Pony and the Changeling

Chapter 8

As time flew by, Applejack and the changeling started to get to know each other more and more. With the injury of her hoof healing up, she was able to move more, but was ordered by Zecora to not buck apple trees until it is secured. One day, the changeling asked the country mare an important request.

"You want to learn how to what?"

"To buck. Your sister told me that you are one of the best."

"It ain't as easy as it sounds."

"I know. I'll do my best."

"What I'm saying is that I can't show you with my injured hoof."

"But I can. You can teach me what you know and tell me if I did it wrong."

"I know, but even if I do, you may end up injuring your hoof more than mine."

"Better to have my hoof injured than for you to injure your hoof even more."

Applejack thought for a moment. If this changeling is wanting to change, then teaching him something far from his ability, then this may help him. However, he did raise a fair point. Throughout her life, she's been trying to buck apple trees without any injures by far, but with her injured hoof, she can't do anything now. Plus, with the girls out and Katana working in the castle, he may be a fair choice to go through.

"Fine." she sighed, "But don't say that I didn't warn you. Come on."

With such happiness, he started to follow her and began learning the skill of a farmer.

'It's just kicking your legs at a tree. How bad can it be?' he asked himself.

One hour later, Katana was finishing her work when she noticed her Master trying to do something that he wasn't even taught to do. Not knowing what the concept may be, she sat down and watched her Master and Applejack work their magic.

"Alright, you got it." Applejack encouraged him. "Almost got it down. Now, kick both of your hind legs at the same time."

He tried to follow the same concept that Applejack shown him, but was starting to feel imbalanced. When the changeling used his hind legs to kick the air, he fell forward with his back and towards the ground. Applejack blurt out a laugh, then quickly stopped.

"I'm sorry. I meant to say good try. Now, let's get up and try again."

Katana only chuckled at the sight of their teamwork. Though he was wanting to change, he was risking everything to do something for a mare.

"What'cha looking at, Katana?" Apple Bloom asked.

Katana glanced at the side and noticed the girls returning from school. The Master allowed the three crusaders to come and go as they pleased since Applejack took their place, but they were more concerned for Apple Bloom's sister being here.

"Hello, Apple Bloom. I'm just watching your sister teaching the Master how to buck an apple tree successfully."

"Aww. Isn't that sweet?" Sweetie Belle stated in a sweet reply.

"But can't your Master just use his magic? I mean, it's easier." Scootaloo asked.

"Yes, but he's wanting to do what's is against his creation. Plus, I believe Zecora told him to stay off of his magic for a while, didn't she?"

"I guess."

"Wow. He's doing well as a changeling to learn how to buck an apple tree."

While they continued to watch his attempt, Apple Bloom noticed her sister smiling an actual smile in front of a changeling. Though she did state that she'll give him another chance, it seems like she's giving her more than that.

*Kick!*

"Did I do it right?" the changeling asked as he panted heavily.

"Yep. The apples are coming down." Applejack answered.

Sure enough, several apples fell towards the ground and landed on the baskets.

"With this many apples, we can make some apple cider."

"Apple cider?"

"You never tried apple cider, have you? You need to try some. Come on."

Within a few moments, Applejack and the changeling were in the kitchen, making her famous apple cider. While Applejack was busy with making the cider, the changeling couldn't notice how determined she was. While she finished brewing the cider, Applejack poured the two glasses and she picked one to drink. The changeling only glanced at his drink and seemed a bit hesitant.

"What's wrong?"

"I...I'm not thirsty."

"You said you haven't tried apple cider, right?"

"Yes?"

"Then how do you know what you don't like if you haven't tried it?"

"Yes?"

"Then how do you know what you don't like if you haven't tried it?"

Knowing she was not forcing him to drink, he levitated the drink and allowed the cider take a dive towards his mouth. As he tasted the cider, his eyes grew widely as he could. With a few moments, he started chugging the cider.

"Looks like you're enjoy it." Applejack replied.

He stopped mid drinking and blushed.

"It's okay..."

"That's good to hear."

As she started to get a drink, her smile then started to disappear. The changeling noticed her smile as he stopped drinking.

"Is something the matter, Applejack?"

"Huh? No, it's nothing." she lied as she drank her cider.

The changeling could tell from her tone of voice that she was lying. He guessed that her apple cider made her miss home. Later that evening, the changeling sat and viewed the Everfree. Though he was use to concentrating, the changeling noticed a familiar presence drawing near.

"What is it now, Katana?"

"My apologies for interrupting your concentration, my lord, but will you be joining us for dinner-"

"Do you think she should go?"

"What?"

"She's miserable in here."

"How can you say such things? She loves being here with you."

"I can tell by her eyes that she misses her freedom. I need to let her go."

"But if that happens, you'll be miserable also. Would you risk that as well?"

"I just don't know."

katana placed her hoof on his shoulder.

"You know that I'll be loyal to you no matter what, but this decision is yours to make. Though there's not much time left, I would advise to let her know how you feel."

The changeling sighed.

"Perhaps you're right. Thank you."

"You're welcome. Will you come down for dinner?"

"No thank you."

"Very well."

She left the room, allowing the changeling to continue to ponder his decisions.