Applejack's Homemade Pie

by Charliebbarkin

Rating: teen
Tags: Spike, Comedy, Twilight Sparkle, Princess Celestia, Slice of Life, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic, Dark, Main 6, Applejack
Length: 5120

Twilight struggles with her assignment to learn more about Ponyville culture as she learns that Applejack is pregnant. Before long, Twilight discovers a dark secret in Ponyville that will rock her to her core.

Twilight struggles with her assignment to learn more about Ponyville culture as she learns that Applejack is pregnant. Before long, Twilight discovers a dark secret in Ponyville that will rock her to her core.

This story picks up with the aftermath of the first story, Pinkie’s Party Gift. I have recently updated and improved that story greatly. Reading it is encouraged but optional, as the events in that story are summarized near the beginning of this story.

Author's note: Chapter 2 is especially funny :ajsmug:

Published 2014-11-05 22:10:04 UTC
Last updated 2014-11-11 19:30:54 UTC

Chapter 2

It was the next day, and Twilight was preparing to leave the library on her way to Applejack’s babyshower party. Twilight finished gift wrapping a book about prenatal care after triple-checking it didn’t have any unauthorized modifications by Pinkie Pie.

“Twilight, please! Let me out of this thing!” Spike said, as he rattled the locked door on his crate.

“I’ll be back in a few hours Spike.” Twilight said while smiling to calm him down.

“But I have to go to the bathroom!” Spike replied.

“Well, then I guess you’ll have to learn to hold it!” Twilight covered her mouth as she giggled lightly. “Alright, I’ll see you in a few hours.” Twilight said before exiting the library and closing the door.

It wasn’t long before Twilight arrived at Sweet Apple Acres, and the other girls were already there at a picnic table filled with apple-related foods and drinks. “Congratulations, Applejack! Here, I have a present for you!” Twilight said as she levitated the book towards Applejack.

Applejack took it, and quickly unwrapped it with her hooves. A small fleck of mud got on the cover, and while Applejack didn’t even notice, Twilight bit her lip and tried her best not to get upset.

Applejack held the book up and read the cover out loud. “A...ggguh...guy...guide...to….pra..pre..neeigh...nay..nattt...natalll...co..car...care. A guide to prenatal care!”

Twilight’s eyes widened at the stunning realization that Applejack could barely read. Not wanting to spoil the party, Twilight didn’t vocalize her concerns. “I just thought it might help you in these coming months.”

“Well, sure, I guess...thanks Twilight!”

“You’re very welcome AJ!”

Fluttershy had a concerned look on her face as she asked Applejack, “Do you know what it’s going to be yet?”

“Ahh sure do.” Applejack said with a slightly saddened voice. “It’s going to be a colt.”

Fluttershy, Pinkie, and Rarity gave out a sigh, as Twilight gave a very annoyed look at her three friends. “Don’t worry, AJ!” Pinkie said loudly as she bounced over to Twilight. “Our pal Twilight can get rid of that thing for you!” Pinkie giggled while patting Twilight on the head. “It actually kind of tickles!”

Twilight frowned, not appreciating what Pinkie was saying at all. She immediately used her magic to levitate Pinkie away from her.

Applejack continued talking, after the interruption. “Now, I don’t want any of you to think any less of me, so please don’t be mad at my decision.” Applejack said.

“Oh no.” Thought Twilight.

“I’ve decided to have the foal.” Applejack said.

“Awwww” Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie all said sadly, at the same time. Rainbow rolled her eyes at her three friends. Meanwhile, Twilight smiled for the first time in a while.

“I know, I know. But the fact is, we could really use an extra set of hooves to help plow the fields. You’re the best set of friends a pony could ask for, I know you’ll all support me and my decision.” The girls all gathered together for a group hug.

The girls gathered around the picnic table and ate their celebratory lunch. Afterwards the ponies started to disband. Applejack walked towards the orchards for some apple bucking, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie were walking on the road, and Rainbow was about to take off to the skies.

“Hey, Rainbow...could I talk to you for a minute?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, Twi. What’s up?”

“What’s the deal with everypony here?”

“Huh? What do you mean?” Rainbow asked.

“I mean, why does everyone in Ponyville hate colts so much?” Twilight clarified.

“I’m not sure! Ponies aren’t like that in Cloudsdale, that’s for sure. I moved here just before you did, so I don’t really know the history of it. I bet Granny Smith would know, she founded the town, after all. Well I’ve gotta get going, I’m late for my afternoon nap!” And with that, Rainbow took off into the skies.

Twilight thought about what Rainbow said. She walked over to the farmhouse and knocked on the door. After a few moments of waiting, Twilight knocked again. She knew that Granny Smith had to be in there since she was basically immobile. Twilight knocked a third time, and heard a muffled voice from inside.

“I’m coming, I’m coming, hold your horses….”

The door opened, and Granny looked up at Twilight. “Oh! Well if it isn’t one of Applejack’s friends, hello Fluttershy! Applejack’s not here right now, I reckon she’s out working the fields.”

Twilight kept a constant smile on her face. “Actually, I’m Twilight. And I was wondering if I could talk to you inside about something important.”

“Oh? Well come on inside.” Granny said as she turned and started walking inside. Twilight sat on the couch as Granny sat in her rocking chair.

“I’ve been meaning to ask you something. You helped found Ponyville, right?” Twilight asked.

“Darned tootin’!” Granny replied.

“Can you tell me why everyone here hates colts and stallions so much?”

“Stallions?!? Mmmmph! ‘Bout the only thing they’re good for is plowin’ the fields!” Granny replied. Here eyelids were narrowed and Twilight could hear a tone of resentment or anger in her voice.

“What makes you say that?” Twilight asked, pressing for more information.

“Back when Applejack was a youn’un, ah caught her father cheatin’ on her mother. Why, that still makes my blood boil. When I confronted that scoundrel, he went and skipped town. Wasn’t long before Applejack’s mother...my poor daughter died of a broken heart.” Granny’s speech wasn’t as sad as it was angry. She continued talking.

“So I decided to put something in the town charter in pursuit of a more perfect union.” Granny said.

Twilight sipped on some tea. “Like what?” She asked, looking back up at Granny. Granny sat in her chair, eyes closed. “Granny?” Twilight asked. “Uh oh,” she thought to herself. Twilight nudged granny’s forehoof.

Granny Smith gasped for breath, and opened her eyes, and looked all aright her. “Huh?!? Soups on?” Granny’s eyes focused on Twilight. “Oh, Pinkie Pie! What brings you over today? I think Applejack is out workin’ the fields, if you’re looking for her.”

“No, Granny. It’s me, Twilight. And, I think I should be going now. I’ll see you later, bye Granny!” Twilight promptly exited the farmhouse. She knew exactly where to go next to find her answer.

But before she made a visit to town hall, she decided it would be best to stop by the library quickly to let Spike out of his crate. Twilight walked to her library and opened the door, only to find Princess Celestia and Spike having tea in the middle of the main room.

Twilight gasped, and bowed down respectfully. “Princess.” Twilight then stood back up.

Celestia stood up, flared her wings, and turned towards Twilight. “Twilight Sparkle. Do you know why I’m here today?”

Twilight immediately broke down into tears. “I’m so sorry, Princess. I’m so sorry! I promise, I’m working on my student loan payment. I just need a little more time!”

“That is not why I’m here today, Twilight. Just be sure not to be more than 30 days late. No, I am here today because Spike wrote a letter telling me you locked him in a cage. Is this true?”

Twilight was incredibly relieved that Celestia wasn’t mad she was late with her monthly student loan payment. Her ears perked back up. “Well, technically, it’s a crate. And I’m trying to train Spike not to wet the bed.”

“Twilight, Spike is a dragon, not a dog. Spike may be your personal assistant right now, but he is still my property. I cannot allow you to mistreat him in such a way. No more putting Spike into cages or crates. Do you understand?”

“Yes, Princess. I’m sorry, I was just trying to train him.”

“I know your heart was in the right place, my dear student. Oh, and one last thing.”

“Yes, Princess?” Twilight asked.

“Spike mentioned that you were drinking potions given to you by a Zebra. Is that true?”

“Yes…?” Twilight answered, not sure why Celestia would ask.

“Twilight, if you are going to progress in your studies with me, I need you to stay away from zebras.” Celestia said, in a serious tone.

“But...Zecora is my friend!” Twilight replied.

“Twilight, zebras are not ponies like you or I. They are….zebras. There is a reason the ponies in Ponyville forced this...zecora...to live in the middle of the woods, away from the town.”

“But why?” Twilight asked.

“That story will have to be for another time, my student. For now, this conversation is over. I’m very proud of you, Twilight.” And with that said, Celestia gave Twilight a hug before exiting the library and taking to the skies.

“What was that all about?” Twilight asked Spike.

“I dunno...I’m just glad I don’t have to go in that awful crate anymore.” Spike replied.

Since Spike was already released from his crate, Twilight headed off to city hall. The town was at the very center of the town, and towered over all the other buildings. Twilight approached the receptionist’s desk.

“Excuse me, I’m wondering if you could provide me with a copy of the town charter.” Twilight asked.

“A copy? No, it would take too long to copy it for you word by word. But I can tell you where to find and read it. Lets see…” The receptionist scanned through some cards in a large drawer. “Here we go. The town charter is located at 203.001. The town archives are in the basement, you can take the stairs right over there.”

“Thanks!” Twilight said. She started walking down the stairs as she wondered to herself why the town charter would be under category 203. Wasn’t that reserved for public worship and other practices?

It wasn’t long before Twilight found the charter and started reading it. It was difficult to read, as the entire thing was handwritten. After an hour or so, Twilight came upon the passage she was looking for.

“All colts shall be fixed before their first birthday. Any parent or legal guardian neglecting to fix their colt before they turn one year of age shall be assessed a four percent property surtax and twenty percent income surtax.”

Twilight’s mouth dropped open and her eyes widened. She couldn’t believe that Granny Smith would impose such an awful rule on an entire town. Tears came to her eyes as she realized Pinkie tricked her not for cultural reasons, but for tax purposes. Twilight wanted to return to Canterlot more than ever, but she knew deep down inside that Celestia wouldn’t allow that. She didn’t bother to finish reading the charter. Twilight regained her composure, and left city hall.

Months had passed after Applejack birthed a perfectly healthy colt. Applejack and her colt were on their way out of the house when they encountered an obstacle. Big Mac stood in the doorway frowning.

“Nope.” Said Big Mac. “Nope, nope, nope, nope, nope!”

“Big mac, we’ve been over this. Field Plower will be fine. Now move!”

“Nope, NOPE, nope, nope.” Big Mac replied.

“Look, if we don’t get this done, we’ll lose the farm. We can’t afford not to have him fixed.”

“NOPE, NOPE, nope, nope!” Big Mac replied.

Applejack covered Field Plower’s ears as she leaned in to speak quietly to Big Mac. “You don’t think I know you’re the father? Look, this is my decision, and it’s already been made. Alright?” She uncovered Field Plower’s ears.

“NOPE, nope, nope.” Big Mac replied.

“Nah, I’m gonna ask Twilight to do it. Less chance of infection if a unicorn does it. Plus, doctors are expensive.”

“Nope, NOPE!”

“She doesn’t have to know it.” Applejack dug in her saddlebag and pulled out a piece of paper. “See, ah got the spell right here. Now move.”

Big mac sighed, and stepped out of the way.

Applejack and Field Plower arrived at the library and walked inside “Well howdy, Twilight!”

“Hey Applejack! What brings you by the library today?”

“Well, I was wondering if you could help me out with something important. You see, we’re coming up on Field Plower’s first birthday, and he still needs to get fixed. Would you mind doing the honors?”

“Me?!?!” Twilight exclaimed. “Listen, AJ. I really don’t want to have any part of that. I mean, taking away so much from your son, who doesn’t even consent to it.”

“I wanna get fixed! Yay!” Field Plower blurted out.

“See, Twi. He consents, everything is alright.”

“But AJ, it’s not right!”

“Listen, sugarcube. If Field Plower here doesn’t get fixed up soon, we’re going to lose the farm.” Applejack explained.

“But can’t you just change the town charter?” Twilight asked.

“Only one who can is Granny, and she refuses to. Listen Twi, Field Plower here is gettin’ fixed, with or without you. It’s just that, magic has much less risk than doing it at the hospital. So how ‘bout it? Will you help your friend, or am I going to have to go someplace else.”

Twilight sighed and thought for a few seconds. She knew that Celestia wanted her to live by Ponyville rules and culture for a while. “Alright, AJ. I’ll do it.” Twilight frowned. “What do I have to do?”

Applejack fished the spell out of her saddlebag and gave it to Twilight with her mouth. Twilight levitated it with her magic and looked at it. “Well, I haven’t don’t have much experience with alteration spells, but….are you sure this is right?”

“‘Course I’m sure. Double checked and everything.”

Twilight sighed and looked down at the happy face of Field Plower. She knew he’d never be able to have children of his own, and it would be her fault. But she also knew that Applejack was right. This was going to get done with or without her. “Alright, Field Plower. Hold still.” Twilight’s horn lit up as magic wrapped around young Field Plower. After a few moments, he was wrapped in a magical cocoon.

Twilight closed her eyes and focused in order to perform the spell. Within a few seconds, it was over as the magical cocoon faded. She looked down at Field Plower. His face was blank, staring through Twilight into the distance. His mouth hung open as his tongue stuck out of one side.

“Field Plower? Are you alright?” Twilight waved her hoof furiously in front of his frozen face.

Finally, after a few moments, he replied. “Eeeyuuppp.”

Applejack smiled, and retrieved an empty pickle jar from her saddle bag. She picked up a small pink object from the floor and put it in the jar. Twilight saw. “What was that?”

“Oh, just a souvenir. Thanks again, Twi. I know you didn’t really want to help, but I sure do appreciate it. Come on, sweet heart.”

Applejack and Field Plower turned around and walked towards the door. Twilight watched as Field Plower was walking very strangely, almost as if he were just learning how. She also observed that Field Plower didn’t look very fixed to her. Eventually, they exited the library.

Twilight took a second look at the spell, trying to figure out how it worked. “I know I’ve seen this somewhere else before….” She started going through her books. Reproductive health, general health, every book she tried didn’t have the spell. Then another book caught her eye. “Historical medical procedures…” Twilight said to herself. She started flipping to the book. She flipped to the appendices and found a section on spells to treat psychiatric patients. Much to Twilight’s delight, she saw the same spell that Applejack gave her.

Twilight read to herself out loud. “The spell below is used to….oh no.” Twilight realized what she had just done.

Chapter 1

It was late in the evening and Twilight was sulking in her upstairs room in library. “Give me another one of those vials, Spike!” Twilight cried out.

“Don’t you think you’ve had enough? Zecora said you should only take one of these every four hours, and you’ve already two in the last half hour!” Spike replied.

Twilight frowned at Spike and used her magic to pull a vial of potion from Spike’s hand. The liquid was a thick, and bright pink. Twilight popped the cork off, and swallowed the contents in one swift shot. Twilight closed her eyes for a moment and reopened them. The room was starting to spin more than before and her vision became blurry. Twilight tossed herself face down onto her bed and covered the back of her head with her pillow as she started crying.

Spike had never seen Twilight so upset. He walked to the side of the bed and tried to console her. “Twilight, everything's going to be okay.”

“No it’s not, Spike! I’m a murderer...a murderer! Don’t you understand?” Twilight continued to sob with her head hidden under a pillow.

“No you’re not. Well, not really. You didn’t know what was going to happen, it’s not your fault.” Spike tried to console Twilight, but she wasn’t having any of it.

“Take a letter, Spike.” Twilight said. Her speech was beginning to become slurred from Zecora’s antidepressant potion.

Spike grabbed a quill and scroll and waited to take a message.

“Dear Princess Celestia, I’ve done something terrible! I’ve killed a helpless colt before it even had a chance to experience life!” Twilight began sobbing uncontrollably, and Spike waited patiently for Twilight to continue. “As you know, Pinkie Pie was pregnant. But when she found out it was a colt, she demanded that I terminate it with my magic! I refused, but the next day she tricked me into performing a spell!” Twilight began sobbing again.

Spike was beginning to become impatient. Twilight started dictating again. “How could someone who I thought was my friend do this to me? Why does everyone in Ponyville hate colts so much? I’ve wondered why Ponyville has so few stallions, but I can’t believe this is the reason. The ponies here are crazy! Please, let me go home to Canterlot. I don’t want to stay in Ponyville anymore. I just want to go home and get out of this nightmare! You’re faithful student, Twilight Sparkle.” Twilight was slurring her speech badly, but Spike was able to decipher her words and write down what she meant.

With the letter signed, Spike sent the letter. In an unusual move, Twilight levitated Spike onto her bed with her. Twilight tried to hug Spike, but it didn’t feel quite right. Her hooves and body were numb to the touch, and the warmth that she could normally feel just wasn’t there. She began to calm down, thinking that Spike was right. She really did have too many of Zecora’s potions.

The two continued to wait, and it was far beyond the normal response time Celestia. Perhaps the princess herself was having trouble finding a response to Twilight’s little problem. Finally, Spike burped up a scroll which smacked right into Twilight’s face. She tried using her hooves to unseal and unravel the note but she was having trouble. Without any feeling in her hooves, she couldn’t quite do it.

“Why don’t you let me take care of that…” Spike said as he grabbed the scroll out of Twilight’s hooves. Twilight continued trying her motions trying to unseal the scroll for a few seconds, even though it was no longer in her hooves. Spiked coughed to clear his throat as he started to read the letter.

“My dearest student. I am so sorry to hear of your troubles in Ponyville. You’re right that your friend Pinkie Pie should not have tricked you in the way that she did, but it is in the past now. She is the element of harmony, and for the safety and security of Equestria, you must remain close friends with her. As my student, I need you to learn how to let it go. Just let it go. I could sing a whole song about that. Regardless, I need you to stay in Ponyville to progress in your studies. Your next assignment is to learn more about Ponyville’s culture. Not all places are like Canterlot, Twilight. You need to gain more exposure to other cultures before returning to Canterlot. I’m so proud of you, Twilight.”

Twilight blinked slowly, one eyelid right after the other as she processed the letter. She was saddened and surprised that Celestia wouldn’t let her return to her home city. “Spike…” Twilight said after giving a hiccup. “Will you sleep with me tonight?” Twilight took her hoof and grabbed spike, rapidly pulling him towards her.

“Aaah!” Spike cried out at the unexpected motion. Spike’s back was pinned towards Twilight’s chest as one of her forehooves wrapped around Spike’s belly tightly. “But Twilight, it’s not even night time yet!” Spike complained as he struggled against Twilight’s iron grip.

After struggling for a moment, Spike spoke again. “Twilight?” Spike tried to turn his head around to see what was going on, but his question was answered when he heard Twilight snoring. Spike figured she must’ve passed out due to Zecora’s potions. Spike continued his struggle against the unconscious pony’s grip for hours as he watched the sun set through the window. Eventually he tired himself out and went to sleep tired, hungry, thirsty, and needing to relieve himself.

Hours later, the morning sun casted it’s light onto Twilight’s eyelids. She kept them closed but was slowly starting to stir. Her legs felt wet and cold, something wasn’t right. She opened her eyes and noticed Spike was sleeping next to her. She didn’t remember falling asleep the night before, which was very unusual. Twilight moved her head downwards and she gave a quick sniff of the sheets.

“Agh!” cried Twilight, as she impulsively released Spike from her grasp. Spike began waking up right as he was falling off the bed into a cold puddle.

“Agh!” cried Spike as he hit the puddle on the floor.

“Spike! Gross! We’ve talked about this!” Twilight said as she was shaking the cold urine from her fur.

“But...but it wasn’t me! I mean...it wasn’t my fault! You wouldn’t let me…”

Twilight interrupted spike. “Ooooh no. I’m getting you a crate until you get this under control, just like we discussed. I’m sure Fluttershy has a spare one we can use.”

“But that’s so humiliating!” Spike protested.

“It’s alright, Spike. You are a baby dragon afterall. I’m sure after crate training, you’ll be fine. Now, why don’t you be a good little assistant and clean up this mess. I’ll make some breakfast for us.”

Spike sighed. “Fine…” Spike said as he started gathering up the soiled bedding.

After a short breakfast, Twilight left the library to go to Fluttershy’s house while Spike stayed behind to do the laundry. On her way to Fluttershy's house, Twilight started to undergo her assignment from Celestia. She needed to learn more about the differences between Canterlot and Ponyville culture. She paid particularly close attention to the few stallions she saw as she crossed through the town.

Twilight noticed the Quills and Sofa shop. Twilight wondered how anypony could have ‘talent’ limited to just two basic things. That would never happen to a stallion in Canterlot. And why was he always running out of Quills? He literally only sold one model of sofa, and one type of Quill. Why wasn’t he able to do the most basic inventory management ever? Twilight started to wonder if there was something physically wrong with his brain.

As she continued to walk through town, her attention shifted towards Snips and Snails. The two colts were easily the least intelligent children in the school. She watched as they started to play a game.

“Okay, Snips. Three, two, one...hide and seek!” The two ponies ran in opposite directions. Snips hid behind the town well, and Snails hid behind a bush.

Twilight watched patiently as they played their game, but nothing happened. “Oh no…” Twilight thought. “Are they seriously playing a game of hide and seek where they’re both hiding, and no one is seeking?” Twilight wondered. She decided it would be best to move on.

She was almost to the road that would take her by Fluttershy’s cottage. She walked in front of Big Mac’s apple stand. “Oh, hello Big Mac. How are you today?” She asked while smiling.

Big Mac smiled back. “Yuuuup!” He replied. The two ponies stood for more than a moment, smiling at each other, until the moment became awkward.

“Is that all you have to say?” Twilight asked. She started studying his face, which towered over her. Twilight noticed something strange. There appeared to be some sort of faded line on his forehead, right below his hairline. She never noticed this feature before since it was so subtle, but it looked like a scar. “Hey Big Mac, I hope you don’t mind me asking, but is that a scar line on your forehead? What happened?”

Big Mac looked away from Twilight and towards the ground. His smile now turned to a frown, he said, “Yup” in a deep, saddened voice.

Big Mac's answer reminded her of Bulk Biceps, who only seemed to be able to say "YEAAAAH!" She could tell there was definitely something wrong with the stallions and colts in Ponyville, but she couldn't quite put her hoof on what the problem was. Twilight realized she shouldn’t press the issue any further. “I’m sorry, I have to be going now.” Twilight said as she went on her way and started walking on the dirt road to Fluttershy’s house.

On her walk over she saw a pink dot in the distance. Twilight squinted her eyes and saw the dot bouncing up and down slowly. It was getting closer. “Oh no…” She said to herself. Pinkie Pie was bouncing happily on the road towards Twilight. Not wanting to start the conversation, Twilight stood still and waited for Pinkie to bounce to her.

“Oh! Hi Twilight! Thanks again for helping me out yesterday. Here, this is for you!” Pinkie reached into a basket she was wearing on her head, and pulled out a pink envelope. Pinkie pushed the envelope into Twilight’s face, who eventually accepted it with her teeth.

The two ponies stood, staring at each other for a short time. Pinkie Pie was smiling, waiting for Twilight to open her letter. Twilight was frowning, motionless, with a letter stuffed into her mouth. After a few seconds, Pinkie spoke. “What’s wrong? Aren’t you going to read it?”

Twilight removed the letter from her mouth. “Pinkie, I’m still very upset at you, okay?”

Pinkie’s smile faded. “Why?” she asked.

“You know very well why! You…” Twilight’s speech stumbled as she started to choke up a little. “You tricked me into killing your baby! How could you do that to me!? How could you do that to your baby!” Twilight shouted.

Pinkie still didn’t understand what the problem was. “Huh? What do you mean? It was just a colt. I’m the one who should be mad at you for not helping me earlier when I asked. But I’m not mad at you anymore, it’s not good to hold a grudge.” Pinkie smiled.

“I can’t believe you, Pinkie! You tricked me into taking a life, and you act like it’s no big deal!” Twilight exclaimed.

“It was going to be a colt, not a filly, silly!”

Twilight never liked it when Pinkie called her silly. Suddenly, Twilight remembered Celestia’s assignment. The words in Celestia’s voice sounded off in Twilight’s head. “Not all places are like Canterlot, Twilight. You need to gain more exposure to other cultures before returning to Canterlot.”

Twilight gave a long sigh. “All right, Pinkie. I forgive you. But don’t ever trick me like that again, okay? Lying is the fastest way to lose a friend forever, remember?”

“Hey, that’s my phrase!” Pinkie laughed. “Well aren’t you going to open your letter?

Twilight smiled for the first time since the conversation started, and opened her letter. As she tore open the envelope, glitter and confetti exploded out of it. Twilight read the note. “You are invited to Applejack’s baby shower at noon tomorrow, at Sweet Apple Acres!”

Twilight asked, “Wait, is Applejack really pregnant?”

Pinkie giggled. “She sure is! Well, I’ll see you tomorrow, Twi. I’ve gotta deliver the rest of these letters!” And with that said, pinkie bounced away towards the town.

In short order Twilight arrived at Fluttershy’s cottage and knocked on the door. The door opened soon after. “Oh, Twilight! What an unexpected surprise! Would you like to come in?”

Twilight came in and sat on the couch as Fluttershy poured a cup of tea. “Fluttershy, I was wondering, could I maybe borrow a crate so I can crate train Spike? He’s having problems with bladder control lately.”

Fluttershy thought for a moment. “Gosh, Twilight. I don’t think a dragon’s ever been crate trained before. It might not be such a good idea to do that to Spike.”

Twilight wasn’t interested in arguing, and was really just interested in borrowing a crate. “Oh, did I say Spike? Nononono, I meant, um, my new pet dog, Spank.”

“Oh, he sounds adorable! How big is Spank?” Fluttershy replied.

“About the same size as Spike.”

“I see…” Fluttershy walked around her living room. “I think this one might be good. It’ll be just big enough for Spank to fit inside and turn around, but nothing else. Do you need anything else?” Fluttershy asked.

“No thanks, this is great! Thanks so much, Fluttershy. I’ll return it as soon as Spike, I mean Spank, is trained. I promise!” Twilight said.

Fluttershy smiled. “No problem, I love helping my friends! Say, did you heard the news about Applejack?”

“I heard! I can’t believe she’s going to have a foal of her own!” Twilight said.

“I just hope it’s a little filly…” Fluttershy’s expression turned to a concerned look.

Twilight frowned. “Why is everypony in this town like that?!?”

“What do you mean?” Fluttershy asked.

“Why does everypony in Ponyville hate colts so much?!?” Twilight was starting to get mad.

“I don’t hate colts. It’s just that raising one in Ponyville can be such a burden, especially after their first birthday. This isn’t Canterlot, you know.”

“Ugh” Twilight sighed, frustrated at never being given a direct answer. “Sorry I asked…”

“Is it something I said? You’re not mad at me, righ? Please don’t be mad at me!” Fluttershy begged.

“I’m not mad at you.” Twilight paused. “So, are you going to Applejack’s party tomorrow?”

Fluttershy nodded.

“Great, I’ll see you there. Thanks again for letting me borrow your crate! Bye Fluttershy!” Twilight said as she exited the cottage with a crate in tow, levitated by magic.