Chapters Chapter 1: Good days gone bad
It was quite hot spring in Equestria, with just the right amount of rain and sun for the early trees to have plentiful of apples. Actually, it was one of the most fruitful years for the Sweet Apple Acres. And even more for Appleoosa, which is why Big Macintosh went over to help Braeburn with harvesting the orchards.
Anyway, this left the whole Sweet Apple Acres for Applejack and Applebloom. Actually, the latter one was too small to buck trees and would rather stick up with Cutie Mark Crusaders than gather apples.
"This gonna be a lot of buckin', alright" Applejack said to herself, as she was looking at the Acres from a hill. It didn't bother her, tough, as she liked working at the farm. It kept her busy, and it offered a simple goal - to keep the business running.
"If ah'll manage mah time properly, the harvestin' will be done within a month." She remembered well that trying to do it all in just a week wasn't a good idea. She hoped that with a right pace she could do this without overworking herself. Then she saw a rainbow-maned pegasus zipping through the morning sky.
"Howdy, Rainbow!" she waved her hoof.
"Hey there, Applejack" Rainbow Dash landed next to her friend. "I've got a proposition for you!"
"Really? Is it a bet or a contest that you wanna win?" Applejack knew well that Rainbow Dash is a show-off that liked to win, no matter what.
"A contest! But don't think it will be me showing you who's awesome. It will be me showing the whole Cloudsdale who is AWESOME!" she posed herself like on a starting line. "The city is organising a race, and my undoubtful fame oblige me to take part in it and win!"
"Okay, but what does it have to do with me...?" asked the earth pony, uncertain of her role in this race.
"You, my dear Applejack, will be my supporter! And I hope you're better at it than Fluttershy..."
"Sure thing, sugarcube, but how am I supposed to accompany you to Cloudsdale? Ah don't have wings, as far as I'm concerned."
"Oh, right. And as Twilight's sick, we won’t get her help with it..."
"What are ya talking 'bout? Twi's sick?"
"Yeah. I've been at her place this morning, since she can make that spell to walk on the clouds. And she wasn't feeling well. Sneezing like a madpony, not in shape to do magic. That's why I came here."
"Well ah'm sorry ah can't help you, RD, but thanks for letting me know 'bout Twilight. Now if ya'll excuse me, I've got work to do..."
"Sure. See you around then!" Rainbow said her goodbye and flew away.
Applejack on the contrary did not make a move. At first she wanted to proceed to apple bucking, but she thought about Twilight. If she would postpone her work till noon, she could come over and check up on the sick pony. Maybe she could help somehow.
Deciding that friends are more important than any work, she ran back to the house. Quickly she packed a few small apple fritters and a big slice of Granny Smith's pie, and took off to the library.
Knock-knock-knock.
"Come in!" Spike yelled. The doors opened and the earth pony stepped inside.
"Hey Spike. May I come in?"
"Sure, you're always welcome. But what brings you here?"
"Ah just wanted to check on Twilight. Is she alright?"
"Yeah, she's fine." A loud sneeze came from upstairs, followed by hard coughing. "Apart from that flu. I don't even get how she fell ill. I mean, come on, it's warm already, right?"
"Can I talk to her?"
"Sure. I was going to the grocery's, so I won't be disturbing you two." Then Applejack realized that the dragon was holding a basket in his hand. She gave way to him, and as he left the library, she went upstairs.
"Hey Twilight. How are ya doin'?" The unicorn lay in her bed, with a number of napkins by her side.
"Hello, Applejack *cough* Good to see you. And Spike is already taking care of me, thank you. I'll have my rest and I'll be back on my hooves in no tim- A-Chooo!" Twilight sneezed, and as she did not wanted to sneeze on her guest, she turned her head to the nightstand. It ended up with sending all the napkins to the floor.
"Ah'm sure you'll gonna be alright, looks like it's just not the time yet." Said Applejack, gathering the napkins from the floor. Most of them were soaked, so she threw them away to the trashes.
"Sorry, AJ" Twilight said.
"Don't you be sorry, sugarcube. I'm glad to help. By the way, ah wasn't sure whether Spike is a good cook or not, so ah brought you these" said Applejack, unbuckling her saddlebags. Twilights eyes widened as she saw apple pastry.
"Is he a good cook or not, your cakes are always delicious!"
They have spent the next hour or so on eating and talking. When it was about noon, Applejack excused herself and left the library. This meeting brought her spirits up, and she could feel the energy for the rest of the day.
When she got back to the farm, she wasted no time and went on bucking the trees. The work was going pretty well, apple carts filling one after another. The sun was gently warming the ground, a light breeze in her mane... She truly felt to be in the right place. She felt... good. A feeling that wasn't coming to the orange earth pony too often. The day passed very quickly, and although Applejack could work much longer, she stopped by the nightfall. After coming home she ate a proper supper, took a well-deserved bath and fell fast asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
The following days were quite alike each other. In the morning she would go over to Twilight, as the unicorn was slowly recuperating, and then buck as many apples as she could till dusk. This pattern kept for a whole week, and would probably last longer, but eventually they both had to agree that Twilight just isn't sick anymore. She had a week-long gap in her studying to catch up on, and Applejack was staying behind her apple-bucking plans. In another words, the two mares couldn't afford any more time for their meetings in the days to come.
"Rainbow Dash, I'm going to need your help." Twilight said to the cyan pegasus, who was warming up on the ground.
"With what? I'm quite busy right now" Rainbow replied.
"Oh, I just want to repay a favour to Applejack. You know how hard work she has with harvesting all those apples, right? And I've got a plan that we could carry out tomorrow morning."
"Sorry, but tomorrow morning I have a race to win. And this afternoon I'm trying to do something with Fluttershy's cheering."
Twilight frowned. "Hmm... I wanted it to be also a surprise... could you spare a little time before dawn? I know it's a bit early, but it will wake you up before the race. So what do you say?"
"Well, if you put things like that, then aright. What's your big plan then?"
"As I said, it's going to be a surprise..."
In the very early morning, two mares arrived at the Sweet Apple Acres' gate before daylight. The night's gentle chill was still in the air, but you could feel that the day was about to begin. The two mares, unicorn and pegasus, crossed the gate, but hadn't directed to the house. Instead, the both of them went into the orchards.
"Alright, we're in the right spot." said Twilight, stopping. "Now I'm going to put all these apples into the air, and..." she looked expectantly on Rainbow Dash.
"And I'm going to amass them and push into that barn-magazine over there." She pointed her hoof in direction of one of the buildings. "Easy-peasy! But I still don't understand why you can't do it yourself? It wasn't a problem for you the last season."
"Because I'm about to put ALL these apples into the air. It requires much more magic! Alone, doing it in small steps, this would take me at least few hours." Twilight explained.
"I see. Then let's get going with it!" the cyan pegasus took off into the air. Twilight focused, her horn started to glow, and the apples started floating just above the treetops. Rainbow Dash looked around, flied to the farthest end and started pushing the apples toward the centre. She have done the same with all directions, and the apples ended up as a great ball hovering over the ground. The pegasus then pushed its side, making it slowly to the barn. Inside, she placed it over large crates, one of which was almost full, and gave a mark to Twilight. The magic disappeared and the enormous ball scattered, over-filling the crates.
"Great job, Rainbow!" Twilight beamed.
"Thanks! It wasn't too hard really. But now I need to get going if I don't want to miss the race. See you later!" still in air, the pegasus waved her hoof and sped away, in direction of Cloudsdale.
Twilight looked at the horizon. The sun was about to rise, and it was the time Applejack woke up. She decided to wait by the barn for her.
The first beams of sunlight crept through the window and laid down on Applejack's face. Slowly, she opened her eyes. It was time to wake up! Resisting the urge to sleep just a little longer, the young mare stood up. She stretched her legs, cracked her neck and yawned. She quickly finished her morning toilet and went down for breakfast. After that, she took her hat and stepped outside.
The sun just finished emerging from the far horizon, still a little red in its shine. Applejack took in the view and looked around, thinking where to start the next part of her apple-bucking quest.
But...
There were no apples around.
She ran a few meters among the trees. They were all... empty.
"What happened?" she muttered in disbelief. Then Twilight stepped from around the barn's corner.
"There you are, Applejack! Well... Surprise!"
"What?" the earth pony inquired, still not facing the unicorn but looking dumbfounded at the trees around. "What?" she repeated.
"I just wanted to help you a little, you know, for that you were coming to visit me while I was ill. I know that apple bucking is a hard work, but it wasn't such a big deal for me..." she interrupted as Applejack finally faced her. She didn't look happy. Actually, Twilight could see clearly as she was changing her expression from disoriented to angry.
"You. Did. WHAT." she fixed her eyes on Twilight, the unicorn felt like she was shrinking under this look.
"erm... Helped...?" she stammered, not so confident now.
"Are you telling me ah wouldn't been able to take care of my OWN apples?! That is why you've done MY work? Harvestin' MAH apples!" a fire of fury started to rose in the earth pony's eyes.
"Applejack..." Twilight tried to stop the orange pony's tirade.
"Ah'm not sick! Ah needed no help! Why did you do this? Am I a cripple to you?! Just because ah can't do magic? Ah would manage well by my own! And ah tell you somethin'! You treated me like a cripple! What you've done wasn't help! 'Cause ah needed no help! That was an INSULT!" she was already yelling.
"Applejack!" Twilight screamed, quite scared by the other mare's unexpected outburst. Applejack stopped yelling.
"Get the hay out of mah farm before I'll buck you in the face for all those trees. Now!" she snarled through clenched teeth.
That... That was nothing like this conversation should go! Twilight wasn't able to think of anything better at the moment, so she just turned around and ran away.
Applejack was left to herself.
"ARGHHH!!!" she screamed. She was literally overloaded with fury. To unload it, she just kicked the nearest tree. Only few leaves fell down... She kicked again. And again. And again, as hard as she could. She could hear a crack and turned around. There were two hoofs imprinted deeply in the tree's trunk. Suddenly, Applejack felt guilty for harming the innocent tree. She felt guilty for treating Twilight the way she did. She sat next to the tree, leaned her head against its trunk and started crying quietly.
Chapter 2: Cake and stampede
The next day Applejack woke up much later than usually. There was just no point in waking up early if there was nothing to do for her.
She still felt a bit angry about her task being taken from her. She felt like she had lost the reason to even get out of the bed. But she still had friends... She knew that Twilight wanted the best, but seemingly didn't realized how important work was for Applejack. The young mare decided that she is going to apologize Twilight for her outburst. She didn't wanted to yell at her. It was just... Well, she was the Element of Honesty. She was bad at lying, but also she was often saying just what she was thinking. Thus, she was a bit hot-headed at times, times like yesterday.
She descended from her room to the kitchen. She put out some flour, milk and apples and started baking.
After nearly an hour, she opened the oven and took out a hot, steaming apple pie.
"Now I'm ready to go!" Doing the cake cheered her up a bit, and she went out to make it to the library before the cake turns cold.
Knock-knock-knock.
"Come in!" Spike yelled. The doors opened and Applejack once again was in the library.
"Hey, Spike."
"Applejack?"
"Why so surprised?"
"It's just... Twilight have been a bit upset... Ugh, never mind, she's upstairs."
"Thanks." Applejack went straight for the stairs. Once she entered the room, she saw the unicorn with her nose buried deep in a book. She hadn't even noticed her arrival.
"Twilight..." Applejack started. When it comes to it, apologizing is never easy.
"Hm?" Twilight still wasn't looking.
Ah could just walk away now... The earth pony thought, but quickly pushed this thought away. Ah am not a coward!
"Ah wanted to apologize." She said loud and fast. This time the unicorn looked up.
"Applejack? What are you doing here? Uh, I mean..." she stumbled over her words. "I wasn't expecting to see you... Ekhm, soon."
"Ah know... Sorry ah was so harsh on you. Ah'm mighty, mighty sorry. Ah know all you wanted to do was help me out."
"And I'm sorry that I was messing around on your farm without your knowledge."
"It's okay... My fault ah've bursted out, should've keep my reins down. Also, ah've brought you this Apology Cake" She said, pulling it out.
"So we're good?" Twilight inquired, looking at Applejack.
"We're good." She answered. The unicorn let out a breath she didn't know she was holding.
"Great! I really don't like to be at odds with my friends! But that's what friends do - they forgive, right? Looks like I have a letter to write to Princess Celestia!" Applejack couldn't believe that a few simple words made Twilight so happy. Looks like she really cares a lot for their friendship. She already started walking around the room, magically putting the books around on shelves and holding a quill and paper.
"Then ah guess ah'll be gone now?" Applejack backed out, putting the pie on a nearest shelf.
“See ya ‘round” She said, leaving already busy Twilight to write her letter. Although settling things right with Twilight let down heavy weight from her heart, she didn't share her friend's enjoyment.
When she stepped outside the library, something struck her and sent rolling on the ground. When she opened her eyes she saw Rainbow Dash on top of her.
"Guess what!" the pegasus straightened herself, holding a golden cup in her hoof.
"You won! Congratulations, RD!" Applejack answered, getting up. "But ah've thought the competition was yesterday?"
"It was! I was just a bit busy for the rest of the day. You know, interviews, autographs and all that fame stuff..."
"Ah see." she could rather see Raibow staring at her prize in her room for the rest of the day.
"Anyway, now you are talking with OFFICIALLY the fastest pony in this part of Equestria!"
"The fastest... Ohh, it calls for a party!" both mares turned their heads to Pinkie Pie, who just, literally, bounced into their conversation. "With balloons! And streamers! And huge cake! This is going to be the best party ever!"
Rainbow Dash wasn't being given details. She was being assaulted with details. Applejack took her chance and walked away. She didn't felt like partying. She would rather be alone now.
After a while, she had made her way to the Sweet Apple Acres. When she passed along the orchards, she looked at the now empty trees. A cold feeling stung her heart again. It was noon, and she had no work to do. Normally, she would started bucking apples, but now... She needed something to occupy her mind. Not that there was anything wrong about thinking, but when she had nothing to do her thoughts sometimes trailed off in directions she didn't like. She needed a task. A challenge. She looked around. The trees were empty, and hadn't started losing leaves yet. Apples in the barn, everything in the right order. Nothing to do at the farm. Suddenly, she felt a slight vibrations in the ground. She looked around. She noticed a cloud of dust in the distance.
"Oh no..." she made a few steps forward. Straining her eyes, she was able to see contours of running cows.
Stampede! Applejack knew a stampede wasn't anything strange, but this one was clearly moving towards Ponyville. And that was dangerous. She let out a loud whistle. Barking could be heard and a dog showed up.
"Let's go, Wynona!" Applejack ran off to meet with the cows. If somepony could stop them, it was her. Ponyville needed her.
Fluttershy just met Carrot Top this morning. She bought a stack of carrots for Angel, and was going home, the bunny jumping by her side. She just crossed the bridge, humming to herself, a basket full of fresh carrots hanging from her mouth.
It is such a nice day. She tought. Then a blue butterfly flew by her side. She smiled, unfolded her wings and tried to catch up with it. But then an abrupt movement in a corner of her eye caught her attention. She looked back and was surprised to see Angel running frantically away.
"Oh, Angel bunny, what scared you so much?" but the bunny didn't even look back. Fluttershy landed on the ground. As she did, she felt that it was violently shaking. The basket fell out of her mouth as she turned to her left. There, right in front of her, was a running pack of cows, and it was closing really fast.
*squeak*
Her legs refused to move and she found herself sitting flatly on the ground, her pupils narrowing of the oncoming doom.
*squeak*
Fluttershy made another sound full of scare and panic and closed her eyes, awaiting for the worst to happen. But then there was a noise of scratched ground, like a dozens of hooves were ripping the dirt. After a moment nothing happened, so she slowly opened her eyes. Right in front of her were about thirty heavy breathing cows. First one of them spoke:
"Oh my, I'm so sorry darling. We didn't mean to scare you. Good thing I've spotted you in the last moment, tough..."
"But Mooriela" asked another one, breathing heavily. "Why we were running?"
"I'm not sure, something muuust have scared Dorothy."
Fluttershy was still sitting on the ground, scared to her bones herself, but was listening to the conversation. She chuckled nervously.
"... heh... probably just a snake or something... right?" She asked in her typical, unsure way.
"A snake?!" Mooriela looked at her surprised. Behind her, rumblings grew louder.
"A snake?" "What snake?" "Snake?" "Snake!" "A snake!"
And then one of the cows cried "A snake! Everyone run for your lives!" and the stampede began once again, but in an opposite direction.
In that moment, Applejack ran to her friend, panting heavily.
"Sorry... ah was too slow... Fluttershy, you alright... What happened?"
The pegasus' eyes were still wide.
"I-I... don't know" she stammered. Then, an earthpony showed up at the bridge.
"I saw what happened! She saved Ponyville!" Behind him, more ponies were appearing. Ponyville's Mayor stand out of the cheering crowd.
"That was amazing, dear Fluttershy! You're a true hero of ours! Such an outstanding thing doesn't happen too often - I think it requires a celebration!" With that, the crowd literally picked up Fluttershy from the ground and carried in the direction of the city centre.
Huh. That was... Unexpected. Hay, ah wouldn't say Fluttershy could scare off a fly, not to mention a pack of cows. Applejack was the only one left. She caught her breath and followed to Ponyville's square.
"Now I'm thanking Fluttershy personally, but I will do it officially the day after tomorrow on a party in our hero's honour!" the Mayor said.
"Hooray for Fluttershy!" everypony cheered. Applejack just got on the place. She spotted Pinkie Pie standing nearby.
"Hey there, Pinkie! What is Mayor talkin' bout?"
"Ohh, Fluttershy will have a big party in two days! Since, you know, she saved the city from being trampled!"
"Those're good news alright." the announcement was done, and ponies were slowly going back to their daily chores.
"Oh yeah! It looks like we will have a double party then!"
“What d’ya mean, a double party?”
"Silly pony! For Rainbow of course!" the pink pony started to bounce around Applejack, causing her to spin. “But this mean we will need more supplies. Can you visit Rarity to see if she has any spare serpentines?”
“Sure thing, sugarcube.” Hearing the agreement, Pinkie bounced off in the direction of Sugar Cube Corner.
More streamers! Applejack chuckled to herself. For some odd reason, Pinkie just loved streamers. She decided to visit Rarity right away for any scraps of material.
"Hello, Rarity" she greeted the unicorn as she entered the Caroseul Botique. "Do you have some leftover material maybe? Ya ‘now, for streamers and serpentines"
"Hello, Appl- DEAR Celestia! What has happened to your mane?!" the fashionista was clearly terrified by the look of her friend.
"Umm... Nuthin'?" Applejack answered unsurely, trying to look on the top of her head. "What about it?"
"What about? It's all sweaty and every hair goes in other direction! It's a mess!"
"That's nothing. Ah was just running today."
"Let me take care of this." Rarity said, leaving no space for denial. She levitated a comb and started to put her friend's mane into shape. "So what brings you here, Applejack?"
"Pinkie’s makin’ a party for our six tomorrow. Ah came here to ask if you have any scraps of material for the decoration."
"Of course, darling, there's a whole basket of leftovers at the back. You can have it all. There, now you look like a mare" Rarity finished combing and put the comb away. "You have such a wonderful hair. You should appreciate it and take care of your mane more often."
"Ah don't have time for those fru-fru platitudes."
"I'm not talking about hair designing, but at least a nice combing every morning."
"Every mornin’?! Ya know how hard it is to comb yourself? It's a terror to even put mah scrunchie on with these two" She looked at her hooves.
"I see... Well then, you could always come to me every now and then."
"Ah think ah'll pass... Ah'll just take those materials."
"As you wish." Rarity said and disappeared at the back of the boutiqe for a moment. She came back levitating a basket full of cut parts of various materials.
"Thanks Rarity." Applejack observed the basket for a second, and having no other way of taking the basket, she took its edge in her mouth and started pulling.
"Maybe you would like some help with-"
"Nah, ah'm fihne. Thankhs ahnd seeh yah shoon" the earth pony said with her teeth clenched on the basket.
Rarity closed the doors behind her friend and observed her through the window for a moment, as she was staggering with the basket. She could really use some help, that stubborn pony. Rarity thought to herself.
It took her a longer while, but Applejack finally made it to the Corner. She left the pink pony rummaging through the basket and went back to the farm. Once she got there, she entered the kitchen and was surprised to see Big Macintosh home.
“Big Macintosh! Ah’ve thought ya’ll be away for another week or so!” She welcomed him happily, giving him a hug.
“Yup. A united dozen of workin’ ponies can do miracles.” Her big brother answered. “And I see you’re done here, too. How did you manage? Applebloom said she woke up one day and the orchards were harvested.”
“Actually” Applejack started “Ah didn’t. And ah probably wouldn’t have it done by now. Twilight came over ‘n’ magicked all them apples into the barn.”
Big Macintosh picked up one apple from the table and eyed it suspiciously. Its tail wasn’t ripped, as it usually happens for apples shaken from the tree. Instead, it looked like it was neatly cut.
“That explains a lot, I suppose.” He hasn’t said anything else. For a while Applejack wondered if her brother is disappointed of her, but he quickly explained the reason of his troubled face. “Looks like we will have’ta make more jam this year. And quickly.”
That was another reason for taking down the apples gradually. Their freshness. Applejack knew that now they will have to process most of the apples, so they won’t spoil.
“Don’t ya worry yer head ‘bout that, big brother. It’s good to have you back home.” She reassured the stallion and went to mind her business. She felt she needed a good bath after running all the way to Ponyville. Looks like it was for nothin’. With that thought, she went to sleep.
She woke up the next day with the sun, as always. When she came down to the kitchen, she met her family preparing for a breakfast.
“Why the long face, sis?” Applebloom inquired her sister. Truth to be told, Applejack wasn’t in spirits. Again.
“Ah just don’t know what ah’ll do today. Ya ‘now, everything’s fine and dandy with the farm. Although Ah guess Ah could help with the jam-makin’...”
“Now hold on there, young’in” Granny Smith interrupted her. “That’s mah part of the job! Ya will have ye’r jams to make in yer life!”
“You can go to the town with me. We’re goin’ to need more jars and sugar.” Big Macintosh spoke up.
“Sure, anythin’ to keep my hooves movin’.”
After the breakfast Applejack stayed to clean the dishes. Other ponies dispersed, save from Big Macintosh.
“You wanna talk about somethin’, sis?”
“Nah, ah’m fine.” Big Macintosh said nothing, and the silence was drilling. Eventually, it broke Applejack.
“Actually, ah wan’ to talk. Ah’m jobless and no use to anypony.” Her brother was still silent, letting her to speak. “Ah mean, takin’ care of the orchards was all ah have ever been doin’. Now it’s fine and dandy, and ah don’t know what to do with mah free time. Ah feel... kind of unnecessary” tears had started to form in her eyes. Big Macintosh put a reassuring hoof on her shoulder. “Ye’r right, ah’m being self-pity now...”
“I didn’t say that.” Her brother replied. “There are times when everypony need to pity himself. Just a bit, to see the problem. And find a solution.”
“What d’ya mean? There’s no solution. The summer trees won’t give fruit for another three months or so.”
“A hobby.”
“Hobby?”
“Eyup.”
“Phh.” She freed herself from under his hoof. “Ah have no hobby! Ah’m only good with apples.”
“Not what you’re good at, but what you like doin’.”
That made Applejack wonder. She liked working, that’s what she has always been doing. Or maybe she was just used to it? The point is, she couldn’t recall any other activities that would gave her true pleasure in her free time.
“Maybe you’re right... Ah’m gonna think it over. Thanks” she said to her brother and he nodded.
“We’ll go the town, ok?”
“Yup. Ah’ll get mah hat.” She smiled. Oh, that’s what she needed. A good pony to talk to. Big Macintosh wasn’t much older than her, but he always knew what to say.
She went back to her room, thinking about his point. He’s right, ah need a hobby of some kind. But what? At the corridor, she found Applebloom heading the other direction, her Crusader cape on. Heh, probably ah will become The Hobby Crusader soon. She smiled on the thought. The truth was, she needed something to do. This required trying a lot of things to find the proper one. And, if she couldn’t come up with anything, she could as well use Applebloom’s List Of Cutie-Mark Activities.
She entered her room and scanned it for anything that would give her a hint of what she would like to do. Bed, two windows, a drawer, shelf with a few books and her hat, nightstand and a small mirror. She sighed, a bit scared of herself. She then realized that her private life was just as empty as her room. Furnished, but empty. The work consumed her entirely, concentrating on her job she never allowed herself to wander off to leisure activities. She grabbed her hat and went downstairs.
Soarin was wandering around the streets of Ponyville. Although he wasn’t wearing his remarkable uniform, a few mares recognized him and he had to hide in the crowd to avoid attention. His stomach growled noisily, as he looked at the shops around him. There, at the end of the valley was an invitingly looking building, signboarded as the SugarCube Corner. He licked his lips as he thought about what he could find inside... He trotted over, when something caught his eye. A big, red-coated stallion was loading packs of jars on a cart. But there was something on that cart... something that reminded him...
“No, it can’t be!” he said out loud, to nopony in particular. He came closer, and now he was certain. On the side of the cart was exactly the same sign that he remembered from the Grand Galloping Gala. The best cake... Ever! I found them! He thought, as he approached the red stallion.
“Excuse me, but is this your cart?” he asked. The pony stopped the loading for a moment to gave him a plain stare. Then he returned to packing the cart.
“Right, that was obvious. So...” Soarin glanced at the side of the cart again, reading the lettering under the sign. “You’re from Sweet Apple Acres?”
“Eyup” the stallion answered this time, sparing him the glance.
“Do you... maybe... sell pastry on different events?”
“Eyup. Sometimes.” Was the answer. Longer one this time, I’m going somewhere Soarin thought to himself.
“And maybe... there is a shop or a stand of yours around?”
“Nope.” Crud.
“I want to buy some pastry of yours. Who I can turn to?”
“That would be Applejack.” The stallion pointed his hoof in direction of a blonde mare, who was apparently discussing something with the sugar selling pony. He thanked the stallion and came over to her. He didn’t want to interrupt her business, but she noticed him and was the first to spoke.
“Ya needin’ somethin’, partner?”
When she faced him, he remembered her as well. She was the pony who sold the delicious cake to him. Oh boy, he haven’t had such tasty apple pie in over a year!
“Um... I want to buy an apple pie.” He decided not to mince words.
“An apple pie? Where d’ya get that idea? Sorry, but ah got no apple pies on me right now” she smiled politely at him.
“I know, but it’s important. I’ve heard you’re the one who was selling apple pastry on the Grand Galloping Gala, right?”
“Right, partner, but why is it important? As ah said, ah have no pies right now.”
“You see, I’ve tried one of your pies back at the Gala, and boy it was delicious! I just need to feel that taste again!” he pleaded.
“Wait, you’re the pony who bought it back then? Ah remember you, you were my only customer! And you’re one of them Wonderbolts, ain’t ya?”
“Wonderbolts? Soarin?” one of the passing ponies picked up their conversation. “Oh my gosh, it’s you! Hey girls, it’s Soarin!” she cried to a close group of talking mares. Moment later, Soarin was beset by a wall of fans. Seeing that, Applejack trotted over to Big Macintosh’s cart and placed the bag of sugar there.
“What’s the commotion?” Her brother asked.
“A famous pony.”
Big Macintosh picked up the cart and headed back to the farm, Applejack by his side.
When Soarin finally managed to fly over and escape the crowd, he saw Applejack at the road out of the town, and quickly joined her side.
“I mean it! Just one cake!” he pleaded. The orange mare stopped. Big Macintosh gave them a glance and decided to carry on, leaving them behind.
“If ya want a cake, go to the bakery in town.” She snapped at him.
“Whoa, what’s with the attitude?” He was startled by her sudden change of voice.
“What’s with you? Came here to make some commotion, didn’t ya?”
“What? No... I can pay a lot for the pie if that’s what you want.”
“Ah don’t want yer money. You stars ‘re always gettin’ what you want, anyway.”
“I don’t get it... You’ve got something to famous ponies?”
“Ah’m not the one boasting around and showing off just because.”
“But I wasn’t... Look, if you don’t want to do it for a famous Wonderbolt, then do it for me, personally. The name’s Soarin, by the way.”
“Yeah, ah’ve heard” She eyed him suspiciously. Maybe he wasn’t one of them boasting, head in clouds and always looking down on everypony fancy stars she disregarded. “Fine... Ah will bake you one pie.”
“Really? Great! I mean, thank you.” He smiled at her. She didn’t returned it.
“An why you want mah cake in particular, again?” She asked, picking up the route to the Acres.
“Well, it was like ambrosia. When I tried it, nothing else tasted as good. Not that I couldn’t live without it, but when I saw the sign on your cart today I knew I can’t let this chance go.”
“Ah’m flattered. If you’re sincere, of course.” There, she gave him a small smile! Finally, she dropped her angry behaviour.
They walked up to the farm with a polite conversation about Ponyville. Once there, she left him at the bench in front of her kitchen.
“Ya’ll wait here, while ah’ll do the job. Forty minutes max.”
Soarin agreed, and waited. He watched her preparing the pie through the window. After about half an hour, someone called him. He turned to the yard and saw two of his team mates landing and coming over to him. Both had their costumes on.
“Hey Soarin, where have you been? We were looking for you for the last hour!” Fleetfoot said.
“Now let’s go! Spitfire was literally spitting fire with anger!” Rapidfire grabbed his hoof and pulled him upright.
“B-But...” Soarin tried to protest, looking back at the kitchen’s window.
“No time for sentiments! We should be half-way to Hoofington right now, so we have a great chance of being late.”
“Yeah. That was supposed to be a lunch break, not holidays.” Fleetfoot giggled, and took into air. Soarin followed suit.
“Say Soarin, what took you so long here?” Rapidfire inquired. The barn-house was going more distant.
“I just wanted a pie...” Soarin said, looking behind him. An orange figure could be seen in front of the doors.
“So you delay a performance for a pie? You lickerish bustard!” Both his friends laughed heartedly.
Applejack took the steaming pie from the oven. She had to admit, it smelled really nice.
“Yer order is ready!” She called, but was met with no response. She looked at the window, and seeing nopony behind it went outside. There, in the sky she could see Soarin with two other pegasi wearing the Wonderbolts suit. She could see him looking back at her, and then heard them laugh.
Laugh. At her?
She narrowed her eyes. She expected something like this. Stupid stars’ game. First, famous ponies use their position to fool others into something, and then laugh out their efforts.
At first, she wanted to throw the pie on the ground, but she managed herself and went back to the kitchen.
Chapter 4: Stories and hobbies
“Why yer so gloom, sweetie?” Granny Smith asked Applejack. The whole evening so far was spoiled for her by that Wonderbolt’s ‘tomfoolery’.
“Ah hate them famous ponies. They think they’re better than others, but they do nothin’ they can be proud of. Ah’m glad our family is free of such ones.” She didn’t answered the question directly, as she didn’t want to go into details.
“Famous ponies? Why, yes, we’ve had one of them alright.” Granny Smith put down the newspaper she was reading.
“What?” Applejack was slightly astonished. “A famous Apple? Ah never heard of one.”
“Oh, ye’r just too young to remember. Equestria-known travelling magician. And mah uncle, too.” Now Applejack was fully astonished.
“But Granny, you’ve never spoke of him before!”
“Well, that’s a long story...”
“Go on” she encouraged, sitting down on a couch in front of her grandmother.
“It was long time ago... Ah was just a little filly back then. Maybe even younger than Applebloom. Mah mother often told me the story of mah grandparents, great-great-grandparents fer ya youngin’. Back at these times, it was badly perceived for a unicorn to bound with a plain earth pony. But you can say their love was beyond the rules. And that’s how mah mother and her brother showed up on this world. And that’s where the story begins. Ya see, mah mother was an earth pony, but her brother was like his father. When they grew older, she established a family, and he was earning his livin’ as a travellin’ show-pony. Heard he was good at magic and stuff, but ah never seen him performin’. Actually, ah only seen him once or twice on our family reunions, but mah mum was exchangin’ letters with him. Then the crisis came. It was hard to find a proper job, and times were hard. Ponies couldn’t spare their money for his performances, so he started to help ‘em with his magic, still travellin’ around, searching for troubles to fix.” Granny Smith stopped for a while, obviously straining her memory. “Ah guess there’s a newspaper with an article ‘bout him in the attic. Anyway, then we moved to Ponyville. Actually, it wasn’t Ponyville yet, just a few houses by the road. Our farm enlivened the place, and it grew big enough to show up on the maps. And that’s how Ponyville was created and why it has older traditions. Hope that answers yer question” Upon finishing, she gave Applejack a wide smile. “Good to know you youngin’s ‘re interested in our city’s history”
“Yeah... thanks for your time, Granny.”Applejack replied. Her grandmother was at the point in life where she was easily loosing the topic.
Wanting to know a bit more, she ascended the attic. After some time of rummaging through the boxes labelled ‘mementos’, she found the newspaper. Nothing much, just a black and white picture of a unicorn stallion and a short note how he helped to put up a new rooftop in some village.
Felling like she has a lot to think of, she decided to have a night out. She took a few golden bits and quietly went out. It was already dark, Luna’s moon shining majestatically in the sky.
Ponyville never had bars or liquor stores of any kind, as alcohol usually brought troubles. But if somepony needed to unwind, there was a kind of motel, where you could rent a room and have a drink overnight at the bar. It was just outside the town borders, and that’s where Applejack headed. She was there only once or twice, but she felt that cutting off her mind for one evening would do her good.
Applejack entered the bar and sat at the counter. There were a few visitors, some talking quietly and some just hanging their heads over their drinks. She ordered her first beer, and went into thoughts. She was thinking about how she had nothing to do and about finding a hobby. She thought how she was devoided of her work and how that Wonderbolt treated her.
“He thinks he’s impressive... Ah’ll have a hobb-ey to be impressive!” She slurred to herself, putting down her third glass of beer. She had lost any faith in ponies.
Then the doors to the bar opened and all ponies looked at the new guests. They were three unicorns, wearing a traveller’s outfits. They came over to the bar and looked around. There were only two seats free at the counter, both by the sides of Applejack. The stallion at the head of the group said to her:
“Move, please.”
“Ah’m going nowhere!” She snapped at him. She wasn’t in mood of doing anypony’s requests anymore.
“I said” the stallion stood by her side. “Move!” With that, he pushed Applejack with his flank, sending her off the stool. The three laughed and took the places. The farm pony stood up shakily.
“Ah’ll show ya!” she swinged her hoof at him, but he dodged it without trouble and Applejack was at the floor again. The three laughed even harder.
“You dirty little...” She tried to charge at him again, but she felt the ground leaving her hooves. “What the hay?! Put me down!” She swinged her hooves in the air, as she was floating in a cloud of magic coming out of the unicorn’s horn. “Don’t you hide behind yer magic!”
“You want to fight with me?” The unicorn asked, as the laughs died out.
“Put me down and stand up wit’ yer hooves!” Applejack cried angrily. The unicorn was calm.
“Why would I? Unlike you earthies, I don’t need to get my hooves dirty. Nor my face.” With that, he launched her through the doors, face-first into the ground. Laughs could be heard again.
Applejack stood up again, and wanted to go inside, but the doors slammed in front of her face and locked itself. Laughs could still be heard. She looked through the window.
The bar-keeping pony went over to the newcomers.
“Be calm and don’t treat my customers like that, or you’ll be forced to leave.”
“Shut up, barkep, and do your job!” the unicorn replied him, tossing a few bits on the counter.
Applejack sighed heavily with anger and went back home. Trying not to wake up anypony, she headed straight to her bed.
As the sun shined through window on her face, Applejack grumbled. She wasn’t in shape for waking up yet. But the sun was relentless. The window along with the curtains that could possibly stop it were on the other side of the room, so Applejack grumbled again. Eventually she got up, still feeling a bit dizzy from the day before. Her eyes were bloodshot and her breath... Well, it was breath taking.
The first thing she did was visit the bathroom and put herself to proper shape. After about half an hour, she came downstairs for breakfast. Big Macintosh was at the table finishing his food, and Granny Smith was bustling around the kitchen.
“Good mornin’, everypony!” AJ greeted them, as cheerfully as she could. She hoped that her absence yesterday went unnoticed.
Granny responded obliviously, and Big Macintosh gave her one of his looks. Like if he knew everything what happened and understood... Or didn’t care at all. It was hard to tell.
Anyway, after a proper breakfast she went out for a small jog around the orchards. During it, she planned her activities for the day. And so her hobby hunting began.
Swimming was for starters. Although it freshened her up, she got bored after some time. Next came wood carving. She had many ideas for it until she almost loose her teeth on a nasty knag. Not letting her spirits down, she also tried kite flying, painting, sculpting and even got Roseluck to bring her into arcana of flower caring. Too bad she was already too tired to care whether the leaves of a flower were in right order or not.
After a few eventful hours, Applejack was glad to go back home. Trying everything sure was exhausting. Ah wonder how them Crusader manage it every day...to talk of the devil. She thought to herself, as Applebloom ran over upon seeing her arrive.
“Applejack! Ah need help with somethin’! Let’s go!” The little filly said vigorously, pulling her sister behind the corner of a barn.
“What’s up, Applebloom?” Applejack asked anxiously, seeing her sister so exited. Although she got easily exited, something was clearly on.
The filly stopped by the barn. “Look what ah’ve got!” she said pulling the object of interest from the barn.
“Landsnakes, what ya’ve got it for?” Applejack was a bit scared of the answer, as she eyed the object.
“Ya kiddin’ me? A monocycle cutie mark! Totally awesome!” Applebloom wasn’t dejected at all. “Too bad ah don’t know how to ride it. Do you?” she asked expectantly.
“Now wait a minute, sugarcube. Where in tarnation did ya get a monocycle?”
“Ah saw it comin’ back from school, and ah borrowed it. So we’ve got only today to figure out how to ride it!” she was widely smiling at Applejack.
“You actually borrowed it?” AJ asked the filly.
“Well... Yes...”She answered hesitantly, clearly uneasy.
“And the owner knows that you borrowed his monocycle?” came the next question.
“’f course he knows! He was chasing me!” Applebloom light up again.
“Wha... CHASIN’?! Didn’t ya thought that maybe he didn’t wanted to lend you it?” The last thing Applejack needed was Applebloom being a theft. The filly was carefree, tough.
“Ah did, but he gave up when ah screamed that he will have it back tomorrow mornin’. So ah figured out he agreed.”
“Eh. Really, Applebloom.” AJ sighed.
“Don’t be mad, sis. And please, don’t tell me ah got to give it back just yet!” Her sister pleaded.
“Fine... But no, ah’ve never rode anythin’ like this before.”She will let it pass this time. Maybe if Applebloom will face the angry pony tomorrow, she will learn something.
“Great! Now let’s get to it! And ah think ya’ll hav’ta put me up. Ah can’t even get on the darn thing!”
“Watch yer tongue, AB.” After a few trials, Applebloom failed to even keep the balance for more than few seconds. Applejack observed carefully, and came up with a method.
“You should try to counter the gravity with pedals” Despite of the hint, Applebloom couldn’t manage. As she grew annoyed of constant failing, she gave way to her sister.
Applejack picked the monocycle cautiously, and mounted it. Applebloom held her side, until she was seated.
“Okay, now let me go. Slowly” She directed. The filly slowly let go and backed off. Applejack wobbled a little, but managed to keep her balance. Pressing her hoofs on the pedals, she countered the force of gravity pulling her to the ground. Applebloom clapped her hooves.
“You’re doing great, sis!”
Applejack, more confident due to her success, tried to move herself forward a little. After a few wobbly inches, she stopped again to regain balance. Applebloom was still cheering her up. Eh, what the hay. Ah’ve got only one life. She thought to herself, as she pressed harder on the pedals. With greater velocity, the balance was easier to keep. She even managed to make a small arch around Applebloom.
“Wooo-hooo! You rule, AJ!” the filly screamed.
Applejack smiled widely. However, her smile faded very soon. Ah should have checked the ground first she thought regretfully, as the monocycle jumped up on a stone hidden in the grass. The bounce deprived her of any control, and now she was falling to the ground. Instinctively, she tried to abandon the monocycle by jumping off of it. She went flying... The ‘flight’ was short tough, as it was abruptly interrupted by a branch from a nearby tree. With a loud ‘THUD’ Applejack slammed her face at the branch and fell to the ground.
Applebloom panicked.
“Sis? Sis! Are you allright?” She leapt over to her sister.
“Uhh... Ah’m alive...” Applejack replied slowly, as she tried to get on her hooves. Massive pain stroke through her skull, so she withdrawn her trials and decided to stay on the ground.
“Ah... Ah’ll get Big Mac!” Unsure what to do, Applebloom ran off for her brother.
Soon, the two appeared walking quickly past the barn. Big Macintosh was pulling an empty apple cart.
“Ah’ve got ya, sister,” he reassured her, as he picked her up and placed into the cart.
“Ah’m fine, mah head is just killin’ me...” Applejack groaned. Big Macintosh looked at the nasty bruise on her forehead.
“No wonder... Applebloom, you stay here. I going to get Applejack to hospital. And don’t worry, everything will be fine.” He reassured both of them, and himself either. With that, he trotted off pulling the cart towards the Ponyville hospital.
“It appears that you have a concussion. You must’ve hit very hard.” The doctor said, as he was examining Applejack at the ambulatory.
“Yeah, ah’ve had a small accident...” she answered faintly. Her head pounded, her vision was blurred and she could hardly think.
“Your skull doesn’t seem to be broken. We will run some tests just in case.” He nodded to the nurse to take her. The nurse pony took the wheelchair Applejack was sitting on and went with her to various rooms.
After an CT and MRI, the two, equipped with the tests results, came back to the doctor. He took a while to look at the tests, and finally spoke.
“Looks like you are fine Applejack, apart from that concussion. You will have to stay here for observation, but that will be a week at most.” He smiled reassuringly at her. She smiled back, unconvincingly, unsure whether staying at a hospital is a good thing. Then Big Macintosh was let in from the waiting room.
“How is she, doc?” He asked.
“Just a concussion, but everything else is fine. Nothing to worry about, but we will keep her for a few days.”
Big Macintosh nodded, clearly relieved.
“Now you’ll get some painkillers and sedatives to get you some rest.” The doctor said, facing Applejack. As on command, the nurse took the wheelchair again and rolled away.
“We will keep you informed.” The doctor said to Big Macintosh.
After admission, Applejack was assigned her own bed and given a mix of pills. She could feel the pain fade away, and so the reality. Soon, she was fast asleep. An artificial, pill induced sleep without dreams, but still it brought rest to her.
Applejack woke up slowly. The throbbing pain returned to her head. Without opening her eyes, she tried to touch her forehead, only to find out it was bandaged. Without hurry, she opened her right eye and scanned the room. Through the window it seemed to be around noon, and there were only two more ponies resting in beds on the other side of the room.
She opened her left eye too, and the vision struck her. Her head filled up with visual experiences, like everything was over brightened and had too much contrast. She quickly closed both her eyes and it was gone.
What the hay? She thought. Slowly, she opened her right eye again. Everything was normal, until she opened the other one. The impression returned, but she kept her eyes open this time. After a while she realized that actually nothing was over brightened, the colours around her were as usual and the strange feeling had another source. Visually, everything around her seemed normal, although there was something to it. She couldn’t place her hoof on it. She turned to the nightstand by her bed. There was a small cup of tablets, so she took a swig of them. She could feel growing dumbness, as she fell asleep once again.
Another waking up. This time it was Applejack’s growling stomach that brought her to reality. The pain in her head was much smaller than previously, but still it didn’t allow to be forgotten. Applejack remembered the strange thing that happened to her last time, but she hoped it was just a dream. Taking up courage, she opened her eyes.
Although there was no striking experiences this time, that strange feeling was still present... So this wasn’t a dream. But as everything looked normal, she took a glance around herself. It was night time, the same room. Two ponies sleeping at the other end, one of them snoring lightly.
She faced the nightstand again, to find another set of pills, some cold food and a glass of juice. She gladly devoured her meal, but left the pills untouched. She didn’t want to sleep anymore, and the pain in her head was manageable.
Having appeased her stomach and nothing other to do than investigate the thing happening to her, she played with her eyes.
After a few combinations of closing and opening her eyelids, she came to the conclusion that her right eye caused nothing out of ordinary, but the left one was bringing up the strange feeling. A rather subtle feeling, like it was seeing something beyond the things around her...
The dawn caught Applejack deep in thoughts, and so did the nurse on her morning round.
“Ah, you’re awake already! Are you feeling better now?” The nurse asked, catching Applejack’s attention, but didn’t wait for a response. “That’s great, you have been sleeping for two days now, and you overslept your visitors too. Now, wait here and I will bring the doctor to check up on you.” After taking a quick glance at the other two ponies, the nurse left the room. In a few minutes the doctor that received Applejack appeared.
“Your awake, good. How are you feeling?”
“Uh, better ah guess.” Applejack answered. “Ah think ah’ve never slept for so long, and the pain is much lesser.”
“That’s good. I think we can put off the painkillers now. At this rate, you should be able to go home in another two days.” The doctor smiled friendly and patted her shoulder. As he turned to leave, she stopped him.
“Uhh, doc, ah have a question.” He approached her again. “Is mah eye alright?” she asked, having only her left eye open. The doctor put on a pair of glasses and leaned on.
“I see no visible damage to it... Why are you asking? Is there something wrong?”
“Well, ah can’t kinda’ place it.” Applejack wasn’t sure how to put that strange feeling into words.
“We can run some more tests if you want.” The doctor’s look was only slimly anxious.
“No, maybe ah’m just overreactin’. Ah haven’t been in a hospital for quite a long time, and it’s gettin’ onto me.” She smiled. She actually became more familiar with that feeling, and thought that maybe she really was just overreacting.
The doctor smiled back and left.
The two following days were quite alike each other, her siblings and friends visiting her, the latter ones still chatting about the party Applejack missed. Over the time she almost forgot about the strange feeling, as she got used to it pretty quick. As the pain in her head faded, she stopped caring about it. On the day she was discharged, she was really happy to go home again. Obviously, her friends wanted to arrange a small party at the Sugarcube Corner first, so Applejack spent the first day catching up on news and drinking milk-shakes. It was nice to know that her friends cared for her.
As she came home eventually, she was filled up with cake and totally worn out.
When the bed-time came, she went upstairs. She gladly slumped into her bed and looked around. Her hat was resting on its shelf on the other side of the room, the few books were also on their place, and an empty glass on her nightstand. Everything was just as she left it. Reaching to the switch, she turned off the lights.All things are comin’ back to normal. Meanwhile thinking about the last few days, she felt as the night wrapped around her. Drifting slowly into unconsciousness, she felt an itch at the back of her head for a moment. She tugged onto her beloved hat and fell asleep.
The morning came very quickly. Well, it came as usual, but for Applejack it seemed otherwise. She didn’t realise she missed her own bed so much. The warm and soft bedclothes were almost calling to her to sleep just a bit longer, but the sun was very persistent. Applejack opened her eye a bit, only to meet with a bright shine from the window. Only the curtains could stop it now... Ignoring the itchy feeling that showed up again, she closed her eyes and the room went dark once again. She gladly sighed and let herself fell into a light nap.
Applejack woke up with a start. The room was dimly lit, as the curtains let through a little sunlight. She gave a quick glance at the clock. Ten o’clock already?! She jumped off of the bed and went over to open the curtains. The sun filled the room. Looking through the window, she reached out to the shelf with her hat, but it was empty. She turned around and noticed it lying down on the floor, next to her bed. Not giving a second thought, she picked up the hat, put it on her head and trotted downstairs.
Unsurprisingly, the house was empty at this time of the day. Applebloom was (hopefully) at school, Granny Smith doing whatever she planned for today, and Big Macintosh working. At the kitchen table there was a plate full of already cold pancakes, waiting for her. Applejack readily ate her breakfast, and went outside. She saw her brother working in the field, and directed towards him.
“Hey Twilight, where are you going?” The cyan Pegasus asked, landing next to the trotting unicorn.
“Hello, Rainbow. I’m going to visit Applejack. Just to check up on her. And you?”
“Me too! And to confirm an information.” She said almost conspiratorially.
“What information?”
“You see, yesterday I was talking with Cloud Chaser about the last performance of the Wonderbolts. And she said that they were in Ponyville last week! Their track was passing nearby, but not through Ponyville, so I couldn’t believe it! I went on to sniff around a bit.” Rainbow Dash took in the air again, hovering around Twilight. “It turned out that it weren’t all the Wonderbolts, only Soarin. Or a pony that looked like him. Anyway, Roseluck told me that she saw him talking with Applejack that day. So I want to ask her if it’s true and why she didn’t tell me about it!”
“I see. Maybe it really wasn’t him…” Twilight fell silent for a moment. She put up her hoof. “Rainbow, look!”
Rainbow looked at the direction that her friend was pointing, and saw a familiar contraption approaching Sweet Apple Acres from the other side.
“Uh-oh. You think it’s them?”
“Maybe. If yes, this means troubles!” The unicorn said and sped up.
They got on the place just before the machine, and met Applejack and her brother at the field.
“Howdy ya’ll” the farmpony greeted them.
“Applejack, have you seen them?” Rainbow Dash said, waving her hooves at machine that was moving closer to the Acres’ gate. Twilight also looked worried, but said nothing, busy panting heavily.
“Yup. Wonder what them no-good Flim Flams want ‘ere again.” Applejack stated, her eyes fixed on the said two unicorns, as their vehicle entered the farm and stopped. They jumped off, and came closer.
“Hello, Apples” The first one started “And friends!” the other ended, bowing his head towards Rainbow Dash and Twilight.
“What d’ya want here?” Applejack asked them, sounding rather calmly, but her face was tense.
“Still trying to get rich quickly?” Twilight asked, regaining her voice.
“Well, yes, who doesn’t?” The one with moustache answered.
Applejack turned to Big Macintosh.
“You better go an’ check if nopony’s going through the house.”
“Hey, we don’t stoop down to theft!” both unicorns said, but Big Macintosh just gave them a look and went to the farmhouse.
“All we want is a fair and square chance for money.” The shaved one, Flim, said.
“And you get the same chance if you agree! ‘Cause that’s the rule of a bet!” his brother, Flam, ended.
“Mah farm against what? Yer machine?” Applejack asked, looking at their vehicle. It looked more like a wagon now, no cider-squeezing machinery on it.
“No no no. Normal money are at stake.” Flim produced a bag and opened it with his magic. The gold shone in the sun.
“Our ten thousand bits against yours. The winner takes it all.” Flam said. “You in?”
“And exactly what kind of bet is it?” She asked.
“Purely physical competition. Five challenges, each for one point.” Flim explained.
“Oooh, Applejack! Let me! I’m the fastest one, they stand no chance!” Rainbow was clearly excited. This pony sure do loves competitions , Applejack thought.
“Ah’m sure it won’t be just about speed, am ah right?” she inquired.
“Yes, a race, slalom, hay-throwing, hoof wrestling and barrel pushing.” Flam answered.
“See? That will require some down to earth strength. A featherweight like you won’t do, Rainbow.”
“But you just came out of hospital!”
“It was mah head, not legs that got hurt. And ah’m well now. Ah’ll compete.”
“Applejack, don’t agree! They will try funny things again, I tell you” Twilight warned. “Besides, do you have that much money?”
“Ah have mah savings… and ah know where are Big Macintosh’s. ‘Sides, ah will beat any of those weaklings!” Applejack was rather confident. Maybe Flim Flams were taller than her, but were far from being muscled. “And no magic, right?”
“Of course, of course. Just the brawn.” Both unicorns assured.
“Applejack, think twice!” Twilight said. “It’s just money!”
“Ekhm. And honor.” Flim added under his breath. Applejack looked at him and narrowed her eyes. Maybe it was a bit impulsive, but Flim had a point. A challenge thrown on her farm, her land? She will pick it up and she will win!
“The bet is on.” She said firmly.
“Great! Contestants, step forth!” Flam beamed.
“Okay, so which one of you two am ah going to beat?” Applejack made a step forward, but none of the unicorns did.
“None.” Flim said, as an earth pony came out from behind the vehicle and approached Applejack.
“Hey, who’s that?” Rainbow Dash asked, clearly baffled.
“Our contestant! Meet Julio Manevio!” Applejack looked at the newly appeared stallion.
“Yallo!” the stallion welcomed them with a smile. His coat was blue and his mane was black with short, curly hair. He was wearing a stripped, red and white tank top. He was tall, and well built. Very well built. She could see his muscles moving under his skin… Applejack gulped.
“You mean ‘Hello’?” Rainbow Dash accosted him. His face instantly crossed and he furrowed his brows at her.
“Ah thought that YOU are challengin’ me” Applejack said to the brothers. She may sounded a bit worried, as the odds clearly moved to her opponents’ side.
“No, we are just placing bets. Nopony said it would be us to compete.” Flam explained.
“What, you chicken out?” Flim asked.
“No ah don’t!” Applejack stamped her hoof. No turning back right now!
“Then let the games begin!” The brothers smiled.
First, there was the race. The track was set up among the trees and it was decided to be five laps long. Applejack hoped that she will outdo the stallion with her endurance, but it came out that he was at least as tough as her. Having longer legs than her, he surpassed her in the second lap, and she didn’t manage to catch up to him. The first point went to Julio. Flim and Flam gave each other a satisfied smile.
The second challenge was a slalom. A short track between twenty trees. Applejack was in her element this time, as she swiftly passed the track, cutting the turns narrowly. The blue pony was fast too, but he had obviously less practice in running among the trees. He cut one turn a bit too much, and nearly ended up on the ground. This time, Applejack scored. Her friends cheered.
The time came for the third challenge. The Flim Flams pulled out already prepared hay stacks from their vehicle. Applejack gave way to Julio to throw first. The pony had some reliable strength, and he used it well to give the hay stack a high velocity. However, he had thrown it too high, as it arched and landed closer than it could have. Nevertheless , it flew a considerable distance. Now it was Applejack’s turn, so she took the string into her mouth. She concentrated, trying to recall everything she learned during preparation for the Equestria Rodeo. She took a small running start, leaned on to increase the momentum, and let the hay after a quick spin. The throw was almost perfect, and the stack landed much further than her opponent’s. She smiled, and her friends cheered again. Applejack was one point ahead! She looked at the brothers. They remained calm, as if they were prepared for that. And it worried her. Hm. They do have sleeves, and probably aces too. She looked around and noticed Big Macintosh watching everything from distance.
Now it was turn for hoof wrestling. A barrel with a pillow on it was set up, and the contestants approached. Applejack started to worry even more, as she took Julio’s hoof in hers. It was firm, strong, and its owner had a bold smile. The starting mark came, and the struggle began. Applejack knew that she was pretty strong for a mare, but the blue pony knew well what he was doing. He used the length of his leg as a lever, and beat Applejack’s hoof despite her determined efforts. The points aligned, and Flim and Flam’s smiles changed to rather sly than satisfied. It looked like they were certain of the result, as the time came for barrel pushing.
Flam used his magic to float a wooden barrel. It had “CIDER” written on its side, though the letters were shabby and the barrel was obviously empty.
“The rules are simple. You push over a barrel, and the first one to give in loses.” Flim explained, the sly smile still on his face. Applejack settled herself against the barrel, and so Julio did. This challenge was conclusive, and the determination brought beads of sweat to both of them. On mark, they both started to push. It was exhaustive, yet fierce battle. Applejack depended on her strong hind legs, and Julio used his physical superiority. The ponies struggled for a longer while, their supporters doing their best to raise their spirits.
Eventually, Applejack felt as her front legs started to give in. She pushed her shoulder against the barrel to withstand, but her opponent noticed that he is gaining advantage. He raised on his legs to push more downward. Applejack realised that he is trying to crush her, but she couldn’t do anything about that. She tried changing her position to straighten her front legs, but succeeded partially. The barrel was now pressing against her hooves and forehead, but her left hind leg started to shake, and it eventually collapsed, leaving her on one knee. Damn you, McGillycuddy! She could hear her friends let out a horrified gasp. Ah can’t lose! Not now! She felt humiliated too much lately, and knew that her pride wouldn’t survive another defeat. Nor her wallet.
She opened her eyes and concentrated on the barrel in front of her. Then, she recalled the strange feeling she discovered at the hospital. It was still present, pushed aside by her consciousness. This feeling was now telling her that the barrel needs just a push. Like ah’m not pushin’ already! The feeling of her second leg shaking brought her back to reality. She was losing. As she fell to her knees, Julio let out a single “Ha!”. Applejack gathered the remnants of her power and pushed hard with all her might. She could feel an itch appearing at the back of her head, and then the lowering pressure on her hooves. At first, she thought that her limbs were going numb, but then she realised it was the barrel that stopped pushing onto them. Suddenly, everypony could hear a scream as the barrel, along with the blue pony grasped to its side, rocketed into the sky. Suddenly deprived of support, Applejack fell on her stomach. Lying on the ground, she could see Julio crashing to the ground a dozen yards further, and the barrel smashing next to him. He quickly got up and fled like scalded, limping a bit and yelling probably offensive invectives.
Everypony stood in silence, with Applejack lying on the ground, stunned by what had just happened. The first ones to regain self-control were Flim and Flam. As they realised they lose the bet, they quickly mounted their vehicle and were off, leaving a cloud of dust behind them.
Rainbow Dash jumped to Applejack’s side and helped her up.
“Wow, AJ, that was incredible!” She said with ecstasy.
“Indeed. But WHAT exactly had just happened?” Twilight asked, eyeing Applejack suspiciously.
“Uhh...” The orange pony brushed off her coat. “Ah dunno... He must’ve tripped or somethin’...”
“Oh yeah, and that was awesome!” The only pony who didn’t seem baffled was Rainbow Dash. “Next time remind me not to push a barrel with you. At least not without a safety outfit!” She laughed. “And look, there’s your prize! Looks like you’re rich now, AJ!” The Pegasus spotted the bag of coins lying on the ground, and flew over to pick it up.
“Heh, heh... ah think ah am...” Applejack answered, turning away from Twilight’s suspicious look. The unicorn broke the gaze and trotted over to Rainbow Dash, taking the bag with her magic. She looked inside.
“Oh no... looks like you’re not, Applejack.”
“What d’ya mean?” The unicorn let the bag on the ground, and the golden bits fell out. Under a thin layer of them, the rest of the bag was filled with pebbles.
“Those lousy cheaters!” Rainbow uttered a cry. “They were playing it safe all along!”
“I knew that something was up. But at least you have...” Twilight swiftly counted the coins. “... about one hundred and fifty bits in profit.”
Then, Big Macintosh approached his sister and patted her on her shoulder. Not saying anything, he went over to clear the debris from the barrel.
“That’s somethin’. And, what else, ah just won a competition!” Applejack gathered the coins. “This calls for a celebration! The evening’s on me” She smiled, and so did her friends. They left for Ponyville, with only Rainbow Dash chattering about the competition with the blue pony. Twilight wasn’t saying anything, obviously deep in thoughts, so Applejack quickly changed the topic to more neutral one. She was puzzled about this event as well, but decided to think it over later.
The pack of friends were sitting in the Sugarcube Corner. Everypony had a drink of their own, and a slice of deliciously looking cake on their plates.
“...and when we all thought that she is about to lose, BOOM!” Rainbow Dash was gesticulating vigorously. “The pony slammed to the ground! Heh, you should see the look on Flim Flams’ faces! They ran away like scared foals!”
“Oh my, that must have been very exhausting, Applejack” Fluttershy commented, as Rainbow finished describing the rivalry that Applejack had undertaken.
“Oh, I’m sure it was, even though Rainbow likes to colorize her narration.” Rarity commented, waving her hoof.
“It was totally like I’m saying! AJ here sent him flying!”Rainbow said with little resentment, pointing her hoof to Applejack.
“Uhh... T’wasn’t exactly...” Applejack started with a sheepish grin, but was interrupted.
“That must’ve been AMAZING! I mean – like – you had some super-duper extra strength powers!” Pinkie exclaimed with glee.
“But ah didn’ –“
“Darling, you’re just being too modest” Applejack was interrupted again, this time by Rarity. “The fact is that you have beaten that pony. Cheers to Applejack!” She said, raising her cup. The others followed suit.
The party was slowly reaching its end, as the only pony that still had the energy to party was Pinkie Pie. Applejack stepped outside the Sugarcube Corner to catch some of the cold night-air. She took a nearby bench and extended her hooves, taking in the beauty of Luna’s night. It wasn’t such a late time, a few houses still had lights on, and from time to time a lonely pony would run the streets. Few minutes passed, as the door cracked again and somepony joined beside her. She turned her head to face Twilight.
“T’was some party. Pinke sure knows how to pull those thing off, ain’t she?”
“Undoubtedly.” The unicorn smiled. “Just give her a reason.”
Applejack’s face darkened a bit, what wasn’t unnoticed by Twilight.
“Is something wrong?”
The earth pony just shook her head.
“I can see something’s eating you. Come on, you can tell me.”
Applejack sighed, and frowned a bit more.
“Just share it with me. We’re friends, and you know that together we can sort out any problem, right?” Twilight encouraged, giving the other mare a small nudge. Eventually, Applejack decided to spill the beans.
“It’s just that... Ah’m not sure what we are celebrating.” Twilight gave her a puzzled look, so she quickly began explaining. “What ah mean is that ah’m not sure if ah won that competition fair and square. You were there, and you know that ah was on my best way to lose it.” Applejack recalled the events from earlier. “Ah’m not certain about what happened back there, but ah’m sure as hay that they weren’t mah hooves that won it. Somepony, or something else helped me.”
“Well, if it’s of any consolation, Flim Flam’s were playing it dirty too. I know that it may irk your honest nature, but you should be glad that the events ended up in your favour.”
“Ah know, and Ah am glad. But... you know, if ah were on mah own, ah would’ve lost. And it’s bothering me.” She turned away her head from Twilight and gazed into the sky. “There was a reason why ah accepted that challenge. Ah wanted to prove mahself. It was stupid, risky, reckless and everythin’ else, but ah accepted it anyways. Ah wanted to prove myself that ah can win something on my own.”
“But... why?”
“Well.” Applejack sighed. ”Ah guess Ah’m plain jealous. You guys are great, everyone of you have something to be proud of. And ah... let’s say ah haven’t achieved anything in a while.”
Twilight was slightly shocked by this sudden confession. Upon seeing the tears forming in her friend’s eyes, she wrapped her foreleg around her and gave her a reassuring hug.
“Oh, Applejack... But you are great! Do you know why you are my friend? Because you’re one of the best of ponies I’ve ever met. You don’t have to prove it – you have it inside. I know it.” She patted her and stood up. “And I think that you won that competition fair and square. Whatever happened, it’s your merit, because of who you are. If there was somepony willing to help you, it is something to be happy about.”
Applejack smiled, wiping off the remnants of her bad thoughts away.
“Thanks a lot, Twilight. You are a true friend of mine. But still... A blue ribbon to prove myself would be welcome...”
Twilight gave a laugh.
“Now, my dear Applejack, you’re being plain materialistic!”
“You’re right. Besides, Ah got my bag of bits after all, didn’t Ah?” Applejack also stood up from the bench.
“Right! Bits and pebbles. Who needs anything more?” The two mares shared a laugh.
“Now let’s go back and see how the party’s doin’” Applejack said eventually, walking back inside.
When Applejack was on her way back home, she was totally worn out by the day’s struggle and the party that came after. She had a great time with her friends, but on her lone way home she pondered about how she won the last challenge. She had no clear idea what could have thrown the barrel. Or maybe something pulled that other pony? No, it was more like some external force had launched it. Applejack came to no particular conclusion, as she approached the front door of her house. Despite the lateness, she was greeted by Big Mackintosh and Granny Smith.
“There you are, youngin’! Ain’t that a late time to get home. Your brother told me all about what happened today, and you didn’t say a word to your granny!”
“Uh, yeah, sorry about that…” Applejack wanted to apologize, but was patted on her head by Granny Smith.
“It’s okay, youngin’. Ah’ve heard that you’ve beaten some scurvy ponies that came to our farm. You did good.” The elderly pony yawned widely. “Ah wanted to hear the whole story, but ah guess it can wait until tomorrow. Goodnigh’, you two. Don’t stay up too long.” She said, as she left the room. But Big Mackintosh stayed, and was glaring at Applejack.
“What? Quit that stare, big brother!”
“You cheated.” He said calmly.
“Excuse me?” Applejack was a bit startled. ”Ah didn’t cheat!”
“You did.”
“All ah did was competin’. Ah’m an honest pony, you know.”
“But you’re not super-strong pony.” Big Mackintosh was still impassive, which was getting on her nerves.
“Oh yeah? Maybe ah am!”
“No, you’re not. You were about to lose.”
“Oh, so you were against me?”
“No, but I saw it.”
“Maybe ah was keepin’ mah strength for the last minute?”
“Then why aren’t you using it around the farm? Admit it, you cheated.”
“No, ah didn’t” Applejack poked her brother angrily with her hoof. “And ah don’t know why ah won, sorry.” With that, she stormed off to her bedroom.
Once she got there, she tossed her hat and hopped on her bed. Ah did everything right , she tought, letting out some steam. Ah never cheat! It was my intention to win, but all ah did was pushing that barrel. She rolled on her side, slowly falling asleep. Right?
Applejack woke up with a terrible headache. She groaned and grunted several times, rolling in her bed. She waited a bit for the pain to go away, but it didn’t. Eventually, she sat on her bed, rubbing her head, and decided to ignore it as much as she could. Feverishly, she went to the bathroom. The pain relented a bit, as she splashed her face with cold water. This refreshed her and woke her up completely. Darn migraine. Coming to her wits, she went downstairs. She was late again, tough not too much this time. She forced in some breakfast, and swallowed the last pill of aspirin from the cupboard. To give the pill time to work, she sat down at the table. Where did this come from? Ah wasn’t drinking last night! Still, looks like a trip to the pharmacy… Applejack thought to herself, throwing away the empty box of aspirin.
After the pill the pain was manageable, so she decided to go to the town. Fresh air also helped, so she was getting better and better on her way to pharmacy. Just as she stepped into the center of Ponyville, she stumbled across Twilight.
“Hey there, Applejack!”
“Hey, Twilight.” She said wearily.
“You look tired. Didn’t you get any sleep after the party yesterday?”
“Ah did. Ah’m havin’ a migraine the size of town hall right now.”
“Migraine? Or a hangover?” she thought for a moment. “Although I don’t recall any alcohol yesterday… I hope this isn’t some complications due to your concussion” Twilight said worriedly.
“Nah, probably just too much sugar. Ah’m still recovering after a week of hospital food.” Both mares chuckled. “Still, ah need to get some aspirin from the pharmacy to survive the day.”
“I think I can help you with that. Come with me to the library!”
“Well… okay. Ah hope it will be as efficient as aspirin…”
“Don’t you worry! It’s even better – tust me.” Twilight reassured. “So, how are you doing?”
“Well… Big Mac got on mah nerves yesterday. He’s tellin’ me that ah cheated in the competition.”
“What? Of all ponies, he should be happy for you! Besides, he’s your brother, so he should know best that you’re not the cheating type.”
“Ah know, he’s just telling what he thinks. This must be bugging him as much as me.”
“I’ve told you, get over it! I don’t know what actually happened either, but the Flim Flam’s got their lesson, and I believe you that you didn’t cheat.”
“Thanks Twilight.” Applejack sighed. “And ah’m also sticking to this version…”
“Here we are!” Twilight said, opening the doors to the library. “Make yourself comfortable, while I prepare the concoction! My own recipe, mind you” She gave Applejack a wink.
“You’re not trying to scare me, right?”
“Of course not!” Twilight said with a chuckle. “It was made under Zecora’s supervision, and it works wonders.” She reassured her friend while putting various ingredients in a glass. She mixed them a few times with a spoon and passed the glass to Applejack, who sniffed it cautiously. With a shrug she downed the liquid.
What Applejack felt was like a blunt hit to her head. Her vision blurred and shook only to become sharp and clear in an instant. She shook her head involuntarily and the headache disappeared.
“Wow, Twilight, this sure works miracles!”
“I know, I know. Works for me every time.”
“Every time? Shucks, Twilight, ah wouldn’t expect you to be an expert in headaches. You’re banging yer head or drinkin’ often?”
“Of course not, silly! I’m just studying magic, quite excessively sometimes, let’s say.” Twilight explained.
“So… You read until your head has enough?” Applejack asked, a sound of incomprehension in her voice.
“What? No, of course not! I just use lots of magic at times.” Twilight said, but seeing Applejack’s baffled look she began to explain further. “When you overwork your muscles, they start hurting while recuperation, which is usually the day after. Unicorns have the same thing with their horns.”
“Ah didn’t know that. Thought that ya’all are using magic as ya like.”
“No, it’s not that easy. Magic always takes it’s retribution, and it’s up to training and practice to make yourself stronger. I’ve been training for quite a while now, but it is still straining. After vanquishing the Ursa Minor I felt like my head was about to pop off and run away.” Twilight frowned at the unpleasant memory and took the glass from Applejack. She waved it in the air before putting it down in the sink. “That’s why I started to work on that mixture. With help from Zecora and Supernatural remedies, the recipe was ready within a week, and proved to be successful.” Twilight finished with a proud grin.
“Successful as hay” Applejack replied in wonder. The concoction worked better than any medicine she had ever taken before.
“If you’ll ever have a problem like this, come straight to me.”
“Ah sure will remember that. Thanks a lot, Twilight. Guess ah’ll be going now, ah’ve got something to do.”
“You’re welcome. See you!”
As Applejack returned to Sweet Apple Acres, she headed straight to the barn at the side of the farm. After making sure that nopony was watching her, she went inside.
The barn served mainly as a storage space for farm equipment, but the most frequently used tools had their place in a shed closer to the fields. The barn had only two windows on its sides, and a small, round one above the doors, so the interior was filled with dusty duskiness. Applejack moved past some old plows, a harrow, and a cart that lacked one wheel to reach the other end of the barn. There, set one on another, were about fifteen barrels of various sizes. Applejack rummaged for a while through them and eventually found a barrel signed ‘CIDER’. Its rings were rusty, but that was almost identical barrel as the one that Flim Flam brothers used in the competition. She rolled it to the free space at the center of the barn and set it upright. She inspected it carefully, circling it a few times, and finally stopped in front of the lettering. After a deep breath she said to herself:
“Okay, here goes nothin’”
And with that she closed to the barrel, embraced it with her front hooves and gustily tried to pick it up. The barrel lifted from the ground, but was quite heavy nonetheless, so after a moment of keeping it high, Applejack dropped it back to the floor.
“Uff, there’s no way ah could’ve thrown it so far…” She said to nopony, and looked down at her left leg, which was all of a sudden a source of a very inconvenient feeling.
“Dang it, ah hate splinters!” Applejack murmured as she picked her hoof to her mouth and tried to get the vexing piece of wood out. She intensively thought about giving the unfriendly barrel a strong kick in return, and shot it a hateful glare. To her great surprise, the barrel flew from its place and rolled to the opposite wall of the barn.
“What in tarnation?!” Spitting the splinter from her mouth, she approached the barrel. She rubbed the back of her head to get rid of the itchy feeling and glared at the barrel with alert. Breaking up the stillness of the scene, she held out her hoof and knocked three times on the barrel, awaiting for response. When none came, she shook her head and looked around to see if nopony is pulling pranks on her. But the rest of the barn was as motionless as it was when she came in.
Wondering if she hadn’t just imagined all that, she decided to put the barrel back to its place. Before she could move a muscle, the barrel flew up and placed itself on the top of the other barrels. With a shriek of fear Applejack turned around and, without looking back, run out of the barn, slamming the doors shut behind her.
