Author's Note

Here is the next chapter of Poke Eques. I do hope you all enjoy it. I'm still in the process of completing the next chapter of The Fabled Warrior. I hope to get that completed soon or later. I will say to all those who are fans of my story Solar Son. I hope to get started on the next chapter soon. As always: comment, like, follow, share and tell. See you all next time.

Chapter 8-Forgiveness

Forgiveness

Jake walked into Applejack's farm. He had decided it was time to get a job. Jake couldn't live off of Twilight forever. He had taken a few days after the fight with Foxy in searching out jobs. But Jake only found one job, Applejack's farm that would work. So here he was about to try to get a job at Applejack's farm. Jake decided to take Braixen, Espurr, and Zorua with him just in case Team Catastrophe showed up. He walked into the farm and was amazed at all the apple trees that lined the farm. It was his first time visiting the farm.

"This is one large apple farm. Now, where's Applejack." Said Jake

He heard the sound of something striking a tree. He followed the sound and saw Applejack striking a tree with her back hooves. The force caused apples to fall from the tree. Growlithe barked as he picked up apples that fell on the ground and threw them into a basket. Applejack whipped the sweat from her brow.

"Hey, Applejack." Said Jake

Applejack turned to see Jake, "Howdy partner, what can I do for ya, today."

"I was hoping you could give me a job at the farm. I'm tired of living off of Twilight. So I decided I need to pitch in something to help out the library." Said Jake

"Well, we are looking for help around the farm from time tah time. But I can't give ya a full-time job here." Said Applejack

"Hey, any work you got is appreciated." Said Jake

"Great because I could use you for a job right now. I need some help removing some tree stumps. My brother tried to remove them but threw out his back. So ya mind helping out there." Said Applejack

"I think I might be able to help." Said Jake

Applejack walked with Jake following behind her. Growlithe ran forward barking as he ran back to Applejack. Applejack led Jake to an open field with a few tree stumps.

"We cut these apple trees down a few days ago. We need these stumps moved so we can plant fresh new apple trees." Said Applejack

"I got this. Espurr, come on out." Said Jake

He tossed Espurr's Poke Ball, and it opened up to reveal the Restraint Pokemon.

"Espurr, Es."

"Espurr use Psychic to remove all these tree stumps." Said Jake

Espurr's eyes glowed blue as did the stumps. They budged against the ground as Espurr raised her hands up to the sky. The stumps started to move up, and Applejack moved her hat up as the stumps began to pull away from the ground. Espurr set each of the tree stumps down on the ground after removing them.

"Espurr."

"Now Braixen come on out." Said Jake

He tossed Braixen's Poke Ball, and it opened to reveal the Fox Pokemon.

"Braix, Braixen."

"Use Flamethrower to burn those tree stumps." Said Jake

Braixen pulled her stick wand from her tail and ignited it. A second later a torrent of flames burst out and consumed the stumps. Braixen stopped her attack as everything was now ash. Braixen placed her wand back into her tail.

"Well done you two." Said Jake

"Braixen."

"Espurr."

"I got tah say. Pokemon sure makes life easier. So who's the last one ya brought." Said Applejack

"Oh, Zorua." Said Jake

He tossed the Poke Ball and let out Zorua.

"Zor, Zorua."

"Man, Fluttershy sure knows her craft of healing. Zorua doesn't look like she took on Foxy's Pokemon at all." Said Applejack

"Yeah, Fluttershy is a great nurse, don't you girls think?" Said Jake

His Pokemon spoke out in their native language to him.

"Well, it's about lunch time. How about ya come in and have some of my family's cookin'. Plus I can pay ya for helpin' out." Said Applejack

"So I got the part-time job." Said Jake

"Yeah, I call ya when we need the help. Sorry, I can't hire ya full-time." Said Applejack

"No problem Applejack, but can I ask you a question." Said Jake

"Ya." Said Applejack

"Where are the other workers." Said Jake

"Other works, partner this is a family farm. The only workers are my granny, my brother, and my sister." Said Applejack

"Your whole family takes care of this entire farm." Said Jake

"That's right, impressed." Said Applejack

"Yeah, I sure am." Said Jake

"Well, let's head in and get some lunch." Said Applejack

***

Jake leaned in his chair rubbing his full stomach.

"That was the best meal I've ever had." Said Jake

"Glad you enjoyed, partner. Ponies love my family's cookin'." Said Applejack

"I'll say." Said Jake

"I'll tell Granny Smith we have another fan of our cookin'." Said Applejack

Jake saw each of Pokemon still enjoying their Pokemon food. Applejack got up and grabbed two mugs and poured a liquid into them. She walked back over and placed them down.

"Now the last course, I present ya the Apple Family's greatest item, our apple cider. Ponies line up for miles when cider season comes tah get a taste of it. We make and keep a few barrels for ourselves tah share with friends." Said Applejack

"Well, I guess I can find a place to put it." Said Jake

"Well, cheers partner." Said Applejack

"Cheers." Said Jake

They hit their mugs together and began to take back the liquid. For Jake, it was like drinking liquid gold how great it was. He was sad when the final drop hit his tongue. He smacked his lips together at the flavor.

" That was delicious, Applejack. You weren't kidding about how great this cider is." Said Jake

"Glad ya enjoyed it." Said Applejack

"So Applejack, I was wondering if you knew some place I could get a full-time job." Said Jake

"I'm not tah sure. But I think I overheard Cheerilee talking about needed a teaching assistant." Said Applejack

"Hm, that would work if I didn't have everypony fearing me." Said Jake

"Don't beat yourself over it, Jake. Ponies just don't understand that you aren't a threat to us. Before you came, we saw anypony with Pokemon a threat to us. I mean, Pokemon were being used to attack us and not perceived as friends. But ponies will sooner or later see that you're a hero. I also want to thank ya partner for savin' my sister. It means a lot to this family." Said Applejack

"Hey no problem Applejack, that's what we heroes do." Said Jake

Applejack giggled as Jake flexed what little muscle he had. Well after enjoying a bit more conversation. Applejack gave Jake a brown sack with his payment of bits. Jake was impressed the first time he learned the currency of Equestria was gold coins. He wasn't sure how an economy could be so stable with gold. But Jake shrugged as this world had many things that were crazy. He thanked Applejack and returned his Pokemon to their Poke Balls and left the farm. He waved goodbye to Applejack as he headed towards the library.

***

Jake opened the library door to see Twilight on the couch with her head in a book, as usual. She perked up when she heard the door open and close. She looked over her book to see Jake had come home.

"Hi, Jake, any luck at Applejack's." Said Twilight

"Some, Applejack hired me part-time to help around the farm when she needs me. But other than that, no luck. But she did say Cheerilee was looking for help at the school. That's the pony who runs the local school I saved, right." Said Jake

"That's right." Said Twilight

"I don't know how well I would be at teaching, but I could learn. I just wish ponies didn't see me as a threat." Said Jake

Twilight cursed under her breath as ponies didn't usually curse out loud. "Well Jake, I'm sure they'll come around one day. I mean you did save the school from Team Catastrophe."

"Yeah, that is true, but enough of that. I thought since it's such a beautiful day outside. Let's go out to the meadow outside Ponyville and let our Pokemon play around." Said Jake

"I like that idea." Said Twilight

She closed up her book and went into the kitchen. A few minutes later, she came out with a picnic basket.

"Will make it into a picnic." Said Twilight

Jake smiled as he went to the back door and called in the Pokemon. They all came in, and Jake closed the door. He released Braxien, Zorua, and Espurr from their Poke Balls. Twilight locked up the library and went over to the stairs and called Spike.

"Spike." The baby dragon came down the stairs. "I, Jake, and the Pokemon are going out on a picnic. You want to come."

"Sure, it's better than this boring old library." Said Spike

"Well, I think that's all of us." Said Jake

"Alright." Said Twilight

Twilight's horn flared lavender as everybody around Twilight, glowed purple. Soon with a flash of white, they disappeared from the library.

***

They all came out of the teleportation in the meadow just outside Ponyville. Twilight set down the basket and pulled out a blanket from it.

"Well you all have fun, but just stay close." Said Jake

All the Pokemon spoke in their native language before running off to play with each other. Jake sat down on the blanket as he watched his Pokemon play with each other. He was happy to see Mienfoo adjusting to being a part of this team nicely. Twilight pulled out a few snacks and laid them out. Jake looked up at the clear blue sky with not a cloud in sight.

"I'm going to take a nap, wake me if you need me." Said Jake

"No problem, Spike and I will make sure to watch the Pokemon." Said Twilight

Jake laid on his back and placed his hands on his stomach as he closed his eyes and began to nap. Twilight looked over as she saw Jake was out of it. I guess he had some of Applejack's cooking. It always puts ponies to sleep after eating it. She pulled out the book she was reading and continued where she left off. She kept her eyes on the Pokemon as they ran freely around the meadow. She looked back at Spike as he threw gemstones into his mouth.

Spike was happily munching away, and she saw no problem with the Pokemon. So she returned to her book. After a while, Twilight heard the sound of something coming near them. She peeked over her book and saw a small smoke trail. The Pokemon perked up and saw the same thing. Twilight was about to wake Jake to get him ready but sighed when she saw that it was just Scootaloo's scooter. She laid back down as the scooter came riding up to them with the Pokemon watching the three fillies come to a stop. They weren't afraid of ponies because none have ever hurt them. Scootaloo stopped her scooter and hopped off as Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom got off out of the cart attached to the back of the scooter.

"Hi, girls, what can I do you for?" Asked Twilight

"We came to talk with Jake." Said, Sweetie Belle

"Yeah, we wanted to talk with him in the library, but when we arrived, we saw the close sign. So we rode around Ponyville till we saw you all out here in the meadow." Said Scootaloo

"Well, Jake's sleeping right now. So what did you girls want to talk to him about?" Said Twilight

"We wanted to say thank him for savin' us." Said, Apple Bloom

Twilight looked at Jake and the three fillies. She knew it wouldn't be such a bad idea for them to say it to him their selves. She got up and started to poke Jake in the stomach.

"Jake, time to wake up." Said Twilight

She kept gently tapping Jake in the stomach. He slowly opened his and saw Twilight's violet eyes staring down at him. Huh, I never realized how beautiful her eyes are in the sunlight. Jake yawned as he raised a hand and booped Twilight on the nose. Twilight went cross-eyed before scrunching up her nose. Jake just laughed at her reaction.

"Mind explaining that?" Asked Twilight

"I always wondered what would happen if I booped a pony's nose. I mean, your nose is so boop able. So whatcha need." Said Jake

"Some fillies from the school, you saved, want to thank you for saving them." Said Twilight

Jake got up and saw three fillies standing looking at him. He remembered two hugging Applejack and Rarity.

"Well, hello, so mind introducing yourselves." Said Jake

"Sure, I'm Apple Bloom. I'm Applejack's sister."

Jake looked over Apple Bloom. She had an olive coat with an amaranth mane with a crimson bow in her mane. Her eyes were gamboge in color. She didn't have a cutie mark. The next filly walked up. She had a white coat with a mulberry and rose streak mane. She had harlequin colored eyes. She had a horn on her head, which made her a unicorn. She also didn't have a cutie mark.

"Hi, I'm Sweetie Belle. Rarity is my older sister."

"Yeah and I'm Scootaloo."

The last filly pushed Sweetie out of the way. She had an orange coat with a purple mane. She also had purple eyes. A pair of small wings sat on her back, which made her a Pegasus. She also didn't have a cutie mark.

"And we are." Scootaloo had looked at the others before each took a breath. Jake saw Twilight lay her ears tight to her head and Spike cover his ears." CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!" Jake and his Pokemon cringed at how loud the three fillies were

"Well, that was loud. But I'm pleased to meet all of you. I'm Jake and let me introduce you to my Pokemon. Girls come on over." His Pokemon came closer to Jake "Let me introduce you to Zorua, Ralts, Mareep, Espurr, Eevee, Cyndaquil, Buneary, Braixen, and Mienfoo. Say, hello girls." Said Jake

The Pokemon spoke their hello's in their native language.

"What about that one?" Asked Apple Bloom pointing to Axew

"Oh, that's Axew, he's my Pokemon." Said Twilight

"Axew."

"Man those Pokemon are so much cooler close up than when we saw them from inside the school. We watched the whole fight, and you were awesome, but not as awesome as Rainbow Dash, she will always be the coolest." Said Scootaloo

"Ha, well thank you." Said Jake

"Yeah, so we came here tah thank ya. But also tah tell ya, we're sorry." Said, Apple Bloom

"Sorry for what?" Asked Jake

"For treating, you like you were the enemy. We were afraid of you. But after watching you fight for us. It helped us realize you were never here to hurt us. So will you accept our apology." Said Sweetie

"Please." Said Scootaloo and Apple Bloom

They each gave Jake puppy dogs eyes with quivering lower lips. It melted Jake's heart how cute it was. He chuckled before smiling at them.

"Ok, I accept your apology." Said Jake

"Hooray." Said all three fillies.

"So can I pet one." Said Sweetie

"I see why not, just be gentle. Just like a dog or cat, my Pokemon will tell you where they liked to be pet." Said Jake

"Eev, Eevee."

Eevee got out from the other Pokemon and stood in front of Sweetie Belle. "It seems Eevee wants you to pet her. Go ahead. She's every sweet." Said Jake

Sweetie Belle walked up and began to stroke Eevee's head with her hoof.

"Eevee, Eevee."

"Wow, she's so soft and sweet." Said Sweetie

Apple Bloom and Scootaloo joined Sweetie Belle. Jake could see Eevee was enjoying every minute of it. After a while, the CMC started to ask Jake all the questions they had about Pokemon. Jake was happy to respond to anything the CMC had concerning Pokemon.

"I now understand what my sister sees in Growlithe." Said, Apple Bloom

"Yeah same with Pachirisu." Said Sweetie

"Oh man, I wish I could have a Pokemon." Said Scootaloo

"Yeah." Said, Apple Bloom

"I like the enthusiasm girls, but owning a Pokemon isn't like owning a dog or cat. Pokemon take a whole lot more work to make sure they are healthy and happy. You have to create a bond with a Pokemon for them to fully trust you. That's why it's much harder to take care of a Pokemon than an average animal. But your more than welcome to come down to the library and spend some time with mine. Or in the case of two of you, get to the know the Pokemon your sisters have. Apple Bloom, play around with Growlithe and bond with him. He's a Pokemon that will stick by your side through the thick and thin. Sweetie Belle, Pachirisu may be hyperactive, but she is a bundle of fun. Just play around with her and stroke her where she wants you to pet her. Scootaloo, you seem to idolize Rainbow, so ask her to allow you to get to know Starly. If you do that and form a bond with those Pokemon, then I have no fear that each of you could handle a Pokemon yourself. But it takes time and patience to form that bond, so you can't rush it. The bond of friendship between trainer and Pokemon takes time. But it is worth it in the end." Said Jake

"Yeah, thanks, Jake. You'll see we'll be great trainers like you one day." Said Scootaloo

"Now that's the spirit. Strive to be the best no matter how hard the challenge." Said Jake

"Well, it's getting late I know your families will start to worry about you all. Plus we have to get back to the library." Said Twilight

"Right, so girls just do as I said. If you ever want to come and ask some more questions, I'm always open to take more. Plus if you ever need any help, just come and ask." Said Jake

"Thanks again Jake," said the CMC together.

Scootaloo got on her scooter, and Apple Bloom and Sweetie got in the cart. Scootaloo pushed away the three were off. They waved back at Jake as he waved at them. Once they were out of sight, he chuckled to himself.

"Great kids." Said Jake

"Yeah, they maybe hyper at times, but they are sweet." Said Twilight

"So I was thinking, how about we walk back to Ponyville. The evening air is such a waste if we teleport." Said Jake

"Yeah, plus Spike never likes to teleport while asleep. He always blows chunks when we pull out. I prefer not to be cleaning that up." Said Twilight

Jake turned to see Spike fast asleep. He helped Twilight pack up and counted to make sure all the Pokemon were present. Once they were all present, Jake picked up Spike and rested him on Twilight's back. He grabbed the basket, and they made their way back to the library. They were entering Ponyville as ponies were getting closed up for the night. The ponies would stop and look at Twilight, Jake, the Pokemon. Twilight kept her gaze forward not wanting to make eye contact with a single pony. Jake just kept his eye on the party of Pokemon in front of him. He wanted to ensure none of them ran off. Soon the ponies stopped staring and went back to whatever they were doing. Twilight raised an eyebrow at how weird it was that they weren't shouting at Jake or hiding from him. I wonder what's up with everypony. Maybe they finally see Jake and his Pokemon aren't a threat anymore.

"It seems Ponyville has changed." Said Jake

"Yeah, so Jake was I think back to earlier today." Said Twilight

"Yeah what about it." Said Jake

"Well, you told me that you didn't think you could teach. But today, while the CMC were there, you proved you could teach. You taught each of them so much about Pokemon and teaching me a few things. I especially enjoyed the last part you told the CMC about the bond between Pokemon and trainer. I know from that. You could be a teacher." Said Twilight

"Hey, thanks, Twilight and you know it was fun teaching Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo about Pokemon. Maybe I should see this Cheerilee and take a chance at being a teacher. It wouldn't hurt to try and score the job." Said Jake

"That's the spirit." Said Twilight

"Twilight."

The group stopped as they saw a mare come trotting up to them. The mare had a cerise coat with a rose mane with a light version of her mane color streaking through it. She had harlequin colored eyes. Her cutie mark was of three sunflowers with happy faces on them. She had no horn or wings, so it made her an earth pony. She came to a slow trot as she came up to the group.

"Um, Twilight's who's this?" Asked Jake

"Oh, this pony here is Cheerilee." Said Twilight

"Yes, that's me." Said Cheerilee

"Nice to finally meet you Mrs. Cheerilee, I'm Jake." Said Jake

"Please, Jake, Cheerilee is fine. Mrs. Cheerilee makes me feel like my mother." Said Cheerilee

"So what did you call me out for Cheerilee?" Asked Twilight

"Well, I was on my way to the library, but saw you all walking there. So I shouted to get your attention." Said Cheerilee

"So what can we do you for, Cheerilee." Said Jake

"I wanted to come and thank you, Jake, for saving the school children and me, and to apologize for the way I've been acting towards you." Said Cheerilee

"Well, no offense Cheerilee, but I never noticed you hating on me. But apology accepted and you don't have to thank me. It's my job to help protect those from Team Catastrophe." Said Jake

"Sometimes you are too modest." Said Twilight

"Well, I still want to thank you. I was so afraid when the school got covered in smoke. I swore that was the end of me, but then you came and took on Team Catastrophe even though ponies never treated you with any respect. I watched the whole match and knew from the way you stood and fought. You were here to help us." Said Cheerilee

"Well, no matter what any pony did to me was irrelevant. I can't stand by and let Team Catastrophe hurt innocent ponies. I could never live with myself if I did." Said Jake

"If there is anything I can do to help repay what you did, just tell me." Said Jake

"Ok." Jake felt Twilight nudge him with her flank and he looked down to see her gesturing towards Cheerilee. It finally snapped in his head what Twilight was trying to tell him. "Cheerilee. I've heard around that you were looking for a teaching assistant. I'm in the job market and wondering if I could get a chance to apply and interview for the job."

"Well, you are the first pony ever to ask about that job, and I've had it posted up for a while. So forget the application and interview, you have the job." Said Cheerilee

"Really?" Asked Jake

"Yes and make to get some shut eye. School starts tomorrow at eight o'clock, so make sure to come an hour early so I can give you a run down of the day and how the school works." Said Cheerilee

"Thanks again Cheerilee." Said Jake

They had shaken hoof and hand before Cheerilee walked off to her home.

"Thanks for getting me to ask, Twilight." Said Jake

"Hey, that's what friends are for, Jake. But now, let's get back to the library. You have a busy day tomorrow, Mr. Jake." Said Twilight

"Ha, I think I'll just have them call me Jake." said Jake

They walked back to the library as the sun started to set on a great day for Jake and Twilight.