Hat

by Little Solarflare

Rating: everyone
Tags: Slice of Life, Twilight Sparkle, Applejack, My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic
Length: 8801

Has anypony ever wondered how Applejack would react if she had ever lost that Stetson on her head?
What is it's significance, and to what lengths would this apple farmer go to get it back?

Also a little history behind it all :)

Published 2012-05-05 21:24:02 UTC
Last updated 2012-05-05 21:24:02 UTC

Hat

A special mention to quillsaga, nightmare and Mrminimii for helping me proof read this as well as giving tips on a letter to Celestia

______________________________________________________________________________

It was jes another sunny day down at the Sweet Apple Acres. Harvest had come round the corner, and all them apples were ripe for a pickin’. Ah was takin’ mah afternoon nap whilst three young’ un’s were busy away bucking them appletrees an bringin in the crop.

You see my little ponies, there ain’t nuthin more important to the Apple family, than the farm on which they tend for a good honest livin’. In Sweet Apple Acres.
The farm thrives on honesty, making the finest apples in all Equestria! Oh yes the best of the best! There was nothin’ to compare.
Them Carrot family and them high fallootin’ Appleloosan’s thought their fruit ta be the better! Oh an’ how we like ta prove them wrong!

Every year we’d......Oh horsefeathers, what were we talking about again? Argh I’d ferget me own mane if it weren’t on top of mah head!

What’s that young filly? Oh that story? very well. *ahem*

Ah remember the day mah sweet lil’ Applejack lost her hat..............

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Harvest week was perhaps the most important week for the Apple family. Their livelihood, their passion and their energies were mostly spent on this specific week every three months. Throughout the years, the Apple family relied on others to help bring in the crop, and for a certain amount of time as Applejack matured, the work could be done alongside her big brother, and outside help was not needed for a period of time.

It was not until a purple magical unicorn whom had showed her that her friends were always there to help that harvest week became one of ease. Where usually it had taken her brother and her around a whole week, Harvest could now be done within three days without Big Mac who could now instead sell the fresh produce whilst they harvested.

Applejack wiped the sweat off her brow and grinned as she watched tree after tree be harvested of their crop. The air was sweet with the aroma of ripe apples, her favourite time of the year. She sighed deeply and watched as Twilight levitated the crop of a few dozen trees, whilst Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash flew into treetops and shook down the apples. Pinkie Pie was shaking trees and giggling as the apples fell neatly into several prepared buckets.
And Rarity was-

“Oh Applejack? May I ask you a question?” The white unicorn trotted up to her, wearing a rather flamboyant feathered hat, as usual; completely impractical and unsuited for bucking trees or honest work on the farm.
But then again, this was Rarity. Telling her to get her hooves dirty was like telling her to put her hooves into a stove fire.

“Sure thing Rarity!”

“Why is it that I always see you wear that dreadful hat of yours, I mean honestly darling, look at it! Its bindings are coming loose and I, as your dear friend, would love to mend it for you! After all, I cannot bear to have my best friends not appear their best in public!”

Applejack thought for a moment before answering. “No can do Rarity, this hat o’ mine stays on mah head and nowhere else. Also when yer talk about having yer friends look good, it usually mean them lacey fru-fru outfits. So ah appreciate the offer. Thank you, but no thank you.”

Rarity gave her an overdramatic hurt look. “But Applejack! I simply want to help you look your best as you are! Why... I’ll fix that little rip and have it back to you in a jiffy!”
Applejack shook her head. “No can do rare”

“Fine then!” Rarity pouted; “If you don’t want my help, then I shall offer it to somepony who appreciates my talent!” With a flick of her luscious mane, Rarity trotted off, nose high in the air.

“Sheesh, talk about snooty!” Applejack shook her head and remarked quietly to herself. She looked over to the orchard proudly, over half the fields having yielded their fruit. That was enough for one day. She put her hoof in her mouth and whistled.

Everypony stopped what they were doing and looked in her direction. “Ah think that’s enough apple pickin’ fer today girls! Ah can’t thank ye enough fer yer help!” She called out. “Come on over! Ah’ll fetch ye some grub!”

Pinkie Pie giggled as she side wheeled towards the barn. “Oh Applejack, your so silly! Ponies can’t eat bugs! We’ll get a tummy aches!”

Twilight Sparkle rolled her eyes and laughed at the Pink Pony’s randomness. “She means lunch Pinkie, I don’t know about you, but I’m famished.” With a flash of her horn, Twilight neatly placed the hundreds of apples she was levitating into a mass of neatly placed carts. With her job done, she trotted eagerly toward the Barn where Applejack was setting up a table for their lunch.

Fluttershy gently floated down from the treetops and breathed deeply as a warm aroma of pastry filled her nostrils. “Ooh that smells delicious Applejack!” Rainbow dash descended gracefully onto the wooden bench around the table.
“Hey any of you know what’s up with Rarity? She seemed kinda annoyed when she was walking back to Ponyville.” Rainbow Dash asked.

“Aww don’t worry bout’ her, she’s just being a little snooty cuz’ ah told her that mah hat don’t need no fixin, she’ll be fine.” Applejack answered as she pulled a cart of pies out and began to lay them along the table.
Fluttershy peered closer at Applejack’s head. “Oh my, some of the stitching is coming loose. You really should get that fixed!” she poked her hoof toward the hat.
To everypony’s surprise, Applejack jumped back from Fluttershy and held her hat protectively away from the cream pegasus. “Nopony touches mah hat! Nopony! Now If ye excuse me, Ah got trees ta buck!” Applejack trotted off with her nose in the air.

“But didn’t we just finish harvesting the apples for the day?” Twilight called after her, but the apple farmer was already out of earshot. Twilight sat back onto her seat in surprise. “Well....that was.... new, she isn’t usually moody like this.”
“Yeah! Was it me, or did Applejack seemed a little..... snooty?” Rainbow Dash remarked.

“Was it something I said? I hope she isn’t mad at me...” Fluttershy looked guiltily at her hooves.

“These pies are super-duper-appletastic!” Pinkie Pie said through another mouthful of pie, which she promptly gulped down completely. “Wait, what are we talking about again?”

Twilight stood up from her seat. “I’m sorry girls, but something is up with Applejack, and I’m going to find out! Pinkie, save me a slice would you?”

The Pink pony gave her a salute before continuing to devour pies with single gulps “MMMMmmm!” she mumbled through a mouthful. Twilight trotted off into the path which Applejack had taken.

Rainbow Dash looked the side of her hoof. “Oh well looks like it's nap time for me. See ya around girls.” She grabbed another pie before looping toward the sky. Pinkie Pie began wobbling her front knee. “Hmmm...Pinchy Knee... Oh no! Gummy’s fallen into the bathtub again!” she flipped another three pies into her mouth and downed them in a single gulp before dashing off.

Fluttershy looked around and realised she was alone.
“Oh.....okay then” She covered the remaining pies with a cloth before heading towards her cottage.

^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^

“Fix yer hat, they said..... It’s stitches are comin’ loose they said!” Applejack muttered to herself. Applejack paused. “....Well ah’ll show them ol’ Hattie don’t need no fixin’!”. As she walked towards an applecart, something rustled in a nearby brush.
Something too familiarly evil.....and small.

Applejack groaned in annoyance. “Oh hay no, not you applethieven critters again!”
Three rabbits hopped out of the brush, each with an apple in their paws. “Put’ em down, and no rabbit's gonna get hurt!” Applejack glared.

However, as expected, the rabbits stuck their tongues at her and blew raspberries before bolting off.
“Swell, Jest Swell! COME BACK HERE YER THIEVIN VARMINTS!” Applejack yelled and galloped after the three bouncing furballs. “How does Fluttershy control these consarned critters?”

The Rabbits bolted for their dear lives as the sound of galloping drew ever closer. Applejack smiled.
“Ah got’s ye now ye little thieves!” She beamed triumphantly as she drove the rabbits into a hedge.

Suddenly Applejack felt her front hoof impact on an unseen object, “Woah!”
The smell of perfume filled the air.
Unbalanced, she flipped forward and began to tumble.
“wooooAAAAAHHHHH! *thunk*” she felt something impact against her forehead. Stars and Golden delicious apples filled her vision.
Before she lost consciousness, she saw shape emerge from a nearby apple tree and trot slowly toward her.........

***********************************************

“.............ejack ......”
Applejack was in a happy place, all around her was sunshine and an endless apple orchard stretching over the horizon. Granny Smith was skipping around with her new hip, Big Macintosh finally had that new plough he always wanted and Applebloom had finally stopped her Cutiemark nonsense.

“.....pplejack....ou..okay?”

Applejack grinned as the all manners of apples ripened, and the smell of books filled her nostrils.
All to be crushed into beautiful hard cider. She could taste it now, the fizzy sweet-

Wait a darn second...Books? That ain’t right...

“APPLEJACK!”

Her eyes readjusted themselves and found two purple faces peered into hers, examining her with great concern. “Applejack are you okay?” their voices blurred together.

“Huh, Wha-? What happened?” Applejack asked in confusion. She shook her head and held her hoof to her head. She winced as she felt a bump rise, along with a sting of pain where her hoof had touched it.
“Oh thank Celestia you’re alright!” Twilight said in relief as she backed away from the farm pony.
“What happened Twilight?” Applejack scratched her mane.
“I’m not sure Applejack. I was looking for you when I heard a crash and found you like this.”

Applejack dusted herself and rose to her hooves wobbly. “Ah’m fine, I was chasing them applethieven rabbits when ah tripped and hit mah head, that’s all!”
“Umm Applejack? Maybe you should take a rest.”
“Ah said ah’m fine Twi, now if you would excuse me...” Applejack sensed something was wrong. There was an unfamiliar feeling upon her head, an emptiness, a weightlessness.

Where her hat was supposed to be....there was nothing.

It was gone.

“Twi? You haven’t seen mah hat by any chance did you?” Applejack asked, her voice hinting at worry.
To her dismay, Twilight shook her head. “I’m sorry Applejack, but you were as you are now when I had found you.”

Applejack put her hooves on Twilight’s shoulders, her eyes betrayed a gleam of worry.. “Ya sure sugarcube?”
“I’m positive.”

Applejack snarled. “Ah bet them no good furry critters are the ones who took it! Ah’ll see ya round Twilight, Ah’m paying Fluttershy a visit!”
Twilight raised her eyebrow. “I’m sure Fluttershy would return your hat if one of the animals under her care had stolen something. After all, she had always made sure that they stayed in check with that stare of hers.”
“Well it ain’t working now is it?” Applejack retorted. “Im sorry Twi, but this thievin’ from her critters has ta stop! AH WANT MAH HAT BACK AND AH WANT IT BACK NOW!!”

With her sudden outburst, Applejack stormed off, leaving a speechless Twilight who was lost for words. She continued to stare at the farmer stupefied as Applejack galloped towards Fluttershy’s cottage.

****************************************

Fluttershy waved the cabbage in front of her pet rabbit Angel, whom continued to glare at the leafy vegetable. “Come on now Angel, just one bite. I’m sure you’ll like it!”
The stubborn rabbit shook his head vehemently. Fluttershy sighed and took a bite as a demonstration
“mmmm...Look, it’s yum yum yum!”
The rabbit edged towards the cabbage and sniffed cautiously. He opened his mouth, ready to take a bite. Fluttershy smiled widely at her success.
The rabbit's mouth closed and he began to nibble enthusiastically.
“See? I told you it was good, next time, you should listen young man!” Fluttershy said as assertively as she could.
The rabbit stopped eating and gave her an unamused expression. He threw the cabbage at her head before pointing to the kitchen. Fluttershy, knowing what the gesture meant sighed in defeat, and went to make a sandwich for her little friend.

Fluttershy morosely looked at the hunk of bread as she sliced several neat pieces. “Oh I wish I was more assertive,” she thought in resignation. She turned and peered into a wall mirror. “Oh who am I kidding..... NO I mustn't think like that!”
She peered into the mirror, and began to pull several silly faces.
A grin crept onto her face. She looked back into the mirror and made the fiercest face she could.
“Fluttershy, you are assertive! You have told a dragon off before, and managed the Cutiemark Crusaders! From this day onwards, you WILL be assertive!”

“FLUTTERSHY! AH NEED TO TALK TO YOU FOR A DOGGONE MINUTE!!” A familiar southern voice shouted from outside, startling her. Her wings locked and Fluttershy fell on her back. “A-Applejack??!!!” She meeped in surprise

The door banged a few more times. “Fluttershy? are you in there?” The voice huffed with impatience.

Fluttershy meeped before cautiously making her way to the front door. She undid the locks and - *SLAM* the door swung into her forcefully.
Fluttershy felt the air rush out of her lungs as she flattened against the wall, stars and cuckoos were everywhere.
Applejack trotted in. “Fluttershy? Fluttershy? Where are ya? Ah don’t have time ta play Hide ‘n seek, Mah hats gone missing and ah think one of your critters done took it.”

There was no reply.

“Fluttershy? You in there?”

Applejack scratched her ears before turning away and muttering. “Ah coulda sworn that ah heard her voice somewhere inside.... Argh...Ah’ll jes have to check on her later. Better check on Big Macintosh and the sales in the market...”

Her voice trailed off as Applejack walked away, closing the door to reveal a disorientated (and somewhat flattened) Fluttershy. Angel hopped up to her in concern as she peeled off the door and slumped to the ground. He felt her forehead with his little paw. He immediately bolted off to find a few pillows and and some bandages
His good friend was hurt, and he will do everything to make her better.

**********************************

Twilight watched as Applejack left the cottage and headed toward Ponyville. As soon as she was out of sight, Twilight tiptoed toward the cottage. She knocked on the door quietly at the same time, scanning in the direction of Ponyville in case Applejack decided to come back. . “Fluttershy.... you in there?” She called, looking back in case Applejack chose to return.

“......yes.....” a weak voice replied through the door

“Can I come in?” Twilight asked.

“Sure....Angel...dear, can you please open the door for Twilight?”

The door opened slowly and Twilight gave a gasp of shock.
The cream pegasus was sitting in a rocking chair with a neckbrace. She was covered in bandages from head downwards which her rabbit continued to wrap around her body after he hopped back toward her.
She smiled sheepishly at Twilight. “Ummm it’s not what it looks like....”
“What in Equestria happened to you?!!” Twilight exclaimed

“Well...Um you see...Applejack visited...and”

“Applejack did this to you?”
“Yes......I mean not really, I mean, It wasn’t her fault!”

“Applejack.......” Twilight glared in the direction of which Applejack had trotted off. “So she had something to do with this huh?”
“Oh please don’t be mad at her Twilight, it wasn’t anythi-”
“Crippling you and leaving you in a chair bound state isn’t a big deal? Hello Fluttershy, you need to stop being such a pushover! I’m going to have a word with Applejack about this!” Twilight declared.
“B-but its really no big-”
“and I’m not taking a no for an answer!”
Twilight focused her horn and disappeared in a flash.

Fluttershy sighed. “Angel bunny... you really didn't have to use that much bandage, I only have a sore jaw.”
The rabbit made several gestures.
“I know you care about me, but like I said, someday you’ll scare somepony, and I think we may have given Twilight Sparkle quite the scare.” She said sternly.

“I really hope Twilight doesn’t do anything drastic...... No I must tell her everything!”

The rabbit crossed his arms and tapped his foot in annoyance. Fluttershy shrank back onto her seat
“M-maybe after I get some rest then....”

************************************************************

Big Macintosh was having a good day. Free from his usual chore of bucking the apple trees, he was instead in the market place, selling the freshly picked produce; a task which he had always enjoyed as a break from his usual line of work. He waved off another satisfied customer who was walking away with a sackful of apples. He leaned on the wagon and flipped the price sign from 30 bits per sack to 20 bits. It was now after midday and he wanted to clear the

“Hello Big Mac, are those lovely golden delicious apples in season?” A white and blue striped mane, light blue pony known as Colgate approached his wagon. Though he was not very familiar, she had always caught his eye during the many social events organised by both the mayor and Pinkie Pie. He knew she was Ponyville’s dentist, and to his shame, he hasn’t checked his teeth for a long while now.
She examined his wares with delight and Big Mac couldn’t help but feel proud of his produce from her reactions.
“Eeeyup.”
“My only twenty bits! I’ll take two!” She withdrew a sack of bits from her saddlebags and begun the exchange. As she reached for the apples, Big mac’s hoof accidentally brushed hers as he attempted to help her .
They both look up into each others eyes and turn away as quickly as possible
“I-I’m....”
“Ummm...oops.”
They both turn away, blushing furiously, although it was rather hard to tell with Big Mac’s red coat. They both look back at each other awkwardly. A long silence prevailed.
“Well...... I think I should be on my way... It was nice meeting you again Big Mac!”
“Eeyup...”
“You wouldn’t happen to be here again in the afternoon? In the same place?”
“...yup!”
“Oh good! I’ll see you there then” She winked at him before turning to leave.

He watched her dreamily as she trotted away with her saddlebags filled with apples. “Ah should really ask her out sometime...” Big Mac thought happily as he wondered how he should greet her tomorrow.

“Big Macintosh, You staring at them mares again?” A familiar voice said from next to him.
He jumped in fright. “Darn it AJ, how many times Ah gotta tell ye not ta sneak up on ponies like that!”
Applejack chuckled. “Ya don’t need ta hide yer feelings from me, Ah saw everything.” Big Mac began to blush again until he noticed something detrimental

“Say sis, where’s yer hat?” he asked with a hint of worry in his voice.
“Don’t ask. Cause’ Ah don’t have a clue.”
“Ah’m curious ‘cause ah usually see yer wearin it everywhere ya go!”
Applejack glared at him, clearly annoyed. “Ah said, ah don’t know now would ya please stop pesting me about it? Ya know me! I don’t care fer style, I ain’t no city slicker! I don’t need no hat and I ain’t about to go worrying over... wait a darn second.”

She squinted into the crowd of shoppers and picked out the familiar shape of the stetson. Its brown, curved sides, and trademark top....on the heads of some stranger. Her left eye twitched.
Big Mac looked at his sister in concern. “AJ, ya alright?”

Her sister without warning suddenly galloped toward the crowd, knocking aside several shoppers who let out surprised cries, before launching herself at a brown stallion with a hourglass cutie-mark wearing a stetson. “AH GOTS YE NOW YE HAT-NAPPING CRIMINAL!” She announced triumphantly before tackling him to the ground. She stood over him, breathing hard. The stallion was dazed.
All the shoppers stopped their activities and turned to the curious new spectacle developing before their eyes. Applejack with heavy breathing and crazed eyes, tore the hat off the stallion’s head and examined it...

It was brand new, and in pristine condition. The price tag was still on and attached to the hat. Her smile faded.
She gulped and looked sheepishly down at the Stallion whom she just assaulted with no particular reason.
“Oh horseapples, Ah’m so sorry! Ah can explain!”
“Get off me please!” The Stallion huffed. Applejack stepped off the Stallion and handed the hat back, which he snatched and promptly bolted off as far away from her as possible.
Disapproving eyes followed her and angry murmurs filled the air as Applejack trotted back toward the applecart, her shoulders drooped. Big Mac raised his eyebrows at her. “Ya mind telling me what the hay all that was about?” He demanded.

Applejack shifted uncomfortably on her hooves, her eyes unable meet her brother’s glare. “Well...ya see...umm..”
“Its about the hat ain’t it?” He asked inquisitively
Applejack hung her head lowly. “Eeyup.” she replied shamefully.
“AJ ah told ye time and time again, you gotta let go of that hat sometime, you get all jittery when ya can’t find it!”
Applejack sighed, “Well it ain’t that bad...” she protested
Big Mac was emotionless. “Sis, ya remember the last time this happened?”

“What? Ah just looked around the acres for it!”
Big Mac shook his head. “No lil sis, last time ya lost yer hat, you spent three whole days and nights going through every single tree and bush until ye finally collapsed!”
“But Ah found it, didn’t I?” Applejack protested stubbornly.
Big Mac sighed. “Yes you did, and it turned out ta be under yer bed. You collapsed right after, and had ta spend the rest of the week in Ponyville hospital recovering!”
“So what? Have ya tasted the Jello they give to their patients? My there ain’t no other jello to compare.” Big Mac pinched the tip of his nose with his hoof in frustration. “Sis, while you were there resting away, Applebloom and ah had ta fill in the holes which ya dug under almost every single tree!”
Applejack blinked in surprise. “Ah did that?” She asked with a hint of shock in her voice.

“Eeyup...”

“Umm, sorry to interrupt you two, but can I buy some apples now?” Another voice interrupted. They both turned toward the source of the sound, and see nopony, until they realise that the voice belonged to a certain baby dragon.
“I’ve been standing here and waiting whilst you two talk about jello...” Spike folded his arms and huffed in annoyance.

Applejack smiled at the little purple dragon. “Sorry there Spike, didn’t see ya there. So the usual?”
Happy that he was finally being served, he broke into a smile and nodded.
“Sorry bout the wait Spike, here we’ll charge ya less, also say hi to Twi for me okay?”
“Sure thing Applejack. Say.... what happened to your hat?”

Applejack tensed. “Please...Don’t...Talk...About...Ma Hat....” Her voice low and dangerous, her pupils seemed to shrink.
Spike, sensing danger took a step back. “Woah! That’s creepy, well you know, you could always get a new one!”
“What did Ah just say?!” Applejack took an aggressive step toward the baby dragon, only to be pulled back by her tail. Big Mac spat out her tail. “AJ, what did Ah say about you becoming all jittery and like? Ah think It’s time ya got yerself a new hat, so this nonsense can stop once and fer all!”
“But..”
“No buts AJ, Ah’ll deal with the customers, ya go get yerself somethin’ fer yer noggin.”

Applejack sighed in defeat and trotted off.
They both watched as the hatless pony trot off in defeat. “Gee, she really loves that hat doesn’t she?”
Big Mac nodded. “Eeyup.”

******************************************************

Twilight Sparkle trotted past the milling pedestrians and shoppers and headed toward a certain applecart. Though part of her wanted to stay and browse the wares of the market, she was determined to find her friend Applejack. Out of all places she could be in Ponyville, this had to be the most likely.
“Big Macintosh! It is good to see you, I see you’ve been rather successful with sales?”
“Eeyup.”
“Well thats good to hear! Listen, I need to talk to your sister Applejack about something, and it’s urgent.”
Big Mac blinked. “Well If ye want to talk to her, she’s gone to Velvet Fedora’s hat shop round the corner to the left, Bu-.”
Twilight quickly thanked him and galloped off.
“...ut now may not be such a good time to tell her anything urgent!” his voice called after her.

*******************************************************

“Too big!” Applejack said with dissatisfaction as she examined herself in the mirror. Velvet Fedora frantically grabbed as many rimmed hats as she could possibly find. In her career of selling hats, she has never met a customer as difficult and as stubborn as the Element of honesty was right now. Never had once a customer been turned away in Mother city Stalliongrad and she was certainly not about to begin now in Ponyville!

However serving this Applejack was difficult...
That was her problem. She was too honest....and stubborn, with a poor taste and sense of fashion.

“Too much of them glittery stuff”
Another hat levitated, replacing the one she was wearing.

“Too ol’ fashioned”
“Ah ain’t wearing this when ah’m bucking appletrees!”
“Them cityfolk in Manehatten might like it, but ah don’t”
“This is a soft hat! Ah need something hard rimmed!”
“What’s this... a baseball cap? Ah said a brimmed hat, not a sports hat.”
"Like Ah said earlier, Ah'm gonna be bucking trees, not strollin' Canterlot. Too fancy."
“A hat like that ain’t gonna last an afternoon in the acres..”
“Ya call that a Stetson? Honestly, it look like somepony got black cardboard and sat on it!”

Of the endless tirade from the from the Apple farmer had taken its toll on salespony. Velvet’s usually neat mane had hair sprining out in places, her uniform was a mess, and she was panting with exhaustion from . “P-please madame Apple, that’s all ze brimmed hats ve have in stock! Are zere really no hats to your liking zat aren’t brimmed?”

Applejack huffed with irritation. “If Ah like it, Ah’ll tell ya!”
Velvet sighed. “But miz Applejack, all you told us vas that you vanted a brimmed hat that could be used on a farm! I have brought you all the latest and best hits from ze spring fashion festival! Are you not happy vith them?”

“Happy...”
Applejack turned to the salespony with a menacing glare in her eyes. She began to trot slowly toward her. “Happy?...”
Velvet gulped and began to back toward a corner as the farm pony approached her dangerously. “How the hay can Ah be happy, when all the hats yer show me are all over-decorated pickles in a pickle barrel? These ain’t fashionable, and trust me Ah now ma style”

“V-vat do you mean?”

“Look at these hats, Ah wouldn’t pay a single bit for any of them! They either too fru-fru or ah bet them so weak, Ma sister Applebloom could rip it without breaking a sweat!” Applejack ranted
“But Madame Applejack zese hats vere chosen as the very best of ze best from ze Spring category! Meester Fancy Pants himself was ze judge!” Velvet protested

Applejack flicked her ears. “Mr who?”
“Meester Fancy Pants, he is responsible for all ze top fashion in Canterlot!”

“Listen here missy, Ah don’t give a hoot who this Fancy Pants fellow is, ‘cause he clearly don’t know his stuff.”
Applejack pointed her hoof right between Velvet’s eyes. “AND YOU! Have been a foal for thinking so!”
Velvet felt tears coming to her eyes. “B-But Mz Applejack!”
“No buts, Ah wasted all mah time trying on yer pretentious wares, where ah should have been looking for ma hat!”
Velvet fell back on her haunches. “B-but...”

“What yer gonna cry now? The truth too hard fer you to handl-”

“Applejack... what are you doing?” A voice called from the shops entrance.
Applejack spun around. “Twilight! Boy am Ah glad to see you!”

The purple unicorn however was not. “Applejack we need to talk.” She stated as a matter of fact.

Applejack rolled her eyes. “No Twilight, not now, ah’m in the middle of something important!”
Twilight raised her eyebrow. “You mean, bullying various residents of Ponyville?”
Applejack looked shocked. “I ain’t bullying nopony! Ah’m just trying to find ma consarned hat! and ah just wasted over an hour in this foal’s shop, trying on different bad hats willy nilly!” She turned to glare at Velvet, whom curled up into a ball and whimpered.

Twilight sighed. “I’m so sorry Ms Fedora, she isn’t usually like this,” She proceeded to glare at Applejack, “And we will be going now.” She stated firmly.

“Hey!” Applejack protested, “Ah ain’t finished with you yet, ah’ll be baaaaaaaaaa-woah nelly!” She yelled at the shopkeeper as Twilight magically levitated her out of the hat store.
“Hey put me down!”
The magenta aura around her body disappeared and she fell on her hooves.
“Applejack, you mind explaining to me what the hay is going on?”
Applejack asked with irritation. “What do ya mean what is going on?”
Twilight facehoofed. “Today I followed you to Fluttershy’s hut, and when I got there, I found her covered in bandages and she saying that you were the one responsible!”
“Wait a darned second, all ah did was go to her cottage and nopony was home!”

Twilight was not convinced. “Then would you at least explain to me why you went to Fluttershy’s cottage?”
“Ah went there, to check if them rabbits had taken mah hat, but when Ah gots there, there was nopony home, and Ah swear on mah left hoof, thats the truth, and Ah’m sticking to it! If ye seriously think Ah did it, we’ll go to her right now and get this cleared up!”

Twilight opened her mouth to protest, but thought better of it. After all, Applejack was the element of honesty was she not?
“Very well then Applejack, I believe you.”

Applejack sighed. “Ah’m sorry if Ah’ve been acting a little strangely Twi, It’s just that, ma hat means alot to me, and, Ah would really love ta have it back.”
Twilight thought for a moment. “I know! We could get Rarity to make you a new one! She has always been willing to help a friend in need, and with her sense of fashion, I’m sure she’ll make you one you like in no time!”
Applejack gave a wry smile. “Ah hope yer right Twi...Then again, when hasn’t Rarity seen the best fer us?”

The two friends, glad that some understanding had come between them this strange day, made their way together slowly toward Carousel boutique.

*******************************************

Rarity hummed as she finished a sewing final touch toward the old Stetson hat. Though she never agreed with the Apple farmer in terms of fashion and fabulosity, she had to admit, Applejack had one marvellous hat. Although she admitted, it was wrong to leave Applejack alone like that after her little fall; there simply wasn’t another opportunity like that to separate her away from her prized hat. One which was in a high need of repair.

“..aaaaand there! Perfect!” She beamed before levitating the cowcolt hat onto her head. She approached her fitting room and posed toward its many mirrors. “I must say, I look simply smashing! No wonder Applejack is so protective of it!” She looked around for approval.
“Don’t I just look fabulous Opal?” She asked the cat who was lazing on her rolls of silk.

The cat rawred with disinterest and proceeded to make itself snug on several rolls of fabric. Rarity smiled, “I’m so glad you think so!”
“Now to return it to Applejack.” Her smile faded. “No no! I must not think like that! Applejack may not have any sense of fashion, but she’s a good friend, and this is my favour to her!”
She looked back longingly at the hat. “But aren’t you a marvellous specimen!” She exclaimed, “I wonder how ended up on the head of such a drab and uncouth pony?” She wondered to herself.
“Oh well, A favour is a favour after all! Whether she appreciates it or not, I shall bring it back to her!”

There was a knock on her door.

“Coming in a moment!” She called out in a sing song voice.
She trotted to the door and swung it open with magic. She closed her eyes and cleared her throat and prepared to give her usual welcome.

“Welcome to Carousel Boutique, where every garment is chic, unique and-”
“What the hay are you doing with ma hat?” A very familiar and dangerous voice growled.

“Huh?” Rarity opened her eyes and realised Applejack and Twilight were there. Twilight looked shocked, whilst Applejack.....

If looks could kill, It was happening right there in that moment.

“What did Ah tell y’all....” Applejack took a step toward the fashionista, her head was down, though a gleam could be seen from her eyes.
“‘Bout touching mah hat?!”

Rarity sensing danger began to back away.
Twilight teleported in front of Applejack. “Come on now Applejack, we are all friends here...”
However she did not seem to notice her, only continuing to focus on Rarity. “Ya touched mah hat! You are gonna get it now!” Applejack leaped at Rarity, whom by instinct ducked and covered her head, causing Applejack to fly over her crash into a pile of mannequins.

“Girls stop!” Twilight cried, but it had already begun.

Rarity seeing her opportunity bolted through her door and galloped for dear life with the Stetson on her head whilst the enraged farmer chased after her. Twilight groaned in annoyance and ran after them. “Girls! Wait!”

“GIT BACK HERE YA HAT NAPPIN, NO GOOD, STUCK UP...............”

**************************************************

Rainbow Dash in her favourite place in the whole world. She was soaring through the sky alongside Soarin’, Spitfire, Rapid Fire, and Fleetfoot. They were performing a synchronized aerial maneuver, the infamous Dive of Faith where the flyers would accelerate dangerously toward the ground, before performing a sudden pull back toward the air.
She nodded to the others and they began their steep dive. The crowd cheered and screamed her name. “RAINBOW DASH! RAINBOW DASH!”
A random voice called out from the crowd “Have my fillies!”

Rainbow Dash ignored that and continued to accelerate toward the ground with her companions, her partners and her friends.

The ground drew ever closer, and Rainbow felt her adrenaline rise as the air straightened out her tail and mane.

“RAINBOW DASH RAINBOW DASH!” The crowd’s cries grew ever louder.

The ground was in front of her now, she must time this right, or it would be the end of her.

“RAAAARIIIITY!!!!!” Applejacks voice yelled out from the crowd, breaking her concentration. She turned her head sideways.
Out of the corner of her eye, she realised it was too late and she slammed into the ground......

^^^^^^^^^^^

“RARIIITY GET BACK HERE YA NO GOOD LYING THIEF!” A voice yelled underneath Rainbow Dash. She groaned as she rubbed her eyes tiredly in annoyance and looked down to see what the commotion was about, only to watch in surprise as a hatless Applejack was chasing Rarity who was wearing her Stetson through Sweet Apple Acres.

An exhausted and breathless Twilight Sparkle followed behind, though she was a fair distance away. Rainbow Dash flipped herself down and stretched her wings. “Hey! How come you guys didn’t tell me that you were playing tag?”

Twilight took a moment to catch her breath. “*pant* need *pant* to stop Applejack *pant* before she hurts *pant* Rarity!”

Rainbow Dash laughed. “Relax old timer! Everypony likes a good game of tag!”

Twilight looked at Rainbow Dash urgently. “No I’m serious! We need to stop them *pant* before somepony gets hurt!”

A voice called out from nearby. “No please no!”

“Ah gots yer now Rarity!”

Twilights pupils shrunk. “Oh no.”
She turned and galloped as fast she could toward the source of the sound. Rainbow Dash shrugged and went back to sleep.
Twilight approached a very odd scene. Rarity was on the path, apparently trapped between Applejack, fences, and a huge patch of mud on the ground.

Rarity pleaded with a manic Applejack. “Applejack I’m sorry I took your hat, please, allow me to return it to you!”

Applejack grinned evilly. “Sorry’s not enough sugarcube! Ah told ya, don’t touch that darned thing” She began to trot slowly toward Rarity, whom cringed at the feel of mud at the edge of her hooves.

“Ew! Mud! No! You can’t can’t do this to me!” Rarity cried.

Applejack leapt and spread her legs out. “ Oh yes Ah can! YEEHAW!” She cannonballed into the puddle, causing mud to splatter everywhere; completely covering the fashionista.

Applejack laughed uproariously before walking towards the muddy figure and snatching the hat back. She triumphantly placed the hat on her head, it’s rightful place.
“How do you like them apples?” She snided with pride

However, the mud covered fashionista was silent, and there was no longer fear.
Rarity muttered something under her breath.
Applejack held her hoof to her ear. “What’s that Rarity? Ah can’t hear ya!”

Rarity glared into Applejack’s eyes. “IT. IS. ON!”
Applejack gulped, and felt her breath rush out of her as Rarity tackled her into the mud......

***************************************************

Twilight watched stupefied as only three words could have possibly described the emotions and thoughts running through her head.
“What the hay?!!”

Applejack and Rarity were tumbling around in the puddle of mud, both grappling the hat. “GIVE IT BACK!”

“No it’s MINE!”

They continued pull at the hat for some time until one dreaded sound was heard.

*rip*

Though it was the faintest of sounds, everypony could hear it as though somepony shattered a priceless vase in a museum.

Everypony become silent, Rarity and Applejack immediately stopped wrestling. Rarity, knowing she had gone a little far, backed off, leaving Applejack to inspect the damage. Applejack swallowed dryly and inspected the Stetson. It was nearly torn in half. Tears welled into her eyes.

Rarity gulped. “I-I’m so sorry! Please let me fix-”

“No Rarity, Ah should be the one sorry for scaring ya like that, ya’ve done enough already.” Applejack sullenly dropped the torn hat and begun to trot sullenly back toward her barn.

“Applejack wait!” Twilight called, but the farmer galloped off, a trail of tears following her.

Rarity slumped onto her haunches. “I should have told her I was going to fix that hat...” she said sadly.

Twilight nudged her, “Come on now Rarity, it wasn’t your fault. You only wished the best for everypony.”

“Yes and look where that silly idea got me today.” Rarity huffed.

“We can still fix this! Come one Rarity I have an idea!” Twilight said with an hint of optimism. “All we have to do is-”

“Twilight?” Rarity interrupted, “I’m sure whatever idea you have come up is absolutely brilliant, but can we possibly stop by the spa first? I think some mud has gotten into my ears.”

***************************************************

Applebloom banged on the locked cellar door. “Come on Big Sis! Ah need help with some homework and Big Mac still hasn’t come home from the market!”

A slightly slurred voice replied. “Ah told ye *hic* Ah ain’t no good with them fancy mathe...mathsme...mathememe..-matics, Go ask Granny Smith or something!”

“But Granny Smith is still taking her nap! She never wakes up from her naps!” Applebloom protested.

“Well, Applebloom ma dear, ye jest gonna have to *hic* TRY HARDER!”

“But Granny Smith is no good at maths! Last time ah tried showing her ma homework, she just licked it!”

“....Well ah’m sorry Applebloom but *hic* Ah can’ts help ya.”

Applebloom pouted and trotted away in disgust.
On her way back to the house, she noticed Twilight Sparkle and Rarity walking down the path with a present on her back. “Hey Rarity! Hey Twilight! what are you two doing down here? Who’s that for?” She called to them.

Twilight smiled at the filly as she and Rarity approached. “Hello Applebloom, we’re here to see your big sister Applejack, do you know where she is at the moment?”

“Is that a present for her?”
Rarity nodded.

Applebloom pointed toward the Apple Cellar. “She’s in the cellar, saying she don’t wanna come out cause she found the meaning of life or some hoot, Ah hope you can git her out, cause Ah really really need help with ma homework!” Applebloom explained.

Twilight looked toward the cellar in annoyance before replying to the filly. “Don’t worry Applebloom, we’ll talk her out of there in no time!”

Applebloom smiled widely. “Thank ya so much!” she bounced happily back toward the farmhouse.
Twilight looked at Rarity. “Well, here goes nothing!” They trotted toward the barn.

Drunken singing could be heard from underneath the ground. “...and If one fell down and turned around..*hic* there be twenty eight barrels of salt on the wall!”

They walked up to the cellar doors and knocked. “Umm Applejack... are you in there?” Twilight called out. “We need to talk!”

Laughter echoed from the cellar. “Of coursh you do *hic*! Ya alwaysh got sho many queshtions!”

The cellar doors swung open to reveal a staggering Applejack with a half empty mug in her hoof. “Why come on in! *hic* Ah gotsh the besht hard si...sss..cider in Equeshtria with me, and ah wantsh to share with ma two beshtesht friends!”

Rarity sniffed the air and winced. There were enough fumes in the air to make a pony drunk. “Applejack dear, have you been mixing salt licks with Applecider?” Rarity said, wrinkling her nose in distaste.

“..ehehhehe..*hic* Eeeyup! Top stuff ain’t it! Wanna try some?”

“I’ll pass. You see, I came here to apologise for my earlier behaviour today-”

“BAh!” Applejack interrupted before staggering up to Rarity and overwhelming her with the fumes from the alcohol.
“Lishen ta me Rarity, Today ah losht shomfing very impor...Important to me and *hic* ah ain’t ever getting it *hic* Back!”

“Well I understand how you would feel for the loss but-”

“LEMME finish! *hic* and as Ah was shaying, *hic* that hat is very, very important ta me and theres a reason why! *hic*”

“Well please explain then!”

“AH shaid! lemme finish! Anywaysh, ya see when Ah was a li’l filly! There use ta be six of us in the Sweet Apple Acres....”

Applejacks voice became regretful and distant, her drunken slur suddenly disappeared.

“It was a long time ago, when Big Mac and Ah were still in Ponyville junior school. We was just coming back from a small carnival the school held. Ah still remember, the carnival for the hearts and hooves day. Me and ma big brother was coming back from school.....

<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

“Aw shucks, Ah didn’t win anything at the fair this afternoon!” A young Applejack pouted.

“Well, it’s just yer bad luck lil sis! studies show that over 54.2% of ponies win a prize, you were jes a lil unlucky!” A young Big Mac encouraged his distraught sister.

“Don’t you use yer fancy maths with me, you know ah can’t multiply ta save ma life!”

“Come on now sis, momma told us ta be back at the acres ‘fore sundown!”

The younger Applejack sighed. “Fine then....” she says in defeat and begins to trot after her big brother back to the farm.
“At least ya won something.” Applejack stated in annoyance.

“Come on now sis, maybe you’ll do better next year!” Big Mac teased.

“Is that a challenge big brother?” Applejack asked as fiercely as she could.

“hehehehe...Nnnope! but, LAST ONE HOME IS A ROTTEN APPLE!” Big Mac whinnied and galloped off, leaving a frustrated Applejack to chase after him.

“Git Back here Big MACINTOSH!” The filly yelled.
She galloped after him as his laughter trailed behind, adding to her frustration.
She smiled as she closed the distance, only to realise that her brother had stopped running and was standing deathly still.
She trotted up to him curiously. “Big mac...what’s wrong?” She eyed him with concern, only to realise he was staring at their barn.

It was blazing, an inferno was swallowing the house from inside out.

Her pupils shrank in horror as she bolted toward the house. “Momma! Daddy! Help!” She cried.
Big Mac ran to the front door and bucked as hard as he could, sending the door splintering inward, but was immediately driven back by a thick wall of smoke.

Applejack went around the windows and tapped, desperate to see if anypony was still inside.

Suddenly, commotion was heard on the third floor of the house, the bedroom. The window shattered as her father fell and landed with a sickening crunch on his back. Around his hooves was wrapped a tiny bundle. He was badly burnt in several places and his back hoof was bent at an awkward angle.
He coughed out blood. “Well....that...ain’t the best....idea Ah ever had....” he chuckled weakly.

“Daddy!” Applejack ran to his side and began to cry. “Daddy what happened? Where’s Mommy?”

Her father coughed painfully. “AJ listen to me, see this bundle here? It’s yer little sister Applebloom! He shifted his hoof to reveal a sleeping foal. Say hi to yer lil sister.” He hacked painfully.

“Ah’m gonna go get a doctor right now!” Big Mac announced with determination.
“Where’s mommy?” Applejack asked again, this time tears streaming down her face.

Her father struggled to stop himself into a hacking cough. “Listen you two, and listen carefully.. Ah ain’t got much time left but.....” He spat out blood from his mouth.
“Mommy and Daddy are going somewhere for a while, a good place where sun shines, and apples grow all day long. But while we are gone, ah’m gonna need ya to take care of the farm and yer new lil sister.”
He nudged the bundled foal toward them.

Applejack ran to her father and hugged tightly. “No Daddy! Please don’t go, Ah need you!”

Her father smiled faintly. He placed his hoof onto his head and took his hat. With considerable effort, he pried it off and placed it onto Applejack’s head. “Applejack....yer......big..pony now....Ah will always be...with you.....in.....yer heart....” he gently brushed her cheek.

Big Macintosh was trying his hardest not to cry, though tears glistened down his face. “Look...fer....Granny Smith......she should be...in the Retirement Village...”

“Big Mac... Applejack...Ah..love.....” his voice died in his throat. He coughing had stopped.

“No please don’t!” Applejack begged, but her father had already gone limp.

She embraced his body for one last time and cried as her home burned. The little bundle began shift and cry.

“Dad?...Daddy?? Daaaaaaa-

-aaaaaddyyyy!!!!” The older Applejack bawled her eyes out, as Twilight and Rarity watched on in shock. They had not expected such a deep story from the usually cheerful Apple Farmer.

Applejack breathed between her sobs. “And that hat was the last thing Ah ever got from him, and now it’s gone!” she wailed before taking another swig from her mug.

“Applejack... APPLEJACK!” Twilight yelled.
The distraught pony lowered her mug and looked at Twilight tiredly.

“Applejack, I know you’re upset, but drinking yourself senseless is not the answer! Rarity and I have come to fix the mistakes of today.” She nodded to Rarity.

Rarity cleared her throat. “Applejack, as a poor friend of yours, I failed to see beyond your insistence to keep your hat with you at all times. As a good friend however...”
Her horn glowed bright blue, and the package on her back levitated in front Applejack and unwrapped itself.
“I will fix the wrongs done to you, and give back to you what is rightfully yours!”

Applejack’s eyes lit up. The old stetson was there, back to its old condition, though the old rips and dirt had completely disappeared. Words could not express her joy.

With childish glee, she snatched the hat and put it back on her head and squealed with glee. She then stopped herself and turned to her two friends, whom were chuckling at her reaction. She felt nothing but love for them. She galloped to both of them and embraced them both in a warm hug.
“Ah can’t thank ye enough for this girls, this means so much to me! Ah’m sorry for acting like a foal today.”

Twilight and Rarity grinned and returned the embrace.

Three good friends, made it up for one another. The afternoon, forever in their memories.

*************************************************

Big Mac trotted home with a huge grin on his face, and the taste of Colgate’s lips in his mouth. He hummed a tuneless melody as he bounced his way toward the farmhouse, trembling the ground with every jump.

“So where have ya been, ya big lover-boy?” Applejack’s voice taunted from the bushes.

Big Macintosh blushed, and turned around to see that his little sister was again reunited with her hat.
He blinked. “Is that....?” he asked.

“Eeyup.” she answered taking the hat off her head and giving it to her big brother.
“Ah had ma good friend Rarity fix it, its as good as new!”

Big Mac smiled and tried it on. “Why Sis, this is the first time ya let me touch that hat since...” he looked sadly at the ground.

“Ah know, Mom and Daddy passed away.”
She hugged him. “Today Ah learnt from my friends that Ah should always remember the past, and live for the present. It’s okay now. It don’t hurt anymore inside.” She placed her hoof on her chest. “Cause daddy is alive in here...” she pointed to her head, “and here!” she placed other hoof on Big Mac’s chest.

He sighed sadly. “Ah know AJ...its just that...it was so long ago.. and Ah didn’t want it to hurt no more.”

Applejack held her hoof to his mouth. “And it don’t have to. We are family now. Our friends and Applebloom. We shouldn’t live in the past, rather we should cherish it.”

Applejack took the hat and placed it back on her head. “Come on now Big Mac, let's not keep Granny and Applebloom waiting....”

She smiled cheekily. “Last one back ta the farmhouse is a rotten apple!” she yelled before galloping off.

Big Mac smiled to himself for a moment before chasing after her. “Oh no yer don’t!

As the two galloped back to the farm, laughing playfully, the moon shone brightly that night. As two more souls felt themselves at peace. Wherever and whenever they were, the brother and sister could now sleep soundly, their dreams filled with memories and happiness.

*****************************************

Twilight Sparkle yawned as she turned over the final page in the tome. “low, and the King and Queen lived happily ever after..” she said dreamily and closed the book.
“Wow, that story was amazing....” She stretched tiredly and looked out of the window at the night sky. It was a full moon today, and the cloudless skies above revealed the countless stars of the heavens. Twilight giggled at the prospect of astronomy, though before that, there was a very important report to be written.

She levitated parchment, quill and ink and began her letter.

Dear Princess Celestia

Today I have learned two very important things. The significance of a pony's valued item, and the fact that true friends are always willing to forgive and make it up to one another.

In regards to a pony's possessions, one must always learn to respect them, as my good friend Applejack has shown me today - an item as simple as a hat may be the final connection between a father and daughter.

Although we should never live in the past, we should cherish it as we should cherish every moment of the present. No matter how much sorrow one has experienced in the past, one’s friends will always be there to fill their heart.

Your Faithful Student,

Twilight Sparkle

P.S: Never take Applejack’s hat away from her; doing so may bring dire consequences.
P.P.S: Could you please send another copy of Astronomical Astronomers Almanac to All Things Astronomy to the Ponyville library? A certain assistant of mine decided to sneeze on it.

With the letter finished Twilight made her way to her telescope. The night was still young, and there was so many stars left to study. She left her desk, and gazed into the starry night.