Chapters Applejack sighed as she looked out her window and gave a sad, "Cock-a-doodle-doo,". It had been three weeks since she had seen her big brother and grandma in Ponyville. Applejack sniffled sadly and looked down for a minute before hearing a call coming from downstairs.
"Applejack, darling, it's time for breakfast!" Aunt Orange called.
Applejack looked up and cleared her throat, "I'll be there in a minute Aunt Orange!" she called pulling off a Manehattan accent perfectly.
She took one last look at the window before walking downstairs, not seeing the rainbow spreading across the sky leading to Ponyville.
Applejack got up out of her bed and yawned, she looked over at the clock hanging on her wall and ran into the bathroom. She was going to the orange orchards today to check up on business and reveal the new orange trees being added, she couldn't be late.
Applejack had lived with her Aunt and Uncle Orange since before she got her cutie mark, three apples. She had got the cutie mark while mistakenly kicking a tree, apples fell out of the tree and she realized just how much she loved them, she had taken the apples and sold them the next day at her aunt and uncle's shop. The cutie mark sort of appeared out of nowhere, she didn't work with apples very much, living with the Oranges that was expected, so she had thought about getting an orange for a cutie mark. Well, life is funny that way.
"Oh dear, I'm going to be late!" Applejack cried, running around trying to get ready. She ran to her closet, pulling out a beautiful, green dress, putting it on as quickly as possible along with the matching shoes, Applejack ran downstairs for breakfast.
"Oh hello Applejack! All ready for the orchard?" Uncle Orange asked, smiling at his niece.
"Why of course, I wouldn't miss this event for the world," Applejack replied sitting down at the table to eat.
Just then Aunt Orange walked in smiling, "I'm so glad you want to come with us, this is a very exciting event."
Applejack nodded and began to eat the toast in front of her, over the years she had gotten used to eating smaller portions of food then others. After eating the three set out taking a carriage to the orange orchard.
"Now Applejack, you know how important this is so we must ask you to be on your best behavior," Aunt Orange said once they were all in the carriage.
"Yes Aunt Orange, I know how much this means to you both, I am simply delighted I get to come with," Applejack replied smiling.
"Good, we're so glad you could come with," Uncle Orange said smiling.
The three soon arrived at the orchard where a crowd of reporters and other ponies sat waiting for them. When the three stepped out a round of applause began along with the occasional whistle. The reporters reacted immediately throwing out questions at Uncle Orange.
"Mr. Orange! Mr. Orange! How have the sales been recently?" one reporter asked.
"Equestria Inquirer, how are you feeling about today?" another news pony questioned.
Uncle Orange didn't pay the reporters any mind and kept on walking, all questions would be answered soon enough, they could wait.
Applejack gulped and rushed through the crowds with her aunt and uncle, she had never been a fan of crowds or many people in one place.
The three soon reached the stage where a microphone was set up for Uncle Orange, he gave a long speech and then answered the questions all the reporters had, Applejack on the other hand wasn't listening.
She was too busy looking out on the orchard and thinking about Ponyville and the apple farm, was everypony ok there? Did they miss her or had other things to worry about? She remembered her granny and Big Macitnosh, and her baby sister who she hadn't even met yet! How old would her sister be now? Applejack counted in her head until she was called up by her Uncle Orange for a speech.
"I can not thank you enough for coming here to see the new trees," Applejack began trying to remember what her aunt had told her to say, "We are delighted you all love the Orange family orchards and will keep coming here to get the freshest oranges in Manehattan."
Applejack finished her speech quickly and sat back down beside her aunt.
"You did great, good job honey," Aunt Orange said smiling.
"Thank you aunt Orange, Ah tried," Applejack said as her voice slipped back into it's country accent.
"What was that?" Aunt Orange said, not hearing Applejack correctly.
"Thank you, I tried very hard," Applejack repeated as she hid her accent.
The meeting was soon over and the three left and went back to the apartment.
"Applejack, you did wonderful on stage!" Uncle Orange said smiling.
"Thank you Uncle Orange,' Applejack replied.
A knock came from the door and a letter dropped through the small slot in the door, the letter floated to the floor and landed gently. To Applejack The front of the letter read.
Applejack noticed the letter and walked over quickly picking it up and walking back to the table, she opened it carefully and began to read.
Dear Applejack,
We haven't seen you in forever and we were all hoping you'd come over for this summer to help with the farm, your sister Applebloom wants to see you badly as does Granny Smith, we're all hoping you come home to see us soon in Ponyville, we all love you and miss you.
Your big big brother,
Big Macintosh
Applejack's hooves trembled as she read and a lump appeared in her throat, she set looked at the letter one last time, as a tear trickled down her cheek.
"Ah... I, I have to go..." Applejack whispered and ran upstairs, when she got to her room she began to cry loudly. She wanted to visit her family, she really did, but she was just so different, would they even love her anymore?
Aunt and Uncle Orange looked at the letter and sighed, Applejack had to go visit her family, she needed it.
AN: Thank you for reading, yes I decided to do this fic and I'm very excited about it!
Applejack woke up the next day with eyes puffy and red from crying. It had been a mix of happiness and sorrow, happiness from the fact that her family still loved her and she knew that deep down, and sorrow from knowing that she would have to leave Aunt and Uncle Orange.
Applejack walked down the stairs quietly and sat down at the table eating her small piece of toast, it was always the same routine: wake up, eat, go upstairs, get dressed, come back downstairs, eat lunch, sit around and wait for dinner, and sleep. It was just so boring for Applejack, she found it pointless to have to do this all day.
Aunt Orange soon arrived and sat down at the table next to Applejack and gave her a comforting hug, the hug wanted to make Applejack cry again, start sobbing into her aunt's arms, but instead Applejack bit her lip and held back the tears.
"Applejack... Your uncle and I have been talking and maybe you should visit Ponyville again, we know how much you miss them and they miss you too," Aunt Orange said gently.
Applejack nodded slightly and looked down at the floor, "When am I going?" she asked.
"We were thinking two weeks from now," Aunt Orange replied, "you can pack up whenever and we can schedule it earlier if you'd like..."
"I um..." Applejack paused for a moment thinking, "That's great Aunt Orange, thank you."
Uncle Orange walked in a small frown on his face, he sighed looking at Applejack, "I... I know you miss them, it's just that we love you Applejack and hope you know that..."
Applejack nodded and bit her lip harder trying to to cry. She loved her aunt and uncle, they had been so kind to her over the years and she would miss them, but she knew she would have to go back, she had always known.
Applejack sat on her bed looking up at the ceiling, she had gotten done packing the day before and tomorrow she would go back to Ponyville.
Applejack sat up and looked around, she would miss this room, it had been her home for so many years. She remembered one day in particular.
It was Applejack's third day in Manehattan. She walked to school smiling, her Aunt Orange had bought her new clothes for the school year and she was ready for anything the teachers had to throw at her. She smiled at the birds chirping and flying through the air.
Applejack looked around before messing up her mane and pulling out her hat, setting it gently on her head. Who said she couldn't wear it? She also put her mane and tail into ponytails smiling. She walked forward noticing the school and smiled brighter.
Just then two fillies stepped in front of her. Applejack's eyes widened and she stepped back, she had never been good at introducing herself, she hadn't been able to learn much from her brother and her granny Smith hadn't ever told her.
"Hiya!" the first filly said grinning, she was a unicorn with a dark brown mane and a white body, the other filly smiled at Applejack, she looked almost exactly like the other just with wings and no horn.
Applejack blushed and smiled gently, "Hi... Ah'm Applejack," she said quietly.
"Nice to meet ya Applejack! I'm Blossom and this is my sister Rosy!" Blossom said still smiling.
"I like your hat..." Rosy said blushing and hiding behind her sister.
"Ah... I, thank you," Applejack said smiling.
"So are ya new here? I haven't seen you before!" Blossom said excitedly, bouncing around Applejack.
"I'm from Ponyville..." Applejack replied trying to wipe the blush off her face.
Blossom gasped and smiled more, "Ooooh! You aren't from here! We can be P.F.F.s!" Blossom said.
"I thought I was your P.F.F..." Rosy said quietly and sighed when nopony heard her.
Applejack had a great first day of school and invited her new friends over where they played in Aj's room.
Applejack sighed and blinked back tears thinking of her friends, Blossom had started crying while Rosy made a straight face and bit her lip when Aj had told them she was leaving to go back to Ponyville. They had all become best friends in this room and had made a pact that they would always be friends no matter what. Even if one was leaving...
Applejack looked at her train ticket then squinted at the board that listed all the trains heading in and out of the station, she soon found the train and looked at it carefully. The train looked odd to say the least, instead of being a straight color each part was painted a different color and looked a bit like a cupcake, it had changed since Applejack had been on the train from Ponyville to Manehattan, a lot.
Applejack stepped on the train and sat down, she looked down at her hooves the whole time and sighed, this would be a long trip.
After about two hours of riding on a train Applejack stepped off and onto the platform below her, she sighed, smiled, and walked forward getting only an inch in before getting swept up in a large hug.
"Applejack! Y'all are back!" Big Macintosh said hugging his sister.
"Big Mac, I am so glad to see you again!" Applejack said, not able to get rid of her Manehattan accent.
"Why, you little pony, come give your ol' Granny Smith a hug!" Applejack's grandmother said as she pulled her granddaughter in for a large hug.
Applejack smiled and hugged Granny Smith before being interrupted by a voice.
"Applejack? Ah like your name! Ah finally have a big sister!" a little filly cried jumping around the three, she had a large pink bow in her red mane and her coat was a light yellow.
"Hello Applebloom," Applejack said smiling at her little sister who was still jumping.
Applebloom stopped, "Ya know mah name?"
"Of course I do, I'm your big sister after all," Applejack said hugging her sister.
Granny Smith smiled at Applejack and wiped a tear from her eye while Big Mac just watched the two sisters hug, the little filly they had known had become a mare and now had her cutie mark. The two were surprised about what it was, three apples, the mark of the Apple family... She was finally home.
The family walked home or at least tried to. They were stopped halfway through by another pony.
Pinkie pie bounced up to the Apple family, there was Granny Smith, Applebloom, Big Macintosh, and... IS THAT A NEW PONY?! Pinkie Pie jumped up and down excitedly and ran over to the family. She landed in front of Applejack, who fell back and looked up at the pink, party pony in terror.
"OMIGOSH, ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!" Pinkie yelled helping Applejack up, "I'm sooo sorry, you see I saw you being a new pony and everything and I freaked out and then I scared you and then I said "OMIGOSH ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!" and now we're here."
Pinkie Pie smiled at the Apple family while Applejack hid behind her big brother.
"Ah, um... Pinkie Pie, this is mah big sister Applejack," Applebloom said smiling, "She's new here and she's lived in Manehattan since before Ah was born!"
"WOW, THAT MEANS A WELCOME BACK PARTY! OH CELESTIA, GOTTA GO PLAN!" Pinkie yelled, running off.
Applejack walked out from behind Big Macintosh who bit his lip trying to hold in a laugh, most ponies were afraid of Pinkie at first but if you got to know her she was very fun to be around.
"W-who was that?" Applejack asked as they continued walking.
"Oh that was just Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie," Applebloom said giggling.
"D-does she do that a lot?" Applejack gulped.
"Not always, but most of the time!" Applebloom smiled and ran forward laughing.
They soon all got to the farm and Applejack smiled as she saw the house.
"Remember this place sis?" Big Macintosh asked smiling.
"I... I do," Applejack nodded still smiling.
"Is it weird to be back?" he asked as Granny Smith and Applebloom walked ahead.
"... It's odd to say the least, Manehattan is so much different..." Applejack said looking at all the apple trees.
"Ah hope you get used to it here, y'all are gonna be here awhile," Big Macintosh said quietly.
Applejack turned to her brother with tears in her eyes, she hugged him tightly crying gently, "I missed you big brother..." she said she she hugged tighter.
Big Macintosh became quiet as his sister hugged him. Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry, he thought as she hugged him. Big Macintosh bit his lip again and hugged his sister smiling.
The next day Applejack woke up to the sound of a rooster crowing, she looked around for the sound, also trying to figure out where she was and who was laying next to her. She looked to her side and noticed Applebloom snuggled up next to her. She smiled and kissed her sister's head lightly before stepping out of bed and going downstairs.
She walked into the kitchen and looked around realizing she didn't know where anything is. She opened the first cabinet in front of her to see cups and mugs, nope, she thought. She opened the second one and screamed when she saw a spider in the otherwise empty space. Falling back she closed her eyes tightly.
"AJ? Y'all ok?" Big Macintosh asked as he looked down at his sister who was laying on the ground.
"S-spider..." Applejack replied not opening her eyes.
Big Macintosh looked to the open cabinet and laughed softly, carefully he scooped up the spider and put it outside while Applejack still sat on the floor shaking like a leaf.
"Applejack, get up, it was only a spider," Big Macintosh said laughing.
"Easy for you to say! Spiders are big and hairy!" Applejack cried.
Big Macintosh laughed more as he pulled his sister to her hooves. He patted her on the back lightly and went to look in the fridge for something to eat.
"Okkkay, let's see, want a pie? Sweet Apple Acres makes the best pies and ya aren't a member of the family til ya try one!" Big Mac asked pulling out two pies and setting them on the table.
"Pie? For breakfast?" Applejack looked at the table, she hadn't ever eaten something so large for breakfast.
"Eeeyup," Macintosh replied sitting down and taking a large bite of one of the pies, "Try ig, Ah'm suref you'll likeg it," he said between bites.
Applejack sat down and looked at the pie in front of her, she took a small bite and chewed carefully. Applejack's eyes opened and widened as the first bite hit her tongue, it had so much flavor! It was nothing like the oranges her aunt and uncle had, the apples were sweet but had some spice to them. Applejack smiled and took a large bite, "DISF ISG AMAZING!" she yelled eating more.
Big Macintosh looked up and stared at his sister gaping. He had never seen a mare eat that much pie in one bite, he then looked down at his pie which he had barely eaten at all.
"Ah.. Um, Applejack ya may want to slow dow-" Big Mac began.
"NEVVVVVVVVER!" Applejack yelled interrupting her brother.
"Ah um, seriously AJ, y'all are gonna get a stomach ache... What even...?" he said.
"SOOOGFSHAF GOOODFGHAFGJ," Applejack cried eating more.
Big Macintosh sighed and ate more of his pie, keeping an eye on his sister who was making small groans every time she took a bite.
Applebloom walked in the the kitchen yawning, she looked over at her brother and smiled, "Howdy Mac," she said sleepily, "Howdy Applej- WOAH, HOW ARE YA EATING THAT MUCH?" Applebloom gasped.
Applejack finished off the pie and smiled sheepishly, "I well um... That was a very good pie, thank ya big brother..."
Big Macintosh looked over at his sister in shock he stared at her for awhile more before laughing loudly. Soon Applebloom was laughing at her big sister too as Applejack sat blushing.
"H-hey! It was a good pie! Don't laugh!" Applejack said loudly as her siblings laughed louder.
AN: Sorry for not writing, I am just verrrry lazy and have been doing school and such! Also thanks for all the love and support for this fic! It means a lot!
Applejack gasped as she looked around the farm, there were just so many apple trees.
"AJ? Y'all alright?" Big Macintosh asked as his sister looked around.
"Y-yes, I'm fine... How are there so many trees?" Applejack asked in awe.
"Well Sweet Apple Acres is the best with trees, we care for 'em and they grow much more then most," Big Macintosh said proudly.
"Ah can see that..." Applejack said as her voice slipped.
Big Macintosh looked at Applejack in confusion before he shook his head and went back to talking, "Are ya able to buck apples?"
"Well I got my cutie mark that way, I must be able to!" Applejack grinned, walking over to an apple tree.
"Okay let me just show ya how tah do it," Big Macintosh said as he walked over to another tree, "First ya just gear up your legs, then yah aim, annnnd KICK! " Big Macintosh kicked the tree and laughed as all the trees fell out. The tree was now slightly slanted from the kick.
Applejack looked over at her brother gaping, "Ah... I how did you?"
"Years of practice sis," Big Macinotsh replied, "Now ya try."
Applejack closed her eyes tightly and took a deep breath, she moved closer to the tree and whispered gently, "Gear up your legs..." she brought up her legs and stretched them, "Aim..." she put her legs up against the tree and gulped, "And now... KICK!"
She kicked with all her might and closed her eyes, had she done it? Something hit AJ on the head, Applejack moved her hoof and grabbed an apple that sat on her head. Opening her eyes she looked back at the tree which was swaying back and forth from the kick. Applejack gasped as more apples fell. She turned back to Big Macintosh who was rubbing his eyes as if he was not seeing correctly, "How many times have ya done this sis?" he asked
"I um... Once before..." Applejack said quietly.
Big Macintosh grinned and ran over to his sister then swept her up into a large hug, "Y'all are a natural!"
Applejack was shocked, "R-really?" she asked, starting to smile as well.
"Yes really! Ah need to ask a favor of ya," Big Macintosh said, suddenly becoming serious.
"Yes Big Mac?" Applejack asked with concern.
"Y'all gotta promise ya wont get better then me at apple-bucking, the colts here will never let me live it down," Big Macintosh said as his smile returned.
Applejack laughed all the way back to the house.
"Appppplejack?" Granny Smith called upstairs.
Applejack rushed down stairs smiling, "Yes Granny?"
"Good, y'all are here, I was wonderin' can ya go get me some things from the market for supper?" Granny Smith asked smiling.
"Why of course, I would love to!" AJ replied, taking a list of groceries Granny Smith had handed to her. She trotted out the door whistling and walked to the market.
When Applejack was out of the house Granny Smith sighed and grumbled, "She better make some friends out there while shopping..."
Applejack walked and hummed a tune, she soon got to the market, "O-oh my..." There were ponies everywhere, buying things, selling things, or just hanging out with friends. Applejack noticed two ponies arguing. Or at least one was.
"Fluttershy! You aren't assertive enough! You gotta be mean to get what you want sometimes!" a cyan pegasus yelled.
"Oh well um, it's okay Rainbow Dash, I don't mind..." Fluttershy replied quietly.
Rainbow Dash facehoofed, "You're even letting me walk all over you, cmon! I thought you got over this stuff at Flight School!"
Rainbow Dash looked over at Applejack and smiled sheepishly, people were watching she and Fluttershy fighting, oopsies...
"Dash, don't worry, I can be assertive!" Fluttershy said a little louder.
"Fine," Dash smirked, "call over that pony, right now." Rainbow pointed over at Applejack who stumbled back in surprise.
Fluttershy gulped, "Miss, please come over here... I mean if you want to, I don't want to force anypony..."
Applejack nodded and walked over slowly, "H-hello..."
"Okay, uhhhm wait, what's your name?" Rainbow Dash asked.
"M-my name? Oh, it's Applejack," AJ replied nervously.
"Applejack, do you think Fluttershy is assertive enough?" Dash questioned, at the sound of her name Fluttershy gave a faint "Hello".
"Well I uhm..." Applejack said, she didn't want to hurt Fluttershy's feelings, Applejack gulped, "S-she's very kind, but she shouldn't be walked all over. She doesn't want it and I know it, but at the same time she doesn't want to hurt anypony's feelings... Soo.."
Rainbow Dash looked over at Fluttershy who was nodding slightly and also blushing, "How did you do that?" Rainbow asked in wonder.
"Well Ah overheard you two and I just sorta could tell..." Applejack said quietly.
Rainbow Dash's eyes lit up, "I know you! Pinkie was talking about you! You're the new Apple family member, Applejack! How did I not notice this sooner?"
"P-Pinkie was talking about me?" Applejack asked, "What for?"
Fluttershy smiled gently, "For the party of course, Pinkie always throws parties when new ponies come, Rainbow got one... I got one... I think everypony has..."
"P-party?" Applejack gulped.
"Yep! At Sugarcube Corner tonight!" Dash said, "It's gonna be awesome! There may also be some cider..." Rainbow winked and grinned at Applejack.
"Sugarcuber Corner, where's that?" Applejack asked, oblivious to what Dash was implying.
"Oh, it's right across the street," Fluttershy replied pointing to a building that looked almost like a sweet more then a shop.
Applejack took this all in, it hadn't even been a full day since she had gotten to Ponyville and yet Pinkie was already having a party... That pony must be a miracle worker or something. Applejack smiled, "I would love to come, and I will see you both there, I hope."
"Of course! Pinkie has the best parties, I mean, nothing even compares after going to one of them!" Dash said laughing.
"Yes... We both hope to see you there, it was great meeting you Applejack and I hope we can see each other again... I mean if you want to..." Fluttershy said quietly with a gentle smile.
Applejack nodded and said goodbye, she then ran home forgetting completely about the groceries, she was just too excited for the party.
Applejack stood at the entrance to Sugarcube Corner, should she go in? I mean, it was her party, or at least a party for her, so she should right? Applejack stepped back a bit and was about to walk back to the farm until she heard a familiar voice.
"Hey AJ! Come on in, the party's just getting started!" Rainbow Dash called from inside the shop.
"H-huh? Oh, hello, Dash," Applejack said as she stepped into the store.
"Mannn, this party is awesome! Oh crud, I gotta introduce you to everypony!" Dash said laughing.
Dash grabbed her by the hoof and pulled her along, stopping in front of two unicorns talking.
"Hey, Rar, Twi, this is Applejack. She's the new pony!" Dash announced.
Twilight spoke first, "Oh you're Applejack, of Sweet Apple Acres I'm guessing?"
Applejack nodded as Twilight spoke again, "That's great! I'm going to need to talk to you later since the Summer Sun Celebration is in five days and Celestia is coming!"
Rarity smiled and turned to Applejack, "Oh yes this will be the first time Celestia is coming to Ponyville, how fun! Darling, where are you from?"
"M-Manehattan..." Applejack replied quietly.
Rarity gasped, "Manehattan? Oh my! You simply MUST tell me what all the ponies wear there! Are there dresses, too formal? Suits for the stallions? I need to extend my new lines of clothing out there and this will be great a-"
As Rarity went on about clothing Twilight spoke to Applejack again, "Did you just move here?"
"Uhm, yes, I was born in Ponyville but left at a young age... I wanted to go to the big city..." Applejack said.
"I lived in Canterlot myself, and while the city was nice the ponies sure weren't..." Twilight sighed, "But anyways, great to meet you!"
"You two, ya can come over to Sweet Apple Acres at anytime," Applejack said smiling.
"-And I can get more money from the selling of dresses and suits!" Rarity finished.
Applejack smiled at the two before being pulled away by Dash.
"Okay, I gotta introduce you to everypony! That over there is Derpy!" Rainbow Dash said, pointing to a grey pegasus mare who was somehow flying upside down.
"Hey, Dash, oh hey, new pony! Here, have a muffin," Derpy said giving Applejack a muffin, which had appeared out of nowhere onto her hoof.
Applejack took the muffin, "Uh.. Heh, thanks Derpy."
Derpy looked down, "Actually my name is-," she looked back up to see Dash had pulled Applejack along to the next pony, "-Ditzy..."
They got to a purple-ish mare who was drinking a mug of cider, laughing.
"This is-" Dash began.
"I'm Berry Punchsh! Nice to meetchaaa!" The mare giggled. A blue unicorn appeared behind her and out a goof on Berry's shoulder.
"Berry, honey, maybe you should cool it on the cider..." the unicorn said quietly.
"C-Colgate? Ohhhh hayyyy baby!" Berry Punch cried, turning around and hugging her marefriend.
"Berry, mayyyyybe we should go..." Colgate sighed.
"W-what? The parties juuuust getting starttted!" Berry slurred, smiling she walked forward a few steps before falling down and passing out.
Dash laughed and pulled Applejack some more, "Yeppp, Berry's a real character..."
After meeting everypony, Applejack began to loosen up a bit. She enjoyed herself by dancing and occasionally talking to other ponies at the party.
"Aw cmon AJ! Lighten up and drink some cider!" Dash said, having already drank 3 cups of the beverage herself.
"Ah... Ah guess I could try some..." Applejack said picking up a mug.
"That's the spirit! Dash said patting her friend's back.
Applejack looked in to the mug, "It's just one drink Applejack, it wont hurt you..." she said to herself. Applejack smiled and downed the drink quickly.
Applejack laughed and ran over to Rarity and Twilight for the fourth time.
"H-hey! How yaaa both doing?" Applejack said, slurring slightly. She had already had 5 mugs of cider and didn't seem to be stopping soon.
"Just as good as the last time you visited us darling," Rarity said, trying not to laugh. Applejack apparently wasn't very good at drinking cider.
Dash flew over to the three, "Appplejack, you are a party animal! I mean, those dance moves!"
Applejack laughed and smiled at Dash, "Hey Dash... How do you get your mane alll... Colors..."
Dash laughed, "I was born with this mane! Askkk my mother for proof!"
Twilight looked over to Rarity giggling, "They're both drunk of their flanks," she whispered.
Rarity snickered and whispered back, "Might as well have fun with this."
Rarity smiled sweetly at Applejack, "Applejack, darling, do you think you could go get Fluttershy over here? I haven't seen her yet and I was just dying to see her again at this party."
Applejack smiled, proud that she had been chosen for this task, "Why of course Rar, Ah'd love to."
Applejack ran off smiling, "Flutttttttershy! Flutttttttttttttttershyyyyyyyyyyy!" she called.
She bumped into Pinkie, "Oh, hey Pinkie!" she yelled.
Pinkie grinned, "Are you enjoying the party?"
"Yep! You guys have really goood cider... And friends, everypony is really nice!"
"Yaaa, ponies here are pretty nice, except for the occasionally Cranky Doodle Donkey."
"The what now?" Applejack asked, unsure of what Pinkie had said.
"Oh rigggght! We aren't in that episode yet, heh, sorry. But, do you think that sometime you could carry me on your back while I'm singing a song?" Pinkie replied cheerfully.
"Ah, um, sure?" Applejack said as she walked off to find Fluttershy.
Applejack finally spotted the shy pegasus talking to Big Macintosh.
"Big Mac? H-how did ya get here?" Applejack asked, unable to remember that Mac had walked WITH her to Sugarcube Corner and had walked inside while she stayed behind.
Fluttershy jumped and squeaked when Applejack started talking, "Oh um, hello Applejack," she said quietly.
Applejack saw Fluttershy and smiled, "Fluttershy! Rarity! S-she needs to see ya!"
"O-oh, is something wrong with her?" Fluttershy asked with concern.
"No idea! But we gotta go, so onwards! TO VICTORY!" Applejack cheered, she then fell forward and fell asleep.
Big Macintosh looked down at his sister, he put her onto his back carefully and sighed.
Fluttershy smiled gently, "Taking her home?" she asked.
"Eeeeyup," Big Mac replied walking out of Sugarcuber Corner. Yep, AJ was an Apple alright... Getting drunk at her welcome party. Big Macintosh blushed thinking of what had happened to him at one of Pinkie's parties and kept on walking.
Applejack woke up the next morning, her head pounding like mad.
"W-What happened...?" she groaned, sitting up in her bed. Just then, Big Macintosh walked in.
"Oh, right, ya got drunk at your first party, Ah carried ya home," Big Macintosh said, holding in a laugh.
"I... Ah what?" Applejack asked quietly, "Ohhh Celestia, be quiet, it's like you're yelling..."
"OH YA MEAN LIKE THIS?!" Big Macintosh screamed and laughed.
Applejack groaned, threw a pillow at Big Mac, and pulled the covers over her head, "Ah hattttte youuuu..."
"Okay, but remember to wake up later, we're gonna do some apple-buckin'!" Big Mac called as he walked out of Applejack's room.
Applejack nodded and fell back asleep, well she tried before she snapped up, grabbed the alarm clock on her bedside table, and looked at it. "OH BUCKING SH-"
Big Macintosh laughed as his sister rushed out of her room and into the bathroom, next time maybe she should try not to wake up at 1:00 and get up a bit earlier.
Applejack showered quickly and ran downstairs. She ran back up realizing her hair was still wet. Not wanting to get the water everywhere she quickly put her mane and tail into ponytails. She looked over at her bed and noticed a light brown, stetson hat. "It's better then nothing," she said quietly, putting the hat on her head.
She ran back downstairs and straight intro her brother.
"Glad Ah woke ya up, want some coffee? Ah made some for when ya did wake up," Big Mac chuckled.
Applejack nodded and smiled as she walked with her brother into the kitchen for some coffee. After getting a cup she sipped it and spat it out onto the ground. "ARGH! IT'S COLD!" she cried.
"That's what happens when ya don't wake up on time..." Big Macintosh snickered.
"Why are ya doing this to me?!" she yelled.
"First of all, ya didn't wake up on time. Second, Ah wanted to talk to Fluttershy some more," Big Macintosh was so glad his coat was red, able to keep his blush hidden, "An' third, its fun."
Applejack's eyes widened before she grinned, "What was that second one? Dooooooo youuuuuuu liikkkkkke Flutttttterssssshyyyyyyyy?" Applejack giggled as her brother looked down at his hooves, not speaking.
"A-Ah don't!" Big Macintosh said quietly, still glad his blush was being hidden.
Applejack smiled as she walked towards the front door, "Well I have to go see Twilight about the Summer Sun Celebration, oh and I can tell you're blushing. I'll just go tell Fluttershy youuu love her!" Applejack ran as her brother's eyes widened.
"YOU BETTER NOT SAY A THING AJ!" he yelled after her.
Applejack walked through town quickly. She noticed Rainbow Dash who was resting on a cloud. Applejack walked over to talk.
"Hey, Rainbow, do you know where Twilight lives? I need to talk to her about the Summer Sun Celebration,"
Rainbow Dash got up and stretched, "Ummmmmmm.... Ohh right right, she lives in the library tree thingy..."
Applejack sighed, "Could you be a bit more specific?" she asked.
Rainbow Dash groaned, "Here just follow me, I gotta talk to that egghead anyways, she wants me to clear the sky for the Summer Sun Celebration and stuff."
Applejack smiled as she saw the tree library. She saw Twilight reading a book through one of the windows. Applejack stood still a moment, watching how much Twilight was reading. Twilight's eyes were going back and forth like mad, taking in all the knowledge. Why wasn't she out on this day? Just sitting inside reading this book... Didn't she have friends? Applejack watched as Twilight was replaced by a filly with a mane the color of straw and an orange coat. The filly was looking down at the ground, her eyes were not moving, she was not reading, she was... Crying... The small filly was sniffling. Applejack gasped as she realized who the filly was. The filly was... her. Applejack rubbed her eyes with her hoof and looked back up. The filly was gone, Twilight sat, still reading.
Rainbow Dash looked back at Applejack who was just staring at Twilight. Rainbow Dash's eyes widened as Applejack gasped and rubbed her eyes, "Hey, AJ, you alright?" she asked flying over to Applejack.
"Ah'm.. I'm fine," Applejack sniffled and wiped her nose, where had these tears come from? "Let's just go see Twilight..."
"W-whatever you say..." Dash gulped and flew ahead.
Applejack walked back to the farm alone. She had talked to Twilight for what seemed like forever. The Summer Sun Celebration was in four days and Twilight seemed worried. She had kept on mumbling about Nightmare Moon, an old pony's tale. It was about Celestia and another princess, there had once been another princess. This was what had striked Applejack as odd. In all the speeches she had seen the princess speak, whether on television or the radio, she had never heard about the other princess. Anyways, the princess became mad after everypony slept during her night and beautiful moon. Celestia banished the princess to the moon...
Applejack stopped walking, why would the princess banish somepony to the moon? It would be just so... Lonely... No friends at all. It would just be in a loop, waking up, sitting, and going back to sleep... Applejack wiped away tears, not thinking of where they had come from.
She entered the house slowly and went upstairs. Applejack flopped down on the bed and instantly fell asleep. She had an odd dream that night. Applejack was on the moon, it was lonely, there was nopony to comfort her. She had looked down at Equestria and begged to come back but nothing was working. She began to cry, why didn't they like her? Applejack then became mad. She stomped around the moon and yelled out, "I AM COMING BACK WHETHER YOU LIKE IT OR NOT!"
Applejack woke up drenched in sweat. She was in her bed, but something bad was coming. Something she just couldn't put her hoof on.
Applejack walked around town four days later, tonight was the Summer Sun Celebration and she and her family had been up all night baking sweet, apple treats. Applejack smiled gently, rubbing her eyes as she walked over to Twilight.
"I just came to tell you that everypony at Sweet Apple Acres is doing their best to make the treats! We're doin' pretty good so far!" Applejack announced happily.
"That's great! I just got Rainbow Dash to clear the sky by tricking her... I think I have to go see Rarity next to see what she's planning for the decor..." Twilight said, pulling out a checklist and pen, "... Well have good time with the treats! I'll see you at the Summer Sun Celebration... If Nightmare Moon doesn't come everything will go just as planned..."
Applejack looked at Twilight confused before Spike stepped in to say something. "Don't worry about her AJ, she's been freaking out lately... More then usual that is..."
Applejack nodded and walked off, just then she remembered what she had needed. Cinnamon. Applejack looked at one of her hoofs quickly noticing in big black letters, "Cinnamon". "Thanks fer reminding me Big Mac...." she laughed gently.
After getting the cinnamon, Applejack walked home to the farm. The air blew gently but just then, Applejack ran into a familiar pink, party pony.
"Heya AJ! I just came to say that at Twilight's tonight we're having a party right before the celebration and then we're going to town hall to see the sun get risen and see Celestia! I hope you're coming!" Pinkie Pie said all in one breath as she balanced a basket on her head full of invitations.
Applejack jumped back, spooked by Pinkie's sudden appearance, "Ah... I... Sure?"
"Great! Be at Twilight's at 10:00 and then we're gonna party alllll night! Woo!" Pinkie yelled, handing an invitation to Applejack.
Applejack nodded and walked into her house, handing the cinnamon to an impatient Big Mac.
"Aj! We got tah get these treats done!" Big Mac said, running around the kitchen.
"Uhm, don't ya think we have enough? There are only 5,000 ponies in Ponyville... We've made about 10,000 pies..." Applejack said.
"That ain't enough!" Big Mac cried as Applejack facehoofed and fell back.
Applejack looked around the town hall as ponies gathered in to wait for Celestia. Applejack looked over to see Pinkie Pie talking to a very worried Twilight. She was about to walk over when a bird choir went off.
Applejack listened with a smile as Mayor Mare gave a speech to introduce Celestia. Rariyt pulled the curtains apart and...
Celestia wasn't there...
Applejack looked up in worry and looked over to Twilight, she was friends with Celestia, she would know what to do... Right?
Maybe Celestia is just late... That's all! Applejack thought as she stared at Twilight. Aj then heard Rarity announce, "Shes gone!"
Applejack looked back up to the balcony to see a eerie, glowing fog. She gasped as the fog formed a pony. Nightmare Moon.
"Oh my beloved subjects, it's been so long since I've seen your precious, little, sun loving faces," Nightmare Moon said.
"What did you do with our princess?!" Rainbow Dash growled and was about to attack Nightmare before Applejack grabbed her tail.
"Rainfow Dashf! Calm downf!" Applejack said with her friend's tail in her mouth.
Nightmare Moon chuckled and continued speaking, "Why, am I not royal enough for you? Don't you know who I am?"
Pinkie Pie began throwing off random names before Applejack threw a cupcake in her mouth, still biting Dash's tail.
Nightmare Moon flew over to Fluttershy who cowered in fear, then Rarity and brought the fog against her face.
Applejack was a bit distracted to listen what Twilight had to say, she held on to the rainbow pony's tail tighter. She was afraid that if she were to let go that Rainbow would attack the mysterious alicorn. One sentence hit the earth pony's ears though.
"You're Nightmare Moon!" Twilight Sparkle announced.
"Well well well, somepony who remembers me. Then you also know why I'm here," Nightmare Moon said, grinning a bit.
"You're here to... to..."
Nightmare Moon chuckled, "Remember this day, little ponies, for it was your last. From this moment forth, the night will last forever!"
