Chapters “Twilight, letter!”
“Is it from Princess Celestia?”
“No, it came with the normal mail, but it has a name on it that I don't recognize, somepony named Fenrir....”
Twilight appeared beside him in an instant, ripping the letter out of his claws and opening it, beginning to read as Spike tried to get a look.
To My Beloved Twilight.
I know it's been a long time since we last saw each other, so I thought I would come and visit...well that's not really true, so I'll just come out and say it.
I'm done adventuring Twilight, I have seen all I want to see, and nothing I have seen compares to you. I think of you every time I gaze up at the nighttime sky, I long for your warmth during the long winter months, and I miss the conversations we used to share about magic.
I...I want to settle down, with you, and I heard recently that you moved to a nice...quiet town, so I am coming to...hopefully spend the rest of my life with you, if you will have me. Anyways, I will be arriving some time soon by train, most likely the fifth, though hopefully this letter reaches you before then. See you soon.
With Love
Fenrir Beowolf
Twilight stared at the letter for a long moment, then she turned to Spike and spoke. “Spike, get the house ready, we've got company coming.”
*
In a train car heading for Ponyville, a large black warg was bobbing his head to music he was listening to on a pair of earbuds, his eyes closed so as not to notice the frightened stares which were being shot his way. If he could see however, he wouldn't really blame them, after all warg's tended to stay far away from pony society, mostly due to most of the warg tribes living by the old ways not wanting to incur Celestia's wrath.
However, he was different, for Fenrir came from a tribe who was part of the Responsible Predators Movement, a movement which encouraged predator species to only hunt non sentient animals. The movement had originally been pioneered by the griffons, but it was slowly being introduced to the other predatory races which lived all across the world, though some were less willing to join then others.
He felt a small hoof tap one of his paws, looking down to see a little filly looking at him, quickly removing his earbuds so he could hear. “What is it little one?”
“Why are you on the train?” asked the gray filly, her yellow eyes looking up at him expectantly as she waited for him to answer.
“Well little one, I am on my way to...”
“Hey! Get away from that mongrel you hear!”
The little filly jumped, but before either she or Fenrir could react, another voice sounded from a few seats over. “I would appreciate it if you didn't tell my daughter what to do, for if I had a problem with who she was talking to I would have said something.”
“Well if you were a good mother you would have told her not to go talk to that thing in the first place, beasts like that are dangerous.”
“Well he obviously isn't, otherwise he would be tearing up this entire train car right now wouldn't he?”
“Maybe he's just waiting till we let our guard down?”
There was a snort from the seat beside Fenrir, “And maybe you should shut your mouth dude, not everypony is as prejudice as you.”
There was spluttering from the offending stallion, but he did indeed shut his mouth, allowing Fenrir to look back down at the little filly and continue speaking. “As I was saying little one, I am on my way to Ponyville to see my marefriend, who happens to live in Ponyville.”
“Well this conversation I just have to cut in on,” said the mare next to him, Fenrir looking up to see a white coated pony with an electric blue mane smiling at him. “So, who is this lucky mare who you are going to see?”
“You may have heard of her, for my marefriend is Twilight Sparkle.”
“You're special somepony is Princess Twilight!” yelled the little filly.
Fenrir nodded, “Indeed she is, why, do you know her?”
The little filly nodded, “She's my magic tutor!”
There was a chuckle behind her, and Fenrir looked up to see a gray pegasus with mismatched yellow eyes smiling at him as she spoke. “Do you mind if we sit with you, I have never seen my little Dinky this interested in anyone before, and I do have to admit I am a bit curious about you as well.”
He nodded, gesturing to the seat in front of him.
The mare sat down, helping her filly into the next seat before looking up and Fenrir and speaking. “Well, my name is Derpy, and while this may be rude, I do have to ask, are you part of the Responsible Predator's Movement.”
Fenrir smiled at that, then nodded, “Yes, yes I am, kinda have to be if you want to move about Equestria as a warg.”
“Ok I'm confused,” said the mare beside him, “what's the Responsible Predator's Movement?”
“Vinyl,” said Derpy, “didn't you ever pay attention in school, it's something eveypony knows about.”
“Well gee Derpy, I must have missed that part of class, mind giving me a refresher?”
Derpy gave an exasperated sigh, then relented and began explaining to the mare as Fenrir watched in amusement. “The Responsible Predator's Movement is a movement that was started way back by the griffon Gilda Long Claw, who had been raised by ponies and was a close personal friend of Princess Celestia during those times. It taught predators to only hunt after animals that held no true form of intelligence or sentience, and to treat those that did as equals, even friends.”
“That must of gone over well,” said Vinyl with a smirk.
“It was the spark of the great griffon civil war,” said Derpy flatly.
“Oh....wow that's...yikes that's grim.”
Derpy nodded, then jumped as Fenrir continued for her. “Luckily Gilda and her forces were the victors, and they began spreading the movement amongst the other predatory races, though mine is still having trouble adapting to it.”
“And why is that?” asked Vinyl.
“Because my race spent thousands of generations ritualizing the hunting of ponies, making it into a right of passage that many of the warg tribes refuse to give up. I was lucky enough to grow up in a tribe that was willing to change, and it is also thanks to that that I met Twilight Sparkle.”
“Oh really,” said Vinyl with a smile, “care explaining?”
He nodded again, but before he could they felt the train stop, Fenrir looking to see they had arrived at their destination and smiling at his guests in apology. “Looks like we'll have to save this discussion for another day, though hopefully it will be soon.”
They all nodded at that, then left the train, Fenrir taking a few moments to sniff the air before beginning to make his way toward the large tree near the center of town, his nose telling him that his beloved lay somewhere in that direction.
*
Twilight's ear twitched as she heard the sound of something scratching at her door, the mare quickly moving over to it and opening it up, and then gasping when she saw Fenrir standing their with his paw raised.
“Beloved,” he said, the warg placing his paw down and moving close to her, but stopping just short of their bodies touching.
“Beloved,” she returned, moving the rest of the way and allowing their necks to embrace, the two taking their time to sniff each other and let their scents once again mingle.
When they had spent long enough rubbing themselves against each other, Twilight pulled back and allowed him to enter her home, before quickly correcting herself in her head, after all, soon it would be their home. She then watched as he sighed in relief, the big guy shrugging off his saddle bags before settling down on the carpet by the fire, before turning toward her and becoming with a paw.
She quickly sauntered her way over, using her magic to close the door as she settled down beside her mate and leaned against him, breathing in a contented sigh as he draped his tale over her.
“It is good to be in your presence once more beloved,” said Fenrir, the warg nuzzling deep into her neck as she cooed due to the wonderful sensation it sent throughout her body.
“I feel the same way,” said Twilight sweetly, nuzzling back as she spoke to her most treasured of companions. “I was so shocked when I received your letter, for I had honestly thought the hunt for treasures would never grow old for you.”
“There was a time when I thought the same as you,” said Fenrir, before his face fell as he lay his head upon her back and sighed. “But their comes a time in every adventurer's life where the gems no longer sparkle, the gold loses its luster, and the solitude of the open road becomes suffocating and unfamiliar to the heart. So came to me the bitter bite that told me that the life I was currently leading would no longer satisfy the wants of my heart, and when I thought of what could fill the growing void, my heart turned back to you, the one who held claim over it since before I took my walk into the wilds.”
Twilight smiled at that, giving him a nuzzle and taking a whiff of his scent before speaking. “I am glad, for I have missed your presence beside mine, and even the books telling of your adventures were losing their ability to ease my aching heart.”
As they sat basking in each others presence, they failed to hear the door opening, but Fenrir did hear the sound of a pony shouting, turning just in time to receive two orange hooves to the face, and the last thing he heard as he blacked out was the sound of shouting filling the room.
“Applejack why did you do that!?” yelled Twilight, the mare using her magic to keep her strong friend from attacking her mate further.
“Twilight he was meaning tah bite yah!” growled Applejack.
“No he wasn't Applejack, he was probably just planning to give me a little love nip, as is expected between mates!”
Applejack's eyes widened at that, and then Twilight heard gasps, looking to see the other girls standing behind Applejack, all looking shocked.
Shaking her head, Twilight looked to Applejack and spoke. “Applejack, when I let you go, I want you to leave and cool your head, I'll come by later and we’ll talk about this, but right now I need to make sure my mate is ok. As for the rest of you girls, as long as you don't have a problem with who I'm with, you can stay.”
She then let Applejack go, the mare standing their for a long moment before leaving in a huff, the rest of the girls watching her go before they all turned back to Twilight, and then Rainbow decided to voice what she was thinking. “So...mind telling us why the hell you didn't tell us about the fact you are dating a Warg?”
Twilight sighed, walking over to Fenir and using her magic to begin waking him up as she spoke. “I was going to tell you girls eventually, I just didn't know how to tell you.”
“Well I'm really wishing you had told us this sooner darling,” said Rarity, watching as the warg began to rouse before looking at Twilight as the mare spoke.
“And why is that?” asked Twilight.
“Because Applejack's parents were...well they were...”
“They were killed by wargs weren't they?”
Rarity looked to see the warg looking at her, hesitating a moment before nodding her head. “Yes, there were indeed.”
“I see,” said Fenrir, “then I am sorry my presence causes her such...”
“Fenrir you don't...”
“Twilight you know it is our way,” said Fenrir, righting himself and giving her a nuzzle before speaking again. “Each act by the tribes who have not bettered themselves hurts the whole, and it is our job to heal the wounds they have made.”
“Yeah, good luck with that,” said Rainbow as she settled down on a nearby couch. “Applejack has been raised on warg hate since her parents died, I remember during a few of my visits Granny Smith and Applejack would get into these heated rants about how the princess should just wipe them all out, and then would begin arguing with Big Macintosh when he would comment on how bigoted that kind of viewpoint was.”
“So I imagine I'll only be able to purchases Apple-Family product form him then, figures.”
“I'm sure we'll be able to work something out,” said Twilight, before seeing, of all things, Pinkie shaking her head. “Ok, maybe you girls should tell me what exactly I have signed myself up for, cause I'm not going to hide the fact that I am dating a warg, so I need to know what I'm in for.”
The girls all hesitated, then sat down around Twilight, Fenrir watching in interest as Rarity began speaking. “Well darling, ever since Princess Celestia started to...well to help several of the warg tribes on their road to becoming responsible predators, many ponies began protesting her decision, and none have been more outspoken against helping them then the Apple-Family. However, when Celestia would not repeal her decision to help the wargs, they started showing their protest in other ways. They have made it a habit to deny business to ponies who support Celestia's decision, and have even from time to time gotten local leaders to force said supporters out of towns they live in, but you shouldn't have to worry about that Twilight, I happen to know Mayor Mare is a big supporter of the Responsible Predators Movement, so you should be safe.”
“I just should expect Applejack to deny me business...great, this is going to be just lovely.”
“I will be alright beloved, after all this isn't the first time we have faced such hardships.”
Twilight nodded at that, which caused Pinkie to speak up. “Wait, you guys have dealt with this before?”
They both nodded, then Twilight spoke. “There was a village not far from where Fenrir's tribe lived, a village they had taken to protecting from some of the more wild beasts that lived in the region. However, even though they were providing protection, many of the villagers didn't trust them, and when they found out I was dating a warg, they flipped out, saying I had been bewitched, and they refused to let me visit anymore.”
There was silence for a moment, then Rainbow stood up, “I'll go talk to Big Mac, get a schedule so that you know what days you can go to market and get apples.”
“And I'll start getting a party planned,” said Pinkie with a smile, “after all he is new, and it will be a good way to show he's a good warg.”
“Pinkie you don't...”
“Let it go Fenrir,” said Twilight as the warg gave her a look, “when Pinkie says there's going to be a party, there’s going to be a party.”
The warg sighed, then looked over as Fluttershy tapped him on the shoulder. “Um...if it's alright with you, I could tell you about some good hunting spots in the Everfree Forest in exchange for some information about your species, um...I've always been fascinated by wargs.”
“I would love to tell you about my race.”
Fluttershy gave a silent yay, which caused Twilight to smile before looking to Rarity and speaking. “So Rarity, what about you, got any plans, or were you here for something.”
“I was actually here to talk to you, but with these revelations I think I better go try and talk to Applejack, I am her oldest friend after all, maybe I can talk some sense into her.”
She then got up and left, followed by Rainbow and Pinkie Pie, and then Twilight got up and looked to Fluttershy. “I'm going to go make some tea, why don't you two get talking, and I'll be back soon.”
*
Rainbow arrived in the skies over Sweet Apple Acres just in time to see Applejack coming home, landing in a tree nearby as the mare ran into her brother.
“Applejack, you look ready to buck a tree in half, what's wrong?”
“That no good friend of mine Twilight Sparkle is a fucking fanger!”
Rainbow was confused for a moment, for she could have sworn she had heard that word before, then it hit her. Gilda had mentioned the term to her before, saying it was one of the many names bigoted ponies called ponies who chose to be romantic with predatory races. This surprised her, for she had never heard Applejack use that word before, but it told her quite plainly that her hatred for wargs ran deep.
“Applejack keep your voice down,” said Big Mac sternly, “do you want Apple Bloom to hear you saying words like that?”
“I don't care, she should know anyway, I don't want her near any mare who will allow some pony devouring mutt between their legs!”
“Applejack,” said Big Mac sternly, “I think you better head inside and cool your head.”
“Don't tell me you’re taking her side Mac, it's creatures like the one she's sleeping with that are the reason are parents are...”
“You know where I stand on that issue Applejack!” said Big Mac, his voice raising for the first time since Applejack had showed up. “I have told you time and time again, yah can't keep blaming the whole for the acts of a few, that is not the right kind of mindset to be having.”
Applejack stamped her hoof angrily, “They are monsters Big Mac, I don't care what they say, nothing can change the fact that all of them are monsters!”
“So what about Spike then?”
“Wha...” said Applejack, looking startled.
“You heard me, what about Spike then, hmm?”
“What about him?”
Big Mac sighed, “He's a dragon Applejack, a race of creatures who also used to eat ponies before they joined the Responsible Predator's Movement, so what's supposed to stop him from going back to the old ways of his people.”
“But Spike wouldn't...”
“By your logic he could,” growled Big Mac, “and by that same logic Gilda could start feasting on ponies, or Iron Will, or even Rarity's friend Opal.”
“It's not the same Big Mac...”
“It is and you know it, I mean look at yah, you're near foaming at the mouth because you found out your friend is dating a warg. What are yah going to do next, deny her business when she comes to buy our apples, go to the mayor and try to get her run out of town?”
“Maybe I should, mares like her could corrupt our children's minds with dangerous ideas.”
Big Mac stared at her for a long moment, and then let out a long suffering sigh, looking at her with hurt in his eyes as he spoke. “I can't believe I'm saying this, but yah got to much of Granny Smith in you, and I won't have no more of it.”
“And what do yah mean by that?”
Big Mac gave her a stern look, “I mean I'm taking Apple Bloom and I'm moving out, for I'm not going to let myself or her be subjected to your hate anymore!”
“Yah....Yah can’t do that!”
“Like Tartarus I can't!” roared Big Mac, “yah forget Applejack, yah may be head of household, but I'm Apple Bloom's legal guardian, and I have had it with your and Granny's bullshit! Do yah know how many times she has come to me crying because yah and Granny Smith forced her to sit through your hate filled rants! Do yah know how many times she has had to sleep in my room because of the nightmares she would have because of the things yah both have said, well I'm not standing for it anymore. Till you and Granny change your attitude, neither me nor Apple Bloom will be setting hoof in that house anymore!”
With that said, he stormed off toward the local schoolhouse, leaving behind a shell shocked Applejack, and followed by a equally shocked Rainbow.
*
When Big Mac was far enough away from the farm, Rainbow landed next to him, rubbing and nuzzling against him, causing him to stop for a moment.
“You're a lot more affectionate than usual, what's the occasion?”
“After what you just got through, I thought you could use it big guy.”
Big Mac grimaced, “Yah heard all that?”
Rainbow nodded, “Yeah, I heard, and I saw.”
Big Mac looked away, “I wish yah hadn't seen me like that, I don't like getting that mad...”
“It needed to happen Mac, you know that, which is why I think it's time you had this.”
Rainbow reached into her saddlebags and pulled out a necklace with a cloud on it, placing it around Big Mac's neck before speaking. “It has both a permanent cloudwalking spell and a spell which will allow you to get up to my house, though with what I just heard, looks like I'll have to get one for Apple Bloom to.”
“Yah sure you don't mind?”
“I already take care of Scootaloo when Fluttershy gets too busy with her animals, and I also have had to take care of Sweetie Belle a few times when Rarity has been over, it's no problem.”
Big Mac smiled at that, giving her an affectionate nuzzle to show his gratitude, “Your the best Rainbow.”
“I know,” said Rainbow with a smile, “now you better get going, school's going to be out soon, and I believe you have to meet up with Rarity to tell her about this as well right?”
Big Mac's face fell at that, “ah crap, I wish yah hadn't reminded me, this is a conversation I am not looking forward too.”
“It'll be alright,” said Rainbow, “you and her have had worse conversations.”
Big Mac nodded, then they both parted ways, Rainbow heading back toward the Library, and Big Mac making his way toward the schoolhouse.
“I must say Miss Fluttershy, besides my beloved, I have never met a pony so interested in warg culture, it is quite refreshing.”
“Oh I'm interested in all predatory races, ever since me and Gilda got together; she got me really hooked on discovering all the little nuisances of each species.”
“How is Gilda doing by the way?” asked Twilight
“Good, though she misses me, and Scootaloo...plus her letters have been getting a bit....well, they have been leaning toward a certain topic.”
“What do you mean?” asked Twilight.
“Well...” said Fluttershy, stuttering a bit before finally speaking further. “She has been wanting to expand the cottage, and has been asking me...well asking me how I would feel about adding more cubs to our family.”
Twilight looked confused, but Fenrir laughed at that, “Ah, her nesting phase is starting to take hold.”
“Funny,” said Fluttershy with a chuckle, “Gilda's mother said the same thing.”
“Nesting Phase?” asked Twilight.
“It's when Griffons start getting along in the family way,” said Fluttershy with a smile, “it seems Gilda wants to settle down, but...well, I don't know what to tell her. I mean yeah, I love foals dearly, but I know Gilda, and she'll want a large family, and I don't know if I can handle all those little ones running around.”
“You do realize she will be there with you right, if she wants to settle, she will settle hard, probably moving in with you and everything.”
Fluttershy blinked at that, “huh...I hadn't really thought about tha....”
She then saw the clock, gasping before getting up and bowing to Fenrir, “Thank you for your information, but I have to go pick up my daughter now, I'll see you later though, and you to Twilight.”
She sprinted out the door, Twilight laughing a bit, till she saw Spike enter, the dragon's eyes widening as he saw Fenrir, who got up and walked over to him with a concerned look on his face as he spoke. “Hello little one, I know you probably don't remember me, after all you were but a babe when you met...”
Spike rushed forward and hugged him, Fenrir hesitating for a moment before wrapping him up in a hug as well, tears welling in his eyes as he nuzzled into the dragon he saw as his own.
After a few moments, Twilight joined in on the hug, the group hug lasting a good while till finally Spike extracted himself with a grumble. “Ok ok, you didn't need to make it mushy Twilight.”
“Says the dragon who ran up and hugged his father,” said Twilight sweetly, leaning against Fenrir with a smile on her face.
“Whatever mo….wait….father?”
Twilight nodded, “yes, or he will be soon, won't you dear?”
Fenrir nodded, “I have already sent a letter to my clan, and we should be hearing news from them soon.”
As if on cue, Spike belched a gout of fire, two scrolls flying out one at a time, Twilight grabbing them immediately and beginning to read the first one out loud.
“To My Faithful Student, Twilight Sparkle. I have recently gotten news that Fenrir has moved into town, as well as that he has plans to marry you. I cannot put into words how excited I am for you, nor how exciting this will be for many of us.”
“I must admit, I only found out about this from Fenrir's beloved mother, who received the news of Fenrir's intentions while meeting with several heads of the Responsible Predator's Movement, and they have made a rather insistent request. The way they see it, your marriage is the perfect opportunity to show that wargs can coexist peacefully with ponies, after all as they say; why would a pony marry a warg if they are all monsters.”
“So, and you have every right to say no to this, they wish to send a few representatives and press to your wedding, so that they can show the world a union between a warg and a pony, a love defying the ages. Again, you have every right to say no, and you don't need to give an answer right away, but know I and my sister will be attending, for I would not miss your wedding for anything in the world. Your beloved mentor, Princess Celestia.”
“P.S. I have also sent the letter from Fenrir's mother along with this one, that he won’t have to wait for it in the mail.”
Twilight set the letter down, smiling a bit before handing him his letter.
“Aren't you going to send a response to her about the representatives?”
“That can come later; I want to know what Mama wrote you.”
Fenrir smiled at that, and knew that his mother would be overjoyed to know Twilight still called her that, and proceeded to open the letter and read.
“To my dearest son, your letter has come as a great surprise to me, for like many of the pack, we had often figured that the claws of adventure had sunk deep into you and made permanent residence, but now my heart can rest easy. I am also gladdened to hear that you intend to keep pursuing things with Twilight Sparkle, for that mare was like a daughter to the pack, and to know that will soon become a reality is such a wonderful thing.”
“Because of this, we are moving the pack to Ponyville, both to be there for the wedding, and because the village we have been living near has become rather hostile towards us, and it will be safer for the cubs if we are near a village that is a lot more open minded.”
“Now I will need you to go to the Mayor of Ponyville and see if it is alright for us to move there, though you probably won’t have any problems on that end, for she is one of us if I am not mistaken. Also, we will have a matter to discuss when we arrive, but that can wait, and most likely Celestia has already informed Twilight of it, so you can prepare yourself in the meantime.”
“With that said, give Twilight my love for me, and make sure to get her to write her parents, for they should be at the wedding as well. With love, Larentia of clan Nuntis.”
Finishing the letter, he set it down with a smile, before turning to Twilight and speaking. “I suppose we have some things to prepare, but first, would you mind accompanying me to the Mayor’s office?”
“I would love to,” said Twilight, before getting up and following him as they headed out, Twilight telling Spike to mind the library while they were gone before closing the door behind them.
*
Rarity was not in the best of moods today, for she had nearly had her head torn off by her old friend when she had tried to get her to see reason on the issue of Twilight dating a warg. It had not gone at all how she wanted it, for like so many times before, she forgot how deep Applejack's hatred for wargs ran.
However, if she had to be honest, Rarity thought Applejack was being rather stupid, holding on to this hatred the way she was. More and more ponies were starting to become more accepting of wargs thanks to the less agreeable tribes either dying out or finally joining the movement.
But the Apples were still holding on to their hatred, and from what Rarity was seeing, recently it was starting to cost them dearly. Many businesses were starting to not do business with the Apple Family due to their bigotry, even with Apple's like Big Macintosh, because for every one of him, there were ten Applejack's ruining the Apple Family's reputation.
As she walked however, she became surprised when she saw Big Mac standing outside the door to her boutique with Sweetie Belle and Apple Bloom, her little sister holding the young earth pony as she cried while Big Mac stood protectively over them both.
“Why love,” said Rarity as she got close, “what are you doing here, I wasn't expecting you till tonight, and why is Apple Bloom crying.”
“Can we go inside and talk about this,” asked Big Mac, “I don't want many ponies knowing about this yet.”
Rarity nodded, opening the door and watching as Sweetie Belle led Apple Bloom up to her room, and then she headed with Big Mac into the kitchen and got a pot going for tea.
“Ok love, talk to me, you look positively out of sorts.”
“....Me and Applejack got into a big fight today,” said Big Mac, “it was over Twilight.”
“I see,” said Rarity, “so she told you we met Twilight's special somepony, and that that somepony was a warg.”
That got an eyebrow raise from Big Mac, “She said she found out Twilight was dating a warg, she said nothing about the warg actually being here, no wonder she was in such a fit about it.”
“It was more than a fit,” said Rarity, “the moment she saw him Applejack bucked him in the head while mistaking a love nip for a bite.”
“....He ain't dead is he?”
“Of course not,” said Rarity, “he was conscious when I left, but let's leave that for later, I want to hear about this fight, for it must have been serious if you brought Apple Bloom to my door.”
“Well the gist of it is I told her me and Bloom wouldn't be living with them anymore as long as they held the views they did, so I have effectively moved out of my own home. Which....leads me to this question....do yah mind of we move in with yah?”
He braced himself for a freak out, and instead saw Rarity sigh, the mare placing a cup of tea in front of him before sitting down herself and speaking. “It’s no trouble love, I already have things prepared for when this moment possibly came, I'll get Apple Bloom's bed from the basement.”
“What, no bed for me?” asked Big Mac.
Rarity gave him a smirk, “Come now darling, with what Dashie, you and I do together, I think we can agree you and I don't need to sleep in separate beds, especially seeing as how I know you will be doing the same when you are at Dashie's place.”
Big Mac stared at her a moment, then chuckled, “Guess I'm still not used to this.”
“It's ok dear,” said Rarity, “Now what say you and I talk to the children, for this will no doubt put smiles on their faces.”
*
“By my namesake’s twin tails, it’s you?”
Twilight stared at her mate, flabbergasted at his reaction to the mayor, and then became even more flabbergasted when the mayor answered back.
“Ah, a warg, nice to know my story still gets spread among the tribes.”
“Ok I'm missing something,” said Twilight, “who is she to you?”
“How can you not know who she is,” said Fenrir as he turned to his mate and spoke. “She is the daughter of The Morrighan, the goddess of the wargs and oldest of us, and first pony to ever be raised among wargs.”
Twilight's eyes widened in shock, then widened further when Mayor Mare removed her tie, her eyes becoming like a wolves and a tattoo running from the right side of her face down the right side of her neck and ending at her right fore-hoof appeared, the mare smiling as she spoke, revealing fangs.
“Glad to be recognized, and it’s good to meet you at last Fenrir, mother speaks highly of you and your clan.”
“I am glad, which actually brings us to why we came here.”
“I see,” said Mayor, gesturing to the chairs as she sat down as well, smiling at them both as she spoke again. “Well, what do you need to talk to me about?”
“How would you feel about a warg clan moving into the Everfree Forest?”
“I would be open to it,” said Mayor Mare with a smile, “Though you will have to deal with our local Apple Family members, they will probably try and launch a protest over it.”
“We have handled bigotry before mam,” said Fenrir, “and from what I have seen so far this town seems far more accepting then the village we are currently protecting, so a few neighsayers won’t hurt us too much.”
“Then you have my full support,” said Mayor Mare with another smile. “I'll prepare and announcement to give to my citizens, and in the meantime you can get to informing your mother that I approve. To be honest, I have wanted to open up the forest for a clan to move in, as it would make things much safer, so your timing could not have been more perfect.”
“Glad to have helped,” said Fenrir, “Also, just to let you know, some reporters as well as representatives from the Responsible Predator's Movement will be showing up as well, as I will be having my wedding here with my mate Twilight and...well, it is a pretty historic event.”
Mayor Mare's eyes widened at that, the mare turning toward the princess and speaking, “Is this true?”
Twilight nodded, “Yeah, I mean it is an important event, and it would be wrong of me to want to keep it a private affair when it would mean so much to other couples like us, after all, if they see one of their princesses embracing a warg, even a relatively new one, it will help many to overcome their fears and possibly bring their relationships out into the open.”
“That is very brave of you,” said Mayor Mare, putting on her tie and allowing its enchantment to take hold once again before speaking. “Now get, I have a lot of paperwork to do.”
Author's Note
Woo, the next chapter of Fenrir out and about, god’s that was fun to finish, also, expect next chapter to be really interesting, and yes, that means more bigoted Applejack ahead, as well as Granny Smiths first appearance in this fick...so yeah, look forward to that.
And if any of you were wondering, The Morrigahn is essentially the wargs version of an alicorn, though she has two elk horns instead a unicorn horn.
“Alright everypony, thank you all for coming, let's get down to business.”
Mayor Mare would be lying if she said she wasn't nervous about what she was about to do, after all even though she knew a lot of the ponies of ponyville would be behind this decision, she knew there would be a few who would protest.
“Well, as many of you know I hate procrastinating when it comes to these things, so I will simply cut to the chase. Recently, a member of a warg clan which is connected to the Responsible Predators Movement approached me yesterday and asked me if I would allow their clan to move into the Everfree Forest, and I have decided to allow them to do so.”
Many of her ponies began talking amongst themselves, but like unwanted pest that just refused to go away, an angry voice sounded form the crowd, one she had heard many times before.
“What, yah cant be serious!” said Applejack, marching up to the front of the crowd with a scowl across her face. “Yah are letting those monsters take over the forest, why didn't yah just invite the pony eating critters in town, it save them time when they decide to...”
“Applejack that is enough,” said Mayor Mare with a glare, “I have heard your complaints before regarding wargs and to be honest I am tired of them. I let the wargs move into the Everfree forest because wargs are better adapted to environments like those found in the Everfree forest, and I also let them move in there because they would be able to manage the dangerous wild life which has, as I am sure we have all noticed, been on the rise over the last few years.”
Clearing her throat and taking a sip of water, she spoke some more. “However, this is not the only bit of news I have gathered you all here for, for I have some exciting news. Some time soon, we will be host to a wedding, a wedding the likes of which has not been seen in Equestria in all its history. This historic wedding will be between our beloved Princess Twilight Sparkle, and her beloved, a warg known as Fenrir Beowolf.”
Many of the populace gasped in surprise, meanwhile Applejack looked like she was ready to commit murder, however before she could speak another voice sounded behind her.
“Are yah stark raving mad!!!”
The speaker had been Granny Smith, who hobbled her way to stand next to her granddaughter as she pointed an accusing hoof at the mayor as she spoke. “First yah tell us that yah are letting a bunch of pony eating fiends invade the Everfree, and now yah tell us that one of our princess is a fucking fanger and is marrying one of these mongrels!”
Mayor Mare glared at her for a long moment, the mare taking in a deep breath before letting it out in a bit of a snarl as she spoke. “Miss Apple, I think I have been more then tolerant of your behavior for the years that I have run this town, but my tolerance has reached its limit. I have told you time and time again where I stand on the issue, but you have never listened to my words, so maybe you will listen to this!”
Then, in front of everypony present, she ripped off her tie, revealing her wolf like eyes, and the strange tattoo which covered part of her body, the mare glaring down at Granny Smith as both her and Applejack stared at her in horror.
“I was raised by wargs you ignorant, bigoted fool! They took me in after my family was killed by another pack, and they raised me as one of their own. None of the wargs in my pack ever tried to harm me, save for a few scuffles that often happen when you play with your fellows, but they treated me as one of their own, and when I came of age they let me leave the pack to rejoin my fellow ponies with well wishes and high hopes. It was thanks to me that Princess Celestia actually began supporting the wargs in their transition to being responsible predators, and I will be damned if I let you spit in the face of that act anymore without letting you know who it is your are hurting.”
There was silence for a long moment, then Granny Smith began speaking. “It's worse then ah thought, you've been bewitched by them mongrels, and their forcing you to spew these lies...”
“THAT IS ENOUGH!” roared Mayor Mare, slamming her hooves down upon the podium with such force it caused everypony to jump, the mare leveling a glare at the older mare as she spoke. “I don't care what happened to you in the past Miss Apple, I will no longer tolerate your behavior in regards to this, especially when such a historic event will be taking place soon. I want you to go home and seriously think about whether or not you want to remain in this town, for if you keep up this behavior when our new neighbors get here, or worse, if you seek to provoke them, then I will have no choice but to expel you both from Ponyville for their safety.”
It was so silent you could hear a pin drop, for this was something that Mayor Mare had never done before. The silence held, even as Applejack led her shocked grandmother away, but once they were gone Mayor Mare spoke up again. “If any of you have any questions on the upcoming event, my office is as always open to anypony. However if you have questions as to the Warg Clan that will be moving into the Everfree, the warg Fenrir is a member of this clan and he has recently taken up residence with Twilight Sparkle, so I would direct your questions to them.”
*
Twilight lifted her gaze up from the book she had been reading, having heard a knock at the door. “Spike, could you get that please.”
“Sure thing Twi!” called Spike, the young dragon running over to the door and opening it to find Roseluck, Daisy, and Lily standing outside.
“Is Princess Twilight home?” asked Roseluck, “we wanted to talk to her about something.”
“Yeah she's home,” said Spike with a smile, “why don't you come in while I get her.”
Seeing them nod, Spike ran off to Twilight's room, seeing her still reading her book and clearing his throat to get her attention. “Twilight, the Flower Trio are downstairs and want to speak with you.”
Nodding, Twilight got up and headed downstairs, seeing the flower trio looking up at her and speaking up. “Well girls, I assume you're here about...”
“You should leave,” said Lily, interrupting Twilight and causing her a bit of shock.
“What...”
“Lily,” said Roseluck sternly, before turning to Twilight and speaking. “Princess, do you mind if me and Daisy speak to Lily alone for a second?”
Nodding, she watched as Roseluck and Daisy led Lily into the kitchen, surreptitiously casting a spell upon the room so she could see and hear what was going on.
“Lily I thought we agreed to talk to the Princess about what was going on, not attack her.”
“No,” said Lily, “you two agreed to that, I only came along so I could give her a piece of my mind.”
“A piece of your mind, or Applejack's?” asked Roseluck, looking cross.
“...I have no idea what you are...”
“Oh come on Lily,” said Daisy with a huff, “its no secret you have the hots for Applejack, but acting like she does is not going to get her to notice her.”
“I am not doing this to get her to notice me,” said Lily through clenched teeth, “and its not my fault that Applejack happens to be speaking the truth. Wargs are monsters, and until Mayor Mare rescinds her invitation to this...this pack of invaders, I will do everything in my power to help dive them and that...that filthy fanger from this town!”
With that said, Lily left out the kitchens back door, leaving Roseluck and Daisy in stunned silence for a moment, till finally they got up and headed back into the main room.
“Sorry about that,” Roseluck said to Twilight as they entered the room, “Lily's just...”
“She does know Applejack's barn door swings open for mares right?” asked Twilight with a questioning look.
That left both Roseluck and Daisy confused for a moment, till Roseluck scowled as she spoke up, “I thought I felt a magical presence in that kitchen, so how much did you hear?”
“Everything,” said Twilight, “so how long has she been a warg hater?”
“She only started acting that way after she started crushing on Applejack,” said Daisy with a scoff, “which let me tell you, it has pretty much alienated her from most of her friends and family, for she was raised in a pro-warg household.”
“And what about you two,” asked Twilight with an arched eyebrow, “do you have a problem with wargs, and by extension, my relationship with one.”
“No your highness,” said Roseluck, “our families have long been supporters of the princess efforts to help wargs enter the R.P.M., and I personally think its very brave of you to be willing to marry one publicly.”
Smiling, Twilight gestured to some seats, using her magic to get tea ready in the kitchen while she talked to her guest. “Well we were originally going to have a private wedding, but after Fenrir's mother revealed that she would be moving her pack her, and with the reveal that several heads of the R.P.M. wanted to make it an event, we felt it would be wrong to keep our wedding out of the public eye.”
“Speaking of this pack,” said Daisy, “how are they around ponies, I mean they must be good if they are part of the movement, but some tribes are a lot less well behaved then others.”
“Their better then most I have to admit,” said Twilight with a smile, “very well behaved when around ponies, and they will go above and beyond the call if the ponies they live next to are threatened.”
“That's good,” said Roseluck with a smile, “I remember the pack that used to protect us when we lived out in Vanhoover, they always made sure to have an escort for any pony going into the forest.”
“Well you can expect the same from Fenrir's pack,” said Twilight with a smile, “just don't be surprised if the pups cause a bit of trouble, they can be very mischievous.”
“We'll let the rest of the community know,” said Daisy, “and will make sure to send anypony your way who has more questions.”
That got a curious look from Twilight, “Am I missing something here?”
Laughing a bit, Roseluck spoke up, “Well I know we often get into hysterics whenever a crises emerges, but were actually trusted voices in the community.”
“So as long as we start spreading the good word about the pack coming here,” said Daisy with a smile, “the residents of Ponyville will get more comfortable with the idea, and by the time they show up they'll be welcomed like family.”
Twilight started to smile at this, only to frown as something popped into her head. “But um...wont Lily be telling ponies the exact opposite?”
“Most likely,” said Roseluck, “it has happened before, and while some ponies will believe her because they trust her the most out of the three of us, most of the ponies who live in town tend to go by the old standby of “if two of the trio agree, their the ones we trust,” which has worked out well for the most part.”
Nodding in satisfaction, Twilight walked over and hugged the two mares, “Thank you for understanding girls.”
They hugged her back, and then they left through the front door, Twilight waiting for a few moments before letting out a sigh of relief and then speaking. “Their gone, you can come out now.”
With a smug grin on his face, Fenrir came out of his hiding place behind the basement door, snuggling up close to his mate and giving her a peck on the cheek before speaking up. “Thanks for not letting them know I was down their, now...lets find us a good book.”
*
Applejack jolted up from where she had been sitting as the sound of knocking reached her ears.
“Jackie go get that!” called Granny Smith from the kitchen, causing Applejack to grumble as she headed toward the front door.
When she opened it, she found a well dressed earth pony stallion who had her sisters coat color and her brothers main color, but had her green eyes. Upon seeing her, the stallion smiled a bit, before clearing his throat, “Pardon me young miss, but does the mare Granny Smith still live here, for I have come to speak with her.”
Nodding, Applejack lead the stallion inside, leading him to the living room before calling out to Granny Smith. “Granny, there is some stallion here to see you!”
“Well who is it, one of those good for nothing sales ponies...”
Granny Smith had been coming out with a tray of food for lunch, but upon seeing the stallion she dropped the tray in shock, before her face morphed into an angry glare as she spoke. “Sour Apple!”
“Hello mom,” said Sour Apple, much to Applejack's shock, “long time no see.”
“Granny...”
“What the buck are you doing here Sour Apple,” shouted Granny Smith, cutting off Applejack and causing Sour Apple to smirk before he spoke.
“What am I doing here,” he asked, before his face turned into an equally angry glare as he continued. “I am here because I want my children back you family stealing bitch!”
Author's Note
Sorry this took so long, but I was going back and forth on how early I wanted to introduce the plot element at the end of the chapter, but it will be important for later events in the story, especially in regards to the wedding.
Next chapter will focus a bit more on Sour Apple and what his chapter ending comment meant, and then we will be returning to Twilight's home as her family arrives to congratulate her, so till then if you guys have any questions or comments, please feel free to drop them on by.
Applejack stood there in stunned silence, waiting with baited breath for Granny to deny what this stallion had said, only to watch as her grandmother stared at the stallion in horror.
“Nothing to say mother,” said Sour Apple.
“…Get out,” said Granny Smith.
Smirking, Sour Apple shook his head. “I am sorry mother, but I am afraid you no longer have the right to kick me out of my own home.”
“Ah do so, Ah filed a restraining order against you years ago and…”
“And what do you think I have been spending the last few years trying to undo, for I have not simply been twiddling my hooves.”
Pulling out a folder from his vest, he passed it to Applejack, his face morphing into one of sorrow as he spoke to her. “There is going to be a lot of things in there that are going to be hard for you to accept, but I can swear to you on my honor as an Apple that it is the truth.”
“Applejack don’t…”
Applejack shot her a glare, before taking the folder and heading up to her room, trying hard to ignore her grandmother’s voice as she closed her bedroom door behind her.
Climbing into her bed, she opened the folder, and was immediately greeted by several photos of Sour Apple, her mother Golden Gala, and in Golden Gala’s hooves was a small bundle of blankets containing Big Macintosh when he was just a foal.
She found many other photos, showing Big Mac growing, her being born, and throughout most of them Sour Apple was there, playing with his children and seemingly enjoying life. About halfway through the photos however, Applejack began noticing another pony beginning to take prominence, the stallion she had long been raised to believe was her father, Poison Apple. In most of the photos he was simply hanging out with Sour Apple, but a few of the photos had caught him and Golden Gala exchanging…significant looks.
The eventually she reached the end of the photos, and under them all she found three birth certificates and a letter, Applejack deciding to read the letter first, as it was addressed to her.
To my beloved daughter Applejack.
I know you probably do not know who I am, for by now Granny Smith has done her best to make you forget about me, and you were still so young when I was forced to leave home.
I will not coddle you by sugar coating this, so I shall simply give it to you straight. Mother never approved of me, for even though I was her son, she never saw me as a proper Apple. The reason for this is because I had inherited a royal title from her brother, uncle Green Gala, one that I felt duty bound as an Apple to uphold. Granny Smith however never approved of her brother or his title, and became disgruntled when I took that title upon myself.
My wife I would find out later did not approve of my title either, nor the job that came with it, which Granny Smith took advantage of with our farmhand, Poison Apple. She knew Golden Gala fancied him, so during my business trips to Canterlot, she began pushing the two together, till finally they began having an affair, and then Granny Smith began moving forward with her plan to get rid of me.
She waited till your mother was pregnant with Apple Bloom, and then with the help of Filthy Ritch, who she blackmailed, she got a restraining order made against me that made it so that I was no longer allowed in Ponyville, and she also had documents fabricated that labeled Poison Apple as your father, not me.
Copies of your real birth certificates as well as the evidence I collected to get the restraining order removed are in the folder you found this letter, along with the photos of our life before Granny Smith forced me out.
So now you have a choice, you can either accept what I have told you, or you can chose to believe you grandmother, I will respect you either way.
Your Father, Sour Apple.
Applejack set down the letter, and then looked over the birth certificates, finding Sour Apple’s name in the place where the father would be listed. She then looked over the evidence, finding a letter along with it from Filthy Ritch, also addressed to her, which she began to read.
Dear Applejack.
I am so sorry that you have to find out this way, but the stallion who gave this to you is indeed your father, and I have been forced for years to lie to you about who your father is.
The reason for this is…well, rather petty when you look at it, but as you know, Diamond Tiara is adopted…well…that is not entirely accurate. It is true that she was adopted, but what is not known by most of the ponies in this town…or by Diamond’s mother where I adopted Diamond from. You see, I was…oh there is no way to nicely say this; I had a onetime affair with an old secretary of mine, who wound up pregnant.
By the time Diamond was born Spoiled had found out she was barren, and when I suggested adoption, she said the only way she would ever adopt a foal is if I came home with one. The next day I was contacted by Diamond’s mother, who said she could not take care of the filly and asked if I could. So we met up at private place and I took Diamond off her hooves, and when I came home with her Spoiled was too overjoyed at having a foal to call her own to care where she had come from.
To this day I do not know how Granny Smith found out about the affair, nor do I know how she found out that Diamond was actually my daughter, but she used that information to secure both my help and my silence over the years. But with your father returning home, and given the fact that my daughter is becoming a better pony with the help of her new friends, I feel that it is time for the truth to come out.
I am sorry if any of this upsets you, but this is the truth…I just hope you can come to forgive me in time.
Your Friend, Filthy Ritch.
Looking over the evidence once more, Applejack took a deep breath, and headed back down to the living room, finding her grandmother shouting at Sour Apple as the stallion simply sat there and took it.
“…ou think you can just walk back into your father’s house after all these years after you gave up, you didn’t even fight for your family!”
“You didn’t exactly give me a choice did you mother,” said Sour Apple with a glare, “No…instead I return home long enough to confirm that I am the farther to a third foal before I get served a restraining order by two law enforcements officers who then escort me from the hospital, while my so called wife is smiling as I am taken away. The only thing I am thankful for about that day is that Apple Bloom was too young to remember that day.”
Deciding that it was time to let her presence be known, she cleared her throat, getting their attention before looking at Granny Smith and speaking. “Granny…I want you to pack your things and head to the station and catch the next train to The Ranch…”
“Wha…you’re taking his side on this, how do you even know he’s telling the…”
“Cause Ah’m the bucking Element of Honesty that’s why!” yelled Applejack, before taking a deep breath to calm herself before speaking. “Be happy that all Ah’m doing is forcing you to The Ranch early, there is enough evidence in that folder, as well as enough ponies willing to speak Ah’ll wager about what you did, and with that we could put you away for life. This way you can at least spend what remaining years you have in peace, instead of rotting in a cell, so I suggest you take what you got and get!”
Standing in shock for a moment, Granny Smith finally leveled a glare at Applejack before snorting in disgust. “Fine, Ah guess this is what Ah get for trying to do what is best for this family, but if this is how you want it, then so be it.”
She then stormed off to her room, leaving Applejack to walk down the stairs and walk up to the stallion, who looked to her and spoke. “I am sorry you had to do that, but I…”
He was interrupted as the mare closed the distance and hugged him close, her hat falling off as she buried her face into the crook of his neck, Sour Apple hesitating for a moment before wrapping his forelegs around her as she began to weep tears of both joy and heartbreak.
*
Breathing heavily after a rather strenuous “workout”, Twilight groaned as she heard a knock coming from the door.
“Spike,” she called from her room, only to remember that she had sent him out so he would not accidently overhear her and Fenrir, which caused her to groan once more.
“It’s alright beloved,” said Fenrir with a smile, “I’ll get it.”
Getting up, he shook himself, allowing a bit of magic out to clean his coat of both the sweat and musk, and causing Twilight to groan further. “Show off.”
Smirking, he headed out of the bedroom and downstairs into the main room, reaching the front door just as another series of knocks ended and opening it to find a very familiar pair of ponies outside.
“Lord Nightlight, Lady Velvet it’s…” started Fenrir, only to get interrupted Twilight Velvet placed a hoof over his muzzle.
“There will be none of this lord and lady stuff coming from you young pup,” said Velvet, causing Fenrir confusion for a moment till she pulled him in for a hug as she spoke further. “You are going to be a part of our family now, so you will be calling me mom from now on.”
“Sorry mother,” said Fenrir as he hugged her back, before pulling away and moving into the library. “Well come inside, I’ll go get Twilight.”
He scampered off quickly, returning to Twilight’s room to find her gone, and sniffed around till his nose lead him to the bathroom, where he found her finishing up with a very quick shower.
“Perfect timing beloved,” said Fenrir as he nuzzled her, “Your parents are downstairs.”
“Mom and dad are here?” asked Twilight, getting a nod from the warg which caused her to pick up her pace, both of them heading back into the main room and finding Twilight Velvet and Nightlight sitting on a couch looking over some of the books.
“Mom, dad,” said Twilight, hugging to two as they got up before sitting down with Fenrir as her parents sat back down. “What are you two doing here, weren’t expecting you for a week?”
“We got the news from Celestia when she came over for tea,” said Velvet with a smile, “and we decided to come over early.”
“Shining and Cadance should be along soon as well,” said Nightlight with a smile, “we sent a letter out to them before we left, and got a letter saying they were on their way while we were on the train.”
“I’m glad,” said Twilight, “at least they’ll have more time to prepare for this wedding then I did for theirs.”
They all laughed about that, then Fenrir spoke up, “I assume you know what is expected to you during the wedding ceremony?”
“Were a bit rusty on warg marriage customs,” said Velvet with a chuckle, “after all the last time we attended one was when your sister was being married.”
“Well,” said Fenrir with a smile, “The clan will most likely treat this as though we were having another family marry into the clan. You and your husband will receive tribal tattoos which will mark you as belonging to out clan, given a special potion to give you warg like aspects like Mayor Mare, and then you will be served a platter of prepared meat, which you will be expected to eat.”
“Good thing the new craze with the nobles is those meat hors d'oeuvres,” said Nightlight with a smirk, “as for those changes, it’s going to cause quite a stir when we return to court.”
“You can hide them,” said Fenrir, only to receive a laugh from Velvet.
“Dear I have no intention of hiding that I am part of your family,” said the mare with a smile, “the nobles need to realize that wargs are becoming a part of Equestria, and having us walk with our changes bold as brass will make a pretty big statement about where we stand on the issue.”
Smiling, Twilight made to speak, only to stop when the door opened and Spike walked in, walking by as he said two words Twilight knew was going to cause her mother to squeal.
“Hey mom...”
*
After he had gotten Applejack calmed down, Sour Apple had waited with her while Granny Smith had packed her things, then they had both escorted her to the train station.
As Granny Smith boarded the train which would take her to The Ranch however, several ponies disembarked which Sour Apple recognized, the stallion waving them over before walking forward as Applejack watched with a bit of concern.
“Honey, kids, what are you doing here I told you I would be gone for only a little while.”
“We felt we had to come,” said the mare with a smile, nuzzling Sour Apple before catching sight of Applejack, which caused her to stop as she pulled away before walking up to the young apple mare.
The mare looked her over a moment, Applejack getting a little bit concerned till finally the mare smiled and spoke to her. “You must be Applejack; it’s so good to finally meet you.”
“H…how do you…”
“Know you?” asked the mare, receiving a nod and chuckling a bit before speaking further. “My husband never once forgot about you Applejack, nor your brother or little sister, and he made sure to keep you in our lives, if only through what we could read in the paper. But where are my manners, my name is Spring Glade, Sour Apple’s wife.”
Before Applejack could speak, a little filly with a red coat and golden mane and tail ran up to them, looking up at Applejack with her blue eyes and speaking to her. “Are you my big sister Applejack?”
“Ambrosia,” said Spring with just the hint of disappointment, “Your father and I told you to be patient, Applejack may need some time to…”
“Ah…Ah guess I am,” said Applejack, surprising Spring but causing the little filly to smile.
“Daddy was right, you’re supper pretty, I hope I grow up to be as pretty as you.”
Blushing hard, Applejack watched as the little filly ran back to what Applejack could reasonably assume now were her siblings, jumping a bit when Spring spoke further. “She has idolized you for a long time, why there not a day that goes by where I don’t find her in her room pretending to be you running around with the rest of the Elements of Harmony. But with that said, if you’re up for it, why don’t you come meet the rest of your siblings?”
Nodding her head, Applejack followed the mare as they walked over to Sour Apple and the children, the stallion looking up as they approached and smiling. “Great timing love, Applejack, I would like you to meet the rest of your family.”
Pointing to the youngest one, Sour Apple spoke. “You have already met my youngest daughter, Ambrosia.” He said, before he began naming them one by one. “My youngest son, Liberty, my daughter Macoun Apple, my son Cameo, my daughter Northern Spy, my son Empire Apple, my daughter Jonagold, my son Golden Russet, my twin daughters Fuji and Mutsu, and my son Zap Apple.”
Applejack looked at them all with wonder, the idea that all of these ponies were her family; it nearly brought a tear to her eye.
Moving forward, Zap Apple spoke up. “Um…sis, do you think we can see grandpa’s farm, father always talked about it and now that were here we…we would really like to see it.”
“…of course you can,” said Applejack with a smile, tears streaming down her face which she quickly whipped away before speaking further. “After all it’s your farm to, so you have every right to see it.”
“Can I ride on your back?” asked Ambrosia as they got moving, Applejack nodding before crouching down and allowing the little filly to hop onto her back, before continuing onward as they all made their way toward Sweet Apple Acres.
They soon stopped however as a wolf like howl sounded on the wind, followed closely by dozens more as Applejack spotted a mass of shapes out on the horizon near her farm, shapes which were making their way toward Ponyville.
Author's Note
Bet you all didn't expect a chapter so soon now did yah, well I was really excited to get this next bit out, so here you all go.
As you no doubt have guessed, next chapter will involve Fenrir's clan, as well as some apple related problems, so till then if you guys have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them on by in the comments section, I love hearing from you guys.
P.S. Yes I know Granny Smith's bat shit plot is B movie levels of dumb, but I like it, so...eh. Also for those wondering, Apple Bloom is 100% Sour Apple's foal, yes his wife cheated on him, but she never allowed Poison to impregnate, she was a bit of an evil bitch that way.
Fenrir and Twilight quickly exited the Library, leaving Spike in the hooves of his grandmother as they both howled back, receiving replies which spurred them onward.
They eventually reached the edge of town just as the wargs did, many of them looking around excitedly, but Twilight only had eyes for the leader, a warg female the size of Princess Luna who was looking at her and Fenrir with a smile on her face.
“Oh daughter of mine,” said the warg, her glowing purple eyes staring at her with warmth as she lifted up a paw in invitation, Twilight taking it and walking up to hug her as the warg leaned down and nuzzled her. “Long have I missed you, as have the rest of the clan.”
Looking up, the warg saw Fenrir waiting patiently, which caused her to smile as she spoke. “Fenrir please, you need not stand on ceremony, come give your mother a hug.”
Smiling himself, Fenrir moved forward and hugged his mother, all of them sharing in the moment before pulling apart as ponies began approaching, led by Mayor Mare.
“Larentia,” said Mayor as she approached, “good to see you, though I wasn’t expecting you for a few days.”
“We made good time,” said Larentia as she looked at the mare. “Though I want to apologies if we scared any of your citizens, but we felt it best to alert them all to our presence instead of just walking into the town like we owned the place.”
“It’s alright,” said Mayor Mare, “I warned them beforehoof, so I think they were expecting something like this. Now if you will wait a bit, our resident Party Mare is currently setting things up in town scare, and once she is done we can all go there and…”
“Excuse me!”
Turning toward the noise, Mayor Mare saw Sour Apple approaching, her family hanging back with the children kept behind Applejack and a mare Mayor Mare did not recognize.
“Sour Apple, I didn’t realize you were back in town, but what are you…”
“As a concerned land owner here in Ponyville I would like to know why this pack of wargs is being allowed so close to town.”
Sensing the thinly veiled hostility, several of the wargs began to growl, only to whimper as Larentia glared at them. Mayor Mare though responded with a different approach, looking to Twilight and speaking to her. “Princess, do you think you and Larentia could escort everyone to town square, I have to talk this stallion for a moment.”
“Of course Mayor,” said Twilight, “but who is…”
“I’ll explain later,” said Mayor Mare, showing her away and waiting till they were out of earshot before rounding Sour Apple with a glare. “Do you mind telling what the buck you thought you were doing Sour Apple?”
“Please Mayor;” said Sour Apple, “there are children nearby. As for what I was doing, I simply wanted to know why I saw a pack of predator’s so close to our fair town.”
“I invited them here at the request of one of their pack mates, who has taken up residence in Ponyville. As per his request, I have given them permission to take up residence within the Everfree Forest, specifically the White Tale Wood region, so that they could be closer to him.”
“And did you consult with the residents to see if they would be open to predators moving in right next door?”
“I let them know it was happening,” said Mayor Mare, “but as Mayor I am well within my rights to allow new citizens to take up residence within my town.”
“Not if said citizens may pose a threat to the community, in which case, they must be approved by public committee.”
“I don’t see how that is relevant to the wargs.”
“Wargs inherently pose a threat to all non-predatory races, thus a public committee must be gathered to decide whether these wargs can be allowed to settle near Ponyville.”
“Funny,” said Mayor Mare, “because by that logic Griffins are inherently a threat to all non-predatory races, and yet I had to form no such committee to allow Gilda, who is a griffin, to live here with her wife Fluttershy, so your argument is invalid.”
Glaring at her for a moment, Sour Apple sighed. “Very well then, but I will be informing you now as the current owner of Sweet Apple Acers, no warg is allowed to enter my property, and if I find any on my property they will be escorted off by the authorities.”
That got a raised eyebrow from Mayor Mare, “I don’t believe you have that right Sour Apple.”
“I’m afraid he does,” said a voice, causing Mayor Mare to turn away from Sour Apple as applejack and the mystery mare moved up with what Mayor Mare assumed were Sour Apple’s extended family.
“I’m sorry, but who are you?”
“Spring Glade,” said the mare, “Sour Apple’s wife, and his lawyer. But as I was saying, under article 10 of the Property Owners act instituted by Princess Celestia herself, land owners whose land is deemed private property may restrict access to anyone they see fit, and the entirety of Sweet Apple Acres as according to the deed is listed as private property.”
“Well Spring Glade,” said Mayor Mare, “while all of that is true, what I was talking about is the fact that Sour Apple is not the property holder of Sweet Apple Acres, Granny Smith is, therefore only she has the rights to…”
“Granny Smith has left for The Ranch to seek early retirement,” said Spring Glade, interrupting Mayor Mare. “And before you say anything about Sweet Apple Acres not passing on to Sour Apple, Granny Smith signed over the rights to Sweet Apple Acres to her husband Idared Apple when she was thirty years old, and in his will Idared names Sour Apple as the inheritor of Sweet Apple Acres once Granny Smith retired. Therefore as I have stated, Sour Apple has every right to bar the wargs from Sweet Apple Acres.”
Standing in silence for a moment, Mayor Mare turned to Applejack. “Applejack, do you in any way want to challenge this stallion’s claim to Sweet Apple Acres?”
Applejack shook her head, “No mam, he’s my pah, and Sweet Apple Acres is his as much as mine.”
Sighing in defeat, Mayor Mare spoke up once more, “Very well then, if there is nothing else then, I shall inform Larentia so that she can make her clan aware of the situation.”
She then turned and left, Applejack watching her go before looking down as she felt a tugging at her leg, seeing Ambrosia looking up at her with fear in her eyes. “Is the old lady going to make the scary wolves go away?”
“Fraid not their sugar cube, not with what’s happening here soon,” said Applejack, before smiling down at her and speaking. “But don’t you worry none, pah just made sure that none of them can ever come onto the farm, so you’ll be safe there.”
Smiling once more, Ambrosia climbed back onto Applejacks back, allowing the mare to carry her as their father walked up beside them and spoke.
“So what did you mean by what’s happening here soon, you made it sound like there was more than just these wars showing up.”
“Yeah there is more,” said Applejack, “Princess Twilight is marrying the warg that moved here, and apparently their making a big event out of it.”
Sour Apple’s eyes widened in shock, but his wife beat him to the punch in terms of speaking. “An Equestrian Princess, marrying a warg, the mare must be out of her mind.”
“A few days ago ah would have clocked yah good for making a comment like that,” said Applejack with a sigh, “but now that she’s doing this…you think you know a pony.”
“It’s not her fault Applejack,” said Spring Glade as she placed a comforting hoof on her shoulder. “I’ve known her parents for years, and they have raised their children on the lies spat out by the so called Responsible Predator’s Movement, for they have long supported it and Celestia’s views on the subject.”
“Still though,” said Sour Apple, “This news is troubling. Hmm…Applejack, do you still remember those etiquette lessons you learned while staying with your Aunt and Uncle Orange?”
“H…how did you know Ah stayed with Aunt and Uncle Orange?”
That got a smile form the stallion, “Just because I was forced from my home does not mean I did not keep tabs on your lives, but my question does still stand.”
“Ah…I mean, yes, I still remember my lessons, why?”
“Because regretfully I have an event I can’t skip out on, a dinner being hosted by Fancy Pants celebrating the great strides the Responsible Predator’s Movement has made…such a waste. But I am going to be meeting colleges of mine who share our beliefs when it comes to wargs, and I think you should meet them as well.”
Smiling, Applejack nodded her head, “I think I would like that, after all an old friend of mine once said, one can never have too many friends among royalty.”
Author's Note
Bet you all thought Sour Apple was going to be a good influence on Applejack didn't you, bet you all thought he was going to get her to see the error of her thinking in regards to wargs get her to beg forgiveness from Twilight, well you thought wrong.
And yeah, I know this chapter is short, but I wanted the party event where the wargs mingled with ponies to not be tainted by this bonshell...I will instead let it be tainted by Apple Dad confronting Red Apple Horse (Three guesses as to who I'm talking about).
And one last note, I want you all to take note of the fact that Spring Glade used present tense when talking about Granny Smith's husband, not past.
Anyways, next chapter is going to feature the party, as well as the confrontation mentioned above, and if you guys have any questions or comments, feel free to drop them on by, I love hearing from you guys.
In Pinkie Pie’s opinion, the party was going off without a hitch, and that made her extremely happy. Sure, a few ponies had declined coming due to not liking the wargs, but Pinkie felt that she would be able to make them see things her way if given enough time.
Well, almost all of them, the pink mare sighing in resignation as she thought of her friend Applejack. The mare was just too stubborn for her own good, and if she kept going like this, she was going to start burning bridges with important people in her life.
The saddest thing was Pinkie knew she was probably both the best and the worst person to help Applejack overcome her hatred for wargs, for like Applejack, Pinkie had lost both family to a group of rogue wargs. Initially Pinkie had wanted to hate them, but after her sister had caught her uttering a particularly nasty comment about them, she had pulled Pinkie aside and took her time to explain to the pink mare why that kind of thinking was wrong, before introducing Pinkie to a warg that she knew, one who had sat down with her and answered every question the young mare had about wargs, even the nastier ones.
It had taken time, but eventually she had come to see that warg as a friend, and had come to see that not all wargs were like those that had killed her aunt and uncle. But no matter how many times she tried to get Applejack to see why her way of thinking was wrong, she just kept hitting a brick wall.
Sighing again, she got up and trotted her way over to something that would make her happy, smiling as she reached the table where Big Mac, Rainbow Dash, Rarity, Sweetie Belle, and Apple Bloom were sitting. “Hi guys, how are you enjoying the party?”
“We’re doing good Pinkie,” said Rarity with a smile, leaning over and kissing Rainbow before looking back at Pinkie. “What about you dear, is the party going well?”
Pinkie nodded, “about as well as can be expected, though I’m really sad that Applejack didn’t show up, I was hoping to use this as a learning experience.”
“Ah wish,” said Big Mac, “the most likely thing that would happen is mah sister would have acted all polite during this event, but she wouldn’t be learning anything from it.”
“I kinda figured,” said Pinkie, “I just don’t want this to be a thing, especially with my baby on the way.”
“I know dear,” said Rarity, glancing at the tiny baby bump that had begun to form, which caused her to smile. “Speaking of which, any idea when Cheese Sandwich is coming home?”
“Soon,” said Pinkie happily, “but anyways, I better go check on the rest of the guests, bye!”
Pinkie then began hopping off, her smile only growing wider as she saw several wargs speaking with ponies.
It looked like things were going well.
*
Twilight was laughing merrily as a group of pups licked her face, nuzzling one when she could and occasionally licking the face of another, which caused them to laugh.
“Alright little ones,” said Fenrir as he moved forward, “that’s enough of that, let the poor mare up.”
“Aw,” cried many of the pups, though they did let her up, most running off to play as several of them curled up in at Twilight’s hooves, one of them looking up to speak to her. “Aunty Twilight, can I stay with you tonight?”
“You’ll have to ask your parents Pine,” said Twilight with a giggle, nuzzling the little pup and the rest of her siblings as a pair of wargs walked up to them.
“Well I don’t see the problem with them staying with you,” said the female, a dark red furred warg Twilight knew to be named Ruby, who Twilight got up and nuzzled. “It is good to see you sister mine.”
“And it is good to see you sister mine,” said Twilight in return, before pulling back and giving her a smile. “You’ll be staying with us as well right, I mean I know you have a home to set up, but I was thinking while…”
“Be still sister mine,” said Ruby with a chuckle, “I and my mate North Star would be happy to stay with you, we are family after all.”
“And besides,” said North Star, “It’s been a long time since you were last with us, and it would be a joy to be able to catch up with the both of you.”
Nodding her head, Twilight used her magic to lift Pine up onto her back before looking to the rest and speaking. “Well come on, lets go show your parents where they’ll be staying for a while.”
*
Sour Apple took a deep breath as he watch is eldest son laugh and chat with a group of wargs, all the while two mares stayed near him, seemingly keeping him company. The mares in question were a pegasus and a unicorn, which Sour Apple only found problematic due to the fact that neither mare looked like they were built for the kind of life they would be expected to lead if they married his son.
Sighing a bit, he made his way over to them, Big Macintosh spotting him as he got close, which caused his eyes to widen in disbelief as he spoke, “Pah?”
While the pegasus on his right immediately turned to look at Sour Apple, the unicorn looked to Big Mac and spoke to him. “but…but I thought your father was…”
Big Mac placed a hoof over her lips to stay her, then he got up and walked up to the stallion, hesitating for a moment before pulling the stallion into a hug and beginning to cry, Sour Apple simply holding him close and patting him on the back as his son sobbed, “There there son, it’s alright, I’m here.”
“I…I thought you couldn’t come back…g…granny told me about the restraining order.”
“It’s not important now,” said Sour Apple, before pulling back and gesturing to the two mares behind Big Mac, “Do you mind introducing me to these lovely ladies?”
Big Mac nodded, before gesturing to the two mares and speaking, “These are my mare friends Rainbow Dash and Rarity. Girls, this…this is my real pah, Sour Apple.”
They both looked shock by this statement, but after a moment, Rainbow finally spoke up. “Well…that’s got to be a story, um…do you want to sit with us.”
“I actually have something I need to talk with my son about if you don’t mind, it has…it has been a long time.”
“Well of course sir,” said Rarity with a nod, “come Rainbow lets go talk with some of the new neighbors.”
Rainbow looked hesitant for a moment, but finally she nodded, placing a kiss on Big Mac’s cheek before heading off with Rarity.
“Well,” said Sour Apple as he sat down, “I guess I have a lot to catch up on.”
“Yeah yah do,” said Big Mac, “now would yah mind telling me what was so important that yah sent away my marefriends.”
“…Applejack tells me you left the farm…is this true?”
Big Mac nodded, “I still work the land, but I no longer live in the house, had to put my hoof down given the trauma sis and Granny were causing Bloom.”
“I see…” said Sour Apple before sighing, “…well I think you won’t have to worry about that anymore, for I have had Granny Smith sent off to The Ranch.”
Big Mac’s eyes widened a bit at that, but soon they settled into a glare as he spoke. “That may be, but Applejack will still be a problem, for even with Granny gone Applejack’s issues regarding wargs won’t go away.”
Sour Apple arched an eyebrow at that, “And what do you mean by that?”
Big Mac let out a snort, “She is so set against them that she can’t see that many of them are genuinely trying to fit in, hell she nearly bucked in the head of the one Princess Twilight has taken a fancy to, and Ah’ll not let Bloom be raised around that.”
“…you can’t be serious.”
Big Mac raised an eyebrow at that, causing Sour Apple to speak further. “Son, it does not matter what the wargs, or any of the predatory races say, none of them can escape the fact that one day their instincts will consume them and then they will turn on us.”
“And that kind of thinking is ignoring the hundreds of years both the dragons and the griffons have under their belt keeping to the teachings of the Responsible Predators Movement, or the many years the various other predatory races have put into staying true to those teachings. The wargs, like many of the other races who are part of that movement are still struggling with the change, like the others before them.”
“It does not matter, they are predators, and one day they will slip up and return to their savage ways, and I would rather not be caught unawares when that day happens.”
Big Mac stared at him for a long moment, and then he got up and began walking away, only to be stopped as Sour Apple put a hoof on his shoulder. “Son, I can see we obviously do not agree on this issue, but putting that aside for now, there is something more pressing I must discuss with you, and that concerns Apple Bloom.”
“I don’t see what matter she is to you,” said Big Mac, “especially seeing as how you don’t have a say in how she is raised anymore.”
“And what makes you think that, I am still her father after all.”
“And if you want her back in that house you are going to have to prove to me that she won’t be getting any more nightmares due to Applejack’s rant’s regarding wargs, but I very much doubt that, as you are spilling the same bilge that she is.”
He then shrugged off his fathers hoof, leaving him standing there alone before finally he scoffed and turned toward where the farm lay, for he had a party to prepare for come morning.
*
The party eventually wound down, and Twilight found herself with her mate and their extended family gathered in her home, the pups having tiered themselves out chasing Spike, and were now resting up in the guest room while the grownups all sat by the fire.
“It is so good to be some place where we can relax and hunt freely, for the Everfree will provide an ample hunting ground for the clan.”
“Just be careful of the Manticors and Timber Wolves,” said Twilight, “they can get rather vicious to those who invade their territories.”
“The timber wolves wont be a problem,” said Larentia, “once we show them we are not to be messed with, they will fall into line. As for the manitcors, they can be easily defeated as long as we work as a pack.”
She then turned to Night Light and Twilight Velvet, smiling at them before speaking. “It is good to see you and your mate again dear sister of mine, I have greatly missed our conversations.”
“As have I sister mine,” said Twilight Velvet, “and thankfully we will be able to have many more now that you will be living so close. But we can get to those pleasantries later, for now I have to ask, what will be expected of us during the coming wedding, for I must admit I am not that familiar with Warg marriage customs.”
“Well as your daughter will be essentially marrying into our clan, we shall be treating this as if a wayward family of wargs was being adopted into the clan through marriage. To start, you and your family will be adorned with the clan’s mark, which will go over the left eye and, and then a specially prepared dish of meat will be presented to you, which you will be expected to eat, as it will gift you with your wolf like eyes as well as adapt your body so that it can better ingest meat.”
“So we’ll become like thestrals then?” asked Night Light.
“Similar,” said Larentia, “but if this is something you would rather not participate in we will of course understand, for I know you both still take part in Equestrian politics.”
“And that is precisely why we will be participating,” said Velvet, “not only would it look like I do not approve of my daughters wedding if I do not participate in this ritual, but this will act as a statement to the more conservative nobles that times are changing, and they need to either change with it or get left behind.”
Larnetia nodded at that, while Twilight leaned over and nuzzled her mother, who returned the gesture before she spoke once more. “Well as much as I would like to stay up longer and chat, we should probably get to bed soon, for Shining and Cadance we’ll be arriving tomorrow, and there is still so much to prepare.”
“It will be alright mom,” said Twilight, before yawning and then chuckling, she rose to her hooves and spoke. “Alright everyone, I’ll show you to your rooms.”
*A few hours later near Canterlot*
“Relax Applejack, you will do fine I promise.”
“I’m sorry Pa,” said Applejack as she looked over at Sour Apple, who was in the seat next to her aboard the night train taking them to Canterlot. “It’s just this is the first time in a long time that I’ve gone to something like this, what if I mess things up for you?”
“You won’t my darling girl,” said Sour with a smile as the train began to slow. “You are already know to many in the nobility, and I can especially assure you that the stallion we are meeting at the station will be especially interested in meeting you.”
Before Applejack could ask Sour what she meant, the train came to a full stop, and so she followed her father off the train, but before they could begin looking around for the pony they were meant to meet, a voice called out to them.
Applejack turned to see a very familiar looking unicorn walk over to them, a grin adorning his face while his blue eyes lit up with glee. “Sour my fine stallion, so glad you could make it!”
“I never turn down your invites Blueblood,” said Sour as he pulled the stallion into a hug, before pulling back and gesturing to Applejack. “Blue, I would like to present to you my eldest daughter Applejack.”
“We have actually met before,” said Blueblood as he surprisingly lifted one of Applejack’s hooves up and kissed it, “and I first want to apologize for my deplorable actions at that Gala my dear, for your food was actually quite good, but I chose keeping up appearances that I was above you over actually acknowledging your craft, and for that I am sorry.”
“Thank you for your apology sir,” said Applejack, “but lets not dwell on that night, for I heard from my father that you and some colleagues he was planning to meet were planning to discuss a topic that I would like to take part in.”
“And that would be?”
“How to get the rest of our fellow ponies to realize the threat that wargs pose to our country and get them removed as soon as possible.”
Blueblood looked at her in surprise for a moment, and then he smiled brightly before speaking. “I knew it, I knew one of the elements of harmony had to be part of our cause!”
“And not just any element,” said Sour as he joined in on the conversation, “for my daughter as you no doubt have heard is the element of honesty, meaning she can see into the truth of things.”
“Exactly,” said Applejack with a smile, “and the way I see it the whole country is lying to itself if they think wargs can ever live alongside us safely.”
“Well why don’t I take you to the party then so we can get our meeting started,” said Blueblood as he sidled up beside Applejack, “for many of my colleagues will be very interested in what one of the Hero’s of Equestria has to say.”
Applejack blushed a little as she started to walk side by side with Blueblood, something Sour noticed and caused him to smile, as this was turning out better then he could have hoped.
For if he just kept those two together long enough and coached his daughter well enough, not only would their movement be strengthened, but quite possibly The House of Gala and the House of Platinum could become one through marriage, insuring that they would be first among all nobles.
And with such power, not even the Princesses could stop them.
Author's Note
Hey guys, been a while I know, but as writers block is a real pain in the flank sometimes, thankfully I am getting out of my funk now.
Anyways, next chapter will be splitting time between Twilight and the residence of Ponyville both old and new getting things ready for her upcoming wedding, while in the B plot we will be watching as Applejack immerses herself amongst the worst of Canterlot's nobility, as well as getting some hints that something worse is on the horizon due to her actions.
(Also yes, I did just drop that Pinkie is pregnant in this story with no real build up, what of it?)
