Applejack's Love Bug

Chapters

A place to stay
A new farm hoof
A Dreadful Night, But a Beautiful Morning
Family Matters and bonding time
A forceful unmasking
Confessions And Uncertainties
Confessions And Revelations
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner
New Bonds and Fall Outs
Chores and Choices

A place to stay

Applejack brings in the last bit of freshly bucked apples as rain starts coming down in buckets soaking her from head to toe as she enters the barn. She takes off her hat and hangs it to let it dry as water droplets trickle off it and onto the hay-covered barn floor. She starts stacking the baskets filled with apples one on top of the other, gently so as to not bruise them as water trickles off her hair. Once she's done she grabs her Stetson hat from where it hung and heads into the house, unknowingly leaving the barn door slightly ajar.

The orange earth pony sat down with her family to eat a dinner of mashed taters with brown gravy, fried taters, with a side of cheddar cheese broccoli and potato soup. The steam from the banquet wafted up from the plates and bowls, carrying the smell to their nostrils.

After all of them had eaten and stored away the leftovers they retired to bed for the night setting their alarms to wake them up early in the morning to get to work.

As they slept, the rain continued to pour down as a figure who appeared to be lost and running slipped into the barn, fully closing the door that had been ajar behind him before laying down in an empty stall. He curled into a ball thinking about how he ran away and how he never wanted to go back, he smelled something to the point of discovering the pyramid of apples the farm pony had just stacked and goes to grab one, on his way he accidentally trips and knocks over a hoe that falls and hits a bucket making a clashing sound, as he goes back into hiding hoping he wouldn't be caught.

In the house, Applejack was asleep in her bed with Winona laying on top of her blanket. The dog suddenly perked her ears up and began to bark in the direction of her owner's window, the middle apple sibling wakes up rubbing the sleep from her eyes as she wonders what's going on. "Huh, what's wrong, Winona?" She asked as she looked out the window, "there's nothing out there, come on girl let's get back to bed." The earth pony said as went to go back to bed, but Winona kept barking, this time moving to the door and scratching at the base gently while whining. Applejack saw this and got up to let her out as she left her room and let Winona outside where she went to the barn and started barking, whining, and scratching at the door trying to get in. "Huh, Winona, there's nothing in there. Come on, do your business and let's get back inside." The apple farmer goes to leave the barn, but Winona grabs her tail and pulls her whining more. "Alright girl, I'll check." Applejack says now not even sure if it was nothing or not as she starts to open the door.

The figure shivered and freaked out as a flash of green appeared before his eyes. The mare glanced around after entering and noticed the hoe and bucket beneath her hooves. Winona starts sniffing as she comes to the stall with the person hiding and starts barking. Applejack, a little nervous grabs her lasso before walking closer, "h-hello, who's there?" She asked as she saw a hoof emerge.

"H-hello, I hope you don't mind, I just needed a place to stay, I don't have any place to go." A voice said not coming out of his place.

Applejack was still a bit nervous, "come out so I can see yer face." She backed up a bit knowing how her cousins have been robbed before and trying to get as much distance as she can to defend herself, the pony came out, he had a blonde mane and tail, orange coat, a hoe cutie mark, and blue eyes. Applejack looked at him noticing the scars and bruises on him.

"I'm sorry miss, I was just looking for shelter from the storm." He said as he looked down winching in pain as some of the scars and bruises were fresh.

"Who are you?" Applejack said letting her guard down a bit, but still holding her rope ready to hogtie him, but has a look of concern when she sees the scars.

"My name is Pix Sprite, miss. And you don't have to worry, I'm not here to hurt anyone or steal anything." His stomach started to growl as he said that, he hasn't had a good meal in a while and was desperately starving, Applejack noticed the indention in the hay and noticed he was eyeing the apple pyramid and raised an eyebrow at him.

With a sigh, Applejack hung her rope back up and turned to Pix Sprite, "come on, follow me. I'll give ya something more filling than an apple." Applejack said as she whistled for Winona.

"How did ya know?" Pix Sprite asked, surprised she knew he was about to steal an apple.

"I saw the indention in the hay, don't worry I know ya must be hungry, now come on." Applejack said as she trotted out Pix Sprite following behind her.

Pix Sprite followed her into the house where she offered him a seat at the kitchen table, "please, have a seat, I'll get you some food." She said as Pix Sprite sat down. Applejack went to the fridge and took out her plate and bowl of leftovers from dinner and unwrapped the plastic covering them and placed them each in the microwave for two minutes. Once they finished heating up Applejack took them out and served them to Pix Sprite with a glass of sweet tea, "here ya go sugarcube, I'd like you to have my leftovers from tonight's meal, I'm sorry it's not fresh, it would've been better." But Pix Sprite didn't care, before Applejack could finish he started eating, wolfing it down as if someone was going to take it away from him.

"Woah there, sugarcube, you can slow down, no one's gonna take that from ya." Applejack said, taking her seat before asking, "Now why were ya hidin' in my family's barn specifically?"

Pix Sprite slowing down some swallowed what he had in his mouth before answering, "I just needed a place to hide, I-I was running away from home." This answer surprised Applejack as she couldn't dream of running away. Pix Sprite continued to eat, "this is really good miss, thank you." Pix Sprite said, savoring each bite on the verge of crying.

"Why would ya want to run away from yer home, I'm sure your mother must be worried sick about you." Applejack mentioned while Pix Sprite trembled a bit at the mention of the word mother specifically when she brung up the subject of his mother.

"Oh, sorry. Ya don't have to answer that if ya don't want to." Applejack said as she placed a hoof on his shoulder.

Pix Sprite started to act a little scared and flinched at seeing the movement before she gently touched him before he tried to explain, "no no, it's ok, I just had to get away, they didn't agree with my views if I stepped out if line, I was beaten, tortured, or even denied food. As for my mother, I don't know who she was, I was taken from her before I hatched.

Applejack began to bear a look of confusion "hatched?"

Pix Sprite realizing his slip quickly corrected himself "Oh, um. I mean before I was one, anyway, only two were nice to me and they helped me escape." Pix Sprite said as he finished eating and put the plate and bowl in the sink and started to wash them.

"Oh sugarcube, ya don't have to do that." Applejack said surprised at this. I'll get it later.

"I know I don't have to do this miss, but I want to, as a thank you for the food, it's the least I can do before I go." Pix Sprite said as he made sure to get all the suds off before drying it off and putting it in the cupboard.

"Well, thank you." Applejack said as she hugged Pix Sprite with tears in her eyes. "I'm sorry you had to go through that, is that how you got those scars?"

Pic Sprite flinched when Applejack- wrapped her hooves around him before blushing. "Y-yes, but it's fine, they'll heal." Pix Sprite said surprised at this much affection.

"But you don't have to go, it's rainin' cats and dogs out there." Applejack said, trying to get him to stay.

"I appreciate the offer miss, but I wouldn't want to be a burden, I don't have anywhere else to go or means of payment." Pix Sprite said not wanting to be a burden.

"Ah, pony feathers, ya won't be a burden, please stay, I can't let you live on the streets, tell you what, if you stay, I'll heal you up and you can help us out on the farm as compensation for food and board. Deal?". Applejack said, reaching out her hoof to seal the deal.

Pix Sprite thought about it for a second before grabbing Applejack's hoof she extended for a hoof shake "deal, thank you miss."

Applejack smirked and let out a small laugh before speaking, please, enough of the formalities, ya can call me Applejack."

Author's Note

A mysterious guest has made himself at home in the Apple family's barn, but can he be trusted. Do you know why he's so secretive? If you want to guess pm me

A new farm hoof

Applejack brought Pix Sprite up to her room after she had settled bandages and medicine on his cuts and bruises, upon entering the room she grasped some spare blankets for herself from out of her closet and gets ready to leave, "please sugarcube, take my room fer the night until we figure out where you can sleep permanently." Applejack said about to exit.

"Are you sure, mis-, I mean Applejack?" Pix Sprite said almost going back into his formal way of speaking for a split second. "I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable."

Applejack smiled and snickered a bit before speaking, "please sugarcube. I insist, I can't make you sleep on the couch, you are a guest in our home, it's the least I can do." Applejack said, closing the door behind her after telling Pix Sprite goodnight.

Pix Sprite wept a mixture of tears of joy and sadness to have genuine kindness as he made his way to the bed and got under the covers, he wept even more as he sank down into the soft mattress and was enveloped in the warm embrace of the blanket, something he never had in his old home.

The rain beat down on the house roof luring him into a sound sleep, the warmth of the blanket and having good food especially helped in him falling asleep fast.

The next morning Applejack woke up early and made her way upstairs to quietly open the door to her bedroom, she made her way over to her bed where Pix Sprite was sleeping and gently shook him, "Pix Sprite, wake up sugarcube."

Pix Sprite woke up in a groggy state, "huh, what time is it?" Pix Sprite asked as he let out a yawn, his eyes a little puffy from crying last night.

"It's five o'clock, time to get to work." Applejack said as she put the blankets she had used back in her closet. "Come on, the quicker we get done, the quicker we can get some breakfast." the farm pony said as she left the room and went out into the orchard.

Pix Sprite crawled out of the bed, making it up to how it looked before he laid down and left the room and rendezvoused with Applejack in the orchard as she waited for him.

"Alright sugarcube, we need to buck the ripe apples and store them in the barn, we'll be selling them tomorrow, we also need to milk the cows, feed the hogs, and feed the chickens and gather their eggs." Applejack said and listed off the routine for the day. Pix Sprite let out a small yawn while nodding in agreement.

"What would you like me to do first?" Pix Sprite asked eagerly, willing to lend a hoof after the kindness she had given him last night.

"Well, you can choose what you want to do first, it doesn't need to be in a particular order." the orange farm pony said as she started bucking trees, the apples falling perfectly in the baskets surrounding the trunk of the tree. Pix Sprite smiled as he approached a tree with baskets around the trunk indicating that it was ripe for bucking. Following Applejack's example, he hiked his back legs and put all of his energy into a powerful buck.

Upon bucking the tree, the fruit bearer shook slightly as a single apple fell and landed in one of the wicker baskets below. Upon seeing this Pix Sprite blushed feeling a little embarrassed that, that's all he could muster.

Applejack giggled a bit and went up and put a hoof around him. "Don't be embarrassed, sugarcube, ya did great." She said as she went back to bucking.

"But I only got one apple down." Pix Sprite said as he watched Applejack masterfully buck the trees causing all the apples to experience Newton's observation.

Applejack looked at Pix Sprite with a simple smile, "that's ok, you ain't gonna master the art of bucking in a day, besides I also only managed to buck down a single apple my first try as a young'un." She sheepishly admitted, but with a fond smile on her face.

This lifted Pix Sprite's spirits as he tried again, managing to get better and better as he and Applejack bucked trees together until they filled all the wicker baskets that were adorned around the ripe fruit trees' trunks.

Pix Sprite and Applejack leaned up against a tree as they caught their breath before attempting to move the baskets into the barn, and after a short break, they loaded up the cart and hauled the harvest into the barn, ready to sell them in the market tomorrow.

The rest of the chores were a breeze, Applejack helped Pix Sprite milk the cows after he admitted he didn't know how, when he went to gather the eggs the chickens chased after him causing him to run and scream, Applejack laughed at the sight causing him to blush and laugh a bit while she showed him that he can distract them with corn so he can gather the eggs, the easiest job was feeding the hogs which all he had to do was dump the slop bucket in the trough.

They finished the chores and finally were able to enjoy breakfast which consisted of eggs, toast, hash browns, pancakes, and coffee. The rest of the family had been busy taking care of stuff in the house and outside like cooking and cleaning. Granny Smith was cooking the banquet on the stove while Applefai was setting the table for five seeing they have a guest, Big Mac was just coming in from plowing the fields as Apple Bloom came in from placing last night's and this morning's harvest into crates.

"Well, howdy there boy." Applefai addressed Pix Sprite as he finished setting the table, "I must thank ya fer helping out around the farm." Applefai said as he gently patted him on the shoulder.

"T-thank you, sir." Pix Sprite said nervously at how calm he is with a stranger in the house.

"Alright, everypony, park yer caboose. Soups on." Granny Smith said as she prepared the plates, Applefai lending a helping hoof in preparing the plates.

Once everypony has gotten their plates they sit at the table as Granny begins saying grace, Pix Sprite joins in, knowing of what it is, after the elderly pony finished, they begin to eat.

As they ate, Pix Sprite was tearing up at how good this food is, the hash browns were crisp and chewy as they exploded with a salty flavor in his mouth, the syrup from the pancakes trickled down the side of the short stack as Pix Sprite cut off a bite. The coffee was bitter but had a pleasing aroma as Pix Sprite took a sip giving him a warm, toasty feeling, the eggs were cooked sunny side up and as Pix Sprite gently poked the yoke with a fork, the yoke burst running a bright yellow as Pix Sprite used the toast to soak it up.

They ate silently for the most part, it was not an uneasy feeling, but just enjoying each other's company. Pix Sprite was the last to finish just after Applejack. Using the paper towel given to him he wiped his mouth before speaking. "Thank you for the wonderful meal, please allow me to clean the dishes." Pix Sprite said as he got up to gather everypony's plate and started washing them.

"Your new friend is awfully polite, Applejack." Granny Smith said as she thanked Pix Sprite as he washed the dishes. "Was he the one you told us about?" Granny asked as she sat in her rocker.

"Yes, granny." Applejack said as she sat on the adjacent couch. "I was wonderin', do we have a spare room we could give him, he doesn't have anywhere to go." Applejack asked.

"Hmmmm." Granny Smith put her hoof to her chin as she closed one eye trying to think, "we could put him in yer patents' old room." Granny Smith suggested.

"That could work, I'll admit I feel a little guilty about doing it, but it's to help a fellow pony, I think they'll like that." Applejack said as she went to get the key to the room.

"That's a mighty fine way of looking at it young'un. They'll always be watching over us." the old mare said as she fell asleep in her chair.

Pix Sprite finished the dishes and put them in the rack to dry, Applejack then came into the kitchen. "Thank ya for doing the dishes, you really made mah granny's day." Applejack said as she admired his work.

"Oh, follow me." Applejack said as she led Pix Sprite up the flight of stairs. "We found a place for ya to stay, it's mah parents' room." Applejack said as she stopped at the door.

"Oh, uh thank you, but won't they need it?" Pix Sprite asked, not knowing the situation.

"Nah, it's ok." Applejack said as her ears dropped a little, "they're...no longer with us." Applejack said as she paused for a bit.

Pix Sprite's ears drooped, feeling like he overstepped a bit, "oh, i-i'm sorry, I didn't know." Pix Sprite said going in to hug the orange apple pony.

Applejack accepted the hug with a warm smile, "it's ok sugarcube, you don't have to apologize, you didn't know." Applejack said as she unlocked the door, "feel free to ask me anything about mah family, I'll gladly tell you whatever you want to know." Applejack said as she left to let Pix Sprite get comfortable.

A Dreadful Night, But a Beautiful Morning

Pix Sprite made himself comfortable in the room of Applejack's house, walking around to familiarize himself with the room. He plopped down on the bed and reached for the only thing he brought with him the moment he ran away. Looking at the felt figure brought him the only good memory of his family. Occupied by the suffering, he found joy in the books that inspired this felt trinket, he set the felt item on his pillow as he noticed the alarm clock on his nightstand, he gingerly caught the ticking clock and set it to wake him up ten minutes before five in the morning.

That night when everypony had retired to bed, Pix Sprite tossed and turned in his sleep as a nightmare unfolded. He found himself back in a dark cell as his stomach cried out in hunger, a shadowy figure approached him as he's enveloped in a magical aura and tossed to the wall.

"YOU WILL DO AS INSTRUCTED, IT IS YOUR NATURE!" The figure bellowed with a feminine voice. Pix Sprite weakly staggers to his feet.

"N-no, I don't want to, I don't want to hurt anyone." Pix Sprite wailed

"YOU REALLY ARE PATHETIC, DO YOU HONESTLY THINK YOU'LL BE ACCEPTED, DO YOU HONESTLY THINK SHE'LL STILL LIKE YOU AFTER YOU LIED TO HER? YOU ARE JUST LIKE US, MONSTERS, AND YOU CAN NEVER CHANGE THAT! The figure yelled.

"NOOOOO!" Pix Sprite yelled as he shot out of bed breathing heavily. Pix Sprite looks around noticing he is still at Sweet Apple Acres managing to catch his breath. He picks up his memento from the only family members he liked and knew as he holds it close.

Applejack rushed in and saw Pix Sprite sitting up. "Are ya okay, sugarcube? I heard ya screaming." She cooed and turned on the light. Pix Sprite was in a complete breakdown, deeply embracing the Daring Do doll like a newborn foal.

Pix Sprite gasped for air, trying to calm down. "Y-yeah, just a bad dream. I'm sorry I didn't mean to wake you." Pix Sprite said as he placed the Daring Do doll on the pillow blushing heavily that Applejack saw.

"Oh, would ya like to talk about it?" Applejack asked as she put a hoof around his shoulders.

"Just a nightmare about my past, I was back where I ran away from, I can still hear her voice." Pix Sprite shook with fear.. "I-I really appreciate what you've done for me, but I should leave." Pix Sprite mumbled as he started to get up.

"What? Why? Applejack asked with a curious look.

"I-i'm sorry, it's just I come from a bad crowd, they say I can't fight it. I don't want to hurt you or your family, I really should go. I'm sorry, I should've told you." Pix Sprite said, struggling to get up, but Applejack kept gingerly pulling him back down.

"Sugarcube, it's ok. Whoever yer family is yer not like them. When I saw you in the barn I knew you weren't there to hurt me." Applejack chuckled, pulling him into a hug. "Listen sugarcube, you are who you choose to be, I know you're not gonna hurt us, please stay."

"B-but…." Pix Sprite said before being cut off by Applejack gingerly placing her hoof on his mouth.

"I trust you, and so does my family. You are a good person so please stay." Applejack countered and removed her hoof from his mouth.

Pix Sprite's eyes welled up with tears as he threw his arms around Applejack. "Thank you, Applejack. I really needed to hear that.

"You're welcome, sugarcube." Applejack nodded and embraced the hug. "Oh, I should introduce you to Twilight, she loves Daring Do too." Applejack said she pointed to the doll.

Pix Sprite grinned sheepishly, hiding the blush. Seeing this Applejack chuckled a bit. "There's no need to be embarrassed about sugarcube, I also still have my favorite doll." Applejack smirked and playfully nudged him on the shoulder.

Pix Sprite blushed as Applejack said this before speaking. "Actually, this was given to me by my brothers when they helped me run away, I didn't even know I had brothers, but I guess they were taken to, they stayed behind to make sure they wouldn't look for me." Pix Sprite daydreamed to Applejack's honesty.

Applejack's ears dropped low while hearing this, "I hope they're okay." the orange pony said while patting Pix Sprite on the back.

Pix Sprite happily sighs as he looks at Applejack. "I know they are." Pix Sprite says as he sets the Daring Do doll beside him. "Thank you for checking on me, it really means a lot." Pix Sprite said as he completely calmed down.

"Yer welcome, sugarcube. I'm just glad I could help." Applejack raised up and headed to the exit "Best if we catch some more z's before it's time for work." Applejack said as she left the room.

Pix Sprite fell asleep with a smile on his face and snoozed for a good hour before the alarm started ringing to mark the awakening. The tired guest woke up to turn off the alarm and makes his way downstairs and outside, the rest of the Apple family hasn't risen yet so Pix Sprite takes it upon himself to pull the wagon into the barn and start to load it up with the crates of apples ready to be sold by the bushel or just a basket.

Pix Sprite spends ten minutes loading up the wagon and as he places the last crate on the transport, Applejack comes in with a look of surprise on her face.

"Well, mornin' early bird." Applejack greeted him at the doorway.

"I really wanted to surprise you so I set the alarm for ten minutes before five." Pix Sprite said as he blushed and wiped away the sweat from his brow.

"Well, ya sure did sugarcube, I highly appreciate it." Applejack said as she threw a hug around Pix Sprite. "Come on in and you and I will make breakfast for the family, it'll be another two hours before we can set up our booth." Applejack said as she and Pix Sprite walked to the house to start cooking breakfast.

Family Matters and bonding time

After breakfast Pix Sprite helped do the dishes before heading out to town with Applejack to sell the apples. They were joined by Applefai who quickly reached up to them.

"Mornin' you two, I see y'all are a few steps ahead." Applefai greeted them as he started walking beside them. Once they get into town they set up their stall and set the price for the apples. The prices range from ten bits for a basket to fifty bits for a whole barrel. There was enough for probably a whole day's worth of selling.

A few hours passed and Applejack realized that stock was looking scarce, "Hey y'all I'm gonna head back to the farm to grab some more stock, could y'all hold down the fort while I'm gone?" Applejack questioned as she hooked herself to the cart.

"S-sure thing." Pix Sprite answered while the farmer pony gave a simple nod as he made another transaction. With that Applejack set out to replenish the stock as the strange pony and Pix Sprite held down the fort.

A few minutes of uncomfortable silence passed. The duo faced each other. "I'm mighty grateful you're helping us out. I'm just sorry ya had to run away from home." The rival started a conversation in a nicer mood.

"I-it's alright, sir." Pix Sprite replied and placed the bits in a box.

The stallion chuckled a bit doing a transaction with the Cakes, who promptly exchanged two barrels of apples for one hundred bits. "Please, call me Applefai, no need to be formal."

"Ok, may I ask you a question, Applefai?" Pix Sprite asked, a little nervous.

"Ya just did." Applefai joked as he let out a laugh leaving Pix Sprite a little confused. "Ah, I kid, ask away." Applefai caught his breath as he lent an ear to Pix Sprite.

"Please forgive my curiosity, but what relation do you have with the Apples?" Pix Sprite inquired.

Applefai scratched his head before answering. "That is a good question, and one I'm happy to answer." Applefai said as he sold the last bit of stock and put up a sign reading "on break". "I'll admit some will think the name is obvious, but even I know it's just a name. I'm Applejack's cousin and nephew to Granny Smith." Applefai told Pix Sprite as they waited for Applejack to return.

"Oh." Pix Sprite said surprised. "I thought you were dating her." Pix Sprite sheepishly admitted.

Applefai chuckled again, patting Pix Sprite on the shoulder, "not since my creator changed my story." Applefai explained, causing Pix Sprite to look perplexed.

"So what are your parents like?" Pix Sprite asked, wanting to know more about the Apple family.

Applefai lowered his head a bit and let out a sigh. "They've been dead for a while now, they died protecting me and a friend of mine from timberwolves." Applefai told Pix Sprite as he teared up a bit.

"I-i'm sorry, I didn't mean to bring up something so personal." Pix Sprite apologized for not knowing only to have Applefai put a hoof up to stop him.

"It's alright, it's good to remember them, besides I know they're up there in heaven." Applefai said as he wiped his tears.

"What were their names and did you have any siblings?" Pix Sprite asked as Applefai smiled.

"My pa's name was Shadowkai and my ma's name was Apple Beat. My ma wanted to be a country star and my pa was a royal guard. My ma was the sister of Granny Smith. As for siblings I had two blood siblings, my twin brother Apple Ibara and big sister Vinyl Scratch."

Pix Sprite's eyes grew wide as he heard Vinyl's name. "Wait you mean the Vinyl Scratch, DJ PON3 herself?" Pix Sprite asked, surprised as even he had heard of her.

"Yes, but when Vinyl was born, she was switched at birth with Octavia Melody, when my parents found out I was already born so they figured they'd wait till I was older, but they died when I was five, and Octavia and I moved in with Granny Smith. Though I did find out eventually, I still consider Octavia part of the family though." Applefai continued.

Pix Sprite listened to the story full heartily as he sat there and didn't interrupt anymore. "That's a pretty sweet story, it's nice how family is always there for each other." Pix Sprite said as he smiled.

Applefai smiled as he patted Pix Sprite on his shoulder. "I want to tell you something, something only a select few know." Applefai said as he makes sure that nopony is looking their way. After determining it safe Applefai lifts up the front of his hat to reveal a horn to Pix Sprite before lowering it down to hide it once again.

Pix Sprite stood there surprised before speaking "y-you're an alicorn?" Pix Sprite whispered as he couldn't believe it.

Applefai turned to him and answered. "Yes, I am. I don't like showing it off so I hide it, I want ponies to like me for me, not because I'm technically a prince."

"But aren't you worried about living forever?" Pix Sprite asked knowing the stories about alicorns.

Applefai smiled and simply answered. "No, because alicorns don't live forever. I'll age normally and die like everypony else. All that talk about one thousand years is pretty much exaggerated.

Applejack returns to the stand and unloads the supplies, the trio then continues to sell apples until they completely run out at dusk. Once they get home Applejack takes the bits and starts counting the day's income and putting the majority away in a safe.

Applejack sets aside a small bag of bits and takes it up to Pix Sprite's room while Pix Sprite is in the shower. Before she could leave though, Pix Sprite comes back from the shower wrapped in a towel.

"Oh, I thought you'd be in there longer." Applejack spoke as she blushed and rubbed her head.

"It's ok." Pix Sprite walks to the bed to find a small bag of bits. "What's this?" Pix Sprite asked curiously as he picked it up.

"Yer payment. Fer all the help you gave us." Applejack told Pix Sprite as he held the bag.

"You don't have to pay me, I'll gladly help for free. Here, please…..".

Applejack interrupted by putting a hoof on Pix Sprite's muzzle, "please, keep it, I insist. That's 100 bits, that's so you can buy stuff for yourself, besides you're like a part of the family, so you should get a share." She removed her hoof and Pix Sprite placed the bag down on his nightstand as the orange mare smiled "Come on, dinner is ready."

The next morning, Pix Sprite walked around Ponyville with his Daring Do doll in a saddlebag Applejack lent him and searched for some treats he might like. He decided to go to the local bakery "Sugarcube Corner" to browse its wares. Upon entry, he spotted his fellow earth pony friend at a table enjoying an apple cupcake. The stallion silently approached the counter where he was cheerfully surprised by the other, but pink, female earth pony.

"Hiya, so you're the new farmhand AJ has been telling me about, I know it's late, but allow me to welcome you to Ponyville." The mare excitedly said as he approached.

"T-thank you." The male pony shyly thanked as he perused the menu board. "M-my name is Pix Sprite by the way.

"Nice to meet ya Pix Sprite, my name's Pinkie Pie." Pinkie introduced herself as she vigorously shook Pix Sprite's hoof.

As Pix Sprite looked at the menu Rainbow Dash walked in behind him and patiently waits in line as he tries to decide what to order. Pix Sprite decides to get an order of apple crisp and as he goes to retrieve the bits to pay, the Daring Do doll falls out and catches Rainbow's attention.

"Well, looks like a big strong stallion needs a security doll, don't tell me do you sleep with it when you get scared?" Rainbow Dash teased him causing him to blush but was about to draw him to tears. "Well come on tough guy, tell me." Rainbow continued until Applejack slammed the table resulting in everypony within earshot to jump. Pinkie proceeded to jump afterwards.

"THAT'S ENOUGH RAINBOW!" Applejack scolded her friend, standing and picking up the doll and dusting it off to put it back in Pix Sprite's bag.

"Ahh come on, AJ, I'm only kidding." Rainbow defended herself only to have Applejack arch an eyebrow at her.

"He doesn't know that, and besides ya like Daring Do too. Need I remind you of your stay in the hospital?" Applejack asked, causing Rainbow to blush.

With dropped ear,s Rainbow apologized to Pix Sprite with an approving nod from Applejack. Pix Sprite paid for his apple crisp and joins Applejack at her table. Rainbow joins later still feeling a bit bad.

"Hey dude, I want to say sorry again. I gotta admit it's pretty cool and I'm a bit jealous, I should look for one." Rainbow told Pix Sprite.

Pix Sprite finished his mouth full before speaking. "It's ok, I'll admit you're right, I do sleep with it, but it's also a reminder of my brothers." Pix Sprite said as he smiled. "My favorite book is, well, they're all too good to pick one." Rainbow smiled as she found another fan to geek out with her.

"I feel the same way. We should hang out sometime." Rainbow said as she flew out the door.

That night at the barn when everypony had fallen asleep, a thunderstorm rolled in and started pouring down. Lightning flashed and thunder crashed, jolting Pix Sprite awake he tries to ignore it but eventually, he starts whimpering and shaking, luckily he hasn't had any nightmares lately, but when he ran away from home, he had to spend many nights alone in the woods, and it was there he developed a fear of thunder, a fear of lightning, and the ever crippling fear of being alone.

Pix Sprite's low whimpers are heard by Applejack who is just heading back to bed from the restroom. She enters the room and turns on the light. "Ya ok, sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she saw him shake and shiver.

"Yeah, I'm ok." Pix Sprite fibbed not wanting to feel embarrassed.

Applejack smiled as she came over and sat on his bed. "You're afraid of thunderstorms aren't ya, sugarcube?" Applejack asked as she wrapped a hoof around Pix Sprite and pulled him into a hug.

Pix Sprite sheepishly nodded yes as Applejack smiled and started to stroke his mane. "It's ok, it'll pass. Would you like me to sleep with you tonight?" Applejack offered Pix Sprite causing him to blush.

"A-are you sure?" Pix Sprite asked embarrassed as Applejack turned off the light and laid down with him.

"I'm sure, sugarcube. I don't mind" Applejack said as she held Pix Sprite in her arms to keep him calm from the storm outside as they both fell into a blissful sleep.

Author's Note

Yes, I have it where my oc can break the forth wall.

I was originally going to ship Applefai with Applejack, but she began to feel more like family to him

A forceful unmasking

It's been months since Pix Sprite proved to be a remarkable help for the Apple family. On one of his days off, he visited a store and bought a saddle bag that caught his attention. Luckily the stallion was able to save up enough bits to buy it and continue saving. He entered the store and retrieved the saddlebag with an emblem of a Heather flower on each side. He brought it to the counter and was greeted by the clerk.

"Morning, will that be all for you today?" The pony asked while ringing up the item.

"Yes, thank you." Pix Sprite replied as the clerk began to place the saddlebag in a paper bag. "Oh, no bag please, I'll wear it out.

"Ok sir, that'll be sixty bits." The sales pony said as they began to put the saddlebag on Pix Sprite.

"Thank you, here you go." Pix Sprite said as he tossed the exact amount on the counter and left the store.

On his way home, the stallion stumbled upon an alluring smell. Following his nose, he found a wild patch of rosemary and thyme growing side by side together. After enjoying the aroma Pix Sprite hightailed it home. Upon his arrival to Applejack's farm, he delivered her the saddlebag she lent him and then thanked her.

"Thank you for everything Applejack." Pix Sprite said as Applejack embraced the hug while she held onto the saddlebag.

"You're welcome sugarcube, so I'm guessing you bought yourself a pretty nice saddlebag huh?" Applejack asked.

"Yeah, pretty cool huh, it's got a Heather flower emblem on it." Pix Sprite said, showing off his new bag smiling with joy.

"It is a pretty flower." Applejack said with admiration to the stallion's joy. "Ya better get ready for dinner, it'll be done here shortly."

Heading Applejack's advice, Pix Sprite went upstairs and into the bathroom to freshen up. In front of the mirror, he finally felt safe enough to cover himself in green flames.

As Pix Sprite washed up, he recalled the good times he's had here the past few months, remembering the disaster that happened at The Royal Wedding and how it could've been so much worse. Another flash of green surrounded him as he left to join Applejack and her family for dinner, but something in his gut told him something was wrong. Fearing the worst Pix Sprite ran outside only to see a black cloud coming over, but it wasn't a black cloud.

"Scatter! That traitor has to be here somewhere, take as many prisoners as you have to, to lure him out."

Pix Sprite with tears in his eyes, galloped in their direction repeating "No" to himself, unaware that Applejack is following behind.

Queen Chrysalis landed in a small clearing and Pix Sprite met her there panting from the jog.

"Well well well, so this is where you've been hiding. Chrysalis sneered as Pix Sprite stood in front of her.

"P-please, leave this place alone. I-I'll surrender." Pix Sprite tried bargaining with her.

"You have no grounds to bargain with me, you lowly grub, I'll take you prisoner and you will embrace who you are, you will drain the love of each and every one of your friends here." Chrysalis snarked back.

"P-please, I-I don't want to fight you, but I will if I must." Pix Sprite replied with shaking hooves.

"Hmph, then you shall die where you stand." The changeling queen roared and blasted Pix Sprite back with her magic causing his disguise to be dropped. The force of the blast was so strong he hit a tree and started bleeding a bit, but he wasn't gonna let Chrysalis take away everything he loved. Thankfully the drones stopped with her so there was no immediate invasion, but the Mane Six was already there and thankfully the rest of Ponyville was inside their homes preventing them from seeing his true form "And to think I wouldn't have tracked you down if it wasn't for me sensing you at the wedding."

Chrysalis then walked over to her former subject.

"I-I won't give up." Pix Sprite persists as he powers up an attack from the love he's shared with Applejack, He fires it at his used to be queen, but only managed to hurt her enough to make her limp, the queen tried to attack again only to be hit with the elements draining her of her power.

With no love to use as power Chrysalis made a proclamation to Pix Sprite "Sooner or later you will show your true colors, and then you'll drain this land of its love, then and only then, you'll become king, you're the only one that can." Chrysalis weakly said before telling the drones to retreat.

Pix Sprite stood there unaware of Applejack and her friends being there, once he realized he froze in shock as blood dripped down his injuries from the attack he endured.

"P-pix Sprite? Is that really you, sugarcube?" Applejack asked, attempting to approach him only to be stopped by Rainbow Dash.

"What in Equestria are you doing, didn't you hear Chrysalis? She tracked him down here. HE led her here!" Rainbow shouted glaring angrily at Pix Sprite.

"Please, let me explai----." Pix Sprite tried to explain himself before being rudely interrupted by Rainbow Dash.

"SAVE IT LARVAE! we don't want to hear your excuses. You betrayed us and you'll do it again. I don't care if you want stay or not, but you better not show your face around me or Scootaloo." Rainbow shouted before flying off.

The rest watched her fly off as Pix Sprite collapsed on the ground causing Applejack to shout his name in terror.

Twilight used her hoof to check his pulse breathing a small sigh of relief. "He's ok, he just passed out from exhaustion, we should get him back to Ponyville, but we should keep him out of the public eye for a while. I truly believe he has no malicious intent, but we should question him ."

Author's Note

I got the name Pix Sprite since the changelings are based on the changelings of lore. The changeling of lore like in MLP feeds on love(I think). But they often abduct a human child and replace it with one of their own.

Changelings are practically fairies which is why I mentioned Heather flower, rosemary, and thyme.

Pix Sprite's name reflects the fairy background of changelings

Confessions And Uncertainties

Pix Sprite started to wake up groaning in pain as he struggled to open his eyes, the world around him appeared to be blurred and sound seemed naught but a ringing sensation. Once his vision cleared out, he examined his surroundings and saw that he's in some sort of lab, trying to move; he realizes he's restrained, but not to the point of being immobile.

He caught a glimpse of the opening door and a purple unicorn walking up to him. "Thank the stars you're ok, you've been asleep for two days." the purple pony said while she held her hoof to her chest. "I know you have no malicious intentions, but I just want to be safe, and I just want to run a few tests. I hope you can forgive me, Pix Sprite." She continued as she read some papers that were on a machine next to Pix Sprite.

Twilight shuffled through the papers eagerly as she mumbled to herself while reading.

"Umm, what kind of tests exactly?" Pix Sprite asked, not showing any resistance.

"Oh, just checking your vitals, you took a pretty nasty blast, to be honest, I actually want and need to do these tests, I want to because you defended us, and I'm grateful. The need is because there's somepony really worried about you." Twilight said as she took his blood pressure.

Pix Sprite's ears drooped as he heard this and immediately knew who it was. "I-Is she ok, is Applejack safe?" Pix Sprite asked with a little fear in his voice.

"She's fine; in fact, she's waiting outside that door waiting to see you." Twilight said, pointing to the wooden door. "I'll let you two talk after I check your heartbeat." Twilight continued as she took off the Sphygmomanometer and registered his blood pressure as normal. Twilight then put her clipboard down and donned a stethoscope placing the earpieces in her ears and holding the diaphragm at the ready, she gingerly placed the diaphragm on Pix Sprite's chest who jumps a little as the cold metal touches his skin. "Sorry." Twilight said as she took the diaphragm off and blew twice on it to warm it up. "Better?" Twilight asked as she finished up checking his heartbeat.

"Better." Pix Sprite said as he took steady breaths as she checked in both the front and back.

After Twilight finished she wrote everything down on her clipboard. "Well everything is in working order and no damage done, and I have a confession to make. I also wanted to study the changeling body and it appears it works similar to our own." Twilight said blushing. "I hope you can forgive me."

"I understand, though all you had to do was ask." Pix Sprite said understandingly. Pix Sprite shifts a bit. "Can you please take these restraints off?" Pix Sprite asked, causing Twilight to blush more.

"Oh umm, right." Twilight sheepishly smiled as she removed the restraints and helped him up. "Again, sorry for the restraints." Twilight apologies again.

"It's ok, I understand." Pix Sprite said as he and Twilight walked out of the room to see Applejack.

On the other side of the door, Applejack paces back and forth while Spike tries to calm her down. Hearing the door open she looks in the direction and swells up in tears. She immediately jumps onto Pix Sprite knocking him to the floor.

"Oh thank heavens yer ok." The orange pony said as she wrapped him in a tight hug.

Pix Sprite, surprised by this, just embraced the hug as he caught his breath.

"You darn scared me half to death when you fell." Applejack said while she hugged him not wanting to let go.

"I'm sorry, but I think I should go." Pix Sprite said as he tried to break the hug.

"No." The farm mare said as she tightened her grip.

"B-but." The changeling said in protest before Applejack gingerly placed a hoof on his mouth to silence him.

"But nothing, I don't care if yer a changelin', I'm just glad yer ok." Applejack said, breaking the hug.

Pix's ears droop as he hears this, t-thank you, Applejack, but she wouldn't have come here if it were for me, if I didn't stand up to her she would have never….." Pix Sprite is once again interrupted by Applejack's hoof.

"Stop blamin' yerself, she could have also been here for me and mah friends, we did defeat them after all."

Pix gently removes her hoof. "You have a point, but…."

"Please stay, ya more than earned a place on the farm." Applejack pleaded with tears in her emerald eyes.

Pix Sprite looked at Applejack and sighed, he wanted to stay but was still unsure. "Why? I'm a changeling, nopony is gonna trust me, nopony will even get near me, nopony will..."

Applejack, desperate to convince him to stay, interrupted him and yelled, "Because I love ya." causing Pix Sprite to blush.

A few moments of silence passed with Applejack and Pix Sprite blushing redder than Applejack's apples.

"Y-you really mean that?" Pix asked as he broke the silence.

Applejack, still blushing, responds "Y-yeah, yer a good help on the farm, and every time we worked alone, it felt really nice." Applejack admitted as she rubbed the back of her head.

After a few more moments of silence, Pix Sprite responds "Okay, I'll stay, but I don't feel safe in this form, I know some ponies already know now, but I'll be sticking to my disguise." Pix Sprite said as he placed a hoof on Applejack's back.

"I understand, but please let's at least tell mah family." Applejack asked, holding Pix's hoof in her's.

Pix sighed, but he understood why, all that time he worked with Applejack, he had seen how much honesty meant to her. "Alright, but what if they don't accept me?" Pix asked worriedly.

Applejack held his hoof tighter, ''if they don't then I'll move out, but I'm almost certain they will accept ya." Applejack said, knowing full well of the grim possibility.

"If it comes to that you and Pix are more than welcome to stay here." Twilight said, placing an affectionate hoof on Applejack's back.

"Thank ya, sugarcube." Applejack responded as she let go of Pix's hoof.

Pix closes his eyes and changes back into his disguised form. A gentle flash of green flashes as he changes. His mane is now blonde, his coat orange, his eyes becoming emerald green. Upon his flank rested his cutie mark which was that of a garden hoe. "Ok, I'm ready." The changeling said as Applejack opened the door, the gleam of the sun greeting them as they made their way to Sweet Apple Acres.

Confessions And Revelations

Author's Note

This chapter is a bit shorter, but hopefully I can do 1k in the next one

Confessions And Revelations

The walk to Sweet Apple Acres was one of silence, Applejack could sense the tenseness in Pix, so she figured any questions she may have would be better to ask for later. When they arrived back at the farm, the sun had begun to set, entering dusk. The sky was painted in a variety of yellow, orange, and red. A dead silence rang through the orchard as the chores had already been done.

"I'm sorry that I couldn't help ya out with the chores, Applejack." Pix Sprite said as they neared home.

Hearing the ya, Applejack smirked. "Sounds like you're getting the southern drawl there, Pix."

"I-I guess you're rubbin' off on me." Pix said blushing redder than the apples in the trees.

"Hehe, it's cute. "And it's ok that you weren't here to help, sugarcube. Ya were out cold. It's understandable." The farm pony said as she approached the door.

"Applejack, wait." Pix Sprite said as she started to open the door.

"Yes sugarcube, what is it?"

The changeling looked down at his hooves, "I remembered what you said at Twilight's, you said you loved me."

The farm mare blushed as she heard him bring it up, "y-yeah, I do. But why do you bring that up now?" She asked.

"Because, I love you too, when we worked together, a nice warm feeling washes over me. That's why I wanted to leave, I thought it would keep you safer." Pix answered, opening up his feelings for her.

Tears welled up in the orange mare's eyes. She embraced the bug stallion.

"Sugarcube, I love ya too. I love you so much that if I was in danger of being around you, I'd gladly stick by your side." Applejack said as he kissed his cheek causing him to blush.

"R-really?" Pix asked as he blushed red as an apple.

"Really sugarcube, just remember just because you're a changeling doesn't mean you have to do what the rest do, you're the master of your own destiny." Applejack reassured him as she opened the door.

"Thanks, Applejack." Pix said and followed her to the entrance.

Once inside, Pix Sprite went upstairs to clean up for dinner, running into Applefai along the way. "Well howdy there pardner, ya sure gave us a scare."

The stallion greeted him in the hall with a tip of his hat.

"S-sorry, Applefai" the changeling said as he stopped to talk to him.

"Ah, it's alright, I'm just glad yer alright, fer your sake and Applejack's I can tell she fancies ya, and that you fancy her" Applefai replied as he patted Pix on the shoulder.

"T-thank you, Applefai. And how did you know?" The farmhand asked curiously as to how he knew. He continued to the bathroom and reached for the doorknob.

"Ah, it's just intuition, I have a gift for sensing these things, also I don't blame ya fer hiding yer true form." Applefai said, causing Pix to freeze in his tracks. "If yer wonderin' how long I knew, I always knew from the moment I saw ya, but I could tell that there was no malice in yer heart, I haven't told the others, I'll leave that to you."

This one answered before Pix could ask a question as he descended downstairs and helped with the cooking.

Pix washed up for dinner in the bathroom, while he looked in the mirror in front of the sink, he saw the orange farm mare standing behind him. "I saw you and Applefai talkin'." The orange pony said as she came in. "I'm guessin' he told ya he already knew." she giggled to herself

"I don't know how he does it, but we all have some gift." she said as she looked at Pix, his blue eyes were dilated with fear and anxiety, but also filled with calmness as he looked into her green eyes. He soon closed his eyes and surrounded himself in a flash of green as he dropped his disguise.

"Yeah, he did and I think I want to meet the family like this." Pix said as he turned off the sink.

"If that's what ya want, sugar cube" Applejack replied. She brushed her lips against his cheek and went downstairs. Pix took a deep breath and followed her.

Guess Who's Coming To Dinner

Applejack and Pix Sprite neared the kitchen, the aroma of dinner wafted through the air as the smell of cheddar cheese broccoli and potato soup and cornbread filled the corridor. The orange mare went in first to see Granny Smith slaving over a hot stove while Apple Bloom and Big Mac helped set the table.

The elder pony turned around and saw her granddaughter, leaving the pot, she beckoned Applefai to take her place and stir the pot and told him to add a bit of cream cheese to the soup before she went over to Applejack and hugged her. "I heard ya went to check on Pix today sugar booger, how is he?" Granny asked while she hugged her eldest granddaughter.

Applejack embraced the hug and smiled. "He's gonna be ok, he actually came home today." The orange farm pony said with a smile.

"That's great, so where is he?" Granny asked as she scanned the house for him.

"He's right behind me, but he does have something to tell y'all, just please don't freak out." Applejack said, motioning for the stallion to come on in.

Pix walked into the kitchen as Granny Smith's, Big Mac's, and Apple Bloom's eyes widened. They gawked at him for a few minutes before Granny Smith spoke. "So, yer a changeling?"

"I am, I'm also deeply sorry for hiding it from you, I was afraid, and after the attack on Canterlot I was even more scared." The changeling replied as he hung his head a bit. "But I don't intend to hurt anypony, I want to share love, not take it."

He continued looking down. "I came here because my brothers helped me escape. I ran into your barn during a rainstorm for shelter, that's where Applejack found me, I'm so sorry if I hid this from you all." He continued as he hung his head low.

The elder approached him and put a hoof under his chin to meet her gaze. "It's alright, sugar. We understand, and you're welcome to stay, I'm sure you have nowhere else to go and we can't in good conscience kick you out into the street." Granny said, causing the changeling to tear up.

"Thanks Miss Smith." Pix said as he wiped the tears from his eyes.

"Ah, you can call me by my name, you're like family now." She said as she sat down in her chair. Applefai served the family, dishing out bowls of soup and led the family in a prayer. Seeing this, Pix Sprite joined in by bowing his head and closing his eyes.

After the prayer the Apple family began to eat silently until a curious voice broke the silence.

"So you really are a changelin'?" Apple Bloom asked while she sat on Pix Sprite's left.

"I am." Pix Sprite said as he ate.

"That's so cool, so what's it like? What do changelings eat besides love? Does it hurt to transform? Do you love my sister?" she asked a torrent of questions, Pix Sprite and Applejack blushing on the last one.

"Apple Bloom!" Applejack exclaimed, blushing bright red. That last one is none of yer business, but the other ones you can't just ask willy nilly." The orange pony said as she ate.

"It's ok, Applejack, she's just curious." The stallion said as he ruffled the young apple farmer's hair. "Being a changeling is really no different, we work, just as ponies do, but have a buggy fairy-like appearance, we do eat other things besides love, like honeysuckle. It doesn't hurt when we transform. And as your sister said, the last one isn't your business." Pix answered her questions kindly and gently as he ate.

After dinner Pix Sprite did the dishes as Applejack helped. "You know you didn't have to join us in grace right?" Applejack asked, while Pix Sprite scrubbed the dishes and handed them to her to dry them.

"It's ok, I'm a believer too, God helped me when I was down, he still is." He replies as he scrubs the last dish.

"That he is, I'm sorry if Apple Bloom overwhelmed you with the questions." Applejack said as she dried the dish and put it on the rack.

"It's ok, she's just curious, a fine quality to have." Pix said while he dried his hooves.

Pix Sprite then goes to his room with Applejack coming in after him.

"If you don't mind, I have a few questions for ya." She said blushing as she twiddled her hooves.

"Ask away, I'll try to answer to the best of my ability." he replied calmly, sitting down on the bed.

"Does it hurt the ponies you steal love from?" Applejack asked, joining Pix Sprite on the bed in idle conversation.

"It can." Pix Sprite said as he scooted over to make room for Applejack before continuing. "It'll hurt them if it's forcibly done, that's why we disguise ourselves as the pony you love." Pix finished.

"Does it….kill the pony or creature you take love from?" she then asked with a little hesitation.

"No, it only weakens them. They would slowly regain strength within a few weeks." The changeling answered without falter.

Applejack looked up at Pix Sprite. "Do you remember Trixie?"

"That magician that was boastful, yeah what about her?" Pix furrowed his brow.

"If she comes back do you think you could feed on her love to make her weak, just so she can learn a lesson?" Applejack asked. "Sorry if I'm putting you on the spot or making you uncomfortable."

Pix Sprite giggled. "It's ok, but no I won't do that, not just because I don't want to steal it, it's because self-love like that tastes horrible." Pix said, causing Applejack to laugh.

"How'd you find that out, sugarcube and what does it taste like?" Applejack asked curiously.

"Self-love tastes like bruises on fruits or those brown spots on bananas. I learned that because when I was starving, Chrysalis force-fed me some of her love so I would survive." Pix Sprite said as he laughed, but then went silent remembering the torture Chrysalis put him through.

"Oh, I know what you mean, yeah those things ruin the fruit." Applejack said, knowing what Pix Sprite meant. "If you don't mind me asking, what's the deal with you and Chrysalis?" Applejack asked.

Pix took a deep breath before speaking. "I was supposed to marry her, despite my timidity I'm the most likely candidate to replace her if she died, but also the one with the most potential to be her mate. But I didn't want to marry her, I didn't love her, so when I refused, I was imprisoned and tortured until I complied. My brothers Thorax and Pharynx helped me escape and they stayed behind so that she wouldn't look for me, I guess it worked for awhile."

"I'm sorry all that happened to you." Applejack said as she got up. Before she left, she turned to Pix Sprite. "I have one more question, well actually two."

Pix Sprite nodded. "What are they?" He asked as she took a breath.

"How do you know that the ponies will only be weak?" She asked.

"Oh, I learned that from observation, and Chrysalis told me. She would often bring a pony to try to get me to eat, but when I refused she did it herself. After she had drunk the love, she teleported them back home without any memory of her." Pix answered.

"But what if she was lying to you?" Applejack asked.

"She has no reason to, if she were to kill the source, we'd soon run out of food." The changeling replied.

Applejack nodded in understanding. "Good point. Now the second question? Isn't Chrysalis the mother of all changelings?"

"Actually no, one would assume, but we do have separate parents, my brothers and I hatched and then at the age of five we were taken by the queen to start training. Which I did take part in, but only to learn self-defense." Pix answered.

"Ah, I see. Well good night Pix, see you in the morning." The orange farm pony said as she headed for the door.

"There is one good thing that came out of it though." Pix said while Applejack was about to leave.

"What's that sugarcube?" Applejack asked before she left.

"If none of that happened, I would have never met you." Pix said sheepishly as Applejack blushed.

"Hehe, we should get some sleep, big day tomorrow, see you in the morning, my very special somepony." Applejack said as Pix blushed and said goodnight back.

Laying in bed Pix Sprite smiled as his heart beat rapidly, he fell asleep soundly and succumbed to a dream.

New Bonds and Fall Outs

Pix slept soundly and awoke the next morning with the help of his alarm clock, he meets Applejack outside in the hall as she got ready for work as well. She put on her hat and greets Pix with a friendly smile.

“Mornin’, sugarcube. How did ya sleep last night?” she asked as she walked with him downstairs.

“I slept good.” Pix responded,helping Applejack get some cooking equipment.

“That’s good, sugarcube, I’m glad you did.” Applejack replied as she began to mix pancake batter.

Pix helped her make the breakfast by frying some eggs and hay bacon strips, carefully monitoring the food to make sure that it doesn’t burn .

Once all the Apple family had awakened they sat down around the square table in the kitchen and ate their breakfast, Pix felt safe and secure seeing that none of the ponies around him bore him any ill will.

After breakfast, Applejack and Pix went out into the field and started doing their chores. They fed the hogs and gathered the eggs, even milked the cows before starting on bucking the apples.

The two of them worked until the sun set, after placing the last basket into the barn, the two of them decided to go into town.

Before going, Pix Sprite put on his disguise form and joined her in going to the market. There they bought more seeds and animal feed, along with some food for the house to be delivered. After a small bit of shopping the two went over to sugarcube corner where Pinkie greeted them.

“Hello, I’m assuming you want the usual, Applejack?” Pinkie asked, bringing out a slice of apple pie,

“Ya know me well, Pinkie.” Applejack said as she paid for the treat.

“And what would you like, Pix?” Pinkie asked the now outed changeling, not bothering to ask why he’s hiding but still friendly towards him.

“I’d like the apple crisp please.” Pix said as Pinkie brought out the crumbly dessert.

Pix paid for his treat and sat at a table with Applejack. The two of them ate their dessert and talked about current events and even more about changeling culture.

All goes well until they prepare to leave and see Scootaloo falling from hitting a bump in the road with her scooter. Not wanting her to get hurt Pix Sprite rushed in to catch her.

“Are you ok, little one.” he asked as he put Scootaloo down on the ground.

Shaking off her shock, Scootaloo smiled and looked up. “Yeah, thanks for the help. Scootaloo said as she retrieved her Scooter.

“You’re welcome, I know you have on a helmet, but you can’t be too careful.” Pix said, causing Scootaloo to smile. As Scootaloo rolled away, Rainbow showed, up.

“I told you to stay away from her.” Rainbow said angrily as she stared daggers into Pix.

“I-I only meant to stop her from crashing.” the incognito changeling said as he stumbled over his words.

“It doesn’t matter, she knows you’re a changeling as well as everypony else who saw it, you may have them fooled, but you’re only trying to get our trust just so you can backstab us.” Rainbow said, getting closer to Pix’s face.

“RAINBOW THAT’S ENOUGH!” the orange mare yelled at her friend before turning to Pix. “Pix, go on to the house and I’ll see you there. Applejack said.

Following her instructions, Pix left for home and Applejack turned her attention to Rainbow. “What in tarnation is yer problem, he only helped is that such a crime?” Applejack asked as Rainbow was still fuming.

“Don’t you get it Applejack, he’s trying to get on our good side so he can turn us over to Chrysalis.” the rainbow maned pegasus said while hovering.

“NO HE’S NOT” Applejack said angrily through gritted teeth.

“OPEN OUR EYES, AJ!” Rainbow yelled before continuing. “Why are you defending that larva, he’s only going to betray you.” Rainbow said as Applejack looked on in anger, before bucking her friend in the gut knocking all the air out of her.

“Don’t you DARE call him that around me again, I LOVE him and if you can’t accept that, then I think this is where our friendship ends.” Applejack said as she walked away.

“C’mon, You really don’t mean that, AJ.” Rainbow said, shocked, but calling her friend’s bluff.

“I do Rainbow Dash, I don’t want you coming around the farm anymore for visits, you may come during cider season, but now for you it’s full price,” Applejack said as she walked off, leaving Rainbow alone.

When Applejack got back to Sweet Apple Acres, she saw Pix Sprite helping Granny Smith with the cooking, smiling to herself she too lended a helping hoof. When Applejack and Pix had a moment alone Pix noticed that his marefriend’s eyes were puffy. “Hey, are you ok?” the concerned changeling asked.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” the farm pony tried to say, but Pix could tell something was up.

“Applejack, if there’s anything I can do to help I will.” the changeling said. Applejack let out a small smile.

“I know you will, but there’s nothing you can do. I just had to break a friendship today.” Applejack said, causing Pix’s ears to droop.

“Did I cause it?” Pix asked, feeling bad while Applejack looked at him and caressed his face in her hoof.

“No you didn’t, sugarcube, you did not cause it, it’s Rainbow.” Applejack said as she kissed Pix. “Don’t go blaming yourself now, it’s Rainbow and her feelings, I love you and if that means losing a few friends, I’m ok with that, because I know you won’t betray me and I’ll always defend you.” Applejack said, causing Pix to smile.

“Thank you.” Pix replied before he started glowing, his black body disappeared as a green one took its place, his eyes remained blue as he got a purple mane and wings. After the transformation Applejack was stunned.

“Pix, you look majestic.” Applejack said as she nuzzled up to him.

“T-hank you, but I don’t know how it happened, Pix said as they wrapped up making dinner.

The rest of the night was filled with excitement, they all talked about Pix’s new look and wondered on how it happened.

After dinner, Applejack and Pix went to bed, their bellies full and eyes heavy. “Today was an eventful day.” Applejack said as Pix nodded.

“I’m just sorry you lost a friend.” Pix said before Applejack placed a hoof on his mouth.

“I told you not to worry about that. Anyway, you should get some sleep. Good night.” Applejack said before kissing Pix Sprite good night and retreating to her room.

Chores and Choices

Pix Sprite went to bed shortly after Applejack, he knew something was off and he knew it had something to do with Rainbow Dash, he knew that Applejack had told him not to worry about it but he couldn't help it.

He lays in his bed looking up at the ceiling, wondering how he could help fix this, 'I could invite Rainbow Dash and Applejack to the same location, or maybe…no,' he thinks to himself as he contemplates silently.

He tosses and turns in his bed, trying not to think about it, eventually falling asleep after a few hours.

The alarm sounds four hours later, waking him up. He groans slightly as he dismisses the alarm and gets out of bed.

He groggily heads downstairs, noticing that everypony else is still asleep. ''Hmm, I forgot I set the alarm ten minutes early," Pix said to himself as he headed out the door and started doing the daily chores.

He had been living with the Apples for a few months now and had grown accustomed to farm life, he quickly and effectively milks the cows, feeds all the livestock, and even harvests the ripe apples all before anypony else wakes up. 'I'll have to make sure not to make this a habit, though the evening chores will come around,' he thinks to himself as he places the apples in the barn and the milk in bottles.

When Pix Sprite returns inside he opens the fridge and gets out hay bacon, eggs, and milk, he gets out the pancake mix and starts making breakfast for the Apples, when he grips the cast iron skillet with his hoof however, it slightly burns him causing him to wince in pain.

He grits his teeth as he prepares breakfast, he starts cooking the hay bacon, making sure to get it crispy. As he cooks, the smell of the food drifts through the air, making its way to the rooms of the Apple family.

Applejack is the first to wake up and head downstairs to see Pix Sprite finishing up.

"Morning, Sweetie," Pix says as he notices her, putting the final egg on the plate.

"Morning, Pix you didn't have to do this," Applejack says as she comes up and hugs him.

Pix embraces the hug with his burnt hood. "I know, but I wanted to," he replies as he hands Applejack her plate.

Applejack went to grab the plate when she noticed his burn and gasped. "Pixie, are you ok, you burned yourself?" Applejack asked as she put her plate on the table before examining Pix's hoof.

"Yeah I'm ok," Pix replied as Applejack looked at his burn.

"Did you burn yourself?" The orange mare asked as she looked at Pix with concern in her eyes.

"Yeah, but it's ok, it'll heal," Pix said as he placed hay bacon, eggs, and some pancakes on Applejack's plate before pouring her a glass of milk.

Applejack couldn't help but to look at the burn, "I can help you doctor that if ya want," Applejack offered. "Gotta be careful, that skillet gets pretty hot," Applejack said as she waited for the others to get downstairs.

"The pan wasn't hot at the time I got this burn," Pix replied, confusing Applejack as Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith, came in and sat down.

"What do you mean, Pixie?" AppleJack asked.

"I'll tell ya later," Pix said as he served the rest of the family.

"Hmmmmm, this smells pretty good, Pix Sprite, you sure know your way around an oven," Granny Smith said as she bowed her head and led the family in grace.

"Thank ya," Pix replied after Granny finished saying grace. "I'll admit, it's not bad for my first time by myself," Pix said while smiling.

"Yeah, you did do good, I remember teaching you before we left for town that one day," Applejack replied as Pix smiled.

"You'd make a good teacher," Pix replied, making Applejack blush.

"It really is good, Pix, the first time I cooked I ended up burning everythin'," Big Mac said as he dug in.

"Yeah, it's really good, Pix, maybe you and Applejack can teach my friend, Sweetie Belle," Apple Bloom replied as she went back to eating.

"Well, I'm glad you all like it, I made it with love," Pix replied, making them all snicker a bit.

Hearing them snicker made Pix smile. "It's true though, us changelings can cook and make with the love we consume," he admitted.

The revelation shocked the family, but they still ate breakfast knowing that it was willfully given love. "So that's what love tastes like," Granny said as she looked at Pix. "Does love ever have a different flavor?" She asked as Pix sat by Applejack and ate his breakfast.

"Yes actually, depending on the circumstance, the passion, and the type of love. For example, Trixie's love will taste like bruised fruit or those brown spots on bananas," Pix said as Apple Bloom gagged at the thought.

"Oh, I hate those spots," she replied as Pix smiled.

"Pix, really, how did you get that burn from a cold skillet?" Applejack asked, changing the subject.

Pix Sprite sighed as he knew he couldn't hide it. "It's because I'm a changeling," Pix said as all the family looked at him.

"I know it sounds weird, but cast iron or iron, in general, burns us changelings, because of our fairylike anatomy," Pix replied.

"So like vampires and garlic?" Applejack asked.

"Precisely," Pix replied. "We can still eat iron-rich foods, though," Pix continued

"Maybe we can find different skillets so you can cook if you want to," Applejack said as Pix shook his head.

"Nah, it's ok, I don't mind a little burn, it heals fast anyway," Pix says as he finishes his plate

"Well, I want to Pixie, I wouldn't feel right if we ignored that," Applejack said as Pix nodded.

"Ok Aj," Pix said as he gathered the plates and started doing dishes.

Applejack stayed in the kitchen while the rest of the family left to do what little chores were left. "I'm really glad we found each other, Pix," Applejack said as she helped him dry the plates and put them in the rack.

"I am too, I'm just really sorry that it caused a rift between you and your friend," Pix said as Applejack looked down.

"Really hun, don't worry about it, if she can't accept you and be civil, I don't want to be around her," Applejack replied as she put the last dish in the rack.

"I'm gonna see what I can do around the farm, you go on and take the rest of the day off," Applejack said as she planted a kiss on Pix's cheek. "You earned it," she said as she left the kitchen.