“Cm’on Big Mac, we got to be at the train station by six thirty if we wanna make our train to Appaloosa” Applejack walked up the stairs and into Big Macintosh’s room, his large suitcase was sitting there ready, but her bother was nowhere to be found. “Well ah need to get Applebloom, maybe he’s helpin’ her get packed.” Applejack made her way down the hallway and opened the door, there was Big Macintosh with his reading glasses on with Applebloom standing next to him, looking at sheets of paper filled with X’s and O’s and arrows pointing in everywhich direction. Big Macintosh looked up with a guilty expression as Applebloom jumped behind the pile of things supposed to be packed by now.
“Big Macintosh are you still trying to figure out how ta beat Braeburn this year? Why can’t you just accept it as a friendly Thanksgiving game? Why d’ya have ta go and make it into this big thing every year?”
“Cuz Pa always won, and Braeburn is such a boaster sis’. This year we’ll show ‘em. Ain’t that right Applebloom?” Big Macintosh carefully placed his glasses in a case and then put the case away.
“That’s right bro! We’re gunna teach cousin Braeburn a thing or two!” Applebloom said bouncing up and down punching and kicking the air. She bounced up and down on the bed before crashing into her suitcase spilling its contents all over the floor.
“Big Mac! Now you’ve gone and got Applebloom tied up in this rivalry nonsense?” Applejack rolled her eyes as she began putting all the various debris back into Applebloom’s suitcase.
“But it ain’t nonsense Sis! It’s the annual grudge match started between pa and uncle Spartan! Winner gerts the hat of victory! No way were gunna lose this year are we Big Mac?” Applebloom began piling her thing into her trunk.
“Eeenope.” Big Macintosh closed the suitcase and carried it out the door for his bouncing and excited younger sister. He walked down the hallway grabbed his own and tossed it onto his back and the two happily walked down the stairs.
“If ah live to be as old as Granny Smith ah still won’t understand a thing that goes on in this family.” A bewildered Applejack said to herself as she followed her siblings down stairs. Granny Smith and Applebloom were sitting in Big Macintosh’s wagon, as he loaded the last of the luggage in. Big Macintosh walked around hitched himself up and began walking towards the train station. Applejack followed along side with Winnona yipping happily after. Applebloom spotted Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle on the street.
“Bye Girls! See Ya next week! Try not to go get Cutie Marks without me!” Big Macintosh ignored the chatter going on and focused on remembering his way to the train station. He didn’t get out much, and since the train station was relatively new in Ponyville he wasn’t exactly sure where it was. Thankfully a helpful sign prevented a wrong turn and the wagon came to a stop, and Big Macintosh and Applejack began loading the luggage onto the train. Applebloom helped Granny Smith to their room. Big Macintosh carried his bag full of papers onboard and set to work in his room. He pulled the table over and laid out several plans. Some were yellowed with age crinkled up, others were fresh sheets of paper. Big Macintosh went over team rooster again.
Red Gala
Red Delicious
Caramel “Hmm… He always has had trouble, but I’m sure he’s due for a good performance this year.” Big Macintosh said to himself
Apple Fritter
Golden Delicious
Uncle Orange
“This is the only time Uncle Orange ever gets his hooves dirty. Thank goodness he’s on our side, he’s a tough stallion no matter how much he tries to hide it.”
Honey Crisp
Sundance
Applejack
Applebloom
“Well its her first year on the team we’ll see how she takes her trial by fire, and finally me.” Big Macintosh looked over all his plans, he picked up his glasses and put them on. He continued committing his playbook to memory. He came across the oldest one of all of them he remembered pa teaching it to him right before the first game he had ever played in. That was the first year they lost, and ever since Big Macintosh had stated playing they had an unfortunate winless record. He should have done the play right, but he messed up and Pa lost his hat to Uncle Spartan for the first time in years. Big took out a framed picture of him and pa, it was old, from long before he even had his Cutie Mark, but he loved it. He remembered how proud he was when he had the same Cutie Mark as Pa.
“Pa was awful disappointed when he lost to Uncle Spartan. And we kept losing.” He looked at the picture tears welling in his eyes “Don’t worry Pa this year ah’ll make ya proud.” He wiped the tear from his eye when he heard a knock on the door. “Come in”
“Hiya Big Bro! We gunna work on the battle plans some more!” Applebloom was excited. Big Macintosh couldn’t blame her. They rarely got to spend time together, seeing as he worked the fields most days, while she went to school. This was a rare bonding time between brother and sister. The two reviewed plays and what Applebloom’s role would be in the big game. Big Macintosh enjoyed his littlest sister’s company, she didn’t need to be in charge like Applejack always wanted to be. The hours went by and the two happily planned the family grudge match, when a knock was heard at the door.
“Applebloom time for bed. You’ll need to be rested for tomorrow.” Applejack had entered and as usual was making herself known.
“Aw sis’ can’t ah stay up till we reach Manehattan and Aunt an’ Unca Orange get on board?” Applebloom looked at Applejack with big pleading eyes. Batting her eyelashes in attempt to guilt her sister into letting her stay up a little longer.
“Nothin’ doin’ AB Manehattan is another hour away at least. Bed now!” Applebloom lowered her head and walked back to her own bunk. Big Macintosh began pacing and doing a few stretches to make sure that he was in tip top shape for the big game. He heard a knock on the door. He stopped his stretches and went to open the door.
“Hiya cousin Mac!” Caramel walked into the room before tripping over his hooves and crashing into the floor. Big Macintosh helped his cousin get up before questioning him.
“Caramel where have you been? You’ve missed important strategy sessions. I’ll get you up to speed” Caramel sighed Cousin Macintosh always took this game so seriously, he always seemed frustrated when he messed it up. Not this year Caramel vowed, this year he won’t mess up this year they were going to beat Braeburn’s team. He could feel it. Big Macintosh was so engrossed in explaining his master plan that he did not notice Caramel’s little daydream. Big Macintosh explained his plan late into the night, he only stopped when the train came to a slow halt.
“Manehattan! All Aboard!!!” shouted the Conductor against the still night air. Big Macintosh walked past the tan conductor pony with a big stop watch and a curly white mustache, to Uncle Orange on the platform retrieving luggage. Big Macintosh galloped over embracing his uncle causing him to drop his suitcases. Uncle Orange laughed and embraced his nephew. Big Macintosh helped him carry his luggage into the room he and Aunt Orange had.
“Where is the lil’ fella?” Big Macintosh asked eagerly hugging his Aunt. Big Macintosh wanted to see his newest cousin. Applejack and Granny Smith had made the trip to Manehattan leaving him in charge of the farm. Aunt Orange gave a grin and motioned to a basinet with the curtain drawn. Big Macintosh moved it aside to see a young colt with a rich orange coat and a short green mane, he was wrapped up in a blanket with small oranges on it.
“Can ah hold him?” Big Macintosh had always loved foals, he doted on them and spoke in nonsense. It made him glad Applejack wasn’t old enough to remember when Applebloom was born.
“Of course you can sport!” Uncle Orange lifted his infant sun and handed him to his nephew. Big Macintosh very carefully cradled the infant rocking him back and forth as the train wheezed out of the station and gathered speed. The little foal opened his eyes, and became nervous at the sight of the strange face. Big Macintosh could see he was about to cry and began making silly faces. The foal was confused for a moment, but then decided he liked his older cousin and began laughing. Big Macintosh continued playing with his cousin and Aunt and Uncle Orange looked on and smiled.
“Come for a walk with me won’t you Mac?” Big Macintosh reluctantly handed the foal over to his Aunt and left with his Uncle. The two trotted to the observation car. Uncle Orange checked his watch and then turned to the night sky.
“Princess Luna sure has outdone herself tonight.”
“Eeyup”
“Mac I’m going to ask you an important question, and I want you to listen. Will you hear me out?” Big Macintosh noted the change in his Uncle’s demeanor, he had become much more serious, Big Macintosh nodded and Uncle Orange continued “Well little Tangerine is almost a yearling now, and its time we made some big decisions. We still haven’t decided who his godfather’s going to be. In part we dropped the ball, but the other part is well you’re my in-laws and Aunt Orange isn’t as close with the family since your mother died.” Big Macintosh looked sorrowfully up towards the sky, he missed his mother “but you’ve always impressed me Mac. You’ve always had this strength of character, a silent fortitude about you.” Uncle Orange lowered his voice to a whisper “Don’t tell Applejack or my wife, but I wanted you to come to Manehattan and live with us that summer” Big Macintosh snickered at his Uncle’s remark “Any way I’m impressed with the fine young stallion you’ve grown up to be” Big Macintosh felt himself get a little flustered, he was never good at accepting compliments “which is why I wan’t you to be the godfather to my little Tangerine”
Big Macintosh was stunned and then began beaming happily
“So what do you say sport, be the godfather to my little son?”
“Eeyup”
“That’s the spirit! Come on lets go to the dining car. I feel like celebrating!” Uncle Orange lead the way with a spring in his step. The entered the dining car, which was relatively empty except for a pair of young lovers, some unruly pegasi playing cards, and a unicorn washing the floor.
“Table for two please.” Uncle Orange said to the unicorn, who put his bucket and mop aside and led the two of them to a booth in the middle of the car. The unicorn levitated a notebook and a pen out of his pocket, and produced a pair of menus for the two gentlecolts.
“Anything we can start you with?” The waiter asked. Uncle Orange perused the wine list.
“The Hoofington Pinot Noir please, we are here to celebrate. Have you eaten yet Mac?” Big Macintosh shook his head “and two spinach quiches” Uncle Orange handed the menus back to the unicorn who seemed a tad disgusted at Earth Ponies grabbing things with their mouths. He levitated the menus away and scribbled down the order and made his way to the kitchen. Big Macintosh eyed the two Earth Ponies, playing hoofsies under the table, and engaging in mild conversation. He couldn’t help but feel a little bit envious, it had been ages since he had a filyfriend. His recent attempts to ask mares out had gone abysmally, and he usually just ended up feeling embarrassed.
“What’s on your mind sport?” Uncle Orange always knew when Big Macintosh was getting in a melancholy mood, and he knew how to bring him back to Earth as well. Big Macintosh jolted back to his senses looking around before shrugging his shoulders. The unicorn returned and placed the two quiches on the table before depositing two bowls and pouring the wine into them, leaving straws. He let out a humph in disgust as Big Macintosh lifted the quiche with his hoof. Uncle Orange laughed as the unicorn went back to cleaning. The two made light conversation, talking about the weather the differences between apples and oranges, and how one couldn’t really compare the two. Between the two stallions the wine was finished within the hour. Big Macintosh despite his massive capacity for it did not drink often and enjoyed the finer alcohols only once and a while, unlike his little sister who would tend to have a beer or two with dinner. The unicorn returned with the bill, which Uncle Orange paid, and then left the car. The two stallions would have left then, if they hadn’t heard a scream. The three pegasi had a little too much to drink and were becoming aggressive with the two lovers. Big Macintosh scraped his hoof against the ground and snorted. He had always been unable to stomach bullies, and he tended to let his temper get out of control.
“What about that fine necklace the lady’s wearing?” One Pegasus said as he muscked the green earth pony standing between the frightened mare behind him and the three pegasi.
“It’s not for you. Now please leave us alone” The green earth pony talked a big game, but Big Macintosh felt worried seeing his abacus cutie mark.
“No I don’t think we will. See me and the boys are having a little party tonight, and that fine young things invited.” The three pegasi had now taken to the air and were encircling the male Earth Pony.
“Mac I think we out to-” Before Uncle Orange could finish his sentence the lead Pegasus had knocked the male earth pony aside and Big Macintosh charged in. He leaped and rammed full speed into a grey Pegasus knocking him to the ground. The other Pegasi who had been beating the green Earth Pony turned their attention to Big Macintosh. They kicked and bit at him, but years of farm labor had honed Big Macintosh’s muscles to the strength of near steel. He bucked one of the Pegasi straight in the face knocking him out like a light. The Pegasus he had knocked to the ground before had recovered and grabbed Mac from behind and lifted him into the air, effectively immobilizing him. The other Pegasus began kicking the now helpless Big Macintosh as the Mare screamed. Big Macintosh felt the Pegasus droop him. The Pegasus behind him dropped to the ground. Uncle Orange had broken the wine bottle on his head. The last Pegasus charged Uncle Orange and knocked him to the ground, grabbing the broken bottle he flew behind the mare and held it to her throat.
“Nobody move! Or the fily gets it!” Big Macintosh and Uncle Orange bowed their heads in surrender. The Pegasus began laughing, but it was interrupted with a yelp of pain. The green Earth Pony came too and the three stallions jaws dropped in amazement, as the mare drove her hoof into the Pegasus’ gut then turned and delivered a swift kick to his nose sending a small smattering of blood everywhere.
“Where did you learn to fight like that Honey?” The green stallion rushed up and had embraced the brown mare.
“You don’t grow up on in Filydelphia without learning a few tricks, and you two gentlemen” The mare said addressing Big Macintosh and his Uncle “Thank you for your help. I don’t think I could have taken all three of them.” She moved in and kissed the both of them on the cheek, causing all three stallions in the room to blush “Oh come on you.” She said to the green Earth Pony “Just cause we are engaged doesn’t mean I can’t thank our rescuers.” The green earth pony snorted and the other three just laughed.
A gasp was heard and the four of them turned to see the unicorn re enter the dining car. “Sorry about the mess” and the four of them left laughing back towards the sleeper cars. The four parted ways and Big Macintosh returned to see Caramel had taken the top bunk, a situation which would only end badly, but he was tired and did not want to deal with it right now. He pulled the covers up and let the whistling sound of the night air lull him to sleep.
The train came to a halt in Appaloosa and the majority of its passengers got off. Leaving the station there was a huge cheer as two halves of the Apple family rushed together to embrace each other. Laughs and greetings filled the air. Granny Smith happily showing of her parcel to any who would listen that she had “Brought Pie!” She always brought pie and it wasn’t much of a surprise but everyone laughed and went along with her. Big Macintosh was flanked by Applebloom and the two eyed the crowd searching for Braeburn and any possible weaknesses he might have. Applebloom stood on top of her brother’s head looking for her cousin.
“Ah see him big Bro! Over there!” Big Macintosh could just see the direction his sister’s hoof was pointing and ran off at a gallop. Applebloom held on as her brother picked up speed. They emerged from the crowd of Apples and Big Macintosh found and embraced his cousin knocking his hat from him and giving him a mighty noogie.
“Knock it off there Lil’ Mac” Braeburn was the only one except Pa whoever called him Little Mac. It infuriated him and Braeburn knew it. “I got a Filyfriend I’d like you ta meet”
“A Filyfriend? Where? Maybe Ah can get mah cutie mark in weddin’ plannin’!” Applebloom was bouncing around cousin Braeburn
“Whoah there cuz’. Let’s not get too far ahead of our selves. Ya want to meet her firs don’t ya?”
Braeburn stopped his cousin’s bouncing with one hoof. He motioned for the group to head for the
homestead. The parade of Apples made their way through town, before eventually reaching a large
ranch home. Braeburn lead everyone to their rooms before introducing his most immediate family,
Granny Smith, Apple Jack, Applebloom, and Big Macintosh to his date. “Applejack I know you two
have already met, but for everyone else meet Little Strongheart.” Braeburn gestured towards the stairs
and a young buffalo wearing a teal gown and a head dress with two feathers descended the stairs. Big
Macintosh gave his cousin a playful shot to the ribs.
“Braeburn she’s beautiful” Applebloom had already taken to Little Strongheart and was bouncing
about peppering her with questions.
“Figured since AB was joining your team this year we could use some new blood too.”
“Ain’t gonna help you Braeburn, with Applebloom on our side no way we can lose. Ain’t that right AB?”
“Sure is big bro! We’ll wipe the floor with you cuz! Big Macintosh has been working on a special play
with me!” Applebloom was excited even more now that the big game was upon them.
“You mean the same play that Little Mac-y here has tried every year?” Braeburn was beside himself with
laughter. “That play’s never gonna work, your pa knew it why can’t you just admit”
Big Macintosh felt the rage growing inside him, he pushed it back down and leered at his cousin.
Big Macintosh left the living room upset when he came across a folder full of plays and a pencil. He
knew Cousin Braeburn couldn’t have committed them to memory. It would be so easy to sabotage him,
he was sorely tempted, but then he thought back to little Tangerine, what his Uncle had said about him,
and the mare who called him a hero on the train. “No.” He thought to himself “I’ll beat Cousin Braeburn,
and I’ll do it fair and square.” Big Mac put the pencil down and called for his team to take the field.
There were the two goal posts set up, and Big Mac overlooked the dusty football field his cousin had
assembled. He called his team out for some quick warm ups. Braeburn and a cohort of other cousins
trotted onto the field with great confidence and began their warm-ups. Big Macintosh took Applebloom
aside and gave her a quick talk
“Don’t let Cousin Braeburn fool you. He knows that play can work, and he’s afraid of you pulling it off.
Now I need you to guard Little Strongheart keep on her she’s an unknown factor. Who knows you might
just get a football cutie mark.” Big Macintosh said with a wink. Applebloom lit up and the two teams
took the respective sides.
“We kick to you cuz, since you were the losers last year.” Braeburn’s team laughed and Braeburn
Launched the ball through the air. Uncle Orange managed to catch it and advance it a few yards before being buried in a pig pile of ponies. They ran the ball and made good progress, until Caramel fumbled it, and Little Strongheart ran it all the way back for a touchdown. The game seesawed back and forth and at the half Braeburn’s team was up 28-13. The second half started slow, but Applejack managed to break free and rush it in for a touchdown. 28-20 Braeburn’s team was leading a great offensive, until Caramel tripped over his own hooves and knocked the ball out of Caramel Apple’s clutch. Uncle Orange jumped on it and the team made little progress. They were forced to kick a field goal, but it missed. 28-20. The clock was winding down. The had stopped Braeburn from scoring again, but there wasn’t much time left on the clock. They had just enough for one play.
“Applebloom?”
“Yes bro?”
“I think its time for our special play. I know you can do it.” The team took formation Applebloom on the far edge of the field. Big Macintosh dropped back and set the ball, and with his full strength bucked it as hard as he could. Applebloom was all the way in the end zone, where she jumped into the air and caught it with her mouth. Braeburn’s jaw dropped.
“Big Deal We’re still winning!” Braeburn was getting a little red in the face.
Big Macintosh said nothing but rather set his team up for the next play. Braeburn was almost falling beside himself with laughter they were gonna let Caramel run the play? Did they want to lose? But surprisingly enough Caramel carried the ball into the end zone tying the game, and that meant one thing sudden death over time. Whoever had possession would be decided by the flip of a coin. Braeburn called tails and hoped it would come up as such, but he would have no such luck Celestia’s visage landed face up. Big Macintosh would get first crack at it. The teams lined up and a hush fell over the ranch. The sound of hike rang through the air and Big Macintosh with the football clenched firmly in his teeth crashed through the initial line. He began galloping harder than he ever galloped before. His feet leaving divots in the ground, Big Macintosh gathered speed. Little Strongheart and Braeburn chasing as fast as they could. They were about to catch Big Macintosh when Applebloom had managed to catch up the grand chase and blocked them from catching her brother. Big Macintosh ran it into the end zone and spat the football out. The ranch erupted into raucous cheering. The team lifting Applebloom up and carrying her off the field. Big Macintosh went over to Braeburn and took his hat and placed in on hos own head.
“Good game cuz. Now how bout some grub?” Big’s good sportsmanship brought a smile to Braeburn’s face and he laughed and responded with a simple “Eeyup”
Author's Note: Happy Thanksgiving to all, and to all a good night
“Don’t come back till ya found tha perfect one” Applejack’s words echoed in Big Macintosh mind, as he trudged all over Ponyville in search of the perfect tree. He had been having little success. Mr. Piney, who he usually go a tree from, was low on trees, saying he needed to reseed his inventory this year. So after wandering around Ponyville and finding good strong pine tree scarce, it looked like the Everfree Forest was his only option.
He’d never actually visited the forest, but seeing as Applejack and Applebloom seemed to explore it on a regular basis, he felt fine exploring it. The snow was thinner inside the forest, because of the dense tree cover. Other than the occasional cardinal tweeting the only sound was the gentle crunch of snow under his hooves. Many of the trees were bare, and the occasional evergreen he passed was too small or not straight enough to be of any interest.
Passing a large gnarled tree he saw a steep cliff with a narrow path zigzagging up to the top. On top of the cliff was a magnificent pine tree, almost fifteen feet tall and perfectly straight. He unhitched his wagon, and began making his way up the path. Reaching the top he took hold of his axe tilted his head back and swung. A small scratch seemed to be all that came of Big Macintosh’s powerful swing, he repeated the process over and over. Finally the tree began to topple.
Big Macintosh realized he may not of thought this out as well as he should of. The tree tumbled down the cliff, thankfully its near invincible bark kept intact. It crashed into the gnarled tree, he had passed on the up. He rushed down the path as quickly as he dared. It appeared the tree had been hollowed out. A sense of dread came over Big Macintosh “Somepony lives there” he thought to himself. He continued rushing down . He pulled the tree free and tied it to his wagon. It was remarkably undamaged. The gnarled tree however had a large gap in the walls of a bed room and a room filled with all sorts of strange plants and rocks Big Macintosh had never seen before. He began piecing bits of wood together in an attempt to fix the wall. He took off his saddlebags, placing the axe inside he looked around for anything that could help. He had some wood glue. “If it works on barns it should work on trees” he thought to himself, and even managed a decent makeshift repair. The problem was, he was out of wood. He had somehow used all the tree bark patching the hole to the main room. The bedroom still had a gaping hole in it. He began pacing back and forth in the snow. How was he going to explain this to the poor pony whose home he had ruined?
“There is something quite wrong with my hall
Mainly the tree shaped hole in the wall.”
Big Macintosh gulped, he took a deep breath. He was responsible for this and he wasn’t one to shirk responsibility. He would apologize to this pony…zebra. The zebra looked up and noticed him to. The zebra was wearing large golden earrings and wore a green cloak draped over her. Big Macintosh realized he was staring, he quickly opened his mouth and tried to talk.
“Ah’m real sorry m’am. Is jus’ I was tryin’ to cut down this tree an it fell. Ah ruined ya beautiful face-Ah mean house. That’s not ta say ya face ain’t beautiful. Ah mean-” Big Macintosh felt he must be turning a whole new shade of red. To make matters worse the zebra still seemed shocked by the hole in the wall. He hadn’t been this embarrassed since he lost the bet with Applejack and had to wear Granny’s girdle. “Ah shoot ah am not good with words like Applejack is” he muttered to himself. It wouldn’t be so dang awkward if the zebra would stop staring at him.
The zebra’s ears perked up at the mention of Applejack’s name.
“Applejack is my friend who lives on a farm
Who are you who does me harm?”
Big Macintosh could swear he was turning redder. This must be that zebra Zecora who Applebloom went to visit so much. “Uh-Ah-”
“Do not stand there yammering like a fool
Tell me who you are who could be so cruel”
Rubbing his hat against his head Big Macintosh tried to speak again
“Mah name’s Big Macintosh Miss Zecora. Ah’m Applejack’s big sister… Ah mean brother!” He was beginning to sweat and almost wished he hadn’t draped a blanket over his flanks. “Ah’m real sorry bout your house. Ah swear ah didn’t mean no harm”
“It is alright Stallion with coat of red
One question. Where am I to lodge without my bed?”
“Ah’m real sorry Miss Zecora. Y’all could have my room. I could sleep in tha barn till Ah can fix your roof.” He felt himself blushing. Did he really just invite a mare over? He could hardly believe he had said that. Applejack was never going to let him hear the end of this. Part of him hoped she would decline his offer. No such luck.
“A most generous response
For I am at a loss.
Lead on pony with hair that’s red
So that might find a spot to rest my head.”
The zebra gathered a few things, and loaded them into a small cart. Despite her insistence Big Macintosh hitched it up to the wagon he had loaded the tree on and pulled both. He amazingly kept an pace fairly close to a normal trot. Years of hard work had enabled him to pull the heavy load with ease, he could easily outperform applejack, but he kept that to himself knowing how competitive his younger sister was. The walk out of the forest was marked by an extraordinarily awkward silence. Big Macintosh had tried to break the ice now and then, but all his small talk had been politely responded to and then the conversation stopped.
Exiting the forest Big Macintosh came to the large hill that separated his family farm from the forest. His hooves dug into the snow. He worked to keep his grip digging through the thin snow and into the dirt. Zecora easily ascended the hill and offered to take her possessions. Mac would have none of it. With a great burst of effort he reached the crest of the hill and walked on the even terrain towards the homestead. Unhitching himself from the first cart the Red Earth Pony began carrying Zecora’s things in.
“Mac-ie? Issat you?” The elderly voice came from the kitchen.
“Yes Granny. Ah brought company.” Big Macintosh’s voice carried through the house. It made him sound far more assertive then he actually was. The Ancient Green Earth Pony ambled into the den.
“Mac I didn’t know you were bringing home a Mare friend. Ah would have made pie.” Big Macintosh started to interject but his Grandmother was already offering Zecora the Grand Tour. She disliked the idea of simply being Mac’s Mare Friend and shot him a look that would freeze Applajack’s Famous Hard Cider. Mac began trying to explain the problem away when he noticed the clock was at half past two. Excusing himself, and hoping Granny would not embarrass him too much he went to pick up his little sister from school.
The air was pleasant in Ponyville. Big Macintosh had subconsciously hooked himself back to his now empty wagon. He wasn’t quite sure why he needed it, but he had a nagging feeling that he did. He made his way to Ponyville Elementary School when he came upon a familiar face headed the same way.
“Howdy Mister-” The Unicorn in the Hawaiian Shirt cut him off. Mac found the unicorn always wore the same flamboyant shirt no matter the weather.
“How many times do I have to tell you Mac? Call me Magnum. So hows your lil’ sis doing?”
“Which one? Tha’ one that’s friends with your daughter or tha one that’s friends with your daughter?”
“Ho Hahaha!” The unicorn began laughing louder and longer than Mac expected his small joke to warrant. “You always know how to crack me up Mac. I guess Applebloom first, then Applejack.”
“Applebloom is tha’ same ol’ same ol’. Always trying ta earn her cutie mark. Almost broke my neck when tha’ attempted to be Cutie Mark Crusader Figure Skaters and froze tha’ area right in front o’ tha’ barn.” Magnum began laughing, again more than one would expect “an AJ’s hanging round Carousel Boutique with your Daughter t’day.” The two stallions continued trotting towards the schoolhouse. Reaching their destination, Big Macintosh stopped as three all too familiar fillies swarmed around.
“Hiya Bro! What’s with the wagon? Are we picking family up from the train station?” That was it. That was why he got the wagon.
“Eeyup” Big Macintosh swiped his hoof over his brow. Knowing why he had the cart was a load off his mind. Scootaloo was waving goodbye and was off on her scooter in a flash.
“Ready to go Sweetie Belle?”
“Sure thing Dad! Bye Applebloom!” Sweetie Belle and Magnum began their trek home. Leaving Big Mac and Applebloom in the schoolyard.
“So Applebloom how’s mah favorite football filly doin’?” Big Mac asked as the two made their way to the train station.
“Aww shucks Big Mac. I didn’t even earn my cutie mark for it. You don’t have to keep complementin’ me on it. Applejack says my head will swell up!” Applebloom seemed genuinely frightened by this idea.
“Ah think yah sis’ said y’all would get a swelled head. It’s an expression for when a pony gets too fulla themselves. Your head ain’t actually gonna swell.”
“What a relief.” Applebloom let out a huge sigh before talking about the activites she had planned with Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle for the break. Big Macintosh listened occasionally advising against things like “Cutie Mark Crusader Rodeo Clowns” and “Cutie Mark Crusader Demolition-Mares” He tried exposing the virtues of doing something safe like making Gingerbread houses. The two eventually coming to a stop at the Ponyville train station. The board said the train from Appaloosa was delayed because of the snow, the one from Manehattan should arrive shortly though.
Applebloom and Big Macintosh began building a snowpony. It wasn’t the greatest snowpony ever constructed, it fell over a few times, but the siblings were pretty proud of it in the end. Applebloom decided it needed something and ran around the station gathering random items that had been discarded. She arrived first with a beat up moth eaten scarf. The red scarf was hastely wrapped around the snow pony’s neck as Applebloom ran off looking for things to adorn her snow pony. She returned and spat two pieces of lost train coal out. She stuck her tongue out and began making gagging sounds. After licking a little snow she decided to use her hooves to give her snowpony eyes.
“It needs somethin’” Applebloom tapped her hoof to her chin as she thought aloud.
“Eeyup.” Big Macintosh placed his hat, the symbol of his long awaited victory over Cousin Braeburn atop the snowpony.
“Perfect!” Applebloom began walking around appraising her snow pony. Then she span around seeing if she had earned a cutie mark for “snow architecture.” Big Macintosh let her down gently and distracted her from her disappointment by pointing to the incoming train from Manehattan. Applebloom jumped up and down and excitedly greeted her Aunt, Uncle, and the now walking albeit a bit wobbly cousin Tangerine. Big Macintosh loaded his family’s luggage into his wagon and the group waited for the Appaloosa train, which pulled into the station not long after.
The extended Apple family did not exit the platform right away, rather Big Macintosh saw Braeburn hitched up to a wagon exit on the other side of the platform. He glanced at the snowpony and a look of disgust flashed across his face. He let out an impressive shout
“Race y’all to Sweet Apple Acres!” Braeburn left at a full gallop before Mac could even respond. Grabbing his hat off the snow pony he hitched himself up to the wagon and began to pull.
“C’mon Big Bro. You’re not gonna let him beat us are you?”
“Nope.” Braeburn may be faster, but he forgot one thing. Mac was a work horse, he was used to pulling heavy wagons. His endurance would let him beat his cousin with ease he figured. The wagon bounced up and down on the half snow covered streets of Ponyville. Though his Aunt and Uncle were complaining, his cousin Tangerine thought this was the greatest thing since sliced apples. In the home stretch Big Macintosh saw Braeburn’s cart. He grinned to himself. There was no way Braeburn would beat him on his own farm road.
“You got this Big Mac!” Applebloom’s cheers and Tangerine’s laughs almost drowned out the panicked voices of his Aunt and Uncle. Neck and neck the two crossed fence line and slid to a halt in front of the farm house.
“Looks like I win Little Mac!” Before Mac could respond himself his little Sister was there defending his honor.
“No way Braeburn! We won that race!” While Braeburn tried to find a way to argue against a filly. Mac started unloading the various pieces of luggage. He was taking Aunt and Uncle Orange’s things up when he heard a voice he had hoped to avoid.
“Big Macintosh. Ah think we need to have a little talk.” Applejack had her dead serious voice in full swing. Big Mac gulped and tried to play innocent.
“Bout what sis?” Big Macintosh gulped and let his eyes wandering away from his irate looking younger sister.
“You know darn well what. Y’all ruined one of mah friend’s homes” That was a relief at least she wasn’t mad about Zecora moving in temporarily “and then you invite her to live here. When we’re s’posed to be havin’ company.” Spoke too soon. “Ah like Zecora and it was sweet of you tah give uo yer own room, but c’mon Mac we need all hooves on deck when we’re havin’ so many guests.”
“Ah know sis’ and ah’ll be givin’ one hundred and ten percent fer ya.” Applejack seemed reassured, two traits both she and her brother had in common were honesty and a tendency to work themselves half to death.
“All right Big Mac. That’s good enough for me.” Applejack went to greet guests in the parlor. Uncle Orange seemed to have taken a real shine to Zecora, giving Mac great looks of approval when he found out she was his guest. Once the guests were settled in Mac took to walking the area looking for suitable trees to fix Zecora’s house. On a farm that grows trees one would think he find one that would be suitable for lumber.
“You did not have to be so kind to me
Your conversation with Applejack I heard but did not see.”
Zecora had snuck up on him. Mac was flustered as usual he was having trouble even talking straight when an attractive mare was around.
“T’weren’t nothin’” He mumbled. Zecora walked around trying to get Big Macintosh to make eye contact.
“I heard you were shy of mares from your Uncle Orange
………” Zecora stood there thinking for a few moments while Mac continued to blush, silently thanking and cursing his Uncle at the same time. “I guess I cannot always rhyme. The point is: I am and a mare and I am here
There is no reason for you to fear”
Mac felt he might blackout from joy. For once things seemed to be going well with a mare and he wasn’t about to mess this up. He would be confidant. He would be assertive. He would…walk into an apple tree while thinking. Picking himself up he felt he was making a foal of himself again and hung his head in shame. Zecora kept cheering him up, laughing when his attempts to impress her backfired. She appreciated the gesture, and continued to keep Mac in good spirits as the pair wandered the farm.
By the time they returned to the farmhouse, the pair was having a wonderful time, and forgotten all about finding quality lumber. Zecora made her way to her current lodgings while Mac sat down on the sofa.
“There’s the stallion of the hour. When can we expect grand-nephews and nieces?” Aunt Orange nudged her husband with her hoof. Uncle Orange gave a playful laugh “We’re happy for you Mac. It’s nice to see you happy.” Big Macintosh never understood why his Aunt and Uncle Orange were so estranged from the family. They lived in the big city, but they were some of the finest ponies Big Macintosh had ever had the pleasure of knowing.
Big Macintosh embraced his Aunt and Uncle in an impromptu hug, both relatives laughed and returned the hug. The trio sat by the fire as various members of the Apple family talked, and laughed into the wee hours of the night. As his Aunt and Uncle retired Mac picked up the heavy blanket he wore as a coat, tossed it over his back and went out into the night.
It was clear and crisp, the snow made a pleasant crunch with each step. Nothing could ruin the night, Big Macintosh was confidant everything was perfect. He was until he heard a sniffle coming from a nearby group of apple trees. There he was the yellowish earth pony sat there bucking at a tree.
“Braeburn?”
“Oh. Hi Big Mac.” Braeburn wiped his muzzle with his forehoof. “I was just…just bucking some apples.” Maybe it was a trait the hole Apple family shared, Braeburn too was a terrible liar.
“Braeburn what’s the matter?” Braeburn sniffled and mumbled. “Braeburn Ah couldn’t hear you”
“I said I’m jealous of you cuz. You always had everything. You had siblings to play with. It was just me and pa. You got the farm , I had to build everything from the ground up! Not just a farm. All of Appaloosa! Now you’ve gone and got yourself a pretty Marefriend without any effort. You’re just better at everything than me Mac.” Braeburn had begun sobbing. Mac was unsure what to make of this. One the one hoof his eternal rival had admitted he was better on the other his cousin was throwing himself a pity party. Mac put a hoof around his cousin and came up with an idea. Mac lead him over to the hole where they were going to use to base the tree Mac got. Mad tossed the hat of victory in.
“C’mon Braeburn” Mac lead Braeburn over to the tree. “Hitch up.” The two Stallions began hauling the massive tree, eventually getting the smooth base into the hole crushing the hat. Struggling the pair pulled the tree upright. Braeburn stopped to admire but Big Macintosh kept working bringing out a box. The two cousins began decorating the enormous tree. They worked all through the night, and by the first light of dawn. They stood before a beautiful festive tree.
“Cousin Mac. I’m sorry for being such a brat.”
“Braeburn I’ll let you know a little secret. I was always jealous of you. You always seemed to be King of the World.”
“You’re kidding?”
“Nope” The two cousins laughed and walked on into the main house exhausted but hungry. Applejack shot them a suspicious look.
“And what were y’all up to last night?”
“We buried the hat AJ”
“You mean Hatchet Braeburn?”
“Nope He means hat.” The two cousins laughed at Applejack’s bewildered state and gave each other a friendly almost brotherly hug.
