Apple Fritter’s Perspective

Appleloosa was busier than ever. Once word got out that the national heroes of the kingdom of Equestria were coming to visit, the mayor had insisted that a festival be thrown in their honor. He even invited the Buffalo to join them since it was just near their stampeding time. Chief Thunderhooves agreed on the condition that there were plenty of apple pies set aside for the occasion, to which the mayor and the town’s bakers happily agreed.

Each business had been busily cleaning up their storefronts, including places like The Salt Block, Frosty Mint’s Creamery, and The Dancing Way, among other places. Braeburn was busily cleaning out his own house to prepare to receive guests since, in his words, “Any friend of the family is family already!”

Apple Fritter, on the other hoof, was getting her own business ready for the evening barnyard dance. And she wasn’t alone. Her coltfriend, the town’s judge and resident human Jethro Bethridge, was using his increasing talent for magic, his wings and his new strength to help her decorate the place for the visit.

“Are you sure this is how you want to introduce yourself to my cousin and her friends?” Apple Fritter asked she helped him set up the stage.

“I don’t see why it wouldn’t be okay,” he said with a shrug as he unholstered his hammer before flying up to nail a light blue banner on the rafters which had written, in bright bold letters, WELCOME TO APPLELOOSA! “It’s not like they wouldn’t find out about me eventually. Especially Applejack.”

Apple Fritter nodded. “She’s big on family, that’s for sure,” she said.

He began hammering a nail in one of the sides of the banner. “Well, when a strange non-Pony alien is dating your cousin, it’s pretty much a given that I’ll be introduced to the rest of the family eventually. Especially if you drag me to one of those family reunions.”

Apple Fritter snorted. “I beg your pardon, honeybun?” she asked, using the nickname she had for him. “IF I drag you? I’ll do more than just drag you. I’ll tie you to my back and pull you there kicking and screaming until you’re covered in dust.”

Jethro just laughed as he flew over to the other side, pinning the other side of the banner to the rafters before beginning to hammer another nail in. “Oh, relax love. I know better than to hide from your family. I tried to avoid going to Trixie’s family reunions for years because I was afraid of them, but when my parents finally made me go, I realized that it wasn’t as bad as I thought. Then again, I’m still plenty nervous.”

“Oh, don’t get your boxers in a twist,” Apple Fritter laughed as she pushed one of the tables bit farther back, “I know they’ll love you when they hear about all you’ve done.”

“That why you and Braeburn have been writing so many nice things about me in those letters you send to her?” Jethro asked as he hammered in the lower right corner of the banner.

“Hmm…mmmmaybe,” she snickered. When he turned to give her an appraising look, she said, “Hey, I want them to like you.”

He stood up, hovering in the air and put his hands on his hips. “They’re that harsh?” he asked.

“Protective,” Apple Fritter corrected as she finally put the last of her tables in the corners. “But I know they’ll like you. Applejack’s a good judge of character.”

“This is the same Pony who’s scheduled to abandon Twilight at the Canterlot Royal Wedding,” he said with a frown.

Apple Fritter knew what he was referencing. She and her cousin Braeburn were already well aware of how Jethro’s people perceived their world in the form of children’s entertainment. She’d actually sat down with him a few times while he watched the show, wanting to support her coltfriend but also because she was curious. “So why haven’t you written to the Princess about these events already?” she asked as she walked behind the counter of her bar to begin cleaning.

“Oh yeah, that’s not suspicious at all,” he snarked, and Apple Fritter could feel a rant coming on. Sure enough, he began, “‘Hey, Princess Celestia? Yeah, hi, how ya doin’? Here’s a few anonymous tips for you: 1. Beware the Changeling menace since they’ll try and replace Princess Cadance. 2. The Crystal Empire will return soon, so beware of Sombra. 3. I know about your plans for Twilight Sparkle’s ascension, and a whole bunch more, and I just wanna say, give her a damned choice already!’ That’ll go over about as well as a fart in church. Even if I take all the precautions I can think of, I’m sure she’ll find me.”

“Are you still afraid of the Princesses?” Apple Fritter asked, growing worried.

Jethro shook his head. “Nah, just cautious. I like the life I have here. It’s quiet and peaceful, aside from the occasional court date and such. I don’t want to be involved in Ponyville life. There’s a friendship problem or a monster attack there at least every week now. I like being here with the townsfolk, but you especially.” He flew down and knelt before her, wrapping his arms around her. She responded in kind, smiling warmly as he continued, “This place is relaxing, despite the hard work if that makes any sense. Back on Earth, I was constantly stressing about a bunch of different things, like bills and my job. Here, it’s less of a hassle, and I have plenty of time to have fun and do things with you and the rest of the town.” He broke the hug. “Hell, next week I’m going to be subbing for some classes at the school so Charity can go on a vacation to Manehattan.”

She chuckled as she broke the hug and kissed him tenderly. “I heard about that. But what about your duties as judge?”

“Frit, ever since I was elected, the only real major crime I’ve had to deal with in the town was some shoplifting by one of Honey Crisp’s foals, remember that? And even then, that was easily dealt with by some community service at the store for them and a written and spoken apology letter.” Jethro looked around for something else to do. He reached out, grabbed the large push broom with his magic and began sweeping the dance floor. “Sweep, sweep, sweep…sweep, sweep, sweep. This place is pretty squeaky clean, and I always feel bad taking pay for sitting around doing nothing. And it’s not like I’m gonna go around telling Ponies not to jaywalk or something like that.”

“You’re an elected official, honeybun,” Apple Fritter said, “you deserve to be paid for your work.”

“Yeah, but for sitting around doing what feels like nothing? Just feels like I’m robbing you. Especially since I brought those bits from that mountain a while ago.”

Apple Fritter remembered the time when he’d shown her the massive pile of ancient bits he’d retrieved from a cave using something he called Skywalking Powers. Ever since he’d been elected, he’d tried to insist that he not be paid for his work since he had so much capital just sitting in a basement he’d had constructed on his newly bought ranch property surrounding his house’s old property, but the mayor was as stubborn as an Apple and wouldn’t back down. It took the convincing of Apple Fritter and Braeburn to finally accept the payment, but Jethro would only take a reduced salary, which the mayor begrudgingly accepted. “Just relax, honeybun,” she said, standing on her hind legs and nuzzling his neck affectionately. “Nopony thinks you’re robbing our town.”

“I guess not…but still,” he said worriedly.

“Are you worryin’ again there?” a new voice called out from the door. Apple Fritter and Jethro turned and both saw Braeburn leaning against the open door, grinning at the two of them. “I swear, you worry more than my cousin Applejack durin’ Applebuckin’ Season.”

“Yeah, but I know when to actually take a break,” Jethro said as he and Apple Fritter broke apart and walked up to him. “How’s your house looking so far? Got enough room for six mares and a little Dragon?”

“Yup! Livin’ room’s all cleaned, and the guest bedrooms and bathroom’s all fully stocked,” he said as he walked in and looked around at the interior of The Dancing Way. “Well, I’ll be…this place sure is lookin’ spiffy!”

“When you’re hosting national heroes, it doesn’t hurt to go all out,” Apple Fritter smirked.

“Ever the businessmare,” Jethro chuckled, stroking her back. “But trust me, I know at least your cousin will love it. Rarity…eh, if she’s anything like the show, she’s more into high class shit like Manehattan and Canterlot, but she’s a good mare. They all are.”

Braeburn smiled. “Applejack’s as honest as they come,” he said. “Hardworkin’ and true.”

“So I’ve heard,” Jethro said. “What time tomorrow are they showing up again?”

“They should arrive at high noon,” Braeburn said, bouncing up and down like some excited foal at Hearth’s Warming. “I can’t wait to see her and show her and her friends around!”

“Just as long as you don’t mention what I am until the big reveal,” Jethro said, “then we should be good. I wanna meet them on my own terms.”

Braeburn nodded. “Yeah, I get that. You only mentioned it about a hundred times in the town meetin’,” he teased.

“I just wanted to be sure,” Jethro smirked.

“By the way, what are you gonna be singin’ durin’ the dance?” Braeburn asked.

Jethro grinned. “Hmm…I’ve got a couple songs in mind…”

Saturday Evening…

The Dancing Way was packed, even more so than usual. All thanks, for the most part, due to the presence of six famous mares along with a young Dragon. A large table had been set up at the back of the room facing the stage, and a large checkered tablecloth had been set on it. Apple Fritter had been one of the first to greet her cousin and her friends when they arrived at around 12:30 that afternoon. Then again, she hadn’t been the first. She’d practically had to gallop after her cousin Braeburn as he pushed the six Ponies and young Dragon all around, ending at the house where they’d be staying.

After they dropped their belongings off, they’d all gone exploring at their own pace. Rarity had gone with Spike to the town’s clothing shop to look over the fashion choices. Applejack had taken the apple tree to the hill that Braeburn had chosen as the spot for Bloomberg, and even after that she spent most of her time talking to Bloomberg. She called it “Helpin’ get ‘im settled in good an’ proper.”

Rainbow Dash went flying around the town for a bit, getting bored quickly enough before she went into The Salt Block. Fluttershy had quickly found some desert creatures and had spent a good majority of the day talking to them about their lives near the town. Pinkie Pie went to Frosty Mint’s Creamery where she spent all of her bits on trying each and every ice cream flavor along with the sodas and other treats there. And Twilight had just gone around town, looking at everything and taking notes on a paper pad before finding the town’s small bookstore.

When nighttime began rolling around, Braeburn went and gathered them all, pulling them to The Dancing Way and seating them in the places of honor. As the other Appleloosans came in and began siting down, Spike looked around. “Hey, Twilight, whatcha think they’ve got planned for us?” he asked.

Twilight looked at her first friend and number one assistant. “I’m not sure, Spike,” she said. She turned to Applejack. “Applejack? Any idea what this is all about?”

“Heh, you’ll see,” she said. “Yer about to see the fabled hospitality of us countryfolk! Cider made from the ripest of apples, food that melts in yer mouth, and some of the best head bobbin’ music this side of the Maressissippi!” Applejack smirked. “This is the home of my cousin Braeburn, and they call it a town. A town!”

“Well, yeehaw!” Pinkie waved her new pink Stetson hat around in the air with a giggle.

“I hope it’s not too loud,” Fluttershy said. “The critters outside are probably trying to sleep.”

“I’m sure they’re fine, darling,” Rarity said in an attempt to be reassuring before turning to Applejack only to see her getting up. “Where are you going?”

“They’re about tah start the barnyard dancin’! Ah ain’t missin’ out on this!” Applejack said, clearly more in her element than any of the others. “Hey Braeburn! Wanna cut the rug with yer cousin??”

Braeburn turned and nodded. “Git over here, cuz! The band’s about to start playin’!”

As the band began playing a jaunty country tune, Twilight looked around the barn at the Ponies who were dancing there. More than half of them were wearing those Stetson hats that she’d seen them wearing around town. She’d even bought one of the nicer ones and was going to ask Rarity to sew her cutie mark into the side. She saw one Pony, however, standing off to the side watching the dancing with a smile. She recognized her as one of the first Ponies she’d met at Applejack’s family reunion back at the Summer Sun Celebration. Curious as to why she wasn’t dancing, she walked over. “Excuse me, you’re Apple Fritter, right?”

The twin tailed Earth Pony turned and brightened when she saw Twilight. “That’s me. And I remember you, Twilight Sparkle,” she said, extending a hoof. “Good to see you again!”

Twilight bumped hooves with the Earth Pony. “You own a nice place here,” she said. “Applejack was bragging about you all the way here.”

“She wouldn’t shut up about it,” Rainbow Dash, who was nearby drinking a mug of cider, said from nearby.

“She also mentioned that you have a coltfriend, darling,” Rarity said as she walked up to stand beside her fellow Unicorn.

“Eeyup, I do,” Apple Fritter said with a smile and a blush.

“So why aren’t you dancing with him?” Rarity asked, looking around the room.

Apple Fritter chuckled. “He’s actually planning to sing something after this song,” she said. “He was a bit nervous to be meeting national heroes.”

“Nervous?” Fluttershy asked softly. “How come? We’re just normal Ponies.”

“He’s heard a lot about you,” Apple Fritter replied. “He just wanted to meet you all on his own terms.”

“What’s he gonna sing??” Pinkie Pie, who was sipping on a double root beer float, asked as she bounded over, surprisingly not spilling a single drop.

“Oh, it’s a country song, I’m pretty sure,” Apple Fritter said. “He hasn’t told me what, but he has written some songs, at least the lyrics. Somepony else wrote the music.”

“I can’t wait!” Pinkie said excitedly.

“Actually, this song that the band is playing here is a song from his home,” Apple Fritter said. “It’s called Farmer’s Frolic, if I remember right.”

“It is certainly quite a tune,” Rarity said. “What’s this stallion like?”

Apple Fritter’s eyes closed and a warm smile spread over her face. “He’s amazing,” she said. “He’s strong, has a great sense of humor, friendly and his smile just seems to light up a room.” She opened her eyes and looked at the Ponies and Dragon who’d gathered around her. “He’s actually the town judge.”

“Oooh! Does he have a gavel??” Pinkie asked.

Apple Fritter nodded just as the song ended. “Oh! He’s about to come on and sing,” she said excitedly as the Ponies vacated the floor and Braeburn walked onto the stage.

“Howdy, folks!” Braeburn announced as he waved at the gathered crowd. “I wanna thank all of you fer comin’ to this special barnyard dance tonight, and I wanna especially welcome our special guests, all the way from Ponyville, the Elements of Harmony and their friend Spike the Dragon!” He pointed to the seated Elements, which now included Applejack who’d rejoined them. The Ponies applauded loudly, and there were even some whistles and cheers. “We’re glad to have ‘em here with us! But now, fer the moment everypony’s been waiting fer! For the first time ever, our judge will be singin’ a song he helped write! Hay, maybe if we beg, he’ll sing more!” This got a laugh from the crowd and some whistles of approval. Braeburn smiled with them before he concluded with “Now, they ain’t gonna be songs we’ve heard before, but they are amazin’, I’m sure! So, give it up fer ‘im, our beloved Judge Jethro Bethridge!”

“Homeland? He ain’t a Pony, Frit?” Applejack asked as the Ponies in the crowd went nuts while Braeburn walked off of the stage.

“That’s not a Pony name, darling,” Rarity said.

“You’ll see, you two,” Apple Fritter said. “You’ll see.”

The lights dimmed, and the crowd went silent in anticipation. The seconds wore on, until suddenly the curtain was pulled. No light was on the stage. Until there was. A spotlight shone on an Earth Pony with banjo around his barrel. The stallion grinned, then inclined his head before he began strumming the instrument. Three more lights fell onto two ponies and a tall bipedal being. More lights fell onto the band behind them as the song began. The Elements stared at the strange clothed and winged biped. He was wearing a pair of dark black jeans with a black belt that had a country style belt buckle on it, a dark red button-down shirt with a white vest over it, a black Stetson hat on his head and a pair of dark brown boots on his feet. He looked down at the Ponies, who were all Earth Pony stallions wearing Stetson’s like him. They began to stomp their hooves while the winged being began stamping his boots. The group began to play their instruments before they began to sing.

“Well, the sun's settin' low, paintin' the sky.
“Folks gather 'round, hear that barn owl cry,
“It's a barnyard bash way out on the farm.
“We've got the fireflies and that country charm.”

The bipedal creature stepped forward and put his claw to his hat, inclining his hat to the crowd before he sang alone.

“There's a fiddle playin' sweet by the old haystack.
“Guitar’s strummin’ low, gettin’ us all on track.
“Banjo’s pickin' fast, wheels start to spin.
“Folk, tap your boots, let the dance begin.”

He backed up and began stomping his boots with the other Pony singers.

“Swing your partner, round and round!
“Kick up the dust upon this ground!
“Laugh and sing till the mornin’ light!
“At the barnyard bash, we’ll dance all night.”

There was a small interlude, where the Ponies and bipedal creature stomped their feet in beat with the bajo. The group began singing again.

“Grandma’s bakin' pies, smell of apple and spice.
“Bonfire cracklin’, it’s more than nice.
“Children runnin' wild, hear 'em giggle in glee.
“Out in the country, we feel so free!”

The bipedal creature stepped forward to sing alone.

“Moonshine in a jar, pass it 'round the crew.
“Old stories and tales, some false, some true.
“Crickets singin’ harmony, nature’s delight.
“At this barnyard bash, everything is right.”

The other Ponies stepped forward and joined in for the final chorus.

“Swing your partner, round and round!
“Kick up the dust upon this ground!
“Laugh and sing till the mornin’ light!
“At the barnyard bash, we’ll dance all night.”

As the song ended, the Ponies and Buffalo stomped their hooves hard in applause. The winged biped, the apparent Jethro Bethridge, raised his claws and motioned for silence, which took a while to come. When it did, he smiled, giving the Elements a view of his teeth. He was definitely not an herbivore, Fluttershy noted, but more than likely was an omnivore. “That was Barnyard Bash, a song I wrote but these talented Ponies wrote the melody to, so give it up for them!” He began clapping his claws together as the Ponies and Buffalo applauded too. “Now, we have another surprise for you! Some newcomers have created their own country singing group. Let me introduce you to our very own Swoon Song, Fond Feather, and Dear Darling, A.K.A. The Allitertones, and their new hit country song New Town, New Love!”

Three mares wearing country dresses came on stage. The Earth Pony had a reddish pink coat of fur and a well-kept mane of a burgundy color and a light purple pair of eyes. The Pegasus was a light-ish purple hue with a silvery blue mane and light blue eyes. The Unicorn was a light pale green color with blonde mane and tail, the former being a nearly identical style to the Pegasus and light blue greenish eyes. They all three gave the biped a warm smile, or was it an admiring smile.

As the bipedal being and the other singing Ponies left the stage, a fiddle and a banjo began to play. Everycreature began to stomp to the beat. The Allitertones began to sing after a few beats in a lovely harmony.

“Just rolled into town with the sun sinking low.
“Dusty roads and streetlights, a quiet sort of glow.
“I stopped in for a coffee at the old roadside stand.
“Never thought I'd find love in a brand-new land.”

Dear Darling then stepped forward, looking directly at the bipedal creature with a smile.

“You were there with a smile, pouring out that brew.
“Eyes like the sunset, who knew what they'd do.
“A little chat over questions, an easy laugh or two.
“In this small-town café, my heart found something new.”

The Allitertones began harmonizing then.

“New town, new love, found you by surprise.
“In the middle of nowhere, under open skies.
“With a fiddle and a banjo, a harmonica's tune.
“We danced through the night by the light of the moon.”

After a brief fiddle solo, Fond Feather then began singing solo, looking at Jethro.

“We took a walk by the river, where the waters run deep.
“Talked about dreams and promises to keep.
“Sitting by the fire with the stars up above.
“In this brand-new town, we're spinning tales of love.”

Swoon Song took up the next part, also looking at Jethro. Applejack had the feeling now that these three mares had a crush on him.

“Can't believe how fast our world turned around,
“From a stranger's hello to the sweetest sound.
“In the heart of the country, where the fields do spread
“we found a love that's true, a story to be read.”

The Allitertones harmonized once more.

“New town, new love, found you by surprise.
“In the middle of nowhere, under open skies.
“With a fiddle and a banjo, a harmonica's tune.
“We danced through the night by the light of the moon.
“We danced through the night by the light of the moon.”

Everyone applauded after the song ended. The three mares curtsied, blushing as they quickly vacated the stage. Braeburn stepped back up onto the stage. “Thank you, Allitertones! Now then, before we raise a toast to the Elements of Harmony, our beloved judge has one more song to sing! Come on up here, Judge!”

Jethro chuckled and jumped onto the stage. He grabbed the microphone and looked out at the crowd again. “I’m sure you all want to mingle again, but I have one more song to sing. It’s a small rewrite of a song from my home world. And it’s dedicated to a very special mare.” He glanced at Apple Fritter. Applejack noted the blush on Fritter’s face as Jethro pointed a talon to the band. A guitar began to play followed closely by some percussion instruments.. He had a grin on his face as he stepped forward and began to sing.

“Down by the orchard, where the apples grow,
“there’s a memory that makes my heart glow.
“Her laughter echoes in the evening light,
“in the quiet moments of the moonlit night.”

“She's got a smile that could light the dawn,
“in her arms, I feel I’ve found my home.
“With every whisper, she sets my heart free.
“She's the one that’s always meant for me.”

“Oh, my country gal, my heart, my soul.
“With you by my side, I’m forever whole.
“With your hair so green, under skies so blue.
“Every love song, I sing just for you.”

“Her hooves are gentle, her eyes so kind.
“In her touch, such a love I find.
“Through the storm and through the rain,
“her love keeps me from all the pain.”

“Morning dew and the sweet sunshine.
“Our love grows strong like a sweet, old vine.
“With every moment, I swear anew,
“my love, my heart, belongs to you.”

“Oh, my country gal, my heart, my soul.
“With you by my side, I’m forever whole.
“With your hair so green, under skies so blue.
“Every love song, I sing just for you.”

When he turned to face Apple Fritter as the song ended, the other Elements watched as the young mare blushed heavily, smiling the happiest smile anypony had seen on her face, especially Applejack. The group of locals were stomping their hooves hard as he inclined his head towards them. Applejack was the first to speak, leaning over and asking, “Frit, is that creature really your coltfriend?”

“That’s him,” Apple Fritter replied with a proud smile, “I never knew he had such an amazing singing voice.”

Applejack went silent as she continued watching the strange creature on stage. She tried getting a read on him, but what she got at that moment was that the song had been directed directly at her cousin, and that he meant every word. Applejack turned to see Apple Fritter with the biggest blush on her face as she mouthed the word ‘Honeybun’. Despite feeling a bit concerned about this strange creature, she saw how happy her cousin was, so Applejack smiled slightly as she turned back to look at this creature.

As the applause ended, the bipedal being stepped off of the stage but he was barely off before he was tackled by Apple Fritter, who locked lips with him She flung her forlegs around him and kissed him deeply, happy tears streaming down her cheeks as she melted into the kiss. The crowd erupted into renewed cheers and applause for the couple, plus the occasional whistle. The Elements applauded as well, although there was still some confusion on their faces. Spike was applauding the loudest, chuckling at the display of affection. He thought that perhaps that he could learn something from this creature on how to woo Rarity.

“Everycreature, give it up for our very own Judge Jethro Bethridge!” Braeburn said, gesturing to the bipedal creature who was still kissing Apple Fritter.

The crowd erupted into applause once more, causing the couple to break the kiss. Apple Fritter and Jethro were blushing heavily, and the former buried her face into the latter’s chest, giggling cutely. The one named Jethro Bethridge raised an arm and waved with a warm smile towards the crowd. When his eyes landed on the Elements and Spike, his eyes widened and his smile broadened. He set Apple Fritter down, putting his claw on the back of her neck as he walked up to them, his ocean blue eyes twinkling in the lamplight. When he was within speaking distance, he tipped his hat to them. “Howdy, everyone,” he greeted them warmly, “I’m Jethro Bethridge.” He extended his claw. “A pleasure to meet you!”

Author's Note

Been a whole year since I added anything here. This is a sequel to Chapter 6. Enjoy!