The Apple Of Her Eyes

Re-written by Israel Yabuki

Co-written and edited by NineTailBeastBall

Everyone in the world go through good times and bad times in their life. Sometimes when they go through the bad times, they blame themselves when it’s not their fault. Other times, they blame others when it’s their fault. Life is full of unexpected surprises and depending on each person’s point of view, it can either benefit them and everyone around them, or harm them, whether it’s physical or mental.

But in cases such as your own, they’re more mental than anything else. One day, your life changed for the better for you and your parents when you got to see your baby sister when you were 8 years old.

Her name was Daisy. She always looked up to you and kept saying you were the best big brother she could ever ask for. Your mom and dad loved her very much and would have a habit of spoiling your sister rotten. They loved you, too, but considering that your sister still needed to be taken care of, they hardly had time to spend with you.

At one time, during your 10th birthday, Daisy bought you probably one of the best birthday presents in the world: A locket with her picture in it. A present that valuable was reward with a hug, which she accepted. You even got her the same present for her birthday a year later.

It was tough to be noticed by them, but you understood why. It seemed like your life was going so well, but then tragedy struck when your sister got extremely sick when she was 6. It got even worse when the doctors said that Daisy was diagnosed with leukemia. In short, your sister wasn’t going to live much longer.

Daisy surprisingly didn’t seem to upset about it and just embraced her last few moments she spent with her parents and you. She even wanted your mom and dad to stop neglecting to pay attention to you and start giving you some time to spend together.

Two years after her diagnosis, Daisy held your hand and your parents hands and said her last words, which choked you all up: “Goodbye, mommy and daddy. And you too, brother. I’ll see you in my new home. Please get along for me, please?” And after that, your beloved sister closed her eyes for good with a single tear leaving her eyes.

You kissed your sister on the cheek and said goodbye to her and prayed you’ll see her one day in the afterlife.

3 years went by after Daisy’s death. Since then, your mom and dad lost sight of what was truly important to them. Your dad became an abusive drunk and your mom divorced him and took custody over you back when you were a teenager, but she kicked you to the curb after you turned 18 years old. Neither her, nor your dad attended your graduation, so you had to walk to this apartment complex where you rented a room for only $200 a month. But you moved out a year later.

Right now, you looked up at the sky with a tired sigh, resting up underneath the shade of a tree in the middle of the park. You thought about the hardships that you’ve gone through these last few years.

For a while, you had a job at the cinema, unfortunately, you quit after the manager threw a hissy fit over you taking a few extra minutes off during your lunch break. You told him you were fed up with his bulllshit and shouted “I quit!” right in his face.

Even after you quit your job, you refused to move back with your parents, since you knew they would just go on and on lecturing you as if you were still a child. In fact, it was when you came of age that you decided to move out.

Now you lived in a small apartment, doing whatever you could to cut off any ties from your so-called parents. All they did nowadays was scold you if you even did the slightest thing wrong. What you said to them really showed them what they had coming to them. You told them that they messed up when they went against their daughter’s wish. Your sister’s wish.

Naturally, you had to provide for yourself since you wanted nothing to do with your parents. The money that you’ve made from your last job at the cinema would only last so long, so you figured you might as well look for a new job.

You decided you’ve been laying around long enough, you got up and popped your back before making your way to the sidewalk and walked down the path. You looked at each passing building around you and shook your head at the ones you felt either wouldn’t pay well or the owners were probably assholes.

But then, something bounced off your foot. You looked down and noticed a soccer ball and a little boy running up to it. He grabs it and looks up at you with a big smile.

“Thanks for getting my ball, mister,” he said, happily. Anytime you see happy children like this little boy, it always puts a smile on your face when you know at least some people don’t have it all bad. You smiled down at the boy and gave him a thumbs up. He laughed and ran back over to his mom and dad.

But then, the boy accidentally kicked his soccer ball onto the busy road and ran out to get it. The parents panicked and ran out to get him. Your instincts kicked in when you saw a speeding car coming by. You ran out into the street.

“KID, WATCH OUT!!!” you shouted. The boy gasped as the car was coming to a screeching halt, but because of how fast it was going, you were only able to make it in time to throw the boy out of the car’s way. Next thing you knew was the car hitting you and you let out a loud shout of pain and landed 32 feet away from the car.

Screams echoed throughout the town and everyone on the road stopped and got out of their cars to check up on you. The only thing you heard someone say was “Someone call an ambulance, now!”

But it was too late. You closed your eyes and felt the pain slip away. That could only mean one thing: you’ve just passed away. As painful as it was, it might not be so bad. At least by now, you can finally reunite with you ever-loving little sister. As you drifted through the darkness, feeling weightless and light as a feather, you become blinded by a single bright light above you.

You thought this was the gateway to heaven, so you floated upwards and reached out to touch the light. You prepared yourself for the moment when you’d finally get to see your precious little sister once again. Its warm rays blinded you more intensely. But then, your body soon felt heavy after heading towards the light. Then, everything went black.

When you woke up, your head was spinning and aching and noticed that you weren’t in the city anymore, but in some kind of apple orchard. At first glance, you thought these apple trees grew on their own, but when you picked one of them, they looked as though they were grown by someone else.

“Hmm, maybe I should just leave the apple here,” you said to yourself. You looked down and noticed a basket that was set under the tree. You placed the apple in the basket and thought to yourself how you got here. ‘Hmm, I just don’t get it. How can I still be alive? I felt the impact of the car when it hit me, so how exactly can I still be breathing?’

Your thoughts were interrupted when suddenly...

“Hey! You there!” shouted a female voice with a country accent. You jumped a bit, but then felt yourself get wrapped up in something tight. You grunted and looked down and noticed a rope wrapped around your upper body.

“W-What the!?” you exclaimed.

“Jus’ what in the hay are ya doin’ stealin’ our apples like that!?” You slowly turned around and almost panicked when you saw a humanoid horse with big emerald eyes, light orange fur and blonde mane. She wore a stetson hat, along with tight blue jean shorts and a brown plaid shirt that barely managed to cover her incredible bust size.

“I... I wasn’t trying to steal anything! I’m sorry!” you grunted. Unfortunately she didn’t listen and tightened the rope around you. “I swear, I’m not trying to steal your apples, I’m telling you the truth, miss!”

After a moment of silence passed, the mare finally decided to loosen her rope a little bit, however the cold glare still remained on her face. Evidently, she didn’t trust you enough to release your binds completely yet.

You thought she was gonna resume telling you off for eating her apples without permission, but before she had the chance, another country-style voice called out to her. “Big sis! What in tarnation are ya doin’?”

You looked over and saw another anthro horse running toward your direction. This one appeared to be quite young and had yellow fur, as well as a red mane. As for clothing, she wore a green short-sleeved shirt and blue jeans identical to those of the mare who just tied you up. She also wore a cute bow in her mane and had these big, beautiful eyes that were colored red and yellow.

“Jus’ caught this feller here pickin’ some o’ our apples without askin’, Apple Bloom,” The one called Apple Bloom apparently found this amusing as she covered her mouth to suppress her chuckles.

“Did he apologize, AJ?” she asked as she ceased her laughter.

“Uh, well... yeah, he did.”

“In that case, why don’ we let em go before ya puncture a lung?” Apple Bloom suggested, flashing you a friendly smile. Once again due to your fondness of children, you couldn’t stop yourself from returning the warm expression.

AJ sighed and loosened the grip on the rope and allowed you to move freely. You immediately collapsed to your hands and knees, panting heavily and coughed up a little bit. The orange mare had proven herself to be quite strong from how tightly she held you in her rope.

You looked at the orange mare and gave her a small glare. “First I deal with a former boss at my old work who doesn’t know when to chill out, now I’m getting assaulted by some random... uh... what exactly are you?” you asked as your anger was replaced by curiosity.

“Oh right, sorry fer not introducin’ mahself an’ for not listenin’ to you,” she replied. “Name’s Applejack, sugarcube. Ah’m one o’ the proud owners o’ Sweet Apple Acres an’ this here is mah little sister, Apple Bloom,” she said.

Looking at the filly who was still smiling at you, you once again felt your anger melt away. Letting out a deep breath, you remembered your manners and introduced yourself to the two ponies. After introductions were over and done with, Applejack said something that unexpectedly peaked your curiosity.

“Hard to believe that another human would end up bein’ pulled into Equestria,” she sighed and took her stetson off. Was she pitying you?

“Wait, what do you mean “another human?” Are you telling me that there are more humans around here?” you asked, as the fact that you’ve been pulled into a different universe was quite a bit to process.

“The thing is, partner. Only one other human exists in our town, but right now, he’s up in the capital city o’ Canterlot, discussin’ the arrangements fer his and mah friend, Twilight’s weddin’,” Applejack explained.

You look away from the orange mare to give into your habit of staring at the sky. On one hand, there is a chance that your boring life was about to become much more interesting. On the other hand, there’s still the chance that the locals of this town might not take a liking to you since you were still a stranger in their land.

“Hey, what’s that thing around yer neck?” Apple Bloom asked, getting your attention. You looked down and saw her gesturing to your locket.

“It was a birthday gift… a very special birthday gift from someone very I love very much,” you replied vaguely, looking at her with a warm smile.

“Awww, that’s so nice. Where are they now? Uh, back at yer home, Ah mean,” she asked, her curiosity peaking.

But it was that particular question that you just couldn’t find it in your heart to tell her who gave you the locket, so instead, you just closed your eyes and then shook your head slowly.

“Ah don’t think you should ask him anymore questions. Probably best to leave the fella alone, okay, sugarcube?” Applejack asked her sister.

“Oh alright, but can we let ‘im stay with us?” Apple Bloom asked.

Applejack thought long and hard about it and looked at you and then back at her sister. You looked up at the sky after you got tired of staring at the darkness through your closed eyes. But then, Applejack stopped keeping quiet and let her clear conscience do the talking.

“Listen sugarcube, it’s clear dat y’all got nowhere to stay so...” Applejack paused, giving her excited little sister the chance to finish for her.

“How would ya like to spend a night back at our barn?” the young filly asked.

Even though you had kept your eyes on the clear, blue sky, you had heard them perfectly and gave it some thought. It was true you had nowhere else to go and you doubt that if you turned down the offer, you would get invited by someone else.

“I don’t see much of a reason to protest. You’re much easier to be around than my own blasted parents,” you said with a shrug and stopped staring at the sky. With a smile, Applejack held her hand out, offering to help you stand.

You reached out and grabbed her hand and felt her help you up on your feet. Whatever anger you had felt for the mare, had by this point left your system.

“Ya still hungry partner?” she asked. A light blush spread on your face from the question.

“A little bit. After that accident, I’m so starved, I could probably eat a bear,” you replied. But you only made Applejack and Apple Bloom gasp, as they obviously took it literally. “It was just a figure of speech,” you said with a roll of your eyes.

“Still, don’t say stuff like that! Ponies here are all herbivores,” Apple Bloom said with a slight glare.

“Anyway,” Applejack began a moment of awkward silence. “It’s obvious that one apple wasn’t enough ta fill ya up, sugarcube. Lucky fer y’all, Granny Smith should be jus’ about done with dinner.”

True to what Applejack said, you could pick up a faint, but pleasant scent that was coming from the nearby barn. Your stomach immediately reacted to the smell by letting out a loud growl, which amused the Apple sisters.

“Ah’ll take that as a yes,” Applejack chuckled before she grabbed your hand and pulled you to the direction of the barn. The delicious smell of course, only grew stronger as you were drawn closer and closer to the source.

Upon walking into the kitchen, you smiled as you looked at the marvelous display of food that was being cooked by an elderly pony. No doubt this was Granny Smith, who lived up to her name because of her light green coat. She had yet to realize that Applejack and Apple Bloom have come home, bringing you with them.

“We’re home granny,” Applejack finally decided to get the distracted mare’s attention and Granny Smith immediately stopped what she was doing.

“Well ain’t that convenient, dinner is jus’ about-” she stopped as she laid eyes on your unfamiliar face. “And jus’ who is this dear?” she asked.

Before you had the chance to introduce yourself, someone else walked out of the kitchen. It was a stallion with red fur and messy orange mane. He had green eyes and wore blue jean overalls that covered up most of his built-up muscular body. His expression displayed just as much curiosity as mine did the moment we our eyes met.

“Everythin’ will be explained over dinner, granny,” Applejack assured as she got between you and the red stallion. You lost interest in him as you went along with Applejack’s idea to go ahead and get something to eat.

It was quite a sight, as practically everything on the plates was made with apples. You wondered if Granny Smith actually does the cooking on her own. However first, you needed to show some manners and introduce yourself to everyone.

“Ah, nice ta meet ya, youngen. As ya probably figured out, ah’m Granny Smith,” she said before gesturing to the stallion. “An’ this here is Big Macintosh.”

“Eeyup,” he replied simply. It was clear that he wasn’t much into talking, which was fine by you.

“It’s nice to meet you all,” you said with a smile before your stomach began to growl again. “I guess going 6 and a half hours of not eating finally got to me.”

You felt Applejack pat your back sympathetically. “Well, ya got yerself a spread here to fuel up. However if y’all want to stay here, ya will need to earn yer keep. So tomorrow, yer gonna help us harvestin’ the apples to sell to the Ponyville farmers market.”

It was quite sudden how you’ve just received a new job without asking. You should have known there would be some kind of catch to getting able to stay on the farm.

“Well what do ya say? Sounds fair, right sugarcube?” she asked. It only seemed fair. If you’re gonna eat big, you gotta work hard, so you nodded in agreement.

“Yeah. I’ll make sure I don’t slow you down. I’ll work as hard as I can,” you assured them. “It’s the least I can do for letting me stay here.”

“That’s the spirit there, sugarcube!” Applejack said, patting you a little hard on the back. “Now let’s get back to eatin’. Ah’m feelin’ mighty hungry right now!” With that, you took another bite out of the apple fritters before moving on to the salad.

“Take yer time dear, ah made plenty,” Granny Smith said with a short laugh.

“My apologies. It’s just been a long time since I had a meal this good,” you replied after gulping down the food you had in your mouth. As you finished the remains of your food, this time you remembered your manners.

“Well, that’s mighty sweet of ya, deary. Ah’ve gotta make sure mah youngens here have had their dog gone bellies filled before an’ after work,” Granny Smith said.

Once it came down to dessert, you licked your lips as you looked at the apple pie. Taking in the smell of the warm piece on your plate, this was probably the last thing you’d be able to eat for the night.

“One quick question, if I may,” you said.

“Yes? Somethin’ on yer mind?” Granny Smith asked.

“I can tell that you’ve got a successful business in selling apples, but I just want know: Are you guys understaffed at the moment?”

“Eeyup,” Big Mac replied.

“We’ve always been understaffed, partner. We’ve got other Apple families, but they have their own farms to work on. On top o’ that, we’re on a very tight budget ‘cause o’ all the repairs on the house an’ the bills. Just earlier last month, mah family an’ ah barely managed to make enough bits thanks to the cider season,” Applejack explained.

You took in the information, figuring you might as well know about the farm’s difficult work if you’re going to be helping out. Though something tells you, things won’t be nearly the same as your last job.

After dinner had finally ended, Applejack decided to lead you to the barn where you would be sleeping. The Apples had already provided you with some spare but fresh clean clothes as well as a spare toothbrush.

“Sorry if this is disappointin’ to ya, sugarcube,” she said opening the barn doors. “But this is all we’ve got fer ya to sleep in.”

“It’s alright, I think I can manage with the barn,” you replied, looking at the inside. “This isn’t too bad. The barn feels nice and warm, plus it’s got lots of hay bails and a nice view of the night sky,” you said looking at the positive side.

“Ya might as well get plenty o’ sleep. Tomorrow, we start bright an’ early at 5:00 A.M. Ya understand, partner?” she asked, to which you nodded. “Then ah’ll see ya in the mornin’. Good night, sugarcube.”

“Good night, Applejack,” you said, watching as she closed the door. Walking over to one of the bails of hay, you climbed onto it, took your shirt off and grabbed the warm blanket and covered yourself before you laid your head down on your pillow. Looking at the night sky from the opening at the side the barn, you felt a sense of peace as well as a bit of sadness.

While, the Apple family was nice and considerate, not to mention hard workers, you couldn’t help but think about your past life when you shared the laughs with your family and your little sister, Daisy. Her beautiful, warm smile was more than enough to make anyone feel better. It left a huge impact on you saw her smile while on her deathbed. She was practically your whole world.

To lose her felt like a part of you died along with her. You loved your sister so much and wished that leukemia would have just stayed away from Daisy.

The only thing you can do now is keep moving forward... for both her sake and your own. With the new life you’ve been given in this little town, you’re not gonna let it be for naught, especially for a family as kind and honest as the Apple family.

Author's Note

No more waiting, NineTailBeastBall helped me re-write the first chapter. We will work on the next chapter soon, but until then, go ahead and follow NineTailBeastBall for the amazing editing skills he used to help me re-write the chapter so all of your can enjoy more