The Great Crusade to Canterlot

Applejack rolled over onto her side and kicked a hindleg out from underneath the blanket. Though her face was completely buried in the pillow, a steady stream of warm drool did indicate a sign of life. Outside, the curtain of darkness was ready to be pushed aside by the distant sunrise. Almost instinctively Applejack’s eyes started to open. She was still aching from the relentless days in the orchard. Though she’d never admit it, Applejack was losing the battle of Sweet Apple Acres. Without Granny’s keen eye for apple inspection or Big Mac’s unnatural ability to effortlessly work all day, Applejack was running out of steam. Despite her swollen hooves and tender muscles, she knew that getting down to the market was important. It was the one place where a cart of apples couldn’t be stolen in broad daylight, and a chance to reclaim some bits after losing the burgled shipments.

“Applejack?” The door creaked slightly. Apple Bloom pushed her head between the frame and the doorknob. “You awake, sis?”

“Mornin’, Apple Bloom. I’m up. Sorry, just… a little sleepy is all.”

The filly pushed the door open and dove into the sea of blankets threatening to drench Applejack with another wave of drowsiness. “It is still kinda early… Maybe we can close our eyes for a few more minutes.” Her eyelids started to fall as she listened to her big sister’s gentle breathing.

“I should,” she yawned, “get ready…” Applejack’s head started to fall back onto the pillow.

“How’s about we turn yer pillow over? This side’s soaked.” Apple Bloom flipped the pillow and nestled against AJ’s silk pajamas. “Besides, I found this pinned onto Reynard’s tail.”

Applejack could barely read the words on the letter. She was fading fast to the temptations of spending more time with her mattress.

“Dear Applejack, I figured you would be exhausted, so I’ll take care of setting up the stand. Just make sure you get here before the customers arrive! We need that beautiful face of Sweet Apple Acres to push the goods. With foxy regards, Chase.” Applejack smiled and felt the note fall onto her chest. “He’s such a…” Her head fell back against the pillow. Apple Bloom was already fast asleep by the time AJ finished reciting the note.

The snoring of both ponies quickly filled the room.

. . . . . .

Sweetie Belle had an excellent view while perched on Rarity's shoulders. The crowd was jostling with activity. Despite being such an early hour of the morning, ponies had arrived in droves for what they hoped would be the end of Canterlot's chafing security protocols. Residents of the capital city were just as anxious as the filly balanced atop the trembling legs of her sister.

Standing behind a protective row of vigilant guards was Princess Celestia. Her body was covered in lustrous white fur. There was not a single impurity throughout her entire coat. The magical energy flowing through her mane and tail displayed the colors of a dancing aurora. With her wings held open Celestia's full grandeur was exposed. She was a constant reminder of the Equestrian spirit and a beacon of harmony throughout the entire land.

Situated at a much lower stature were Twilight Sparkle and Spike. The dragon was rubbing his sweaty palms on the side of his body as the sea of curious pony eyes stared at him. While Twilight and Spike called Ponyville their home they had been staying at Canterlot ever since the security measures tightened.

The murmuring of the crowd quickly came to a halt as Celestia raised a foreleg into the air.

"Citizens of Canterlot, I offer you my thanks for being here today. But I also must apologize. The past few weeks have been very difficult for our grand city. First, let me assure you that everypony is safe. Patrols of the royal guard within the city will return to normal and Canterlot will once again be open for tourism!"

Whistles and clapping hooves sounded from the masses. After the barrage of noise subsided Celestia continued.

"I offer you my deepest apologies during these trying times. Our fair city was under risk of a villainous assault, but I can assure you that the threat has been suppressed. Furthermore, Princess Twilight Sparkle has launched a full investigation on the bandits harassing our countryside. We shall not sit idly by and fall prey to those who bully for only selfish gain. The thieves will be apprehended and normality will reign throughout all of Equestria once more!"

Sweetie Belle joined in the chaos by placing a hoof in her mouth and whistling. Rarity's hind legs buckled under the weight of the fanatical filly.

"Now, let us begin again with the raising of our beautiful sun. May her light shine down and illuminate a prosperous path for you all!"

Princess Celestia's hooves lifted from the ground. Her horn glowed, while her wings guided her upward from the crowd. The sun followed the motions of her body and rose from behind the treetops into the sky. The subtle glow of dawn was no more. All of Canterlot was cheering once again awash with the brilliance of the sun resting high over the mountaintop.

"She handled that pretty well," Spike whispered into Twilight's ear.

"Spike, she is the ruler of Equestria after all. As much as I love Princess Luna she just doesn't have the same pony skills as Princess Celestia. Not to mention she does have her hooves full with our favorite dark mage." Twilight replied, while waving to the emphatic onlookers.

The dragon shivered. "Yeah, well, Princess Luna still creeps me out sometimes. Being trapped in the moon for a thousand years all by yourself can’t be good for your brain."

"Don't worry, Spike, if I'm ever banished up there I'm taking you with me!" Twilight's humor was lost on her loyal assistant.

“Goody…” Spike didn’t seem thrilled to spend a thousand years making check-lists of different moon rocks.

As Celestia alighted among her subjects a team of mail pegasi took flight. “Spread the word across our kingdom! Let everypony know they are welcome in Canterlot once again!”

Sweetie Belle wildly pumped her forelegs into the air. Rarity wobbled in place before finally crashing onto her rump. The filly could only offer an innocent smile to her glaring sister. “Heh, guess I got a little carried away.”

. . . . . .

Derpy soared over the sparsely-leafed orange treetops back to Ponyville. She was chosen by Twilight to be the official bearer of the royal announcement regarding Canterlot’s reopening. Pegasi from all major cities and towns were summoned to attend Celestia’s sunrise today with the task of personally relaying the news across Equestria. It was a day of celebration for an entire nation of confused ponies. The bandits would be caught, the guards could focus on the safety of the trade routes, and life would return to normal. At least, that was the plan.

But this news wasn’t a blessing for everypony; especially not for the galloping party leaving Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack was leading the pack of Scootaloo, Apple Bloom, and Reynard. A cloud of dust was left in their wake as Derpy caught up.

“Hiya, Applejack! You’re sure in a big hurry!” Derpy panted, flapping her wings faster.

Applejack nodded her head.  “Mornin’ Miss Hooves! You’re up mighty early!”

“Hey, Derpy!” Scootaloo strained her wings in an attempt to lift off the ground and join the goofy-eyed mare.

“Good morning, fillies! Nice work keeping up with Applejack!”

“I’m goin’ easy on ‘em! Don’t go thinkin’ y’all can outrun this farmhoof anytime soon!” Applejack winked back to the girls. “Reynard is probably the only competition I got!”

The fox held his head high while running past Scootaloo.

“So, you’re heading to Ponyville too?” Derpy wiped the sweat from her brow.

“Sure am! Market day! Hey, wait a sec. Mail don’t come out on Sundays. What’s in your saddlebag?” Applejack’s eyebrow rose in confusion. The Sunday market was a tradition in Ponyville, as well as other parts of Equestria. The postal service was always closed to grant the hard-working mail ponies a chance to shop and spend time in their hometowns.

“It’s big news! Canterlot is open to the public again!”

Applejack screeched to a halt. The fillies overtook her and stopped down the road.

“O-open again? You mean-“

“Yeppers! As of the sunrise today Princess Celestia made the announcement herself! Everypony was so happy! I even teared up a bit watching them celebrate.” Derpy landed next to Applejack.

“Open again…” Applejack repeated with her head lowered. Suddenly, two weeks of having Chase around on the farm felt like just a fleeting dream. She had grown accustomed to having a new friend working on the orchard. It also didn’t help that he so eagerly and selflessly threw himself at any task she presented. While he was nowhere near as seasoned as Big Macintosh, Chase had a determination all of his own. Now a piece of paper dangling from Derpy’s mouth had awoken Applejack back to the reality that her goofy assistant would soon be leaving.

“See?” A flier was clenched between Derpy’s front teeth. It read: By decree of Princess Celestia the Royal City of Canterlot proudly reopens her doors to all citizens of Equestria. The penmanship was outstanding. The poster practically served as an invitation to visit the castle.

“That’s, uh, that’s great news!” Applejack’s expression could barely hide the lie. Each word on the paper was like an axe to her favorite apple tree. She swallowed her selfish emotions and started her trot back to Ponyville. “It really is wonderful for Canterlot. Now Rarity can get the attention she deserves and Twilight can hopefully come home soon!”

“Does this mean that Chase is leavin’?” Apple Bloom followed after her sister.

“Yeah… Guess it’ll just be us three keepin' an eye on the homestead until Granny and Mac come home.” The group was back on track to the market, but the heavy sadness in Applejack’s heart prevented her from bursting into another sprint. “Let’s just be happy that we were able to keep everything runnin’ despite bein’ low on help this year. Now shake a hoof! We have some apples to sell.”

. . . . . .

Chase cracked his back against the booth and grinned. “Ooo, that felt nice…”

Fluttershy jumped at the sound of his backbone and watched as the sly salesman twisted from side to side. “That sounded painful.”

“Fluttershy, my friend, I have enough coffee in me to lift a house. I could probably break my spine and not even know about it until the next morning!” He danced around on his hind legs and playfully punched the air.

“You’re certainly energetic!” She smiled. Placed next to her was a picnic basket filled with baby bunnies. Fluttershy opened the lid and checked on the sleeping critters. “Seems like everypony is still asleep.”

“Everybunny?” Chase winked.

“Oh, right. Everybunny.” She gently closed the lid and hopped onto the folding chair behind the booth.

Pinkie jumped in front of Chase and swatted him away.  “Fluttershy! You’re never going to sell bunnies just sitting around all day! Today is all about action, aggression, and shouting as loud as possible!”

“Shhhh! They’re still sleeping!” Fluttershy hugged the basket against her chest and lowered her ears. Pinkie was in her usual energetic form. Except for some reason she had a moustache stuck beneath her nose.

“Love the new look, Pinkie!” Chase flicked her moustache and tilted his head. “Do you have extras?”

“Do I have extras?” She asked in surprise. “Does Fluttershy go to the bathroom in the woods?”

"Well, actually I don't-"

"Good point. Hand ‘em over!"

Pinkie reached into her bag. She stuck her tongue out while she rooted through the cluttered insides. She quickly removed her hoof and stamped it against Chase's face. Sure enough a black, felt moustache was now tickling his nose. "I also have top hats and canes for the big musical number!"

Chase took a step back. "M-musical number? I dunno about all that..."

"Um, have you ever seen anypony sell bunnies and apples without a big musical number?" The ambitious mare's energy was only helping to add wood onto the fire burning within Chase. Then again, most of that fire was simply a caffeine overdose coupled with a sugar-high from his morning donuts. Chase was sure to crash like a pegasus with stone wings later tonight.

"Look, it's Mayor Mare!" Fluttershy's hoof tracked the mayor as she walked past and entered into the center of the town square. The official opening of the marketplace was just moments away. Ponies were scrambling to finish the last minute preparations.

Chase was startled when a mare beside him dropped the heavy tarp covering her pottery stand. The hoofcrafted clayware varied from mugs to over-sized vases. His eyes darted to the other side of the apple and bunny stand when a cart full of cupcakes and pastries was wheeled over by Mr. and Mrs. Cake.

"Morning, Pinkie!" Mr. Cake shouted. The smock-wearing stallion waved to his part-time helper.

“Hiya!” Pinkie blurted out as the crowd’s volume was lowered to a hush.

Chase drummed his hooves on the wooden table and felt the butterflies in his stomach growing. Unloading the apples in Ponyville was his best chance to recoup the losses from the bandit strikes. Lots of competition here today. All competing for the same pool of bits. Doesn't matter. We'll show those other ponies that a meal just ain't a meal without an apple from Equestria's finest orchard!

The mayor jumped onto a box in the middle of the town square. Ponies immediately took position behind their stands and waited for her to make the announcement. Chase squinted and could see large groups of customers forming around the perimeter of the marketplace. The town square and the surrounding alleyways were about to be flooded with potential buyers.

Pinkie placed a hoof against her mouth and leaned closer to Chase. “Psst.”

Chase’s eyes shifted over to her.

“Crowd’s looking bigger than usual! Hope you’re ready for a long day!” Obviously Pinkie didn’t have a strong grasp on whispering.

The only thing louder than Pinkie’s aggressive whispering was the sound of hooves charging over the cobblestone. Applejack’s ponytail bounced against her shoulder as she hurried toward them. Sitting on her back were Apple Bloom and Scootaloo. The fillies excitedly waved their hooves.

“It’s Applejack!” Chase’s excitement was barely contained. “And there’s my notepad!”

Reynard rolled his eyes and picked up the pace to stay close to the galloping mare.

“Howdy, everypony! Sorry about showin’ up so late!” Applejack leaned against the counter and caught her breath. “Looks like y’all did a great job setting up the stand! We’re gonna sell so many apples and bunnies!” Her smiled vanished and she placed a hoof to her chin. “Bunnies?”

Chase laughed nervously. “Well… Okay, so here’s what happened.”

“Chase didn’t get here soon enough and got a really crummy spot in the alleyway for your stand, Applejack!” Pinkie squeed.

“Uh, that’s… actually all true.” Chase hung his head in shame and sighed.

“Sorry, I shoulda told ya how busy it would get here! This is the last market before the seasons change. That means everypony wants to load up on the freshest goods possible! Store-bought fruits and veggies just ain’t the same as the freshly pulled or bucked variety!”

“The only thing bucked around here is our sales…” Apple Bloom muttered.

“Not to worry! I have it all planned out!” Chase grinned. He stepped to the side and revealed a roll of tickets. Fluttershy’s coy wave was directed to Applejack and the fillies.  She was quickly pushed to the side and Chase continued. “Ponies will come to Apples and Buns – really wish Pinkie didn’t get to name the stand – to purchase a ticket for their desired amount of apples. They will then be shown to the alleyway in order to pick up their bag, basket, bushel, or barrel of apples at Sweet Apple Acres’ produce stand! If anypony asks why we’re in alley I’ll just tell ‘em it’s to reduce congestion. I know, I know; it’s a lie. Well, more of a fib.”

“Mmm hmm.” Applejack tapped a hoof.

“Half-truth?” Chase squeed.

“No time for morals and ethics! Get yer flanks over to the produce stand! Me and Scoots’ll get these tickets sold faster than ya can call for a chicken!” Apple Bloom nudged her groaning friend.

“Not a chicken!” Scootaloo reminded.

Applejack’s stern face broke into laughter and she yanked Chase by his foreleg. “C’mon, partner, show me where the goods are! You’re gonna be helpin’ me today.” Her tone still managed to sound optimistic despite the news she was obligated to deliver. After all, Derpy would be busy posting notices all over Ponyville soon. Even if AJ could hide the truth, it wouldn’t last long.

The raucous crowd had become just a murmur by the time Applejack and Chase reached the stand for Sweet Apple Acres. She ran a hoof over the freshly constructed shelves presenting the bounty of their harvest. A ladder on wheels was at the far end of the apples for easy access to the baskets towering over them. On each side of their designated plot were two enormous barrels loaded with mixed apples. Bags for carrying the apples were hanging from a nail on each barrel. Applejack’s eyes watered as she read the banner hanging over the booth.

“Sweet Apple Acres: Rooted in Tradition.” Applejack’s voice cracked. She wiped a hoof over her eye and turned to face the beaming stallion. “You did all this for me?”

“Well, Fluttershy helped too! It was a team effort! Ya know, magic of friendship and all that stuff.” Chase happily walked past Applejack and leaned against one of the shelves. “I just… wanted to make up for getting you such a lousy spot. I felt terrible.”

Applejack’s head shook in disagreement. “It’s wonderful. I’m just glad we can spend the day sellin’ apples together.” She stood beside the stallion and turned her head to focus down the narrow path between the buildings. Scootaloo and Apple Bloom would be doing their part soon enough. There wasn’t much time before ponies started trickling down to pick up their newly purchased apples.

“Are you okay?” Chase tried peeking over her shoulder. “You look… kinda sad.”

A tear left her eye and parted through the fur down to her cheek. “Canterlot’s open to the public now.” The words barely left her throat before she had to hide her emotions again. Another swipe of her hoof cleared the watery trail down her face.

“Oh… Well, that’s good.” Even Chase wasn’t aloof enough to realize that Applejack wasn’t pleased with the announcement. He turned away to give her some privacy. “I’m sure a lot of ponies will be thrilled to visit.”

“And now ya can finally go find that friend of yours.”

Chase nodded. “Definitely. I’ll have more than enough bits now too.” He stuck the moustache onto his face and stomped over to Applejack. “But that can wait! We have some apples to sell, my dear!” Chase shouted with his best impersonation of the Flim Flam brothers. “Not to mention we can get a few more acres cleared if I stay a couple more days, ya know?”

The pangs of heartache eased and a smile grew over Applejack’s muzzle. She turned and laughed at her moustache-wearing salespony. A few more days were much better than watching him gallop away to the train station tonight. “My only complaint is that ya didn’t get a moustache for me!”

Chase stamped a hoof against her face and gave a sinister laugh. “If it was longer we could twirl the ends and pretend we were super-villains!” He squeed as Applejack adjusted the black piece of fabric itching her nose.

“Enough messin’ around! Lemme see how how y’all coastal ponies handle some hungry country folk at a market!” She hopped onto her chair and smacked a hoof on the empty seat next to her. “I just hope Apple Bloom learned a lesson from the last time she tried to sell my apples.”

. . . . . .

The rest of the day went according to schedule. The fillies used their adorable looks and innocent natures to push apples on as many ponies as they could. This of course meant that Apple Bloom and Scootaloo were in fact putting on a show. Without Applejack watching over them, the two crusaders used their wild imaginations to inform the customers of the benefits of an apple from Sweet Apple Acres. While their apples most likely didn’t cure all diseases or last for several years, they did their part and ran out of tickets before the sun even started to set.

Fluttershy also managed to sell all of her bunnies. Sadly, Pinkie never got to use her top hat for a song and dance.

Over at the Sweet Apple Acres stand, Applejack and Chase could barely keep up with demand once the ponies found their way to the secluded booth. Baskets were flying from the shelves, families were eagerly throwing apples into their tote bags, and a grocer from Canterlot even came to purchase an entire barrel! The bandits’ stranglehold on the trade routes had pushed more customers than ever to the Apple family’s goods. By the end of the day the only items left behind Chase and AJ were the empty baskets not used.

And of course a bag spilling over with shiny gold coins.

“What. A. Day!” Chase collapsed onto the ground. He inspected the splinters in his hooves and cringed. “I got more splinters handling those baskets than I did kicking trees.”

Applejack was slumped against the barren shelves with a mug of water clenched in her hoof. “We made a fortune today. Never woulda thought that we’d sell the entire load!”

“Those girls did such a great job selling the tickets.” Chase pulled a splinter out with his teeth and spat it onto the ground.

“I’m sure little Apple Bloom did a wonderful job of exaggerating the facts in each sales pitch,” Applejack sighed. She gulped down the water and set the mug on a shelf behind her. “She’s such a little troublemaker!”

“Yeah, but she’s just so cute!” Chase steadied on all four hooves. His aching muscles were doing little to help support him after a day of managing the stand’s apples.

“I’m gonna round up the fillies and take ‘em back home. Want me to send Reynard over here?”

“I’m sure he’d rather go wash off with Apple Bloom and go to sleep. Besides, I’ll be heading back as soon as I take down these shelves and load the wood back on the wagon. Shouldn’t take too long.” Chase’s stomach gurgled in protest. “Um, how about you just make sure I have a plate of food waiting for me?”

“You got it, partner!” Applejack winked. “See ya back home!”

I’m starting to wish it was my home… Chase sighed as he watched Applejack gallop down the alley. “No time for moping. Gotta take this booth down!”

. . . . . .

Fluttershy gently tugged on the banner of her stand until it fell to the ground with the grace of a stray feather. She draped it over the counter and carefully rolled it up, making sure to keep the sides even with one another. The hustle and bustle of the marketplace was gone. Only remnants of trash scattered across the ground hinted that a major event had taken place a few hours earlier. Most businesses had packed up their remaining goods and carried away what they hoped would be a plentiful bounty of bits.

There was a comforting silence hanging over the streets. With all of the chaos gone, Ponyville was able to once again become the quiet town nestled among the farmlands and forests of Equestria.

"I figured you wouldn't be saving the banner unless you planned on selling apples and bunnies together again next year." Chase stopped behind Fluttershy.

"Well, you never know! Maybe Applejack will need my help again!" Fluttershy smiled and slid the rolled-up banner into her bag.

The conversation felt forced. Both ponies knew that a departure was imminent.

Derpy had done her royal duty. Fliers announcing the reopening of Canterlot were posted all across town. She had even informed the mayor personally.  In addition to being chosen by Celestia to deliver the news, Derpy had even worked overtime, while mail ponies from the Cloudsdale Rumble rested. Her proud canter through the town square was well-deserved.

"Yeah. Maybe next year won't be so bad." Chase nodded politely as Derpy passed by. "Actually I came over because I wanted to thank you. I was so caught up in the excitement today that I never had a chance to pull ya aside and properly thank you for all of your help last night. There's no way in Equestria I would have been able to set up that stand without you. Not to mention you were kind enough to let the girls promote our apples here!"

"It was my pleasure!" Fluttershy beamed. Her wings carried her over to Chase. "The only reason I even found such a good spot for the market was because I was in town buying some food for Angel. Besides, it would have been a waste of good real estate to only sell my bunnies here." She giggled and grabbed the saddlebag with her mouth.

"I guess I better head back to the farm. I'm sure Applejack already made a list of chores for me." Chase sighed. "No rest for the weary! I dunno how she does it every day."

"Me neither." Fluttershy dropped the heavy bag onto her flank and winced. "But I'm sure she was very grateful for your help this harvest!"

Was...

Another reminder of abandoning his Ponyville pals stung Chase in his chest. The last few of weeks of work had kept his mind distracted from any emotions that would strike when he would finally board the train to Canterlot.

This would've been so much simpler if I had just taken the bits and left after the pet show.

"Are you okay?" Fluttershy moved closer. "We can always talk if you have something on your mind, Chase."

"Excuse me?" A voice sounded behind Chase. The tension was sliced into pieces. "Are you Fox Chase?" A gorgeous mare was waiting with her head tilted to the side. Her coat was such a creamy shade of tan that you could probably mix it into a cup of coffee! A brown ponytail was resting against her neck as she waited for the stallion to answer.

"Oh, hello! That's me! Nice to meet you...?"

Button poked his head out from behind the mare's flank. "Mom, stop! You're embarrassing me..."

"Oh, it's wonderful to finally meet you! Button's told me so much about you!" She smiled and stepped to the side revealing the stealthy colt. "I'm Button's mother, Penny. He wouldn't stop talking about the 'super-cool stallion' down at the arcade."

"Mom..." Button moaned in protest.

"Well, I have been known to play a game or ten." Chase squeed. "And it's, uh, nice to meet you too!"

"Sorry, didn't mean to embarrass you! Feel free to stop by any time. My son would love it if you came over to play his little digging game!"

"It's called Mineshaft, mom." Button muttered under his breath. The mortification on his cheeks could not shine any brighter.

"Right..." She shrugged. "I have some groceries to take home, but I expect you to come visit soon, Chase!"

Button waved. "We can get a pizza!" Penny’s hoof bumped him in the flank. "And when Sweetie's back we can do three-player! My mom can get you a controller!"

"Button! Move!" Penny hollered. Her stubborn son now infatuated with thoughts of a gaming night. "Goodbye!" She smiled over her shoulder, while pushing the rambling colt away from his friends.

"He's such a cutie." Fluttershy cooed. "You should see him when he's with Sweetie Belle."

A slam of a hoof on the countertop redirected their attention once again. Fluttershy darted behind Chase and trembled. The source of the noise? Two darkly clad stallions were leaning against the now barren stand. Fluttershy's audible gulp forced Chase into an offensive position.

"Can I help you, gentlecolts?" Chase stepped forward, cutting off the uninvited guests from Fluttershy.

"You don't remember us?" The larger stallion smirked. "In the alleyway last night!"

Crud! Gotta rebound before they figure out we're not in the gang!

Chase sauntered forward and leaned closer. "It's not safe to talks here. We'll, uh, take a little stroll outside town. You stay here, Butterfly." He winked at the shivering mare.

Chase and the two thugs trotted beneath the cobblestone bridge that he first crossed on the morning of the pet show. The trickling of the water did nothing to soothe his nerves. He had managed to lure the troublemakers away from town, but his next move was still undecided. Without Fluttershy to cause a distraction Chase was left to only his own cunning to save his flank.

"Nice to see you boys agains." Chase gave them both an aggressive pat on the back. "Nopony'll even think to come down here. We're safe."

"We was comin' to remind you about visiting the boss tonight, but then I find you sellin' apples for bits! You're one step away from being skinned alive!"

Chase laughed and stuck his head between them. "Easy, easy! You's two are so quick to get upset! I got an in with these Apples. They trust me. I figured I'd sell some apples to help out, makea bag of bits, then swipe it before I come pay my respects to the boss! I just need a few more nights. When their guard is down that money is as good as ours!"

The two thugs laughed and slapped Chase on the back hard enough to knock him over. The sore stallion rubbed his flank as he looked up at the goons. Only their eyes shone under the shroud of their cloaks. “You’re a real devious fella. Say, I don’t think we ever got the name of you and that mare you’re with.”

Chase gulped. Fluttershy… “Oh yeah. Begs my pardons! I goes by Foxface Craftypaws and my hunny’s name is Butterfly… Kisses!” He bit his lip. Those names are terrible...

“I love them names!” The smaller stallion chimed in. “You’re gonna go far in the Mirage Gang, Foxface. Tell ya what, I’m gonna go talk to Cracker and tell him to expect you real soon. We’re posting up in the Everfree Forest until we make a move on the orchard. Now that I know you’re pullin’ the wool over that family’s eyes we can use you to clean out the rest of the orchard in a single night!”

“Just make sure you show up. Boss tends to get real nasty if he’s kept waiting.”

“I’ll make sure I’m there!” Chase said enthusiastically, trying to not tremble any more than he already was.

“We’ll plan our attack and then clean out them Apples real good. Gonna be the best orchard raid of the season! Hopefully boss doesn’t kill anypony this time…”

Kill?!

The thugs left Chase on the damp grass of the riverbank. As he listened to the sounds of their hoofsteps growing further away he could only curl up into a ball and attempt to console himself. There were no friends around to help him this time. Even his Ponyville pals were no match for a gang of robbers, especially if their leader was as cutthroat as he sounded.

The panic was too much for him to handle.

Chase ran to the stream and barely made it to the water before expelling what little food he had left inside his stomach. He splashed some clean water against his muzzle and steadied his breathing. The crafty stallion was beginning to run out of time and ideas. He sat up and cold beads of water rolled down his chest. Chase lunged forward again and quickly covered his mouth. He remained motionless with his lips hovering just over the shimmering surface of the creek.

“What have I done…?”

/) To be Continued (\