the other also true with a tad bit of pretend- and not exactly what you’d picture.

After what felt like the longest Sunday of their Crusading currier; they were all back home and ready for bed for the next morning. Sadly, next morning they're going to have to go to school...

***

Once again, Celestia’s sun has fallen, and Luna’s Moon took it’s place- and soon, the other way around. As the sun slowly arise, and the light slowly once again crept into Sweat Apple Anchors; Applebloom woke up to what she thought was going to be another school day- but boy was she wrong...

She slowly opened her eyes tiredly, taking in on her surroundings. ‘What in Celestia’s mane am ah’ doin’ in Granny’s room?’ Apple Bloom wondered. She tried to get out of bed, but found it a bit more challenging then usual- and strangely, her back started to hurt as well. She also felt a bit taller strangely, and her skin felt like it was wearing a bit thin.

She remembered there was a mirror in Granny’s room -normally, like her sister, she dosn’t care much about her looks- but this time she was quite curious as to what was happening to her. Was she sick? Did something happen and she simply forgot for the moment? She slowly made her way to the mirror, and saw something that made every single theory and thought disappear.

‘AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!’

When Applebloom looked upon a mirror, she didn’t see herself- she saw Granny Smith! And when she screamed, she didn’t scream with her own voice- she screamed with Granny’s voice!

“Granny, y’all alright?”

Asked a concerned voice- it was Applejack. With all the shock, and her new body weak and old- she passed out, unable to take this no more.

***

Applebloom woke up from that horrid dream, now more than happy to go to school and tell her friends and siblings about that rachet dream- but those ideas had soon fallen like the great Pompeii itself when she had realized, once again, that she was in Granny’s room instead of her own.

She checked her hoof- green, and wrinkly. Yep, it’s not a dream. After freaking out last time, she was by now use to it, and handled it quite calmly unlike the first time- so she managed to just remain still for a bit and put the pieces together; she is in Granny Smith’s body. So, then came a question- how? When? Why....?

She decided to get up and find some answers- she’s a Crusader, and a Crusader’s gonna do what a Crusader’s gonna do; even if she is a bit old for the moment.

She attempted to comb her mane just as she normally dose with her regular body, but found it a bit tuff- so she simply made it a big Pony-tail like her Granny usually dose. She slowly walked her way to Applejack to ask her what’s going on; but then she heard whispering. Being her usual curious self, she decided to stop and liston.

“Big Mac, she’s not gettin’ crazy- she’s jus’ a saw rat er’ a spider er’ somethin’ ah’ guess, that's all.” came Applejack’s voice, keeping it low so she won’t wake Granny Smith.

“Now Applejack, Granny has been livin’ fer’ a long time, so she’s a’ growin’ a bit old. I think the day we all feared has come.” argued Big Macintosh. It was quite rare for them to argue, so this must be very important. Applebloom listened very closely. “Look, we all love her, and ah’ know she can very easily be takin’ care of by us. I’m jus’ sayin’ we need to be prepared to do what’s right when the day comes- she can’t be with us forever, you know.”

Applebloom cringed, unsure if she should tell them sense she had already made Granny sound crazy enough...

“Well... ah’ jus’... oh, ah’ guess yer’ right...” Applejack sadly agreed, but decided to change the subject. “So, y’all remember what’s gonna be ta'marrow, right?”

“Eeyup” came the usual reply of Big Macintosh.

“Good, maybe we should go get Applebloom n’- oh, mornin’ Granny! Not feelin’ like wearin’ yer’ orange scarf thingy?” she was caught, and it was no use to turn back now.

“Yeah, ah’m bimb-” she covered her mouth, now noticing her lake of teeth.

“Oh Granny, y’all fer’got yer’ teeth again, didn’t cha’? Here, ah’ll go get it fer’ ya!” she trotted over to Granny’s room, getting the teeth, while Big Mac had a worried look on his face- he was obviously worried Applebloom (or in his perspective, Granny Smith) had over heard their conversation, but decided to put his usual strait face back on. It wasn’t long before Applejack returned with her teeth, fresh from her glass of water.

“Here ya' go, Granny!”

Finally, she got to have teeth again. “Ah, thank’s sis’-” she replied, but remembered whom she was the moment she heard Granny’s voice out of her mouth. “- ah, I mean; thanks dear.” she recovered, but only got suspicious looks from what she remembered -for the moment- is not her older brother and sister. She chuckled nervously.

Big Mac looked up at the wall-clock. “I think it’s time to do some buckin’, AJ.” said he. Applejack simply nodded as they both left. “Y’all have fun now, Big Mac n’ I got some work ta’ do now.”

“Alright then... dear...” she forced out. “Don’t... get into trouble...” she added, trying hard to sound like Granny Smith.

As soon they left, there came complete silence. The only sound she heard was the clock, and eventually the sound of Ramona barking and Applejack scolding her, but after that; nothing. Time flew by, hour after hour. Eventually, she attempted to try Granny’s normal hobby she uses to kill time; sowing. But it was quite the struggle, though- and it was just not quite as easy as it looks.

Is this what Granny’s life is like these days? Is it always this boring, with an exception of the Apple Family Reunion and other occasions? Is it always this quiet and lonely? She was ready to go nuts. She was ready for, well, anything! As time flew by, she started to think. And her thinking trailed off to more thinking, and quite soon; questions. How could this happen? Who made this happen? When did this happen? And on top of all- why? Why did this happen?

After a long day that felt like it could go on forever; Applejack, Big Macintosh, and Applebloom all came ba- wait... Applebloom...? Her eyes shot open, seeing her original body. She wanted to run over and start asking questions, but what if Applejack and Big Mac start to worry? She’ll look nuts! All she could do was watch in silence as her own body moved, talked, and even acted like her normal self.

“We’re back Granny! How’s yer’ day?” Applejack asked.

“Um... fine... dear...” Applebloom, or in the others’ perspective; Granny Smith replied.

“So... ah... how bout’ y’all’l do some shopin’, alright? Here.” Applejack handed a few bits to Apple Bloom (Granny Smith).

“Ah... alrighty then...” she replied, feeling a bit off ease. What if they're gonna have another discussion about possibly taking her to a nut-house, and they needed to get rid of her to make sure she isn’t aware of that? And when was the last time Granny Smith had ever gone outside on her own anyway?

“Wait... isn’t somepony gonna watch over me er’ somethin’?” she asked.

“Yup! Fluttershy, that’s yer’ cue!” Applejack called. The door creaked open a slight bit.

“Oh... your calling for me...?” she asked, her head sticking out a slight bit. She slowly walked in.

“Yes... um... I’ll be... um... going to the store with you today... i-... if that’s okay with you, that is... I don’t wanna be a bother...” Fluttershy explained, talking as low and sweat as always.

“Ah... sure, I will.” Applebloom (Granny Smith) replied, still worried a bit about the others having a discussion rather or not to send her to the nut-house.

“Alrighty then! Y’all have fun now!” Applejack waved out, ready to have her out the door as soon as possible.

***

There was not much to talk about here, all it was was wondering through town with Fluttershy, buying a fruit or two to bring home -with Flutters’ help, but of curse- and as soon as it started to get dark, they returned home.

***

“Ah’ would jus’ wanna thank ya fer’ taking some of yer’ time off ta’ take Granny on a stroll n’ shop n’ stuff.” Applejack thanked her, shaking Fluttershy’s hoof a bit too ruffly like she always dose.

“Oh, but it was nothing, it was not bother at all. Just let me know if you’d ever want anything again... if that’s okay, that is...” Fluttershy modestly replied, trying her best not to complain about the overly done hoof-shake. Applejack finally let go, giving her a laugh.

“Oh flutters, yer’ always jus’ too kind. And ah’ Pinkie-Promise ta’ teach Angel Bunny some manors (ah’ always thought it should be done one day anyway) in return of yer’ Kindness!”

“[size=o.75em]Oh, but there’s no need to do that, Applejack. Angel is just fine the way he is...[/size]” Fluttershy tried to decline, knowing it’s rude to ask something in return.

“Ah’ cross mah’ heart, hope ta’ fly- ah stick a cup-cake in mah’ eye!” said Applejack, maiming the motions. “Sorry, too late Fluttershy! Ah’ Pinkie Promised, so it has ta’ been done!”

“And you know what happens if you brake a Pinkie Promise.” added Big Macintosh. "It could brake a friendship...” he said with a pause.

“FOREVER!!!!!”

Everypony jumped in surprise as Pinkie popped in from the basket Applebloom (in Granny’s body) and Fluttershy used to carry the food they bought. Slowly, she grabbed a carrot and slowly munched on it, somehow holding it like a cigar (Celestia knows if she knows what that is or not), and slowly slide back into the basket. Everypony still wonders how Pinkie Pie dose these things- most Ponies say it’s just ‘being Pinkie Pie’, so everypony in the room simply put it as that as soon as they asked themselves in their minds. One thing was known for sure... Applejack’s not gonna brake that promise, and Fluttershy knew there was nothing she could do about it....

Soon came the time to hit the hay, even if Applebloom wanted to come over to her other self and ask questions, but there was just no way to get some time alone with other self.

The Next Day

Celestia’s sun had arisen once again, and boy was it going to be a beautiful day! Applebloom slowly woke up, ready to start yet another boring day as Granny Smith... when she noticed that she was in her room... and her body felt smaller...

She hoped out of bed, eagerly seeing that her hooves was yellow and smooth, just the way she likes it! The dream was over!!! Or so she had thought... after her usual routine; comb her mane, clean her coat, breakfast, and (but of curse) put on her favorite big, red bow.

She was quite eager for things to be normal again... but it quite wasn’t as normal as usual. It all started in school, when Applebloom was on her way to tell her friends of her unusual dream... but then came Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon. She sighed, ready for her their usual ‘Blank-Flank’ scolding routine. But instead came something quite unexpected...

“Um... Applebloom... I thought about what you said, and I just wanted to say... I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have teased you these past few years. As long as your still a Blank-Flank, I don’t care... I should really just mind my own business...”

Diamond’s head fell down, looking ashamed while Applebloom was shocked by the sudden apology. After a short five second pause, Diamond kicked Silver Spoon on her fore leg. “Ah... yeah... I’m sorry too...” like Diamond, Silver dropped her head down shamefully.

When Applebloom thought it couldn’t have gone any weirder, then came her friends.

“Wow, Applebloom! Your speech yesterday was awesome!!!”

Applebloom arched an eyebrow, not understanding what her Pegasus friend was talking about.

“Yeah, I’ve never seen you talk so poetic about it!” added Sweetie Belle. “Oh, and look at this!” she handed Applebloom a few sheets of paper. “I’ve decided to work on that song! After what you told me yesterday, I think I’ll grow up to become a singer!” she exclaimed, her voice even cracked in the end.

“Ah... great...” replied Applebloom, still feeling a bit confused.

***

Of curse, this day got weirder and weirder. After school -with recess being spent avoiding the praising of the other foals about her 'speech' to Diamond Tiara to think strait- Cherrolie stopped Applebloom before she left school with the other foals.

“Applebloom, I just want to stop you for a moment to tell you yet again how amazing your essay was!”

“Erm... it was...?” Asked the continually puzzled Applebloom.

“Yes, your project on Pioneering in the 950th century was amazing! It was like you were there yourself!”

“Ah’... was....?” asked Applebloom, still wierded out by the random talk of events that she never recalled happening. Cherrolie giggled.

“No, I’m sure you wern’t, Applebloom. You wern’t even born yet- but you still manage to make us feel like we all wobbled back in time!”

“Erm... wibbly wobbly... timey wimey... what...?” Applebloom asked with a puzzled look- Cherolie simply giggled again.

“Oh, you’re quite the comedian today, arn’t you? But I appreciate your modesty. Have a good day!” She walked off, leaving Applebloom as puzzled as ever. She thought to herself for the thousandth time that day that it just couldn’t get any wierder... but this time will put will make all the other odd times feel a bit more normal.

“Um... Applebloom...?” There came a colt. She’d seen him in school many a time before, and it took her a second or two to remember his name.

“Oh... um... Rumble, is it?” She asked in response, ready for more weirdness. Little did she know how this will put all the other on the button of her list.

“Oh... um... I’ve been thinkin’ what you’ve told me yesterday...” he started. Applebloom was dead sure she had never even talked to him before, except for when she asked him to help her reach something that one time. But all n’ all; nothing. “Well... when I told you about my... crush...” ‘wait, what now?’ thought Applebloom nervously. “... on you... well, I’m sorry for running off on you like that... I’ve just never expected such a long speech... I mean, don’t get me wrong- I thought it was beautiful... and your beautiful... look, I just wasn’t prepared for that... I was too busy bracing myself for you to say ‘no’... look, Applebloom... I’m happy that your happy with this... so... can we restart from yesterday....?”

“Ah... sure...?” answered Applebloom.

“Good... Applebloom... will you go out with me... maybe to the theater or something...?”

“Ah....” She wassn’t sure how to answer. “Ah’ll.... think about it...?”

“Good... see you later then...?”

“... sure....”

***

Finally, Applebloom could escape from Freaky-Town and head back home, still filled with a fountain of questions. But it seems that the day just wasn’t done with the surprises yet...

“Ah, finally- Applebloom’s back!” Applejack exclaimed. “Come, Granny’s been a waitin’ ta’ open her Grandparents Day present!”

“Wait... what...? ta’ day’s Grandparents Day...?” Bloom asked, surprized that the others didn’t tell her. Why didn’t they gather to talk about what to get... Granny Smith... for Grandmother’s Day... like they could yesterday..... wait....

“Sure, Sugar-Cube. Remember? We just talked about it yesterday!”

‘Oh....’ thought Applebloom to herself.

“Now open yer’ present, Granny!”

‘Ah’ get it now...' Applebloom forward her thought, managing to figure out at least one mystery of day and the one before it.

“Happy Grandmother’s Day!” Applejack exclaimed when it opened. Applebloom became curious and ran over to see what it was. It was a hankerchief sized tapestry of the three of them, and even had Ramona. “We hoof-stitched this while you were a shopin’ yesterday! We used all that time you were gone ta’ sow this up! And Applebloom did amazin’ in dat’ thing, didn’tcha’ Bloom?”

... then everything became clear... not only did Applebloom become Granny Smith, but it was also the other way around! Everything that happened to day at school was Granny’s doing! And of curse Granny would of done most of the work in her body on that tapestry! And Granny most of the who talked to the Col-

“Applebloom, yer’ there?”

She snapped out of her thoughts.

“Ah... yeah, ah’ sure am, dea- er, ah’ mean; sis’!”

Applejack gave her a strange look, recalling yesterday when Granny did the same thing, only backwards. She shook her head, the conclusion she came to was rubbish- or so she had thought...

“Ah... Granny...?” asked Applebloom, looking up to her Grandmother.

“Yes...?” asked Granny.

“Could cha’ tell us ‘bout that time when the Timberwolves tried ta’ take our Great-Grandfather’s Zap-Apple....?” Applebloom asked, her eyes big.

“Mmmm.... sure, come over here child.” answered Granny. It didn’t even take ten seconds flat for Applebloom to rush over and hopped on Granny’s lap as she rocked on her chair, Applejack and Big Macintosh sat down and listened closely.

“You see, on our second Zap-Apple season, it was a time when we thought dem’ Timberwolves won't bother us no more... but then one hungry little feller’ came over and took my daddy’s Zap-Apple when we was about ta' eat it. So then he was so furious, that he grabbed a shovel...”

For the rest of the day; they spent it all with Granny Smith. Applebloom decided to put her Crusading on hold, and same with Applejack and Big Mac with their apple-bucking. All day; Granny Smith told them all her stories, and every story had at least one question from Applebloom, and occasionally some from Applejack- and even Big Mac. Applebloom may never be able to understand Granny’s true loneliness, even if she had to suffer one day of it- but she knew just how much joy was in Granny’s heart when she told them story after story after story of when she was young.

One thing was known for sure; the other Crusaders probably gave up looking for Applebloom by now and did some Crusading without her, Applejack has some Bunny-Taming to do later, Big Mac decided to forget his talk with Applejack about Granny yesterday, and Applebloom and Granny Smith are going to have a long talk when they can about what happened yesterday.

The moral of this is to not take your youth for granted, and the more you do with it; the more stories you will be able to share when you grow old...

Happy Grandparents Day

All My Best,

• Leonardo Oliver Osborn

The End.