Chapter 4

Sweet Apple Acres, Ponyville

It had taken quite a bit of time, but eventually I was able to explain some of the basic aspects of my lifestyle to Applejack. Even so, I could tell she wasn’t completely satisfied with my explanation, if her clenched jaw was any sign to go by. In order to mollify her, I decided it was best to simply wear the work clothes she provided me without any further argument.

The flannel shirt was not entirely unpleasant to wear. I could clearly tell it was well-worn because the fabric felt softer and far more pliable than its appearance would suggest. Unfortunately, it was slightly too large for my slender frame. To fix the problem, Applejack rolled up the shirt and tied it tightly around my breasts, similar to how she wore hers.

The denim shorts were another matter entirely. They were loose enough not to hinder my movement, but the material chaffed against my skin every time I walked. Why did her entire family even wear these uncomfortable pants? Perhaps it was simply a matter of putting durability over personal comfort. I had no idea. But I did know that once I started sweating they would become even more uncomfortable.

Applejack sighed. “Well, ah guess that’s as good as it gets.”

“Once again, I apologize. I did not mean anything untoward in my dealings with your brother.”

“I’m sorry too, sugarcube. Ah shouldn’t have jumped ta conclusions like that. Ya just have a different way o’ lookin’ at things than we do. Do the clothes fit ya alright?”

I shuffled my feet. “I suppose. The pants are not very comfortable, though.”

“That’s ta be expected. Ya ain’t wearin’ panties, after all.”

An agonizingly long silence stretched between us. It was as if Applejack was still trying to process everything that I had told her about my beliefs. Perhaps she just felt guilty about making me wear such uncomfortable clothing on short notice. Whatever the reason, she took her hat off and stared straight into my eyes.

“Zecora, ah need ta ask ya a serious question. And ah want ya ta be honest with me.”

“Go ahead.”

“What are yer thoughts on mah brother?”

I suddenly felt quite nervous. Applejack’s tone suggested that she was just asking a casual question, but the posture of her body indicated that she was incredibly tense. What kind of answer did she expect me to provide? I took a deep breath and stared back into her eyes, doing my best to keep my voice steady.

“Macintosh has many traits that I find desirable. He is kind, generous, and careful not to upset me in any way. I believe that he is the type of man many strive to be, but seldom attain. I am proud to call him my friend.”

Applejack smiled. “Well, ah reckon you’re right on the money about all that. But what ah really meant was: Have ya entertained any romantic thoughts about ‘im?”

There it was. The question I feared most. I had hoped that Applejack was being more literal with her line of inquiry, but it was obvious from the start that she had something else in mind. Would she be upset if I said that I had, in fact, given some thought to deepening my relationship with her brother? In the end, I decided that it was best to be honest with her.

I blushed. “I have given it some thought. I am not certain if he feels the same way, but I would not be opposed to…pursuing a romantic relationship with him.”

Much to my own confusion, Applejack appeared to be relieved. “Thank goodness! That sure takes a load off mah mind!”

“Umm…I am afraid I do not understand.”

Applejack giggled. “Heh, ‘course ya don’t. For much as ah tease ‘im, Mac has it rough when it comes ta matters concernin’ romance and whatnot. Probably has ta do with that fact that he’s so damn shy most o’ the time.”

“Are you certain? He has always spoken to me without any issues.”

“That’s why I’m so surprised and, quite frankly, relieved. You’re the first gal I’ve ever seen ‘im so comfortable around. Ah reckon that means he likes ya.”

I felt a smile spread across my lips. “This is good news if what you believe turns out to be true.”

“I’m pretty confident it is. Call it…sister’s intuition. All ah ask is that ya take it slow and be patient with mah brother.”

Given my lack of success with romantic endeavors of any kind, I felt that Applejack’s advice was sound…if a bit on the cautious side. But that was understandable. Macintosh was her brother and she did not wish to see him hurt. I did not either, despite how eager I was to finally court a man who was truly interested in me.

“You have my word.”

Applejack patted my shoulder. “Ah hope it works out for the both of ya. Now how’s about we get this barn cleaned up?”

Cleaning out the barn proved to be exactly as I imagined it. The majority of our time was spent raking old hay into a pile outside so it could be burned later. Given that it was early summer, the task was made even less pleasant because of the humidity. By the time we were done sweeping, both of us were covered in errant stands of hay, sweaty, and likely smelled of unwashed animals. Despite spending a significant portion of my life in the jungle, I did not enjoy reeking of body odor or being covered in filth. Personal hygiene was just something that I highly regarded.

Much to my own dismay, Macintosh chose to check in on us at the very moment I lacked proper hygiene. He too was covered in hay and his hair was dampened by sweat. I imagine he smelled just as pungent as we did, but I still kept my distance from him out of sheer embarrassment.

Mac wiped his forehead. “Bails are finally finished. Is the barn clean?”

“Yeah, we just got it done ‘bout five minutes ago. Mac are ya feelin’ alright? You’re starin’ out into space like a turkey in a rainstorm. Do ya have heat stroke or somethin’?”

“No, it’s just that I’m surprised ta see Zecora dressed like that.”

AJ grinned. “Oh? Ya like a gal wearin’ Daisy Dukes, huh? Ah see how it is…”

“That’s…well…ah reckon it’s because ah ain’t used to seein’ her wear clothes like that!”

“Mhmm. Keep tellin’ yourself that.”

Mac blushed. “A-anyway…we should probably head back ta the house and get cleaned up. It’s almost lunch time.”

I was quite relieved to find out that the Apple family had more than one washroom in their home. That allowed for all of us to clean up quickly without delaying our midday meal too much longer. I opted to wear my dress again, considering that it was the only clean article of clothing I possessed at the moment.

After Macintosh and Applejack finished, I was surprised to see them in outfits that didn’t contain denim or flannel. Applejack wore a beautiful, if simple, yellow sundress and Macintosh sported a green t-shirt and a pair of khaki shorts.

Despite her ladylike appearance, Applejack darted into the dining area and grabbed a bottle of what I could only assume was beer, and proceeded to chug it on the spot. After a few more hasty swigs, she grabbed another beer and waggled it towards her brother.

“Whoowhee! That sure hit the spot! Ya want one too, Mac?”

“Eeyup.”

Applejack smacked her lips. “Do the folks ‘round your parts have beer, Zecora?”

“My people do not drink beer very often. They tend to enjoy far stronger libations.”

“Hmm. Do you have a favorite type o’ booze?”

I rubbed my neck. “To be honest, I never acquired much of a taste for alcohol. It tends to muddle the senses, which is a detriment to hunting. One needs their wits about them to stalk prey, after all.”

“Oh. I’m sorry. Ah didn’t mean ta offend ya.”

“It is quite alright, Applejack. If you have water, I shall drink that instead.”

Applejack clicked her tongue. “Ah can do a hell o’ a lot better than water! How’s fresh squeezed apple juice sound?”

Words failed me the very moment the amber nectar touched my lips. The apples I had before were delicious, but the juice was far beyond that. It was refreshingly sweet but had a tart aftertaste that simultaneously quenched my thirst and left me wanting for more. Before I knew it, the entire glass she had given me was empty.

“Ah take it ya like it?”

I cleared my throat. “Like would be too weak a word. It is, without a doubt, the best juice I have ever had the pleasure of consuming. If it is not an imposition…might I have another glass?”

“O’ course ya can! And I’m happy ya like it so much. Ah made it mahself.”

For what seemed like hours, we simply sat around the table and enjoyed our beverages in silent bliss. Admittedly though, I was beginning to get quite an appetite and wondered if any of them intended to eat their midday meal. As if to answer my grumbling stomach’s plea, an elderly woman hobbled into the kitchen with a plate full of sandwiches.

“Chow’s ready y’all! Eat up ‘cause ah made plenty fer seconds!”

I did not wish to be rude, so I waited for the Apple siblings to partake first. When Applejack waved me on, I slowly took a bite out of the corner of my own sandwich. Once again, I found myself in utter culinary bliss. From what I could gather, it contained chicken, generous portions of smoked bacon, mayonnaise, and some lettuce…I think.

The old woman smiled. “Ah see that our guest has quite the appetite. Does this old lady proud ta see that her cookin’ is enjoyed. Go on and take another if it suits ya.”

“Thank you. Your sandwiches are delicious.”

“What might yer name be, young lady? Ah can’t say I’ve ever seen ya ‘round these parts before.”

I bowed. “My name is Zecora. I recently moved here from Zebrica.”

“Oh? Well ain’t that somethin’? It’s been decades since I’ve seen a Zebrican in the flesh.”

“My people…tend not travel outside of their homeland very often.”

The old woman nodded. “Eeyup. Ah met me a handsome fella down there when ah was ‘bout your age. O’ course that was back durin’ mah travelin’ days. Sweet mercy was he wild in the sack…”

Immediately after she uttered those words, both Macintosh and Applejack choked on their sandwiches and turned beet red. I was not entirely sure why they were so embarrassed. Elders had the right to make love just as often as those enthralled by the passions of youth. It was simply a fact of life. What was wrong with it?

“G-granny! We don’t need ta hear ‘bout that kind o’ stuff. Especially with a guest at the table.”

Granny scowled. “Hush, Applejack! I’m old and ah have the right ta say whatever the hell ah want! Please excuse mah granddaughter, Ms. Zecora. She’s a bit o’ a stickler fer bein’ all proper-like. Just like her daddy.”

“No need to worry. I am not upset. But did I hear you mention that Applejack was your granddaughter?”

Granny chuckled. “Ya heard me right. Sorry, ah got so caught up in my reminiscin’ that I forgot ta introduce mahself. The name’s Carroll Smith Apple, but most folks just call me Granny Smith.”

“A pleasure to meet you, Mrs. Smith.”

“There ain’t no need ta be so formal. Just call me granny. So…how did ya end up meetin’ mah grandkids?”

I took another sip of my juice. “When I first moved into town, I came upon your grandson’s stand. After buying some apples, he told me that he had a terrible rash on his arm and I healed it. Ever since then, we have become good friends.”

“Ah reckon that’s why ya came here today?”

“Macintosh treated me to breakfast earlier today, so I decided to help with tasks around the farm as recompense.”

Granny punched Mac’s arm. “Well now, that’s mighty interstin’! Macky takin’ a pretty gal out on a date?”

“It wasn’t like that! She just kind of…showed up at the diner. Ah thought it was the neighborly thing ta do, payin’ fer her meal.”

“And I’m sure she appreciated it. Ain’t that right, Ms. Zecora?”

I nodded. “Indeed. But I feel further indebted by the gratitude you’ve sho—”

“Now hold up there! Ah fed ya lunch ‘cause it was the polite thing ta do for a guest, not ‘cause I wanted somethin’ outta ya. Besides, ya did plenty by cleanin’ out that musty old barn. So no more talk ‘bout debts.”

With any further arguments on my part silenced, we all proceeded to enjoy our lunch in peace. I was perfectly content to just listen to the three of them converse and partake in the delicious apple cobbler ala mode Mrs. Smith provided for dessert. That was until Apple Bloom came bursting through the door, covered in blood, with tears streaming down her face.

Much to her credit, Applejack scooped up her little sister into an embrace without a shred of hesitation. Neither of them said a word for several moments, but I suspect it was a ploy just to calm little Apple Bloom down so that she could speak coherently.

Applejack rubbed her back. “What’s wrong, sugarcube?”

“Ah know it looks bad…b-but ah ain’t hurt or nothin’. This blood…i-it ain’t mine.”

“Then where did it come from?”

Bloom sniffed. “It’s from Sally and Bess. They’re…dead.”

“Dead?! But how?”

“W-well ah was coming back from visitin’ Sweetie a-and ah saw the two of ‘em just lyin’ on the ground, covered in blood. Ah was just tryin’ ta see if they might still be alive but...it was pretty obvious they weren’t.”

I looked over at Macintosh. “Who are Sally and Bess?”

“They’re our prized fair pigs. Bloom’s upset ‘cause they were sort o’ like pets ta her.”

“I have heard that pigs can be quite intelligent, but enough to be affectionate?”

Macintosh nodded. “Ah know it’s a bit strange, but ah assure you that it’s true. Those two gals acted a lot like Winona. Heck, they’d even nuzzle Bloom when she came over ta the pens.”

I was no farmer, but it seemed odd to me that two domestic animals would die in such a violent manner without any provocation. From just a cursory glance, I could tell the amount of blood that was covering Apple Bloom’s arms and shirt had to have come from a large wound. I knew that she was upset, but I needed her to show me the carcasses.

I gently caressed her cheeks. “Apple Bloom. Could you please tell me where you found them? I would like to inspect their bodies to make sure that whatever caused their deaths is not still in the area.”

“O-ok.”

It was no mystery as to why little Apple Bloom had become so upset. Both hogs were lying on their sides, throats torn out, with a pool of blood puddled underneath them. Applejack and Macintosh had elected to accompany me while Mrs. Smith stayed in the house to comfort her youngest granddaughter.

The two siblings looked saddened by the carnage, but did not seem repulsed by it. They had probably killed animals for meat before and were used to witnessing bloodshed.

I ran my fingers along the wound. “This does not bode well. The lack of muscle trauma suggests that whatever creature did this had jaws large enough to kill these hogs with a single bite. I am not entirely certain without any tracks to compare…but the beast is at least the size of a small bear.”

Applejack paled. “A bear? Are ya sure? They normally keep ta themselves, deep in the woods.”

“I would be inclined to agree. That is why I do not believe a bear to be the culprit.”

“What do ya think it is then?”

I frowned. “This was not a kill meant for mere sustenance. It is clearly a territorial display. But the only creature I know of that shows such aggression is a mountain lion. If that is indeed what the beast is…I fear it is an unusually large one.”

“One that’s as big as a bear?”

“Quite possibly. I must warn the both of you. It is well within the capability of this lion to kill a man. If you value your safety, please stay indoors.”

Applejack appeared to be suitably frightened, as well she should be. Macintosh did not. In fact, a steely grimace of determination set upon his lips. Under that determination I could also sense anger. Not only from the way his eyes looked, but by how hard he was clenching his fists.

This beast was threatening everything he held dear, his family and livelihood! He wanted to do everything in his power to protect them. I understood his feelings. But I did not wish him to do anything foolish. That is why I had to choose my words carefully, lest I anger him further.

I placed my hand on his shoulder. “Macintosh, I know what you want to do. But we cannot be hasty in this matter. The proper rituals and precautions must be taken.”

“But mah family is in danger! What if that monster decides ta maul Apple Bloom? What then? Ah can’t just stand here and let that happen. We need ta go kill it!”

“I agree that it is a threat and must be…neutralized. However, this beast is clever and dangerous so it must be hunted in the proper way. Charging into the forest with a rifle is not the answer.”

Macintosh’s shoulders sagged. “You’re…right. I’m liable ta get lost or killed without some sort o’ guide. Ah need someone who’s done some huntin’ before ta watch mah back. Ah know it’s a lot ta ask but…will ya help us again?”

“Of course I will. I want to protect my new friends as well. But if you wish to accompany me into the forest, we must first conduct the proper rituals as well as use traditional weapons. The spirits demand it for an honorable kill.”

“Whatever it takes.”

Zecora’s Cabin, The Everfree Forest

It took more time than I preferred, but eventually I convinced the rest of the Apple family that Macintosh was safe accompanying me on what amounted to a dangerous trek through untamed wilderness. We departed Sweet Apple Acres with a promise from Applejack that the rest of the family would be safe from harm under her watch. Now came the difficult part: convincing Macintosh to participate in all of the rituals.

“In order to retain the sanctity of the hunt, certain conditions must be met. I know that you are not likely to be comfortable with this, but we must both rid ourselves of any clothing.”

Mac bit his lip. “Are ya serious? Ah get that ya don’t like wearin’ clothes, but ain’t it a bit extreme ta be trompin’ through the woods…n-naked?”

“That is how I have always hunted. The spirits demand that we become as close to nature as possible. Clothing represents the trappings of man and cannot be used. I am sorry Macintosh, but there is no compromise in this.”

“Are we at least gonna take sleepin’ bags and other supplies?”

I nodded. “Yes. I have all the proper equipment we need. But clothing is prohibited. Do not worry though, it is early summer. You will not be cold.”

“That ain’t exactly what I’m worried about…”

In order to make him feel more comfortable, I decided to strip out of my dress first. Much like before, he appeared to be extremely flustered by my nudity. I could tell he was trying very hard to be polite and not stare at me, but it was clear that he was failing miserably at it. I took in stride. It simply meant that he enjoyed looking at me.

I sat in front of him. “Is there something wrong?”

“Umm…well…ah just don’t think ah can do this. It’s too embarrassin’!”

“Are you worried that I will make fun of you?”

Mac bit his lip. “M-maybe…”

“Macintosh, you should never feel ashamed of the body you were born with.”

“Just…promise me ya won’t laugh or anythin’.”

I smiled. “I promise.”

Slowly but surely he began to take off his clothes. After what seemed like an eternity, he finally stood before me completely nude. I have seen many men naked before. So it should not have been a surprise to see one more. Unfortunately, such was not the case in this instance.

I promised him that I would not laugh, and I did not. However, my promise did not stop me from staring. And by the sprits did I stare! I tried not to, but I could not help it! His entire body was covered in lean muscle and wispy rust colored hair. I had no doubt that it was the end result from years of manual labor.

Inevitably, my eyes drifted downwards…much to my own shame. I felt my face erupt into a furious blush when I saw his manhood. For the sake of argument, let us just say that he was…very well-proportioned. By sheer force of will, I tore myself away and started walking towards the kitchen.

“I…shall go fetch the body paint.”

Mac coughed nervously. “Body paint?”

“We need to draw patterns on our bodies to signify ourselves as hunters.”

“More spiritual stuff, ah reckon?”

“Indeed. I apologize for not mentioning it before. I will paint myself first and then you.”

I painted my body as quickly as I could. It was in a simple pattern of lines, dots, and swirls that covered me from head to toe. For this hunt, I chose white ochre to emulate the spirit of swiftness and cunning: Ja’uuta the Panther. With a novice hunter on my hands, I needed all the help I could muster.

Painting Macintosh’s body was not quite so simple. I had little trouble with his arms, face, and chest but it became more difficult to focus when I came to his stomach. I was trying to be efficient, but my fingers traced his abdominal muscles far longer than was strictly necessary. I only stopped when Macintosh gently grasped my wrist.

“Zecora, ah think ya put enough paint there.”

I blushed heavily. “Forgive me; I was not paying attention. It shall not happen again.”

I finished painting the rest of his body with a quick succession of dots and lines. What I neglected to tell him (out of embarrassment on my own part) was that it was customary to paint the penis as well. But…he did not need to know that. And I do not believe the spirits will take great offence to it either. The intention was good enough, in my humble opinion.

Mac looked in the mirror. “Great job with the paint. It looks…nice.”

“Thank you. I have all of our supplies ready. We may depart now.”

“Sure. Ah guess we better get a move on…”

I shuffled my feet. “Indeed.”

Much to my surprise, Macintosh took hold of my hand and led me towards the door. He didn’t say another word, but he did smile at me. It was not one of happiness or amusement, but one of reassurance. I gave him a smile in return and tightened my grip. That is how we began our journey into the forest. Hand in hand, side by side.

Author's Note

After much delay, I present chapter four. I hope everyone likes it.