The Great Crusade to Canterlot

The darkness of the night had pushed away the warm glow of the twilight sunset. Ponyville was once again quiet, with only the sound of hooves clopping along the dirt roads. Eight of those hooves belonged to Apple Bloom and Fox Chase, who were finally leaving the town behind. Their only guides to Sweet Apple Acres were the flames flickering inside the light posts along the edge of the road.

This peace was well-deserved. The busy day had taken a frightful turn after the Timberwolf attack. Luckily, nopony was hurt, and the closing ceremonies concluded without any disruptions. Furthermore, the Flim Flam brothers’ latest scheme of forcing control over animals was grounded before it ever began. The two brothers were removed from Ponyville and brought to Canterlot for questioning.

Fox Chase's muzzle was beaming with delight. Draped around his neck was a gold medal dangling from a silky, blue ribbon. Even though he had promised his winnings to Apple Bloom, he couldn't help but feel accomplished for Reynard's performance. After all, if it weren’t for Chase and Reynard, nopony would have been able to stop the Timberwolf from calling for back-up before help could arrive.

The jingling of bits from Apple Bloom's saddlebag stopped as the filly collapsed under the weight of her overstuffed pouches.

"I don't think I can carry all this home!" Apple Bloom panted in between her words. "Earth pony or not, my flank's beat from today!"

Chase grabbed her bag in his teeth and slung it over his back. He wriggled his body and felt the gold coins settle in place. "Then allow me, my dear!" He playfully bowed.

Apple Bloom giggled and curtsied in reply. "Such a gentlecolt!" She blushed and looked away. "Do ya... Do ya think I could get a ride on your back, too? My legs’re still sore from all the runnin’.”

Chase grinned and motioned with a hoof. "Yeah, sure. I usually have Reynard on my back in addition to all the junk I have to lug aro-" He grunted. His legs quivered as he adjusted to the newly added weight of the filly now resting on his back.

Apple Bloom nuzzled against his mane. "Thanks a bunch! Hey, you're pretty comfy!" A squee squeezed its way through her smiling teeth.

"I guess Reyn softened me up for you!" Chase huffed and continued walking down the road. "Whatever happened to Fluttershy? Is she still hiding from the wolf?"

"Heh, she got roped into a sleepover with Pinkie Pie. As happy as I am that Pinkie is back in Ponyville, I'm in no condition for an all-night slumber party with her!" Apple Bloom repositioned herself so that she was facing the night sky. The stars above were obscured by the tree branches reaching over the road. "I'm sure I'll see her around the orchard soon enough. In fact, she'll probably come with to get the wagon fixed up!" The filly yawned and started closing her eyes.

"Hey, no falling asleep back there! I don't know even where I'm going!" Chase tried to jostle Apple Bloom awake.

"I'm just gonna rest my eyes," she said quietly. "This road leads straight to the orchard. Easy peasy."

Reynard padded alongside Chase and stared up at him.

"No vacancy!" Chase shoved his nose against Reyn's. “You're gonna have to hoof it just like me, furball."

The fox whined and lowered his ears.

“So… what’re ya gonna do next?” Apple Bloom opened her eyes, as if bracing herself for the answer.

“Well, I guess I’ll head back home to New Jockey and start saving again. I could help my friend Blue at the arcade, or maybe fix up the farm a bit.”

“You work on a farm, huh? Hmm…” Apple Bloom rubbed a hoof against her chin.

“I live on a farm. I wouldn’t really say I work on it. I mean I do grow some crops, but it’s never been a passion of mine. I get a little irritable trying to take care of so many veggies!”

The filly’s back leg tapped rhythmically against Chase’s flank.

“Uh, why are you kicking me?”

“I’m thinkin’.” Apple Bloom stopped the motion of her hoof. “Ya know, my family owns the local apple orchard. Maybe… Ya could come work for us?” Her voice cracked a bit. “Ya could probably make some good money helpin’ us. Now that autumn is here we’ll be really busy buckin’, cleanin’, and transportin’ the last harvest of apples. I’m sure I could put in a good word for ya with my sis!” The excitement in her voice was uncontrollable.

A moan left Chase’s throat. “Weren’t you listening? I’m not really a farmer!”

Apple Bloom rolled over onto her stomach and yelled in his ear. “Buckin’ apples ain’t the same as growin’ carrots!” Her eyes widened and she covered her mouth. “Uh, what I meant to say was that a strong stallion such as yerself wouldn’t have any trouble with an apple harvest.”

Chase remained silent as his hooves crunched over the leaves on the road. The further he traveled from Ponyville the messier the road was becoming.

“Look, Apple Bloom, I’m flattered that you’d volunteer me, but-“

“I ain’t takin’ no for an answer! You helped me and Fluttershy, so now I’m gonna help you!” Her voice struggled to annunciate. With the warmth of sleep washing over her body, the filly had to put all of her energy into shouting.

The stomping of the leaves continued. A few lamp posts were missing the protective glow of a flame and caused the trio to walk into complete darkness.

For a few moments, silence and the bleakness of night were the two new companions for the group.

“Fine… You can check with your family. I’ll stop back tomorrow evening and see what they say. But I’m not sticking around forever for an answer! Okay?”

Apple Bloom had her legs hanging from Chase’s body with her head resting on his mane. “O-kay! That’s more like it!” She yawned and closed her eyes. “Jus’ wake me up when we get there. Ya… can’t miss it…” Her eyes closed once again. Chase could feel her breathing relax as her chest gently pushed into his back with every breath she took.

This filly is something else… She doesn’t take no for an answer. I’m surprised she’s not running the orchard. Sheesh!

. . . . . .

"Wakey, wakey." Chase whispered into the sleeping filly's ear.

Apple Bloom groaned and rubbed her drowsy eyes. "Wha-? We're here already? But I just fell asleep a few trees back!"

"Uh, no. You've been snoring for ages!"

"Heh heh, oops. Sorry 'bout that. Like I said; you're comfy!" She slid off his back and stretched, shifting her weight onto her forelegs. "I guess I'll take it from here. Ya can drop the saddlebag inside the barn. This time tomorrow night the wagon will be all fixed up!”

“Yes, ma’am!” Chase jokingly saluted. “And who knows; maybe tomorrow night we’ll also know if I’ll be hired to help out.”

“You jus’ leave that to me! Nopony can resist my beggin’ face!” Apple Bloom pouted and forced her lower lip to quiver. Her eyes welled up with tears and she sniffed.

“Oh, jeez… I’m outta here.”

She trotted over and hugged Chase tightly around the neck. His tan cheeks turned darker at the embrace. The fabric of her bow tickled his nose as she nuzzled against him.

“Thanks again, Chase. I’ll never forget what you did for my family.”

. . . . . .

Chase took a sip from his mug of cider and wiped the frothy mess from his lips. He watched his reflection ripple in the sweet liquid. On paper, his trip had been a complete failure. Without the additional bits he was still unable to reach Canterlot.

I did the right thing, didn’t I? Helping out Apple Bloom like that.

A plate of hay fries was placed between his hooves. Chase picked up his head and smiled as the waitress trotted to the other end of the bar. A few drinks of cider and some food would do anypony some good.

I am glad I helped her. But then why do I feel so crummy? Ugh… I doubt I would have felt much better if I took the bits and ran.

The door to the pub swung open and a dust covered Applejack entered. Her body was filthy, and the bangs of her mane were pressed against her forehead from sweat. Chase watched as she came over and sat on the stool beside him.

“Howdy! Y’all have any cider left this late in the day?” She fanned herself with her cowpony hat.

Before she could even blink a fresh mug of cider was flung down the length of the bar table. Applejack stopped it with her hoof. The cider splashed onto her foreleg.

“Yee-haw! Now that’s service!” She looked at Chase and snickered. “Sorry, stranger, I’m bein’ awful loud, ain’t I?” She took a sip and smiled. “I guess I should try and work on my manners. Name’s Applejack!”

Chase crammed a hooffull of hayfries into his mouth and tried to speak. “Yea, itz vary rood ofya!”

Both ponies laughed. Chase swallowed his fries and washed the scratchy chunks of food down with his cider.

“Thought I was gonna choke there for a second!” He blinked and knocked a hoof against his chest to make sure his throat was clear. “I’m Fox Chase, but you can just call me Chase. Saying the whole thing is a bit stuffy.”

“Well, thank ya for the laugh, Chase!” Applejack eyed his plate. “Do ya mind if I sneak a…?”

“Go right ahead!” Chase slid the plate between them. “I’m more exhausted than hungry anyway. Looks like somepony else had a busy day as well.”

“Phew. That’s a nice way of puttin’ it! I’m dirtier than a pig on payday!”

Chase raised an eyebrow. “I’m not even sure I know what that means.”

Applejack tossed some fries into her mouth and chomped heartily. “Yeah, me neither. My granny always said that to me whenever me and my brother were dirty from playin’ outside all day. I like to try and keep the family sayings alive. Gotta pass ‘em down for the youngins! Even if some of ‘em don’t make a licka sense…”

Two more mugs of cider were placed in front of the earth ponies. Chase politely pushed his away.

“No more for me, thanks.”

“Not much of a cider stallion?” Applejack grabbed the second mug and pulled it closer.

“It’s been a weird day for me. I just came here for some food before I hit the hay.”

“Nonsense! Barkeep, another order of fries, please!” Applejack winked at Chase. “It’s on me, partner.” She finished the last crumble of a fry on Chase’s plate. “Ya should hit one more plate of this hay first. And finish that drink! It’s rude to waste it.” She chugged her own mug and slammed it onto the table. “It’ll give you some sweet dreams after a hard day’s work!”

Chase wrapped his hoof around the wooden mug and nodded. “If you say so!”

“So, where ya from? I don’t reckon I’ve seen you around these parts before.” She looked at his tail and scratched her head. “Do ya… think you’re a fox or somethin’?”

Chase spit out his cider and coughed. “No! I train them! I was here for the pet show. My fox, Reynard, is outside snoozing.”

A second plate of hay fries was placed between them.

Applejack breathed a sigh of relief. “Gotcha. I was a little concerned for a second! Ya never know what kinda ponies you’ll find here this late at night.”

“Though… when the full moon rises… sometimes I do grow feral with a…” Chase grabbed two of the larger fries and jammed them under his lips to imitate fangs. “Taste for blood!” He moved his forelegs up and down, while making ghost noises.

Applejack laughed and banged a hoof on the table. “What kinda vampire fox-pony makes ghost noises?!”

The fries fell from Chase’s mouth as he tilted his head and pondered the question. “Huh… I’ll have to look that up when I’m in Canterlot!”

“Ooooo, so you’re a big city pony, eh?”

“Nah, just going to visit a friend of mine. It’s a long story. A very long story!”

"One of my friends is visiting Canterlot right now. She's workin' on some fancy play. I'm real happy for her, but that just ain't the life for me. Can you imagine anypony servin’ me a drink in Canterlot lookin’ like this?" Applejack pushed her body forward as a stallion walked behind her.

"Dirty manes are in these days! You could start a new trend. Besides, those fancy pants nobles would never appreciate a long day out in the sun like us!"

"So, you're a farmhoof, too?" AJ grew curious to learn more about the fox-tailed pony.

"I'm the closest thing to a farmer in New Jockey. Wouldn't say I'm good at it, but I tried to grow some things. Mostly to sell for bits at the market. We actually do a lot of fishing for trade with the local griffons."

"D'ya know much about buckin' apples?" Her eyebrow rose to match the inflection of her question.

"Not exactly... But I do know our apples over in the east aren't nearly as tasty as the apples sold in Ponyville!"

"Course they ain't! Sweet Apple Acres isn't shipping out that far. We're hoping to someday, though. We'd just need a lot more help to get the wagons moseyin’ along."

"I can imagine! The trip here is a real drain on the legs. Add an apple-filled wagon and you have one pooped pony at the end of the day."

"Tell me about it! Right now it's just me and my brother workin' the orchard, while my lil' sister and granny help with some of the quality control before we dispatch a shipment. Bucking and distribution is mighty tiring. Especially in an orchard as big as ours! Some days it feels like I'm walking across half of Equestria! I’ll be glad when I can take it easy for a bit after this last harvest."

Little sister... Could she mean Apple Bloom?

"I think our apples all come from Manehattan... or was it Fillydelphia?" Chase questioned. His head was kinked upward.

"And like ya said, they ain't as delicious as the ones from Sweet Apple Acres!"

"I think your family could definitely take Equestria by storm if you were able to sell those apples along the East Coast!"

“Believe me, we’re workin’ on it!” Applejack tapped her hooves against the mug. "Say, if you're savin' for a trip to Canterlot, why not come help out on the orchard for a few days? It's nothin' fancy, but I could even let you stay in our barn for free. Ya look like ya have some muscles on ya!" Applejack carefully eyed his hind legs.

"Oh, funny you should ask! You see I already-"

"In fact, I insist! No more jabberin' from ya!" She held up her mug. "Call it a gut feelin'! Tomorrow morning I'm gonna show you the ropes of workin' the orchard! Now, let's toast on it!"

Chase fumbled for his mug and held it up. Ha! I guess little Apple Bloom doesn't have to beg and plead after all!

The mugs struck together and a burst of cider splashed onto each pony's face. They laughed at the mess and continued polishing off the remaining strands of the hay fries.

. . . . . .

Chase was propped up with his forelegs behind him. His hind legs were treading water just under the bridge he crossed earlier in the day. Reynard was swatting at bugs just above the shimmering surface of the water. A heavy sigh left Chase’s body.

“Not what I had planned at all. I figured we’d be on a train to Canterlot tomorrow morning, not reporting for work on an apple orchard.”

Reyn’s paw splashed against the water.

“This stinks. I can’t tell if I’m doing the right thing, Reyn. Apple Bloom and Applejack are such sincere ponies. I don’t think I could have turned my back on them even if I did have the money to hunt for Role Play. Then there’s Fluttershy… Poor mare was so quick to volunteer herself just to try and help Apple Bloom. Not sure what to think of Pinkie yet… A little hyper, but friendly nonetheless.”

The fox padded over and planted his rear on the grass. He smiled showing his fangs.

“You sure seem to like this place a lot. Guess it does feel very… homey. I can see why the ponies love it so much.”

His hoof ruffled Reyn’s head fur.

“Let’s just make the most of it. We’re here now and Canterlot isn’t far at all. The tickets may be pricey, but we’re in a good spot! Free lodging, free food, a beautiful mare to stare at in the orchard.”

His eyes widened.

“Did I… just say that last part out loud?”

The fox nodded.

“I-I just meant it beats staring at a stallion all day!” He fell back onto the grass and stared up into the sky. “Oh boy, Chase… What’re you getting yourself into?”

. . . . . .

Apple Bloom’s bouncing bow was the only part of her visible as she followed her sister around the breakfast table. The morning was off to a very shaky start for the Apple family.

“We can’t just hire anypony to come work the orchard, Apple Bloom. You know this.”

“Yeah, but this stallion is great! He’s strong, big-hearted, real funny-“

Applejack grabbed a dirty plate from the table and dropped it into the sink. An apple core and crusts of bread slowly slid from the dish. “I know, he sounds wonderful, and I’m thrilled that you’re takin’ such an interest in helpin’ the family. But I already hired somepony last night to come give us a hoof with the upcoming harvest. He passed with flying colors! I’m sure you’ll love him!”

Apple Bloom’s heart was in pieces. She felt a tear slide down her nose. “B-but I promised him-“

“Apple Bloom… that’s enough. Go outside wit’ Granny Smith and help check yesterday’s haul. We’ll be shipping out a few loads to Cloudsdale tomorrow. It’s important we have everything ready before the delivery team arrives. You know how grouchy pegasi get when somethin’s late!”

Apple Bloom stomped away without a word. The door slammed shut. Applejack scratched her head and sighed.

“Haven’t seen her that worked up since Scoots took that nasty tumble…”

. . . . . .

Chase’s hooves kicked up clouds of dust behind him as he ran down the familiar dirt road. The light posts were extinguished, and the sun was shining brightly. The black paws of Reynard were quickly propelling him ahead of his owner. Chase’s orange mane was blowing around wildly as he lowered his head and pushed his legs to kick from the ground even faster.

With Sweet Apple Acres in sight, it was a race to the finish line.

“Give it up, furball! You shall never surpass your master!” Chase laughed and took the lead.

Reynard’s chest was heaving in and out as the blood pumped through his body.  The leaves along the side of the road were swept away by the force of their running. This was some serious speed.

Chase jumped forward and skidded to a halt. He crossed onto Sweet Apple Acres’ property just before his vulpine companion did. They both collapsed onto the ground and caught their breath.

“Ta-dah! And the winner is - as if there was ever any doubt - Fox Chase! Speediest stallion this side o’ the stable! Which stable, you ask? All of them!” He laughed and wiped his brow.

Apple Bloom hurried over with tears in her eyes. “W-what are ya doin’ here so early?”

“Oh, I came for the job you told me about!”

“Chase, the thing is… My sister said-“

“What in tarnation is all the commotion out here?” Applejack shouted from the door of the house. She noticed Chase and tipped her hat politely. “Shoot, if I’d have known you were this energetic in the morning I woulda told ya to come even sooner!” She laughed and galloped over to her sister’s side.

“Wait a second…” Apple Bloom looked from Chase to Applejack. “You mean to tell me-“

“Eeeyup.” A large red stallion walked by the group. His shaggy blonde mane was draped over the leather work horse collar fastened around his neck.

“Just like your brother said! This here’s Fox Chase. He’s going to be helping out around the orchard for a bit. I hope you won’t be too upset that I didn’t choose your-“

Apple Bloom wrapped her hooves around Chase’s neck and cheered. “Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres, Chase! I’d love ta stay an’ talk, but me and Granny have a lot of work to do! See ya later!” She skipped away happily with her tail swaying.

“Kids can be so hard to understand sometimes…” Applejack said to a shrugging Chase.

. . . . . .

Chase was walking behind Applejack and Big Macintosh. The trio had begun their trek into the orchard. Not surprisingly, Reynard had stayed behind with Apple Bloom. Despite his loyalty to Chase, the fox had become a sentry of sorts for the filly. Not to mention it was nice to have a pony to cuddle with that wasn’t a stallion.

“Apple Bloom sure has taken a shine to that fox of yours, Chase. Winona is gonna be mighty jealous if she sees those two cuddlin’!” Applejack looked over her shoulder as she walked.

Chase smiled and tried not to stare at her flank. “I’m sure he’ll get along fine with your dog. Apple Bloom told me a lot about her and how you trained her to help you herd cattle. Pretty impressive for such a small creature!”

Applejack flicked her bangs to the side with a quick motion of her head. “Nah, it was nothin’. When you grow up on a farm these things come naturally; whether you’re a dog or a pony!”

Chase turned his stare to the silent brother. His legs looked like they could crush steel. The form of a true farm stallion was something to behold. He was built from muzzle to his cropped tail, with a coat of thick fur covering his body. His shaggy mane matched his untrimmed fetlocks, which were quickly gathering dirt as they marched on down the main road of the orchard.

“I’m puttin’ ya on apple bucking duty with Big Mac for a while. He can show ya the proper form and best striking point on a tree.”

Chase’s head bobbed in agreement. “And… where will you be headed?”

“I’m gonna be taking all the baskets of apples we bucked yesterday and cart ‘em up to the homestead for Apple Bloom to rinse off and Granny Smith to inspect. From there we’ll determine which ones are the best of the best. Then we load the wagon and check the ledger to see who is gettin’ the shipment. I don’t want to bore ya with all the details. It’s a simple life, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world!” She came to an abrupt stop and held out a hoof. “Here we are! You two have fun!”

The rolling hills were covered in apple trees as far as the eye could see. Acres upon acres just waiting to be bucked. Sweet Apple Acres had more than enough apples for the local market, with plenty of room to expand. Anypony with even the slightest knowledge of business knew this was a gold mine of opportunity.

“Ready to learn?” Big Macintosh’s voice was deep yet kind. He looked like a force to be reckoned with, but his gentle, green eyes said otherwise. “It ain’t as hard as it looks. Here, watch me.”

Big Mac walked over to the first tree and placed a hoof in the middle of the trunk. “Ya want to strike in the center with both of your hind legs. Done properly, the branches should shake hard enough for the apples to drop off. Buck too low and you won’t cause enough force; buck too high and you might damage the tree.”

Chase nodded. “Makes sense.”

“Don’t worry if it takes a few tries to clear a tree. Me and AJ have been doing this since our parents…” Mac lowered his head.” Well, long enough I s’pose.” He turned to line up his rump with the tree. His eyes narrowed and he kicked into the center of the trunk. The sound echoed from the cluster of trees as apples cascaded into the buckets below.

“Then ya take the bucket and drag it to the edge of the road. My sister will be cartin’ ‘em up home today. We’re a bit behind, so I’m gonna help her with that while you work on this patch of trees.” Without any further instruction or supervision, Big Macintosh left Chase to his own duties.

“Guess I shouldn’t have expected him to hold my hoof all day.”  Chase walked to the next tree and lined up like Big Mac. He kept his back legs close together and reared up for a kick.

Big Macintosh heard the sound of apples falling into the buckets and smiled.

/) To be Continued (\