Jump!

by FluttersIsAwesome

Rating: everyone
Tags: Adventure, Dark, Romance
Length: 10569

parkour, city, action, shipping, grimdark, OMG HETERO APPLEJACK SHIPPING

Applejack thought her trip to Manehattan would be a safe, short meet and greet with her distant relatives, but when she discovers the darker side of Manehattan, she learns the ways of a Specter as she vows to help Jet change Lower Manehattan for the better.

Published 1970-01-01 00:00:00 UTC
Last updated 2012-02-15 17:01:57 UTC

Prologue

Jump!

Story 3

Prologue (1/2): Specters

By: FluttersIsAwesome

I hear ponies all the time talking about how easy city life is. And every time I do, it pisses me off. There are always two sides to every story. Here in Manehattan, the only side ponies ever hear or see is the rich, lavish "sophisticated" side. However, there's also my side. It's the poor, dirty, lawless side that's constantly under the hooves of those in power. The Corporates, which was our name for anypony with money, hated the idea of even having a poor district. They employed thugs and agents alike to get rid of us by any means necessary. Most of the time they killed us. Not only that, but crime rates in Lower Manehattan were some of the highest in Equestria. All the "guards" were on the rich side where the pay was good. It also didn't matter to them that even if we didn't have as much money as they did, we were still ponies. It was like they hated us just for existing, and I sometimes felt that that was why they tried to kill us. To this day I still wrack my brain as to why somepony could be so cruel as to kill another just because of social standing. The Corporates did nothing but make life in Lower Manehattan miserable.

That's when I decided enough was enough. I gathered every pony that would help me, and we formed a coalition. We trained ourselves far beyond the limits of most earth ponies. We learned to walk and run on our back legs, climb buildings, and make the rooftops our home. Hell, that was the only place that the Corporates couldn't reach us. We hid in the shadows during the day and struck hard and fast at night. We were called Specters; we were there one minute and gone the next, and nopony ever even knew we had paid a visit. We became the law in Lower Manehattan as well, and crime rates started going down. But we still didn't have the power to stop the Corporates. We did what we could to help; it used to be that whenever anypony started gaining any form of status over here, the Corporates would hire somepony to shoot them down. We tried to stop them, but to the Corporates, when we stood in their way and failed they were just taking out competition and opposition at the same time.  After a time, though, their plan backfired. The killings inspired more ponies to become Specters, and it seemed like five Specters rose up to replace one that was lost. Eventually we became the embodiment of hope in Lower Manehattan. There was never a chance at equal standing with Upper Manehattan until we showed up. This has become an all-out war between Corporates and Specters, rich and poor, oppression and freedom. My name is Jet Rush, and I can see the hope for a new day in front of me. I started this force to be a beacon of light in an ever-growing curtain of darkness. I don't know if you know anypony that's done something great when all odds were against them, but trust me, it can be done.

When we do come out on top, those are the moments that define us. The Corporates are going to track us down, fight us, they're gonna try and kill us to keep their city pure. I say bring it. There's a chance to bring not only myself, but all of my friends out of this hellhole we have to call a life. There's a chance to come from nothing and become something. This is the only chance we'll ever have.

Jump for it.

Prologue (2/2): Apples and Oranges

Ah breathed a sigh o' relief as Ah kicked the apples off the last tree in the orchard. Big Macintosh walked out o' the barn after finishin' his workload. Nova Dash, Rainbow's brother, was also visiin' the town since racin' season was over, so he came t' help too. Finally, Ah thought to m'self as Big Macintosh n' Nova took the apples back to the barn. With that last tree, apple buckin' season's over. Now Ah had the rest of th' day t' relax. At least Ah thought Ah did until Ah heard Nova calling my name. He flew up t' me n' handed me a letter.

"Ditzy just came by. This is addressed to you, Jackie."

"What is it?" Ah asked without thinkin'. O' course Nova wouldn't know, he ain't no mail carrier. He shrugged as expected, so Ah opened the letter n' read aloud:

Dear Apple Family,

We would like to request your presence at the coming home celebration of Citrus Orange, who is returning home after ten years of military service. He has requested that all family members, direct and extended, attend if possible.

Sincerely, the Orange Family

Ah jumped up. Ah may notta enjoyed livin' there, but Ah loved the idea o' visitin' Manehattan again. Ah hadn't seen my aant er uncle Orange since Ah was a little filly, so Ah was also excited 'bout that.

"Well, what is it?" Nova tried t' look over my shoulder but Ah ran off toward th' barn. Big Macintosh had just finished packing up the last o' the apples when Ah got there, so Ah handed 'im the letter and he read it t' himself.

Much t' my disappointment, he shook his head. "Sorry AJ no can do." He saw me open my mouth to retaliate n' held up his own hoof t' stop me. "You need to go, but I can't. That's a trip Granny Smith can't make, so one of us needs to stay behind for her. You've been working yourself ragged this past month, you need a break. Applebloom needs to stay, too, Manehattan is far too dangerous for her. Get packin', AJ."

Ah looked up at 'im joyously. "Ya mean it?"

He smiled n' nodded. "It's better for you to go, anyway. You've been there before, so you're a lot less likely to get lost."

Ah was both reluctant n' ecstatic. It wouldn't be the same without the whole family there, but at least Ah could go with the knowledge that Mac didn't mind havin' to stay at the ranch. Ah let out a "yeehaw" louder than a buffalo stampede. Ah ran inside to pack the essentials: two apples and fifty bits. Ah thought it would be enough since Ah wouldn't be gone fer very long. It was still early, and my excitement only fueled my energy, so when Ah was done packin', Ah left immediately n' headed fer the big city again

Chapter 1: It's Different Here

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 1: It's Different Here

By: FluttersIsAwesome

It took about fifteen hours, includin' a few stops t' rest, but as Ah continued down the road, I could see the skyscrapers of Manehattan ahead. If Ah hadn't been so tired, Ah woulda ran. Ah was gittin' close when a big brown stallion with a hard hat stopped me.

"Sorry, ma'am, this road's closed for reconstruction." He pointed to a road to the left. "If you need to get into the city, the detour will take you there. It's only about an extra half hour, sorry if it's an inconvenience."

It was a slight irritation, but Ah smiled. "Thank ya kindly!" Ah started down the road but he ran up to me.

"Excuse me ma'am! I just wanted to tell you to be careful. That road takes you through a... not-so-kind part of the city. I would go with you, but these numbskulls can't tell their asses from their elbows."

We both laughed, n' Ah turned t' leave again. "Don' worry, Ah can handle m'self." Ah never thought Ah would eat those words almost as soon as Ah en'ered through the gates.

Ah looked around. "So this is Lower Manehattan." There were tons o' ruined buildin's, n’ it seemed like each structure had at least one broken window. The sidewalks were covered in trash n' the roads were littered with cracks n' potholes. There was only one streetlight fer every four corners Ah turned, and it smelled worse than a pile o' cow pies. Not only that, but the whole time Ah was walkin', Ah felt like Ah was bein' watched. Then a chill ran up my spine as Ah heard hoofsteps around me.

Ah turned behind me t' see if Ah had been followed, but nopony was there. "H-hey! Quit horsin' around, this ain't funny!" Ah wish Ahdda just kept walkin'.

Ah was grabbed n' pulled into an alley by two colts. Ah couldn't see 'em very well, but Ah freaked. One of 'em gagged me n' pinned me t' the wall, holdin' my arms behind me.

"Hoo, we raked in today, Lead!" Ah heard one of 'em say. "Looks like a country girl too. Tasty."

Ah shuddered as Ah felt a tongue slide up my ear. The one called Lead grabbed him and pulled him back.

"Idiot! We're here for her money!"

Ah gasp agained as he held me down. "Ya got me, right? Yo' gonna hand over every bit ya got, or there will be consequences."

"Haven't you heard the phrase 'Don't hit a lady'? Mighty rude of ya, bro."

Ah opened my eyes when Ah felt the pressure on my hooves lift. At the bright end o' the alley, there was a light grey colt with a blue armband on 'is right foreleg. Both thugs got up offa me n' took out knives.

"Don't mess with us, Specter!"

I got there just in time. Had I been a second later, them thugs woulda had their way with that mare. When I saw 'em pull out their knives, I pulled down the brim of my cap; it was my usual sign that I was ready fo' a fight. But I need to get the chick outta here. I figured the best thing to do would be to get the mare out first since I had two officers hidin' up on the roof.

I glared at one of 'em an’ stood up on my hind legs, raisin' up my front ones halfway: the sign to subdue when the thugs moved. "Heh. I don' even know where to start wit you. I mean, do you even know who ya talkin' to?" I walked over to Lead and got up in ‘is face. "I’m not the kind of pony ya wanna go messin’ wit."

He took a swing at me an’ I jumped over 'im, landin' right beside the young ladeh. Both my officers jumped on Lead an’ Dom, so I picked 'er up an’ untied the gag.. "How fast can ya run?"

She looked at me blankly.

I grunted. Great, an airhead. "I'm here to get ya outta here. How fast can you run?"

She turned to the alley openin'. "How fast do ya need?"

From 'er accent, I could tell she was from some country town in the boonies. "Nevermind... there are sure to be mo' guys comin', let's go." I got on my hind legs again an’ lifted 'er in my arms. "Hold on."

Despite 'er rather loud "Put me down!", I took off outta the alley. She put 'er arms around my neck, an’ that let me drop the hammer an’ go full speed now that I knew she wouldn't fall. As I came up to a fire escape, I jumped on the ladder. It was easy to use the windowsills as platforms an’ I made my way higher and higher 'til I got to the roof. Never breaking stride an’ never slowin’ down, I jumped from rooftop to rooftop. "So, where ya headed, brah?"

'Er response was the best thing I heard all day. "Orange Manor."

"So I'm guessin' you're from the Apple family, then?"

She nodded. "Applejack."

I assumed it was 'er name, so I thought it only polite to respond wit my own. "Rush. Jet Rush."

She smiled at me. "Pleasure to meet yer acquaintance, Jet."

I couldn't help but smile back to 'er, she sho' was pretty. "Same to you, Applejack." I stopped on a roof about two thirds of a mile away from where I got 'er and set her down. "So, you mind tellin' me what a good-lookin' cowgirl like yourself is doin' here in the bad side of Manehattan?"

"Ah came t' see my relatives. One of 'em's comin' home from the army, and Ah got invited t' come t' the welcome home celebration."

I nodded. "Alright." I held out my hoof to 'er. "I know a quick way to Upper Manehattan. I'll take ya there, sweet cheeks."

'Er cheeks turned pink at my comment, an’ I had to suppress a laugh. She took my hoof an’ I lifted her up again. "Sorry 'bout the rude welcome, things are different here in the city."

Chapter 2: Change of View

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 2: A Change of View

By: FluttersIsAwesome

Everything happened too fast. Ah came t' Manehattan, almost got raped, n' now Ah was in the arms o' some kinda super colt. Jet Rush, eh? As Ah took a closer look at him, Ah noticed how dirty he was. He looked like he'd just come out of a pig pen. The top o' his right ear was missin', he had a bandage over his nose bridge, a small set o' stitches under his right eye, n' his cap pushed down his ears n' caused his mane t' slightly cover his eyes. Wow... he ain't half bad lookin'. Ah thought.

Ah almost fell outta his arms as he came t' a sudden stop. He had taken me t' some kinda broken down bar. He set me down n' handed me a blue armband with a red stripe goin' down it.

"Wear this so they know yo' a friend." He walked over n' knocked on the door, n' Ah saw a small section o' it slide to the left, revealin' two eyes.

The pony behind the door said somethin', but Ah didn't understand.

"Life and death have their determined appointments."

Ah assumed it was some kinda password, 'cuz Jet responded:

"an' riches an' honor depend upon Heaven." When he said this, the door opened. He covered my eyes with his tail n' lifted me up again.

"Sorry 'bout this, babe. Can't let just anypony, even a non-Corporate, nonchalantly walk through our secrets. It's a'ight wit you, yeah?"

Ah nodded. Anything t' be carried by you. Jumpin’ around like that is fun. Ah realized what Ah had just thought n' was sure glad Ah didn't say it out loud. Ah didn't know this colt, n' Ah was already feelin’ friendly with him. Who in sam hill was he? Ah dunno what was wrong with me, but Ah knew somethin’ felt different. Ah pushed those thoughts outta my head as he moved his tail n' set me down. We were in front o' a door, n' he opened it fer me.

"Take the armband off fo' now. Come back here tonight an' there should be a guy waitin' on ya. He'll say 'Rahei', an' you respond wit 'Numai', a'ight?"

Ah nodded. "Where do Ah go from here?"

He grinned at me. "Turn around."

Ah did so, n' Ah realized Ah was already in Orange Manor. "But... what... how?" Ah turned back t' the door, but there was nothin' but a blue wall behind me. "Ok, Ah know there was a door there." Ah tapped the wall. "Hellooooooooooo?"

Ah heard Jet's voice from the other side. "SHHHH! This is a secret, brah!"

Ah drew back quickly, nodding even though Ah knew he couldn't see me. "Gotcha, Jet."

Ah heard a voice from behind me that made me jump.

"Talking to the Specters?"

Ah turned t' see a decorated soldier standin' behind me. "Um... Citrus?"

The colt nodded. "Yes ma'am. Citrus Orange at your service. Were you talking to the Specters just now?" Before Ah could answer, he rolled up his sleeve t' show me a blue armband like the one Jet was wearin'.

Ah nodded. "Yeah, Jet saved me from some thugs when Ah came t' the city."

Citrus grinned. "Heh, he never could resist a damsel in distress."

Ah blushed n' shook my head. "Just what are you tryin' t' say?"

He shook his head too. "Nothing, friend."

It was about quarter t' eleven, n' the celebration was over. Ah decided to go over t' the "door" that Jet had led me through so I could go see him. Ah knocked on the wall, n' Ah heard a voice from behind it.

"Rahei."

Ah remembered what Jet told me, so Ah responded while Ah put my armband on, "Numai."

The door opened up, n' Ah walked on in. Ah looked around, but it was purty dark, so it was hard t' see. I felt somethin' grab my hoof n' I heard Jet's voice.

"Glad you could make it. If ya don't mind, I'd like to show ya around."

Ah nodded. Ah was really curious as t' what was goin' on. He led me through that tunnel again, n' we came out in front o' the same run-down bar he had brought me to that mornin'. But this time, things were much more different.

Not only were the streets covered with trash, but ponies, too. Ah saw little foals n' fillies huddlin' against their parents, ponies diggin' through trash, n' others jumpin' into cardboard boxes or puttin' their heads on jackets n' tryin' t' sleep.

"Makes ya think 'bout the city different, huh?"

Jet had turned to me, but Ah was too busy lookin' at all these poor folk. "Yeah... what happened?"

He sighed. "It's the damn Corporates." He pointed toward the lit up part o' the city. "They hate us just because we're poor. They're the government here, so they make laws that keep us like this."

He paused as a little filly ran up to him. She was the same shade o' gray as him n' her hair was just a bit darker.

"Big brother! Um... is there anythin' to eat tonight?"

Ah saw a tear form in Jet's eye.

"Sorry Sprint... not tonight..." He patted her head. "Go on back to the bunker. I'll be there in a bit."

The little filly looked at him sadly. “Big brother... when are we gonna get to eat again? I’m hungry...”

Jet was gettin’ choked up as he spoke. “I dunno, Sprint... I dunno.”

The little filly pouted fer a bit n’ went back in the direction she came from.

Ah looked at Jet, who had sat down on the curb. He had his head down, but Ah saw tears fallin' t' the ground. Ah walked over n' sat down beside him, n’ he turned t' me.

"Applejack... do you have any idea how much it 'urts to tell ya baby sister their iddn't nothin' to eat that night?"

Ah put my arm around him. "Ah don't, but Ah know it must be hard. Ah couldn't imagine if Ah had t' tell Applebloom she couldn't eat."

He put his hoof over mine, n' Ah felt myself blush again, but thankfully, it didn't last as long as before. "Applejack, I trust ya. Any friend of the Orange Family is a friend of ours. Can I ask ya to come wit me? I think it's only right to tell ya what's goin' on."

Ah nodded, n' he led me through the city. Along the way, Ah only saw more hunger n' pain, n' it only succeeded in makin' me appreciate what Ah had more than Ah ever have. He led me t' a manhole cover, n' he knocked on it.

Another voice came from under it.

"Payload?"

Another password. This time Jet responded:

"Extra strength."

The cover opened n' he jumped down, holdin' out his hoof to me. "Come one down, I'll catch ya."

Ah looked around and nodded. Ah jumped down into his arms, n' the mare that was under the manhole cover moved it back into place. Jet turned n' nodded at me.

"Let's go.”

Chapter 3: Meet the Crew

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 3: Meet The Crew

By: FluttersIsAwesome

The sewer smelled worse than the city itself. Ah covered my nose with my hat n' followed Jet. He took me down to tunnel a ways n' pushed me against the wall.

"Stay still." Ah tried my best t' keep from movin' as he slid his hoof along a groove in the walkway. When he reached the end, the wall rotated n' now the two o' us were in a long hallway.

"Final stretch, brah." He told me.

Ah looked at him n’ walked behind him cautiously. We approached a large door n’ he knocked on it; no password or secret switch this time, the door just opened.

"Uh... why no security?"

Jet grinned. "Look behind ya."

Ah did so, and t' my surprised there were two colts Ah didn't even notice standin' on either side o' the hall. "Oh... alright then."

We walked through the door, n' it was like Ah was in a whole ‘nother world. The room looked like some kinda science movie. There were monitors n' keyboards everywhere, with multiple ponies monitorin' wherever the cameras connected t' their monitors were.

"What in sam hill is this place?"

Jet laughed. "There's a reason I trust ya so heavily. See, the Orange Family's the only bunch of Corporates that bothers to help us. They can't give us money or nothin', that would be too noticeable."

He led me through the rooms as he talked.

"They make their money wit this stuff. They make electronics, an' a simple boost in production won't attract no attention." He turned t' me when he saw my confused look. "See, the Oranges can't do nothin' if they get bumped down to our level. They gotta be careful so that they don't make it obvious they're helpin' us. If they get found out, they'll probably lose all their money. They're also not powerful enough on they own to try an' stand up to the rest of the Corporates. Instead, they supply us wit this technology. See, if the Oranges send us money, they profits drop. The Corporates will take notice of that. If they send us this stuff, however, all it takes is a little boost in production. That kinda stuff is a common moneymaking method, so they send the extra stuff to us."

"Wow..." Ah looked around, n' he had led me into a smaller room with three other ponies in it.

"Alright, guys, line up!"

The three o' 'em jumped up n' lined up in front o' him sideways. He nodded at me n' introduced each one o' 'em. The first was a big, muscly-lookin' blue colt with a lighter blue mane n' tail.

"Applejack, this is Steele. 'E's responsible fo' trainin' all the new ponies. I used to do it myself, but things started gettin' busy."

He nodded at me n' held out his hoof. "Pleasure, ma'am." Ah shook it kindly, but he didn't say another word.

"'E's not much fo' talkin'. Now, this is Marigold." He motioned t' a light green mare that looked about his age. Ah shook her hoof n' noticed her cutie mark, or rather her lack o' one.

She looked like she was slightly offended. "I was stabbed about a year ago... right in my flank. The scar it left covers my mark..."

Ah blushed. Ah didn't realize Ah was starin', so Ah bowed t' her. "Ah'm mighty sorry. Didn't mean t' stare."

She smiled at me. "It's fine, don't worry 'bout it."

Jet smiled, too. "Marigold here is in charge of maintenance. If it's broke, take it to 'er. She knows mo' 'bout this stuff then I think most ponies here know combined!"

Ah chuckled a bit t' myself. However, the humor was killed instantly he introduced the last o' the three. It was the little filly from earlier.

Jet picked her up. "An' this is-"

She shot me a salute. Her voice was squeaky, n' combined with her homeless-but-hopeful appearance, she was down right adorable.

"Sprint Rush, at your service!" Everypony started laughin'. She was so dang cute. She smiled at me n' put her arm down. "Big Brother calls me the 'Head of High Spirits'!"

Jet nodded. "Little Sprint here is in charge of keepin' everypony from gettin' depressed."

Sprint grinned proudly. Ah thought t' myself. Well o' course, how can ya be sad when somethin' that cute is starin' at ya?

Ah patted her head. "Heh, you remind me o' my little sister, Applebloom." Ah looked around at all the friendly faces, n' Jet turned to me.

"I know it's sudden, but you've seen what we gotta deal wit. Applejack, this is what we fightin' fo'."

Steele chimed in. "I'd hate to see Sprint have to grow up in a place where she got no future."

Jet had his hoof over mine now. "Applejack... will ya help us?"

Ah looked around again n' thought about it. All the pain, the fear, the lack o' hope that Ah saw on the streets.

Ah remembered what happened earlier, how Jet cried when he told Sprint there won't no food.

We all stood there, waitin' fo' Applejack's reply. She hung 'er head, an' after 'bout three minutes she looked at us again.

"Ah will."

I felt the grin cross my face fast than a bullet. Witout thinkin', I jumped on 'er an' wrapped 'er in a hug. "Yo' awesome, Applejack! Thank you!" When I didn't get smacked, I opened my eyes to look up at 'er. She was blushin', but she was smilin' too.

Then she pushed me ova' an' got on me to return the hug. Everypony started laughin' again, except me an' Applejack. She was too busy starin' at me, an' fo' some reason I couldn't help but stare back. Every time our eyes met, it felt like I found somethin' new 'bout 'er that I liked.

"Well, if yo' gonna be one of us, we gotta train ya."

Steele stepped forward an' saluted, but I dismissed 'im. "Naw, man, I'll do it myself this time."

I saw Marigold's face twist into a sly grin. "I think somepony may have ulterior motives for letting Applejack join."

We both turned to 'er, an' were both blushin'. Applejack opened 'er mouth to say somethin', but I decided to humor Marigold. I grabbed Applejack an' pulled 'er close to me.

"Aw, I've been found out. Yeah, yeah, it's all true." I rubbed 'er back gently, an' I saw 'er blush heavily. I was too, but we both thought it was funny.

Ah shivered a bit as he rubbed my back. Ah couldn't tell if her was jokin' or not, but Ah put my arms back around him n' we both laughed.

The entire group was busy laughin', but Ah finished early n’ looked at Jet, lost in my own thoughts. Ah was embarrassed at myself... Jet, how can you be so friendly to a pony you just met?

Chapter 4: Trainin' Day

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 4: Time to Train

By: FluttersIsAwesome

He grinned delightfully at me. It was nice t’ know that they thought Ah could help. Ah wanted t’ help, too.

“Thanks, AJ, you got no idea how great it is to have you here.”

Ah didn’t need a mirror t’ know Ah was blushin’. “How could Ah not help? It ain’t right t’ just let y’all suffer n’ fight by yourselves.”

Suddenly Sprint jumped on me. She didn’t hesitate t’ hug n’ cuddle me like some kinda stuffed toy.

“Yay! I gots a big sis now!”

Ah couldn’t help but laugh again; the little filly was just too dang cute. She giggled as Ah patted her head n’ set her down. When Ah looked back t’ Jet he was holdin’ out his hoof t’ help me up.

“Need help, princess?”

My hoof hit my forehead n’ slid down the length o’ my face. “Sure, but fer future reference: don’t ever call me princess again.”

He laughed as he pulled me up. “I’ll be sure to remember.” Scannin’ the room, he turned back t’ me. “It’s late. Come wit me, I’m pretty sure we got a spare bed fo’ ya.”

Ah nodded as he led me out o’ the room n’ led me down another hallway. It came t’ a single door n’ he opened it fer me. The room was dark... until Jet flipped the light switch. There was a bed beside a small window on one side o’ the room, and on the other side was a stack o’ canvases n’ paintin’ materials.

“This is Steele’s room. As ya can see, ‘e’s big into paintin’. ‘E does it whenever ‘e has spare time.” He motioned t’ a door n’ led me through t’ another room.

This one was covered in complex blueprints, models, n’ sketches o’ stuff that gave me a headache.

“This here is Marigold’s room. I dunno if ya can tell, but she’s way into ‘er job.” He led me into the last room, where there were two beds on opposite sides o’ the room. There were a lot o’ drawings n’ games on the floor.

“This is me an’ Sprint’s room. Heh... we draw an’ play games to pass the time when we’re not out doin’ stuff.” He look around fer a moment n’ paused. “Wait, I thought there was another bed here...” Now it was his turn t’ hit himself in the forehead. Jet turned t’ me, lookin’ apologetic. “Sorry, AJ... you alright wit sharin’ a bed?”

Ah assumed he saw me blush, cuz he grinned n’ started walkin’ close t’ me.

He brushed his hoof against my cheek, n’ I started feelin’ hot when he leaned in n’ whispered t’ me, “I’ll be gentle wit ya...”

I guess I took my jokin’ a bit too far. ‘Er hoof connected wit the side of my face so hard it knocked me backwards. Applejack just slapped me....

I felt terrible when I saw ‘er face. She looked so... afraid. I guess I reminded ‘er of the rape attempt that mornin’. It took a minute to recover, but when I did I stood up an’ backed away. “Sorry Applejack. It was just a joke, I didn’t mean nuttin by it.”

She shook ‘er head n’ sat down on Sprint’s bed. “Jet, you know Ah ain’t from here. Where Ah come from, we take matters like that seriously. Ah know you didn’t mean nothin’, but try t’ lay off those kinds o’ jokes in the future, alright?”

I sat down on my bed an’ nodded. “Ai’ght. Guess I shoulda been more considerate of ya in the first place, but it’s cool now, right?”

A loud yawn preceded ‘er response. “Yeah... just don’t do it again.”

Just as she had finished talkin’, Sprint ran in an’ jumped on ‘er, wrappin’ ‘er in another hug. “Hi big sissy!” Even if AJ was still mad at me, after Sprint’s intervention there was no way she coulda been.

She lifted Sprint up wit a small giggle. “Hey there, munchkin. How’d you get here so fast?”

Sprint threw ‘er arms up an’ pointed at me. “I followed Big Brother! He’s really loud, so all I had to do was listen when he talked.” She turned to me wit ‘er trademark grin. I realized that it really was impossible to get mad at Sprint. She jumped outta Applejack’s arms an’ hopped over to me happily. “Sis can have my bed. I’ll stay with Jet.”

Applejack nodded. “That’s fine with me if it’s okay with Jet.”

It was obvious that I didn’t care; I was already in bed, so Sprint got up under my arm.

AJ giggled when she saw us, “You look like a little foal with a stuffed toy.

I reached up an’ turned out the light, tryin’ to suppress a laugh. “Night, AJ.”

“Goodnight.”

Sprint had to get the last word in. “Night sissy! Night bro!”

I patted ‘er head softly an’ closed my eyes, eventually driftin’ off into slumber.

“RISE AN’ SHINE, BRAH!” Jet’s yellin’ woke me up in an instant, n’ I fell outta bed with a thump.

“Jet?!” Ah looked at the clock on the wall t’ see if Ah had overslept. It was 2:00 A.M. “What in tarnation are you doin’ gettin’ up this early?”

He had a big grin on his face when he grabbed me by the hoof. “Applejack, today’s the day we start trainin’. It’s gonna be hard, but I’m positive ya can do it.”

Lookin’ around again, Ah noticed that Sprint won’t there. “Hey, uh, where’s your sister?”

Ah had t’ bend back a little as a hoof nearly hit my face. Jet was on the floor doin’ kicks n’ stretches. “She’s wakin’ everypony else up. That’s another one of ‘er jobs. She pretty much kick-starts each day.”

“A might early, don’t ya think?” Ah was used t’ gettin’ up at about 4 each mornin’, not two. Plus, considerin’ how late we had gone t’ bed, Ah had a hard time figurin’ out how anypony could work with so little sleep. “So, what exactly am Ah trainin’ fer?”

The grin never left his face. “I said it would be tough, but don’t be scared.” He took my hooves in his. “First thing we gotta do is get ya used to walkin’ on yo’ back legs. That’s essential for any Specter.” As he spoke, he stood on his own back legs, takin’ me with him. “This part is pretty easy. Just hold on to me an’ I’ll keep ya steady.”

“Alright, then. Let’s give it a try.” Seein’ as how Ah was still half asleep, Ah lost my balance easily. Luckily Jet was still holdin’ onto me when Ah fell, so he pulled me up quickly.

“Careful, now. Like I said, just hold onto me.” He put his arm around mine, n’ Ah knew that even if Ah had never blushed before in my life, Ah was blushin’ now. Ah leaned on him n’ Ah saw him grin. “Better?”

When Ah nodded, he continued t’ hold me as we left t’ start trainin’.

Chapter 5: Humble

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 5: Humble

By: FluttersIsAwesome

As he led me out o’ the base, Ah suddenly remembered somethin’. “Hey Jet, can ya fetch Sprint?”

He looked at me questioningly. “What fo’?”

Ah grinned at him. “Ah just remembered that Ah brought some food with me. If ya can take me back t’ Orange Mansion, Ah can get it fer ya.”

His eyes lit up as he set me down. “No problem.” He ran back into the base n’ came back with Sprint, who had a grin on her face bigger than Rarity’s ego.

“You have food, sissy?!”

Ah nodded, which triggered a fit o’ clappin’ n’ cheerin’. “YAY! YAY! YAY!”

Jet smiled. “I think this is perfect. I’ll take ya to Orange Mansion my way.” He took my hoof n’ ran off with Sprint on his shoulder. “Get ready, we’re jumpin’ right in to yo’ trainin’!” He let go o’ me as we approached the wall t’ what looked like a broken down convenience store. “Follow my lead.”

Luckily there were bricks juttin’ outta the wall; Jet used these as footholds as well as grab points. He pushed off o’ the ones under his bottom hooves n’ pulled himself up with the higher ones. “Come on, AJ! Give it a try, babe!”

Ah walked up t’ the wall nervously. Lookin’ back at him, Ah noticed he was already on the roof. “Don’t worry, it’s easy! And if ya do fall, I’ll catch ya!”

Ah found confidence in his words, n’ started climbin’ like he did. It was difficult, but soon Ah was lookin’ up n’ Ah was close t’ the top. Ah got it! Darn me n’ my big mouthed thoughts. Ah took a wrong step n’ slipped right off one o’ the bricks. However, just like in old movies, Jet caught me just before Ah fell.

“Heh, told ya I’d catch ya AJ.” As he pulled me up, he patted my back.

Sprint jumped up n’ patted me too. “One rule of being a Specter is to always trust your friends!”

We resumed our travel somewhat slowly. Ah had t’ learn the ropes o’ rooftop hoppin’, n’ despite how easy Jet made it look, throughout the whole trip he had t’ catch me with every jump. He didn’t mind, though. He smiled at me every time he pulled me up. Eventually, we came t’ the last jump, n’ when Ah took it, he grabbed me as usual. This time, though, Ah tripped over his hoof n’ fell on top o’ him.

“Whoa! Hey there!” He got t’ laughin’, n’ so did Sprint. It won’t long before Ah joined in n’ wrapped my arms around him without thinkin’.

Ah whispered t’ him so Sprint wouldn’t hear. “Thanks, Jet. I owe ya one.” I kissed his cheek softly.

He blushed at me. “Fo’ what?”

Lookin’ at him made me smile. “Ah don’t think Ah ever forgot, yet you still reminded me o’ the true meanin’ o’ friendship.”

His head tilted. “Whatcha mean?”

Ah hit my forehead with my hoof. “We’ve known each other fer two days. You we’re bein’ friendly with me when we first met, n’ you’ve only bet gettin’ nicer n’ nicer.”

He grinned. “Well I’m glad ya think so. Come on, the Manor is right there.”

We climbed down, which was a bit harder than goin’ up, but Ah still managed. As we approached the door, Jet stopped.

“Go in without us, we’ll wait for you here.”

Ah nodded n’ went in t’ grab my saddlebags with the apples n’ money them. When Ah walked back out, Jet n’ Sprint pulled me into an alley.

“We can’t be seen here.” Jet told me.

Ah nodded n’ set the two apples down. “Alright, how can we split ‘em?” Ah was surprised t’ see Jet shake his head. “Jet? You ain’t gonna eat?”

He nodded. “Sprint needs it more than I do, an’ I got no authority over you since yo’ not official yet. You two eat, I’m fine.”

Sprint had no problems with it, but Ah was reluctant. “Jet, are ya sure? Ah ain’t got a problem with sharin’.”

The little filly nudged me. “Eat big sis. Once Big Bro makes a decision, you can’t talk him out of it.”

Ah saw Jet grin proudly n’ decided to give him an affectionate punch in the stomach. “Jet, you’re stupid. You’re a pony, too. Ya need t’ eat, so let me share with ya!”

He cringed when Ah hit him n’ nodded. “Okay... you win... I could use some food.”

Noddin’, Ah set the apple down n’ thought fer a minute. “Now how’re we gonna split it?”

“No problem, AJ, I got it.” A knife came out o’ the armband he was wearin’ n’ he used it t’ cut the apple in half. “Half fo’ me, half fo’ you, babe.” He picked it up n’ wolfed it down in one bite. “Delicious.”

Ah followed suit, tossin’ my half up in the air n’ catchin’ it in my mouth. Ah couldn’t help but notice Jet’s stare, so Ah tilted my head at him.

He tapped Sprint, who was already done eatin’. “Sprint, go on back, we’ll catch up.”

She jumped up n’ saluted in her normal adorable way n’ took off.

“Do ya think it’s a good idea t’ let her go off on her own?”

Jet nodded quickly. “She can handle ‘erself. If it were any other way, I wouldn’ta told ‘er to go.” His expression became serious, n’ Ah got slightly worried. “Applejack, the road ahead will not be easy. I want ya to know, if ya don’t think ya can do it, nopony will think any less of ya fo’ quittin’ out.”

Ah jumped up quickly n’ grabbed him. “Listen, Jet. Even it is gonna be hard, Ah can’t just go home n’ lay down at night knowin’ that Ah can make a difference here. Ah can help y’all change y’alls lives, n’ Ah’m gonna do it.”

His smile warmed my heart, but his words irritated me. He was so dense. “AJ... why are you helpin’ us?”

Ah couldn’t help but shake my head n’ smile at the same time. “Jet, you’re dumb. Learn t’ read a mare n’ maybe you’ll find out.” Ah got up n’ turned around, brushin’ his face with my tail. “Ah already told ya; Ah ain’t gonna sit around n’ do nothin’ while y’all are out here fightin’ fer your freedom. It just ain’t right.”

When Ah turned back, the look on his face was just... priceless. “So... yo’ doin’ this outta the kindness of yo’ heart, pretty much?”

Ah nodded. “Pretty much.”

My new friend clapped as he jumped up. “Well, what am I doin’ keepin’ ya waitin’? You can’t do nothin’ if yo’ not trained, let’s get to work!”

Hearin’ the excitement in his voice, Ah quickly nodded. “Let’s do it.”

Chapter 6: Tips and Tricks

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 6: Tips and Tricks

By: FluttersIsAwesome

I looked at ‘er fo’ a minute. “A’ight, let’s get to it, babe.” I think my use of “babe” surprised ‘er a bit, but she took my hoof an’ I ran.

“Where’re we goin’ Jet?”

“Don’t worry, you’ll see when we get there.” As we ran, I decided to help AJ along a bit by liftin’ ‘er up on ‘er hind legs, again. After a bit of stumblin’, she managed to stay steady.

“Jet, can ya slow down a bit? Ah ain’t used t’ this yet.”

“No prob, we’re here.”

Two large, iron doors stood before us as we walked up to the Market District. The place was walled off by huge, stone brick barricades, an’ the door was inaccessible from the outside.

“So Ah’m guessin’ the goal is t’ get in there?”

I nodded slowly. “This is the Market District of Lower Manehattan. It used to be the place where the few stores we had were located, but then disease came through.”

Applejack’s hoof made a loud tappin’ sound each time it met the stone wall. “Disease? What th’ hay happened?”

“We’re not sure. All we know is that a yet-to-be-named infection sprang up; I’ll bet what little money I got sayin’ it came from rats. The symptoms were undetectable ‘til it was too late; The one doctor we had told us that a rip in the walls of the stomach caused the vomitin’, an’ small holes in the uvula were to blame fo’ the blood that came up wit each cough. Let’s go, I’ll explain mo’ as we move ai’ght?”

“Ah guess. How’re we gonna get up there-“

“One sec, babe. We’re not ready yet.”

Ah raised my brow at him. “What else is there?” Ah figured it out once Ah saw Jet kneelin’ in front o’ the unzipped bag with two odd-lookin’ masks in his hands.

He tossed one t’ me as he put his own on. “Strap that over yo’ muzzle. It’s a rebreather that we always use these if we need to get in here. The air here still isn’t safe, so we gotta be careful, ai’ght?”

If it weren’t for Jet puttin’ his on first, Ah might not have figured out how t’ put it on ‘till he showed me. However, once Ah saw it on his face it was purty obvious. “Okay, now what?”

Outta nowhere, he tossed a blue armband similar t’ the one he was wearin’ at me. “Take off the striped one an’ put that one on. I’ll show you what to do.” Walkin’ over t’ me, Jet pushed on the side o’ his band n’ a hook came outta the bottom. “Some of the footholds on this wall aren’t in arm’s reach. You can use that to extend yo’ reach, an’ we also use ‘em to open custom locks we put on certain doors.”

“You’re gonna show me what t’ do, right?”

Ah guess he didn’t need t’ say anythin’. He was already on the wall, lookin’ at me. “To start, just do what ya did when we first started climbin’. You did ai’ght wit that, so you should be good.”

It took a minute, but Ah finally found the brick Jet pushed himself up with n’ followed suit. His path was purty straightforward ‘till he stopped me.

“Wait a minute, AJ. Stay right there an’ watch.” With a strong jump, Jet pulled himself up t’ the top o’ the wall usin’ the rain gutter. “An’ that’s how you use this hook.”

‘Twas easy enough t’ mimic him. With a swing o’ my arm coupled with my jump, the hook caught on the lip with no trouble t’all.

“Good job, babe. You ready to go in?”

He motioned t’ the bleak sight ahead. Buildin’s were crumblin’, roads were cracked, walls everywhere were black with scorch marks, trash littered the streets, n’ just lookin’ at the sight sent chills up my spine. The entire place was dark n’ grey with barely any light down below, but I began to descend anyway.

Jet held his hoof out. “Whoa, AJ, cool it. We don’t climb down this wall, we jump.”

“Jump?! Jet, there ain’t nowhere t’ jump to.”

A grin crossed my friend’s face as he back up t’ the end o’ the gutter. Ah heard but a small “thump” when he hit what Ah assumed was the ground; ‘twas too dark for me t’ see very far ahead.

“Go on, run an’ jump!”

“Whaddya mean? I can’t see anythin’!”

“Trust me, AJ, you got this!”

Ah felt the crash as Ah ended up slammin’ right into him, but he seemed unfazed.

“See, what’d I tell ya? Rule one of the city: keep yo’ friends close, but don’t make too many of ‘em.” As we stood up, he turned to a lower rooftop ahead, n’ that was when Ah realized we weren’t even on the ground yet. “Come on, I got rule two ready fo’ demonstration.”

The roof was a decent distance away, but Ah was startin’ t’ think Jet didn’t care about anythin’ concernin’ what the Specters called “parkour”. When he hit the roof, Ah saw him summersault once before standin’ up. “Rule number two: big jumps and side jumps require a roll to keep from hurtin’ yo’self. If you don’t, you could be in a world of hurt, brah.” Ah watched as he held one hoof in the air n’ moved the other from side t’ side in front of him. “This will be graded and put on your record, so don’t screw up.”

I had t’ laugh at his joke. Jet was makin’ such a serious matter seem like somethin’ outta some movie. However, I did as he said n’ pushed forward with my lower leg t’ roll after touchin’ down.

Ah heard a loud knockin’ sound comin’ from the two hooves tappin’ against one another. “Good job, AJ, good job! Yo’ making some good progress. You certainly catch on fast.”

“Well, Ah try my best.”

He nodded. “An’ I wouldn’t ask any mo’ of ya. However, you still got a long way to go. Bein’ able to do this is one thing, bein’ able to do it fluidly is another. Now, you ready fo’ the last bit of practice before we hit the ground?”

After a quick nod from me, Jet took off. Ah watched as he used the billboard on the front o’ the roof n’ jumped t’ the ground with ease.

“This trick is a bit harder, an’ it also requires a rollin’ land. You gotta make sure you’re on yo’ side when you’re headin’ to the ground, so be careful.”

‘Twon’t hard at all t’ pull off. It did take a few tries t’ actually stay on the billboard as Ah ran, but once Ah did, makin’ the jump was a piece o’ pie.

“Very nice, AJ, very nice. I think you’re gonna do well here.” As he began t’ walk down the road, he turned t’ me. “You comin’? I still got a story to tell.”

Chapter 7: We Are Who We Are

Jump!

Story 3

Chapter 7: We Are Who We Are

By: FluttersIsAwesome

“So how come you don’t just try t’ contact th’ Princess, Jet?”

Judgin’ from his reaction, Ah assumed that he was waitin’ fer me t’ ask him that. His spoke with a hint of bitterness that was blatantly noticeable, seeing as how Ah had never heard him talk like that before. “Politics... is so bucking stupid. We’ve sent letters to both princesses.”

Ah patted his back gingerly. Somethin’ about th’ way he grit his teeth told me that this was a sore subject. “An’ what happened?”

“Every time, we got letters. They told us they couldn’t make arrests because we didn’t have evidence to prove that it won’t just street crime!” He sat on th’ only sturdy-lookin’ bench Ah had seen since my visit t’ th’ city.

Ah sat beside him after seein’ his hoof wavin’ between me n’ him. Settin’ a hoof on his shoulder, Ah took notice o’ his mane without his hat; Ah wasn’t sure which looked more natural. “Whaddya mean?”

He let out a sigh before continuin’, which, even though Ah hadn’t know him fer very long, told me he wasn’t lookin’ forward t’ tellin’ this story. “The Corporates employ thugs fo’ one main reason: you can’t tell a thug lookin’ fo’ money to kill fo’ from a thug gettin’ payed to kill. We’ve sent pictures with our letters, too. Hell, we even had video footage from an unlucky tourist’s video camera that we sent ‘em. Despite all of our efforts, no dice.”

Thinkin’ back t’ when Ah was almost robbed earlier in th’ week, he had a point. If those colts were gettin’ paid t’ do what they did, Ah’dda had no way o’ knowin’. “Why wouldn’t they come t’ help anyway? Shouldn’t your word be enough?”

Despite th’ serious atmosphere th’ conversation had created, Jet laughed. “You’ve never been in a position of power, have ya? Ya can’t just trust a pony you’ve never met, Applejack.”

Now Ah was startin’ t’ doubt him. Ah had met both Princesses face-t’-face at least once, n’ there had t’ be somethin’ he won’t tellin’ me. “Jet, Ah know both sisters. There’s no way they would just let this go-“

“They don’t just ‘let it go’, AJ.” He was raisin’ his voice, now. Ah wanted t’ just stop talkin’ about it at that, but he kept goin’. “I can understand their reasonin’, fo’ the most part. They can’t just stroll in the city an’ start arrestin’ ponies if they haven’t done anythin’ wrong; that’s exactly what it will look like if we can’t prove that they’re the ones puttin’ us down.”

Ah shot him a glare from my now raised position. “Okay, Ah understand th’ crime, but still, everypony in that side o’ Manehattan is poor n’ hungry! How could they let that go unanswered? Jet, Ah’m sorry, but it’s hard t’ believe that you’re tryin’ t’ get help, n’ the sisters are just ignorin’ ya!”

He was a might taller than me, even without his hat, granted it didn’t really add much height anyway. He was closer t’ me than he’d ever been before,  aside from the night Ah slapped him, but his voice was still harsh n’ loud.

“Applejack, what did I just tell you? The Corporates have us under their hooves. Both Celestia and Luna have tried to send help, but all it takes is a claim sayin’ ‘We are providing for them.’ an’ denial into Lower Manehattan to keep real aid from gettin’ to us. The guards can’t just ignore them ‘cuz that’s disobeying the law! They also can’t come in through the other side ‘cuz they’ve already been denied! Unless we find proof of guilt, getting us help will be either illegal or unjust!”

Ah finally understood what he was sayin’. Ah didn’t like it, n’ Ah made it obvious t’ him when my hoof made an audible thump against th’ ground. Gettin’ in his face may notta been th’ best idea, but Ah thought it worked. “Jet... just what are you tryin’ t’ do?”

He matched my new tone with a whisper of his own. There was still anger, but it was hushed n’ suppressed. “We can’t defeat the Corporates ourselves... they’re far too powerful. Despite that, we can at least find evidence to convict them. That’s our goal.”

Standin’ there in front o’ him as he spoke t’ me felt like bein’ scolded by my brother. His tone, th’ look in his eyes, n’ th’ way he glared down his muzzle at me all produced th’ mental image o’ Big Macintosh reprimandin’ me after Ah did somethin’ wrong that was easily avoidable. Ah think that’s what fueled my hoof as it became acquainted with Jet’s nose. “Don’t you talk down t’ me like that.... Ah’m sick n’ tired of it!” Ah really was. Havin’ Jet stand there n’ treat me like Ah didn’t know anythin’ began t’ bring back memories.

Without parents t’ guide me as a foal, all Ah had was Granny Smith as a mother figure n’ Big Macintosh t’ be th’ stallion o’ th’ family. Applebloom couldn’t even walk yet, so Ah had t’ mother her, too. Big Mac knew a lot from watchin’ mom n’ dad raise me, but he was actually really hard on me. He got on me fer everythin’ mom did that Ah didn’t do, n’ fer everythin’ Ah did that she didn’t.

“Wanna tell me which nerve I hit just now, brah?” His voice broke through mah thoughts as he stood, rubbin’ his muzzle tenderly.

Just lookin’ at him made me mad right now, n’ he could tell, ‘cuz Ah drew back when he walked back up t’ me. “Don’t come near me right now, Mac-“ Ah caught myself too late.

He raise an eyebrow at me. “Mac? That your coltfriend or somethin’?”

Were it not fer th’ fact that he won’t from Ponyville, Ahdda smacked him again. He’d just reminded meo’ my brother’s scolidn’, n’ now he brought back memories o’ a few times when Big Mac n’ Ah had been accused o’ incest just ‘cuz o’ our country background. “No, he’s my brother. You just... reminded me o’ him.”

By now Ah realized a raised brow was his tell fer confusion. “Wow... he must’ve been a real douche if he made ya wanna punch me....” Ah started t’ shake my head, then Ah felt a pressure on my shoulder. “Do ya wanna talk about it, then?”

Th’ long pause that followed felt like it would last forever. Ah rarely talked about my personal problems, even with my best friends. Seein’ Jet, a colt Ah’ve only known fer two days, askin’ me about somethin’ like this seemed unreal. “Sorry Jet... not now. Ah don’t know you well enough t’ even think about touchin’ that subject.”

Ah expected him t’ pry n’ push fer me t’ talk about it, but all he did was nod. “It’s a’ight, I understand. I’ve got things I wouldn’t even think about sayin’ to even my closest friends.”

Th’ pressure on my shoulder doubled as Ah flew forward. He was warm, n’ Ah felt strangely safe in his embrace. “Jet... how do ya do it?”

He knew what Ah meant. After slippin’ his cap back on, Ah was pulled down with him as he sat n’ nuzzled me fer a moment. “Because you, given only one brief side of our story, chose to do whatever it took to help us out of the kindness of yo’ heart. Iddn’t that enough fo’ me to trust ya?”

At this, Ah couldn’t help but return his embrace. He barely even knew me, n’ he still trusted me. Th’ warmness that his embrace brought slowly found its way inside me n’ made me want t’ stay there as long as possible. Ah was amazed; th’ anger we had vented at each other not three minutes ago had been evaporated by one simple hug. “Maybe Ah can trust you....”

A chuckle came from th’ large colt before his chin met my shoulder. “Tell ya what: if ya need t’ get this off yo’ shoulders, I’ll tell ya somethin’ about me, too.”

The sweet filly sighed into my chest befo’ speakin’. “If it’s alright... you go first.”

I kinda had no choice since I was the one that asked. “Okay. Here goes.”

I closed my eyes an’ recounted everythin’ of significance in my life that I could remember. “We were always poor, but what we lacked in money, we made up fo’ in love. That is, until Sprint turned 4, an’ I 10. Both our parents were forced to work in factories in Upper Manehattan just to keep us alive. Hell, a lot of fucking good that did.”

She shot me a concerned look, but I shook my head. “They were made into slaves. They never came home, an’ we only got letters from ‘em once a month, an’ after a while even that stopped. I was left to take care of a fo’-year-old filly by myself.” As I spoke, the specific events I talked about rolled through my head. “I resorted to stealin’ anythin’ I could just to make sure Sprint had enough to eat. I hated havin’ to break the law, but I had no choice.” I took a moment to evaluate AJ’s feelings: there was no happiness, nor anger in her face. Lookin’ at ‘er brows, which were arched as if she was ‘bout to cry, made me reluctant to continue. However, the pause must’ve been long enough to make ‘er think I was done.

“Is that all? Guess it’s my turn no-“

All it took was a hoof on ‘er lips to let ‘er know. “It got to the point where I was fed up with life. Well, not really life, but the way I was livin' it. I was a common thief on the streets, an' at home I constantly felt pathetic 'cuz I couldn't do more fo' my sister..." I could feel myself on the verge of tears but did my best to hold 'em back; I hardly ever cried, an' doin' it a second time in front of AJ was unthinkable. "That's when I started fightin' back. I dodged 'donation' collecters, escaped employers, an' even messed up a few shipments to screw with their profits. At that point, I was startin' to get help from sympathizers, too. With help, I was able to do more, an started makin' a name fo' myself. Everypony in Lower Manehattan knew my name, an' all the big wigs in Upper Manehattan were startin' to learn it. Hell, I was even banned from crossin' the border."

I'd started to lose my breath, so her invention was more than welcome. "So... this whole mess started, 'cuz all o' these tycoons made y'all slaves?"

I grinned inwardly. "Ya hit the nail on the head. After my parents were taken, I was bound an determined not to let it happen again. Honestly, I think everypony preferred being prevented from crossin' over than bein' forced to work. Obviously that wasn't the end of our problems, but ya know the rest." Long silences never set well with me, an' havin' Applejack with me didn't make a difference.

"Ah guess Ah'm not th' only one with a bad family history."

'Twas pretty hard t' keep from just grabbin' Jet into a hug. His story tugged at my heart, but Ah didn't have time t' think about it; 'twas my turn t' tell my story. "Ah... Ah had no idea you were holdin' so much in. Ah'm sorry, Jet." We continued our walk through the deserted district, but Ah struggled to find the right words.

"This isn't somethin' ya talk about much, is it? Take yo' time, babe."

Ah may have taken his words a bit too literally. Not wantin' t' make him wait another hour, Ah took a deep breath n' began my story.

"If it wasn't obvious, Ah'm a home grown farm pony. Ah don't remember much about ma n' pa seein' as how neither of 'em lived very long past Applebloom's birth. However, Ah do remember my older brother, Big Macintosh, takin' over all the work at the farm, which left me t' take care o' Applebloom. Granny Smith helped as much as she could, but when you get old there ain't much your body will let you do. It may sound easy, but believe me when Ah say it wasn’t. Despite workin’ almost nonstop, Mac always found time t’ point out my mistakes with Applebloom. His heart was in the right place, but the way he went about made me think o' him as more o' a dictator than a brother. Ah don't know what he expected out of me but Ah know Ah never lived up to it...."

"He wanted ya to be more like yo' mom, didn' he?"

Jet didn't know it, but long sighs were my way o' sayin' "you're right" without havin' t' actually say it. "Yeah... every time Ah did somethin', he always stopped me n' corrected me by showin,' what mama did with me. 'Cuz o' that, Ah grew up thinkin' Ah'd never be good enough for Mac. That's why Ah work so hard on the farm, now. Ah may not have made a good mother as a teenager, but Ah will prove t' him that Ah can do just as good as him now as a worker."

Ah turned back when Ah realized Jet had stopped. "Uh, are you alright, Sugar?"

His flank hit the ground as if his tail was an anchor. There was no anger or contempt in his eye, but his gaze was stern as he spoke. "Applejack, come here."

All sadness fled from my mind as the warmth o' his tight embraced enveloped me. There was a feirceness in his voice, but no anger. He sounded almost as if he was gonna cry.

"Applejack, as an older brother myself, let me tell ya somethin'. Sprint tries to prove every day that she can handle big jobs, an I'm tellin' ya now; no descent brother will ask for anything more than 'is sister's best effort. Just you tryin' to be the best you can be is enough."

The smile on his face warmed my heart. "Do you really mean that?"

"Of course. Ya shouldn't have to try an' be like somepony yo' not just fo' yo' brother to see yo' worth. Sprint tries to be like me all the time, an' I know I'm not the only one that likes 'er more when she's 'erself."

Ah grinned inwardly. "That silver tongue o' yours is somthin'  t' be proud of."

As Ah sat there wrapped in his hug, Ah felt safer n’ more comforted than Ah had ever felt before. Ah wished it would never end.