The Great Crusade to Canterlot

The morning after the stressful encounter with the bandits was a day like any other. Except that only Chase had to shoulder the burden of Sweet Apple Acres being the next big heist on the Mirage Gang’s list. Working was the only thing keeping Chase from buckling under the stress and having a nervous breakdown.

Luckily, Applejack was giving him more attention than ever. The two shared a private breakfast together and went over the final days of Chase’s stay on the orchard. When the news of Canterlot’s reopening finally went public, everypony did their best to digest the bittersweet announcement. The only pony still showing outward signs of grouchiness was Apple Bloom. It only made sense that she’d take the departure the hardest. Without Chase’s help, the family wagon would most likely have spent its final days resting in a junkyard. Scootaloo did her best to keep Apple Bloom’s spirits high, but as soon as the filly was brought back to reality her heart sank all over again.

Though he wasn’t showing it, Chase was also in pain. During their breakfast together he noticed things about Applejack that had never caught his eye before. He particularly enjoyed watching the mare fix her hair into a ponytail, while she reviewed the daily chores. He had grown accustomed to seeing her freshly rinsed blonde mane every morning. It was his personal sunrise.

And nothing officially ended the day quite like Applejack’s constricted hair finally being set free from the restraint of her red band.

Even the way she chewed her food was adorable to Chase. He couldn’t help but smile when her more uncouth side was revealed. A hungry farmhoof eating dinner was truly a sight to behold. She was a chomping, slurping, burping mess. Who could blame her though? Working outside for at least twelve hours a day was hard work. A mare that hungry didn’t need manners. Sometimes Chase would even challenge Applejack to a speed eating competition. It wasn’t the healthiest – or safest – idea, but it was very entertaining. The two contestants usually shared a hearty laugh despite who stood as the victor.

But Chase’s favorite part of the day was when Applejack first opened the front door to the outside world. The earthy smells of the land mixed with her natural aroma drove him mad. Her form was illuminated by the sun’s light, and the cool morning air would ripple through her fur. There were a few occasions where Applejack had caught him staring at her while she stood in the doorway. Though she never once said anything to interrupt his daydreaming. Only a smile was directed to Chase before she departed for her early morning duties.

This morning, Applejack was busy cleaning the kitchen from breakfast. Chase and the girls were already off tending to the farmland and making sure the animal enclosures were ready for the upcoming shift in temperature. A frozen coop of chickens would only cause more problems for the overworked family.

A knock at the door startled Applejack. She dropped the plate she was drying and hurried over to the gentle tapping. “Just a second!” Her hoof twisted the knob, and she pulled the front door open. “Oh, good morning. Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres! How can I help ya?”

Standing outside was an unfamiliar unicorn. Her pale-yellow fur was perfectly brushed save for the newly formed knots around her dirty hooves. Her mane was colored like a graham cracker and emitted a similarly sweet smell. Applejack felt like she was staring into two glistening jewels every time the mare blinked her emerald eyes. This unicorn was either lost or about to begin a sales pitch for some new miracle cream. Anypony this dolled up wasn’t here to start bucking apples for a living.

“Good morning!” The mare bowed. As she lifted her head a blush grew on her cheeks. “My, this is embarrassing. It’s been so long since I’ve stepped hoof on a farm.”

“Ya? I can see that.” Applejack chuckled and reached her hoof forward. “My name’s-“

“Applejack, correct? My name is Volta. Volta Limelight. I’m a performer with the Trotalus theatre group in Manehattan.” Volta hesitantly pushed her leg forward. Her elegantly polished hoof was in severe contrast to the cracked ends of Applejack’s foreleg.

“Wow, never expected to be speakin’ with a Manehattan performer today. I’m flattered that ya even know my name!” Applejack smiled. Volta didn’t seem dangerous. In a worst case scenario Applejack would have no problem lassoing and hog-tying the noble performer if she got out of control.

“Blueprint told me all about you! I’ve heard so many good things!”

“You’ll have to forgive me, but I dunno anypony named, uh, Blueprint, ya said?” Applejack’s sincere look of confusion only caused Volta to step back in surprise.

“Oh? Well, there is a pony named Fox Chase here, yes?” Volta questioned.

“Now that’s a name I’ll never forget!” AJ smiled and stepped outside. “He’s down on the farm right now helpin’ my sister.”

“Wonderful! He really is here…”

“So you’re a friend of his, Miss Limelight?” Applejack felt the excitement rising in her heart. It was always a good feeling to know somepony with friends in high places.

“Of course I do! I’m his marefriend from New Jockey!” Volta beamed in delight. “Thank you very much for your help, Miss Applejack. You have a lovely day!”

Applejack’s heart ripped in half. She fell onto her rump and watched as the stranger trotted along the road linking the house to the farmlands off in the distance. Washing the dishes no longer seemed like a pressing matter. Applejack removed the hat from her head and held it against her aching chest. “Mare… friend?”

. . . . . .

A mud-covered Apple Bloom was stomping through sludge and forcing the pigs into their enclosure. The largest squealing mass of blubber was not cooperating and kicking more muck onto the already filthy filly. “Get yer rump in there! I gotta make sure y’all can fit!” Apple Bloom grunted and pushed the pig through the entrance. The creature turned and smiled at the sight of his gross owner. “Ya might be a prize-winnin’ boar, but yer really tryin’ my patience today, Snortimer!”

Scootaloo couldn’t contain her laughter any longer. She fell against the fence and started hooting. “If I’m a chicken then you’re a pig, Apple Bloom! You should see yourself!” She covered her nose. “And smell yourself…”

Apple Bloom huffed and a glob of mud shot out from her nose. “There is nothin’ cuter than an earth pony hard at work, thank ya very much!”

“She has a point, Scoots.” Chase cracked his forelegs and leaned against one of the posts holding the fence in place. “Looking good, Apple Bloom! The way I smell it, you’re just getting in touch with mother nature!”

Apple Bloom stuck her tongue out at Scootaloo. “See? Stallions love me!” She turned her attention back to the now snoozing pig resting inside his home. “Looks like there’ll be enough room after all. My guess is Rainbow Dash will hit us with a nasty snow storm right away. Darn pegasi are always causin’ trouble!”

“I can hear you!” Scootaloo fluttered her wings and tried to jump over the fence. Chase grabbed her and carried the struggling filly away. “Lemme go! She just insulted my entire race! And my hero!”

“Cool your wings, hotshot! You did just call her a pig. All is fair in farming and weather control.” Chase grinned and set Scootaloo on the ground. “You can come help me with the cows. Nothing like a fresh squeezed glass of milk to calm ya down!”

Scootaloo turned her head away in protest. “Don’t try and butter me up, foxface.”

“Thanks a million, Skye.” Chase facehoofed and left a muddy hoofprint on his forehead.

“Chase? Is that you?”

The stallion’s eyes grew and he quickly rubbed the dirt from his head. “That voice…” He turned away from the irritable pegasus and followed the sound of the soft voice. Before he could even speak, Chase was tackled onto the ground with a mare’s face buried in his chest. “V-Volta?! What the hay are you doing here?”

Volta lifted her head; the bangs of her mane partially covering her left eye. “It’s a long story. Can we talk somewhere? Maybe in town?”

Chase nodded. “Y-yeah, sure. I know a good place where we can grab a bite to eat. You like milkshakes, right?”

“Milkshakes? You haven’t changed a bit.” Volta snuggled against him again before finally releasing her supposed coltfriend.

Chase brushed the dirt off his body. “Apple Bloom, I’m gonna sneak into town with my friend for a bit! Haven’t seen her in ages!” Reynard strolled over and took a seat in front of Volta. “Ya know, I could have been tackled by a bandit and stabbed to death in the time it takes you to go from point A to point B. I swear you’re getting lazier, fuzzball.”

Reynard’s body was encased in a yellow glow of magic as he was pulled against Volta’s face. “Reynard! Look how much bigger you’ve gotten! Chase must be overfeeding you…”

Chase narrowed his eyes and groaned. “Always getting me in trouble! Pony’s best friend indeed…”

The two ponies departed for Ponyville leaving Apple Bloom and Scootaloo in a state of total disarray.

Apple Bloom shook the mud from her fur and climbed over the fence. “If he gets to take a break then so do we! C’mon, Scootaloo, we’re going back for a post-breakfast muffin.”

“Who in Equestria was that?” Scootaloo obediently followed.

“Dunno, but she sure seemed to like Chase an awful lot.” Apple Bloom’s face wrinkled in disgust. “And I sure as sugar don’t like her!”

. . . . . .

“Now be honest, Volta; what are you doing in Sweet Apple Acres?” Chase felt a chill wash over his body. The lowering temperatures were becoming more apparent each day. Not to mention that by this point in the afternoon he was usually overheated from bucking trees.

The unwelcomed gust of cold air did nothing to visibly impact Volta’s mood. She happily trotted along the road from Sweet Apple Acres back to Ponyville. Her eyes rarely leaving her handsome travelling companion. “It’s so beautiful out here, Chase! I can see why you’ve stayed so long.”

“No avoiding the question!” Chase demanded an answer.

“Okay, relax!” Volta moved closer to him and giggled. “The truth is that about a month or so ago I ran into Skye Shot in Manehattan. He was at Barns and Stable buying one of those Daring Do books all the foals rave over. It was an odd encounter to say the least… But that’s not the point! He told me that I should come back to New Jockey for a visit some time. It’s true that I haven’t been to the beach since before I moved to Manehattan. Not to mention I really wanted to… catch up with you.” She nuzzled against the snoozing fox on his back.

“Reynard hasn’t been much of an early bird lately. Apple Bloom does a fantastic job spoiling him.” Chase sighed and could vaguely see his warm breath meet the coolness of the approaching winter months.

“He is getting a little chubby.” Volta hopped over a pothole in the road. She gracefully landed on her hooves and continued staring at Chase. “Anyway, I went to New Jockey and paid a visit to Blueprint. She told me all about Skye becoming a weather pony, Role Play serving as a royal guard, and… she also scolded you for not coming home after the pet show.”

Chase chomped down on his lower lip. “She sorta told me to leave Role Play alone. I can imagine she didn’t care much for my letter about staying on Sweet Apple Acres to save up for a pass into Canterlot.” He stopped walking and stomped a hoof on the ground. “But you don’t understand! Role Play just up and left! It was so sudden.” His ears lowered. “I just want to know why he’s been so quiet lately. We went from being best friends to barely talking to each other. That jerk has only replied to a hoofful of my letters, Volta!”

Volta caught Chase off guard and wrapped her forelegs around his neck. The added body heat was a great way to beat the cold. “Blue also said that she wouldn’t try to stop you. As soon as I heard about what happened I decided to take a detour to Ponyville. I can’t stay long, Chase. I just… thought maybe it would be nice to see a familiar face. After all, I am still the love of your life!” She giggled and released him.

“Not this again! You really need to stop telling ponies that! It was only cute when we were kids!” Chase blushed and continued walking down the road. The homes of Ponyville were nestled just over the horizon.

“Cha-sey! Come back! We have to make up for years of missed cuddling!” She galloped down the road shouting his name. The stallion quickly dashed away toward their destination.

This mare is such a pain! Still… She is a sight for sore eyes.

. . . . . .

Apple Bloom slammed her dirty bow onto the table and startled her sister, who was attempting to clean the dishes for a second time. “I need a muffin!”

Applejack dropped the plate into the sink and spun around. “Apple Bloom! Manners, young lady! You would like a muffin, please!” She glared. “And you’re covered in filth! No dirty fillies at the breakfast table!”

“You said the dinner table…”

“It’s the same dang table!”

Scootaloo crept into the kitchen and submissively lowered herself to the ground. “I’d like a muffin too, please.” She squeed.

“Thank you, Scootaloo. My rude sister could use a lesson from ya. Jus’ ‘cuz we’re farm ponies don’t mean we need to be a buncha slobs.” Applejack forlornly stared out the window to the farmlands below. It was obvious that the high-society mare was still plaguing her thoughts.

Scootaloo grabbed a muffin from the basket on the table. She quickly tore the wrapping away with her teeth and took a bite. “Apple Bloom’s just upset because some fancy mare came and stole her coltfriend away.” Scootaloo laughed and sprayed crumbs onto herself and the table.

“He ain’t my coltfriend! We have a lot of chores to finish and that good-for-nothin’ stallion is off on a date or somethin’!” Apple Bloom tried to tie the bow back into her hair and pouted. “I can’t even tie this dang thing properly! It’s too soggy! Ugh!”

Applejack knew what was going on. She walked over to Apple Bloom and attempted to fix her bow. “Sounds like somepony’s been bitten by the jealousy bug! Don’tcha worry. Chase will come back and we can all meet his friend together. She seemed like a very polite mare. Scoots, finish your muffin and then rinse off the apples I brought up last night. Bloom, learn yourself some manners and then take a ten minute muffin break. Once you’re done I want you back on the farm finishing up your work with the animals. I know it ain’t pretty, but we’re almost done with the harvest season. Before ya know it we’ll be down in the cellar makin’ cider!” She forced a smile.

“That mare better not try anything funny with Skye! Dash would tear that frilly filly to pieces!” Scoots gulped down the last crumbly piece of her muffin and crossed her forelegs.

. . . . . .

A white ball rolled up an incline and dropped into a circle labeled Ten Tickets. Squeals of delight sounded from Chase as it became apparent that Volta would be spending more time than she wanted at the Ponyville Players Guild arcade.

“Hurray. You made the tiny ball go into the hole… Again.” Volta sighed.

“Aww yeah, who’s got the skills to pay the bills? I do!” Chase pumped his forelegs in the air and jumped around in celebration. “It’s just like the old days, Volta! Remember when you used to bring us lunch on the boardwalk?”

“Only because you three would spend all day playing games! I was afraid you’d die of malnourishment! Honestly, you’re never going to grow up, Chase!” Volta ripped his tickets from the skee ball machine and added them to the ever-growing pile between her and the excitable stallion. “Can we please go redeem your tickets and leave? I thought you wanted to get some food…”

Chase rolled another ball up the ramp. His eyes followed the spinning orb until it leapt from the lip of the incline and bounced off the rubber circle, denying him another bundle of tickets. “Come on! That was going straight into the hole!” He kicked the ticket dispenser and dropped onto all fours. “It’s rigged… Ah, well. Let’s see what kinda goodies we can get! I do have a ton of tickets!”

The neon lights and blinking game screens reflected on the smudgy glass concealing the spoils of arcade war. Volta had the tickets neatly stacked and secured within her magical field. Not many Bridleway stars would put up with the foalish antics of a grown stallion. Still, she took everything in stride and reminded herself that Chase would always be like this. It’s difficult to outgrow an obsession.

“So, what can you get?” Volta set the tickets on the counter and pressed her muzzle against the glass.

“I have one hundred and seventy five tickets… Ooo, I can get thirty five super balls!”

“No.”

“I can get,” Chase moved his face down to the next set of prizes, “seventeen hoof traps! Those things are lots of fun!”

“No! Isn’t there anything useful here?” Volta turned away from the prizes and sighed.

Chase’s eyes looked upward to the brand new JoyBoy Color system sitting high on the shelf. “Woah… That would be awesome to have!”

“Yeah, but you’ll need thirty four thousand eight hundred and twenty five more tickets to get one of those.” Button popped his head up between Chase and his line of sight with the handheld gaming device. “You’re better off just buying one!”

“Button!” Chase grinned.

“I heard you yelling at the skee ball machine again, so I figured I’d come say hello!” Button looked at the disgruntled mare and lowered his ears. “Who’s that?”

“Chase, can we please just go and-” Volta’s eyes sparkled as she looked down at Button. He remained silent and pressed his body against Chase’s leg.

“Sh-she’s staring at me!” Button blushed.

“You’re the cutest thing ever!” Volta grabbed him by the tail as he tried to scurry away. “And look at your little hat with the propeller!” She squeezed him tightly against her chest.

“Help!” Button managed to blurt out.

Chase snatched the tickets from the stand and tucked them under Button’s hat. “Hope this makes up for her… enthusiasm. Button, meet Volta Limelight. She’s one of the lead performers of Trotalus! Told ya I knew some bigshots in Manehattan.” Chase snickered.

Button melted in her forelegs as soon as he realized he was safe. The pink under his cheek fur seemed to be a permanent fixture now. “Nice to meet you.” He said quietly.

“Okay, okay! Put the poor kid down! We better head over to the Milkshake Shack before the royal guard shows up and charges us with being colt cuddlers!” Chase’s eyes scanned the room to see if anypony had noticed. Not surprisingly, the foals were all much more interested in their games. Even the clerk behind the prize counter was busy at the far end restocking the newly acquired Discord lamps. For the low, low price of twenty thousand red scraps of paper any foal could brighten their bedroom with the official mascot of chaos.

. . . . . .

Button hid his face behind the chocolate shake, while Volta did her best to continue admiring the adorable colt. He sunk further down in the booth, but the determined mare simply leaned over the table and giggled. “Chase… make her stop!”

Reynard hopped onto Button’s lap and growled at Volta.

“Reynard! Don’t growl at me! I helped raise you from a pup!” Volta sat back down in her seat and took a sip from her water.

“He’s probably just angry that you ordered water! Seriously, who does that?!” Chase wrapped a foreleg around Button’s neck and yanked him over. “Ain’t we just the cutest two ponies you ever laid eyes on?” Button slurped on his milkshake and spoiled the picture perfect moment.

“You two are definitely a good match,” Volta sighed in agreement. “But how did you even meet? I thought you were working at Sweet Apple Acres!”

“I was. I mean, I am! Look, you can’t expect me to work all day and not play some games! I was having a rough time and just sorta wound up sitting next to this little guy. One thing led to another and we became pals!”

“You beat a game together?”

Chase and Button both cheered and smacked hooves. The colt’s milkshake started to wobble, but Reyn was quick to jump onto the table and steady the glass between his paws. “It might not mean much to a non-gamer like you, but when you game with a pony it’s an eternal bond. Friendships don’t level up any other way! Am I right, Button?”

“Yep!” He slid his milkshake over and took a sip. Button’s smile faded when he noticed two fillies walk through the glass doors.

The pale-magenta coat belonged to Diamond Tiara. Resting high atop her white-streaked violet mane was a luxuriously expensive circlet fit for a princess. Then again, she was usually behaving like a spoiled princess. Obediently following behind her royal queen was Silver Spoon. Much like her name implied this filly was born into wealth and stature. Her coat was light-grey and her silver braided mane hung over her shoulder. She adjusted her baby-blue glasses and scanned the entire restaurant with her friend.

These two fillies were notorious for causing trouble; especially when it came to sabotaging the Cutie Mark Crusaders. Due to Button’s love for Sweetie Belle he was also a target for their abuse.

“Well, well, well; what do we have here?” Diamond Tiara scoffed as Button clung to Chase’s side. The shivering colt wanted nothing more than to burrow underground and hide.

“Is baby blank flank stuffing his face with more junk food?” Silver Spoon added.

The two fillies completely ignored Chase and Volta’s presence. It was as if they already knew that they could get away with murder. Despite their confidence, Reynard was already growling. The fox was secure on Button’s lap and ready to lunge at a moment’s notice.

“Easy boy,” Chase whispered. “They’re just foals.”

“Just foals?” Diamond Tiara’s head tilted. The words made her want to vomit. “You’re just a field worker. A servant. Earth ponies like you are only good for trimming my father’s hedges! And even then a unicorn would do a much better job. Don’t you have apple trees to buck with that uncultured, orange hick you call a partner?”

“Leave him alone! Chase is way cooler than you’ll ever be!” Button interrupted. Reyn jumped from his lap as the colt’s forelegs slammed against the table. Button trembled, while the frustration started to leak from his eyes. “Nopony even invited you here!”

“Gonna cry again, Butt Munch? You gamer colts really are pathetic. I’m glad Sweetie Belle left you behind. A filly like her deserves to be in Canterlot held in the arms of a real gentlecolt. Not some scrawny crybaby! She’s the only foal in your lame group who even has a chance at a worthwhile future.  You’re better off trying to date the crippled chicken or that bow-wearing rotten apple. Come on, Silver. I want a malt shake. To go. No point spending any more time with these losers.”

Silver Spoon and Diamond Tiara both turned up their noses and pranced away toward the counter to order a drink.

“I’ve never seen such bad behavior in kids!” Volta said covering her mouth.

Button whipped a foreleg across the table and smacked his shake onto the floor. A flood of tears was his only parting gift to Chase and Volta before he jumped from the booth and galloped in the direction of the door. Reynard’s claws ripped through the padding of the booth as he gave chase to the colt.

“We have to go!” Chase declared. He dumped a mound of bits onto the table and sidled out from the confines of the booth. “We’ll follow Reynard!” Chase snapped his head to the side and glared at the laughing fillies. He wanted them to combust into a smoldering pile of ash but knew that consoling Button came first.

Chase and Volta practically knocked the door from the hinges as they hurried after Reynard. Chase caught a glimpse of the fox’s tail as it vanished down a side street. “That way! C’mon, hurry!”

“Chase, I’m glad you’re concerned, but don’t you think you’re overacting? I’m sure he’ll bounce back.” Volta panted as she struggled to keep up with the charging stallion.

“Nothing is worse than being torn down when you’re already on the brink of falling apart! There isn’t a doubt in my mind that Button will be fine, but I’d rather have him cry into my shoulder than into his pillow!” Chase’s legs almost lost traction as he cut down another corner and spotted Reynard up ahead. They were gaining fast. Button might also be an earth pony, but his legs were no match for the toned muscles of a full-grown stallion.

Button collapsed in front of his home and buried his face into his hooves. He wailed and kicked his legs in anger. His words were just disjointed noises between sobs. Reynard stopped and waited for Chase and Volta to finally catch up. Volta remained a few steps behind and simply observed.

“Button! It’s okay, little guy!” Chase knelt down and placed a hoof on his back. “Don’t listen to those two. I told you before that plenty of mares would love a tough stallion like you as their coltfriend!”

“Wha-if shleavesme!” Button coughed, while his sinuses continued to drain onto the dirt outside his doorstep.

“She?” Volta walked forward and shooed Chase away. “Button, dear?” Button lifted his head. His face was covered in tears, dirt, and mucus, but that didn’t stop Volta from pulling him against her for a hug. She cradled his head against her chest and gently rocked him in place. “Shhhh… it’s okay. The bad fillies are gone now. It’s just your friends. You can talk to your friends, right?”

Button sniffled and nodded. “Mmm hmm.”

“Who might leave you?”

“Her name’s Sweetie Belle. She’s Button’s marefriend.” Chase looked up to the royal city looming over them in the distance. “Sweetie was taken to Canterlot to help her sister set up a play. Poor Button is afraid that she’ll find a better coltfriend while she’s staying there. He’s been writing her letters and doing everything possible here to make sure that she won’t forget him. I guess now that Canterlot is open we could take him for a visit…”

“Do you live here, Button? Is your mommy home?” Volta looked over to a shrugging Chase.

“Y-yeah.” Button’s voice was still muffled by the soft tuft of fur on Volta’s chest.

“How about we go inside and get you cleaned up?” Volta rubbed a hoof down his back. Her motherly affection was enough to finally cause the upset colt to pull away from the safety of her body. “That’s a good boy. You can show me your video game collection!”

“But you hate-“

“Chase!” Volta barked and shoved a hoof into his mouth. She turned back to Button and smiled. “I grew up with Chase, but it’s been a long time since I’ve played any video games. Maybe you can show me some new ones?”

Button wiped a foreleg over his nose. “Okay. Just let me have some time to myself. I’ll come downstairs in a few minutes.”

. . . . . .

Applejack carefully stepped over the broken glass on the parlor floor. The shards were floating in a mostly melted soup of a chocolate milkshake. She turned her head to the messy table and saw the shredded cushion of the booth falling onto the ground. “Apple Bloom said that Chase was getting a shake, but this place looks like a fight broke out.”

“Afternoon, ma’am. My apologies for the mess. We had a bit of a scene here. A colt and his friends darted out after a run-in with some local bullies. Foals will be foals. The gentlecolt with them left a nice chunk of change, but I hate having to deal with the mess.”

“Uh, they didn’t happen to have a fox with ‘em, did they?”

“Sure did! Spunky lil’ fella. He was standing guard the whole time those two fillies were running their mouths. I should’ve stepped in, but you don’t mess with the rich folk. I’d rather keep my job, thank you very much!”

“D’ya know where they went?”

“Not sure. The colt was that gamer, uh, Button something.” The proprietor scratched his head. “Mash! Like mashed potatoes!”

Applejack tipped her hat. “Thank ya kindly! I know where to find him. Lemme give ya a hoof with this mess first. That stallion with ‘em is an acquaintance of mine.”

“Oh yeah? Seemed like a nice pony. He’s a fast one too. The second that colt bolted out the door, him and that fox were giving chase!” The older stallion unfastened his apron and grabbed a dust pan in his mouth. “Thanks again for the help. If you’re going to that colt’s house, I’ll give ya a chocolate shake on the house. It’s his favorite. He could probably use a pick-me-up.”

. . . . . .

Button grabbed the last open chair at the kitchen table and pulled it out far enough so that he could join the already in-progress discussion. The fur around his muzzle was a darker brown with beads of water clinging to tips of his light-brown hair. He had hoped washing his face would also carry his hurt feelings down the drain.

Penny pulled her son closer and kissed the top of his head. “It’s nice to see you again, Chase; and a pleasure to meet you, Miss Limelight. I’m sorry to hear about what happened.” She rubbed Button’s back. “Are you okay, hun?”

“Yeah, I’m fine, mom.” Button rubbed his nose.

“Those troublemakers have been harassing Button since we moved to Ponyville from Manehattan.” Penny sighed.

“Oh, you’re from Manehattan?” Volta leaned forward.

“Yes, we moved here when my husband’s job started to involve more travel. Life in the city raising two foals was a bit much for me. It’s easier to enjoy life in a quiet town like Ponyville. Don’t get me wrong, I love Manehattan! The sights, the sounds, the smells wafting down every street… But I wanted to give Button and Gibson a safe life. The streets of Manehattan can be rather dangerous.” Penny felt Button’s head press against her side. She continued stroking a hoof down his back.

“Then you come here and the poor little guy meets his first bullies.” Chase balanced the chair on its back legs, while teetering in thought.

“Apparently Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon cornered him on the playground during his first day of school. They knocked his JoyBoy onto the ground and told Button that the only way he’d make friends was to do as they said. He came running home and told me he never wanted to go back. I spoke with Miss Cheerilee, but it sounded like even she was too afraid to do more than scold the two foals. It broke my heart, Chase. “

Chase fell forward and buried his own face between his hooves. He felt a tear slide down his nose and drip onto the table. His forelegs shook as he fought to keep himself together.

“Chase? What’s wrong?” Volta placed a hoof on the stallion’s back.

I can’t leave yet… I just can’t… Chase smashed a hoof against the table and trembled. How am I any better than the jerks threatening orchards or bullying innocent kids?! Take my money and run? I’d be worse than them… I have to do something! Role told me I can change ponies’ lives, but the only thing I’m doing is watching them fall apart!

Button hopped down from his chair and trotted over to Chase. “Don’t get upset. I’m okay.”

Chase looked down at the distorted image of Button, and quickly wiped his eyes clear. “Sorry. Guess we’re both a little worked up today.”

“Penny, I know this is a little sudden, but I’d take Button to Canterlot with me. I understand what he’s going through. Loving somepony from far away is a miserable experience. It eats away at your soul until all you can do is stare out the window and cry.” Volta lowered her head.

“I’m not sure how I feel about Button going to Canterlot all by himself…” Penny’s eyes locked onto her fragile son, who was still trying to cheer up Chase.

“Chase would come too. I can tell that he truly loves Button with his entire heart.” Volta smiled. “Not to mention Reynard seems to be very protective of Chase’s younger friends.”

Chase cleared the congestion from his throat. “I do plan on going to Canterlot, but I still have some business to settle back on the farm. What exactly are you planning Volta?”

“Chase, I will always love you, but coming to visit you was a bad idea. You may not have grown up much mentally-“

“Hey!”

“-but I can tell that you have your own life to live now. We’re not foals playing on the beach and looking up at the stars at night. We’re done being dreamers. I’ve spent so much time worrying about you that it became an obsession.” Volta leaned back in her chair and watched as Reynard curled up on Button’s lap. “However, I can’t simply leave you here with this mess on your hooves. I’d like to use Button for the final act of my play. Trotalus will need to live with it or else I will refuse to perform.”

Button gulped. “I don’t get it.”

Chase knocked on Button’s head. “Sounds kinda hollow in there!” He teased. “Put two and two together, kid.”

Volta rolled her eyes. “You have such a way with words, Chase. I liked it better when you were crying…” The actress hopped down from her chair and approached Button. “I’m playing the lead in ‘I Want to be Your Griffon,’ and I have a little surprise in store for Sweetie Belle. I think you’d be able to steal the show as well her heart if you’re up for it.”

“Well, if it’s for Sweetie Belle you can count me in!” Button tugged on Chase’s foreleg. “I bet you’d feel a lot better if I showed you all the cool stuff in my room. It’s a gamer’s paradise!”

Chase looked at the mares and shrugged. “I guess I’m going upstairs?”

“I need some fresh air anyways.” Volta massaged her temples. “This has been a very stressful day!”

“Welcome to my life!” Chase shouted from the living room. Button tugged on the stallion’s leg again. “Alright, I’m coming! Sheesh, you’re so impatient…”

“So, you and Chase are…”

Volta shook her head. “Not anymore. I was still living in a dream that ended a long time ago. Sometimes when you’re an actress you can even fool yourself…”

. . . . . .

Volta was seated on the outside stoop of Button’s home. There was a heavy sadness lingering in her heart. Her special trip to Ponyville left her feeling more confused and alone than she was before boarding the train. “You always acquaint yourself with the most colorful characters, Chase. Leaving me to fend for myself.” She rubbed her body to stave off the cold air rushing down the street.

“Beg your pardon, Miss Limelight, but could I sneak past ya? Special delivery for a foal who’s feelin’ down!” Applejack lowered her head. “Are you alright?”

Volta nodded without lifting her eyes to meet Applejack. “I’m just feeling a little exhausted. I had to step outside for some fresh air.”

“It sure does a body good!” Applejack tossed her bag onto the ground and sat down on the stoop. “I’m actually glad I found ya. I hope I didn’t seem too rude this mornin’. Guess I just wasn’t expectin’ any visitors so early! I didn’t even invite you in for a slice of pie!”

A laugh split Volta’s lips. “I’m the rude one. I came here thinking I could pick up with Chase where we left off. He’s come a long way from the colt I knew.”

“He never talked much about his life before comin’ here.”

“You must be very glad to have him helping out on the farm. I know he complains about farming, but he’s actually pretty good at it when he tries. Problem is that there isn’t a reason for him to try back home.”

Applejack leaned back and felt the stone step cut into her lower back. The physical pain helped dull the heartache of Chase’s departure. “There’s a lotta places he can improve, but Chase gives it everything he’s got. I like that in a stallion. I can see why you two are-”

“Friends.” Volta stared down at her hooves. The brilliant gleam had been replaced by dirt and scuffs. “Chase is a wonderful friend.”

“Oh…” Applejack stood up and grabbed the bag with her mouth. “Well, I better deliver this shake before it turns into chocolate milk.”

Volta also stood up. “And I guess I should head to the theatre in Canterlot. Can’t keep my fans waiting. Miss Applejack? Can you tell Chase to meet me at the train station in an hour? He’s upstairs with Button right now. I just… want to make sure I can give him a proper goodbye without interrupting anything.”

“It’d be my pleasure! And next time you’re in town you come right on over for a slice of apple pie!”

Volta looked back over her shoulder, while AJ knocked on the door. “I’d like that.” She smiled. “And I hope you whip Chase into the stallion he’s meant to be.”

. . . . . .

The train whistle sounded and echoed across Ponyville. Volta and Chase were standing beneath the flickering light of the only illuminated lamp along the tracks. Her visit had come to an end and the teary-eyed mare had to say her goodbyes. Although she knew deep down that this was more than a simple parting. Volta would be leaving her feelings for Chase behind in Ponyville as well.

“I’m sorry if I caused any trouble for you.” Volta hesitated. “I suppose I was the one who really needed to grow up.”

“Nah, I’m still beating you in that category!” Chase laughed and felt the tension pressing against his chest. “I’m glad you stopped by. As you can see things are a little complicated out here.”

“That’s what happens when you start a new life.” Volta took a step forward until she was muzzle-to-muzzle with the stallion. The whistle sounded again. “And you… promise to bring Button before the show begins, right?”

Chase nodded and felt his nose brush against hers. “I promise.” Expecting the usual kiss he closed his eyes, but was surprised to feel a peck on his cheek instead.

“Save those lips for your true love, Chase. I promise to do the same.” She wrapped herself around his neck and smiled at the fox sitting on his back. “I expect to see you and your new friends at the performance. I’ll have one of my personal guards fly down to Ponyville tomorrow and deliver the tickets to Button and his mother.”

“Then I guess the next time I’ll see you is in Canterlot.”

Volta gave Reynard a pat on the head before she stepped onto the train. Puffs of smoke rose into the air. Chase took a step back as the whistle shrieked. Volta timed her goodbye perfectly so that Chase was unable to hear. The door closed and she turned away leaving her final words to rise up with the smoke from the locomotive.

“I hope you treat her as well as I would have treated you.”

/) To be Continued (\