The Phoenix's Guardian

Our group was sitting on the steps of the school after classes let out on the last day of school.

“I am so glad finals are done.” Rainbow Dash groaned.

We all rolled our eyes at the athlete’s moaning.

“You know you have to keep your grades up if you want to play sports.” Sunset said. “Besides, didn’t you get named Captain for next year?”

“Yeah, I can’t wait!” Dash replied with a smile.

“So what is everyone doing this summer?” Twilight asked.
“Well, there is the class trip to Camp Everfree next week. After that, just gonna be working around the farm.” Applejack replied.

“Speaking of the farm, I’ll be by tomorrow to work on that tractor. Have all the parts come in?” I said.

“Eeyup. Last one arrived yesterday. Thanks for helping out with that Talisman. Saves us a boatload of money if you can get that old tractor running.” Applejack said.

I waved her off. “Not a big deal. I know how to work on engines, and after I looked at it, it was something that I could handle. Plus you having all the books for it helps.” I replied, leaning back to soak up the warmth of the sun.

“I’m going to be picking up more hours at the shop and hopefully start learning how to make repairs and do some painting.” Sunset replied.

“I’ll be working with the Cakes at Sugarcube Corner and helping my sister Maud with her research project this summer.” Pinkie replied in her usual exuberant manner.

“More work on designs for me. I have several commissions I need to have done for a wedding in July.” Rarity said, looking pointedly at me.

I smiled. “Hey, I just recommended you to Aegis and Amethyst. I didn’t expect them to have half the damn wedding party go there for their dresses. Besides, this will get your name out there.” I replied.

Rarity hmmphed. “That is true darling, but it is a lot of work for one person.” She said primly.

“True, but you could have turned down some of the work. Could have just done Aegis and Amethyst’s dresses and the maid of honor and my dress.” I replied.

“Well, I couldn’t very well let the other bridesmaids wear store bought dresses that don’t fit properly and might not match.” She replied, causing us to laugh, which she joined in with after a moment.

“I will be working at the shelter.” Fluttershy replied simply.

“Summer practice for me. Gotta get the teams ready to go to state.” Dash added.

“I will be working on some research projects this summer.” Twilight said.

“I will be getting things started for opening my business next summer. Gotta meet with the realtors to get the property and the city council to get the permits to build.” I replied. “Though how does a trip, just the eight of us before school starts back up. On last hurrah before our senior year.” I suggested.

“Where to?” Sunset asked.

“Maybe the beach?” I suggested. “Rent a place for a week and get some sun and surf before coming back to class.”
Everyone agreed and I said I would look into something after camp.

Saturday found me at the Apple Family Farm. Climbing out of my truck, I headed up to the farmhouse and knocked on the door.

The door was opened by Applejack’s brother, Big Macintosh.

“Howdy Big Mac. Coming by to fix the tractor.” I said.

“Eeyup.” He said a slight blush on his cheeks as he averted his eyes.

Of course my outfit, chosen for comfort was a tad revealing. Snug fitting, but well worn blue jeans, snug fitting tank top to help support my bust with a button up shirt tied below my breasts, and a bandanna to keep my hair out of my face.

“Just letting you know I was here. The barn open?” I asked, to which he nodded.

“Thanks.” I replied with a wave as I headed back to my truck, rolling my hips slightly, just because I could.

Starting the engine and dropping into gear, I slowly made my way down the drive to the barn at the back portion of the non-farmed portion of the property.

Shutting off the truck and leaving the keys in the ignition, I went to the back and started unloading my tools. Three trips later and I had everything I needed.

About a month ago, the Apple’s old tractor threw a rod and they unfortunately, like a lot of family owned farms, had been hit by a bad economy, so they couldn’t afford a newer one like they wanted to.

Applejack asked if we knew anyone who could take a look and I offered to do so, having worked on farm equipment during my summers before I went into the army. After checking the damage, I told the family what they needed and I ordered the parts needed. It cost me a few hundred dollars, but since my trust had been very well invested and I had continued with those investments, it didn’t bother me to foot the bill. I had offered to buy them a new tractor, but they refused.
Removing the upper part of the engine cowling, I attached an overhead winch that they had for moving the various implements around to the top of the engine and began unbolting it from the mounts and the transmission.
I had just lifted the motor out and set it on a stand we had made when I came out to inspect the issue when Applejack came in, already showing signs of hard work.

“Howdy Talisman.” She said as she flopped down on a upturned bucket, stretching her legs out.

“Howdy AJ, busy morning?” I said around the toothpick I had in my mouth from the diner I had stopped at for breakfast.

“Yup. Had to mend some fences from that storm last week. Had a big ol’ oak come down on it.” She said tiredly.

“Took a bit to cut up the tree?” I asked as I doused the bolts with a generous amount of spray lubricant. Stepping back I let them soak as I pulled out the tools I would need and started laying out and organizing the parts.

“Yeah. The thing was a monster so we decided to track down a mill to see if they wanted it. Their guys finished up yesterday.” Applejack replied. “Now we just have to get the busted pieces out of there so we can run new sections.”

“Well, barring any problems, I should be able to get this thing up and running I said as I began draining the oil from the crankcase. Looking at the black sludge coming out of it, I gave the farmgirl a flat look.

“When was the last time you had this thing serviced?” I asked, getting a guilty look in return. “Need to do it at least once a year AJ. Thankfully I have everything I need to do a complete rebuild since the block is still intact.” I said as I began to unbolt the valve cover.

“So Talisman, how have you been coping?” AJ asked.

I looked at her as I loosened another bolt. “Ya mean the whole gender thing?” I asked, getting a nod in return. I shrugged.
“Still got some issues, but it’s not like I can really do anything about it. So might as well just roll with it.” I said.
“Well, I say that dealing with all that and keeping yer head like ya have makes me really respect ya Talisman.” She said.
I smiled as I rolled the sucker to the other side of my mouth. “Thanks AJ.” I said as I began disassembling the valves and rockers.

All of the valves were so worn that I couldn’t reuse them. Fortunately I had anticipated this so I had a whole new set.
After removing the head, I was greeted with scorched pistons. I sighed. “AJ, you owe me one hell of a meal for this.” I told the girl as she stood up to head back out.

“Don’t worry, you do a good job on that and we will fix you up right.” She replied with a laugh as she headed out.
I continued for a few more minutes before the silence in the barn got to me. Looking around, I spotted a beat up radio. Walking over I turned it on and the sounds of a local country station came through.
Heading back over to the engine I picked back the work.

Several hours later, I had finished reassembling the motor and reinstalling it. After checking the connections, I refilled the fluids, made sure the spark plugs and all the electrical connections were secure, double checked the fuel line and climbed into the seat. Setting the choke and pushing in the clutch. I turned the key.

A few seconds later, the engine turned over. It wasn’t running smoothly, but after making sure the brake was set and the chocks in place, I hopped down and grabbed a screwdriver and began to adjust the carburetor.

Eventually the machine was running smoothly.

I pulled the chocks, climbed back up, took off the brake and put the tractor into gear.

I drove it around the property for a bit, running it through the gears and turning on the PTO to make sure it was running smoothly.

As I pulled back into the barn, Applejack greeted me.

“She sounds better than she has in years. Might just have to ask you to come by and tune her up every now and again.” She said after I shut the machine down.

“As long as you give me a head’s up, sure.” I said as I began packing up my tools.

Dinner’s about done if you want to get cleaned up.” Applejack said.

“I’ll be there in a few.” I said as I took one case to my truck.

After dinner, Applejack and I say out on the front porch.

“AJ, I have to ask. How are you guys doing after that whole mess a few months back?” I said as we sipped some of their homemade cider.

“It's the quiet that bugs us. AB used to always be going on about something. But it hurts like hell that she felt she couldn’t talk to me.” AJ said after a moment, her voice thick with emotion.

“For what it's worth, I’m sorry about how things turned out.” I said.

She shook her head. “Not much you could have done Talisman. Maybe if you had been here a month or two before hand since you cottoned onto who could be doing it so quick, but you saved Sunset and that is a damn fine thing in my book.” She said.

I nodded, not having much more to say.

Eventually, we reached the bottom of our glasses.

“Looks like it's time for me to head out.” I said as I handed her my glass. “If you need anything, even if it is just to talk, feel free to call.” I said.

Applejack smiled and gave me a hug.

“Thank you. I’ll probably take you up on that sometime.” She said.

After that I headed home.

After a shower, I collapsed into bed.

“Long day?” Sunset asked.

I nodded into my pillow.

I felt the mattress shift and a weight settled across my hips. I started to raise up when I felt Sunset’s hands on my shoulders.
I groaned as she worked out the knots in my shoulders and back.

After she finished my back she moved onto my legs, eliciting a sound of contentment from me.

“Feeling better?” She asked as she moved back to her spot.

“Very much so. Thank you.” I said, leaning up and giving her a kiss.

“You’re welcome.” She said as she went back to reading.

I smiled and moved so I could rest my head in her lap.

We stayed that way for a while, Sunset running her fingers through my hair as I drifted off to sleep.