Scarlet Gala stood guard in the throne room of Canterlot Castle. Her seasoned legs stood at attention as her tuned senses scanned through the room. Her back was to her majesty, Princess Celestia who sat on her throne. In front of her was the whole of the throne room that was mostly empty with the exception of the other guards who were standing at their posts.
“Your Majesty,” The steward of the hall called as he entered the room. “Mrs. Twilight Sparkle, the Mayor of Ponyville is here to see you.”
“Splendid,” Celestia said pleased. “Please send her in, Archibald.”
Celestia stepped down the steps that lead to her throne. Scarlet was aware of her movements before she even saw her in the corner of her eye.
“At ease Scarlet, it is only my faithful student.” Celestia said to her as she passed by.
To the Royal Guard, there was no such thing as ‘at ease.’ You were alert or your were not, nothing else.
When Her Majesty said at ease, the volunteer city watch and recruits would relax. The only way a Royal Guard would truly stand at ease would be if they had been dismissed or allowed leave by Her Majesty. Remaining at attention when the princess said at ease was a testament to those who have taken the oath to protect the crown and country.
The term at ease Scarlet was a subtle phrase Princess Celestia used with her personal bodyguard to signify to her she wanted her to listen in on her conversation, and possibly she may speak with her after it.
Celestia from time to time would ask Scarlet on details of a previous conversation she had with another pony. Scarlet had a gift for observation and catching subtleties and Celestia was well aware of it. Picking up a telltale sign of an ambassador who had a nervous habit of scratching a forehoof when he was nervous or lying was an ability Celestia admired in her.
“Princess Celestia!” A modest middle aged lavender mare with glasses said entering the room.
“Twilight Sparkle, my former pupil. It is good to see you again.” The princess replied.
Twilight approached Celestia and gave her a hug.
Scarlet saw a few of the guards in the room slightly shift their weight, and the sight of someone hugging the princess. The younger ones glanced briefly at Scarlet, knowing if there was any danger, she would be the first to act before any of them. Scarlet however was solid rock.
“How are you and your wonderful family?” Celestia asked pulling away from the hug.
“Pinkie is still Pinkie, and Glitter is in fact right now visiting her Uncle Shining and Aunt Cadence.” Twilight said adjusting her glasses.
Scarlet knew all about the Sparkle family since she was a little filly. Twilight Sparkle worked at the same school of Magic where Scarlet’s mother Cheerilee taught history. Scarlet met her and her wife Pinkie Pie a couple of times at holiday parties. The two of them moved back to Ponyville quite a few years ago when Pinkie was pregnant to raise their daughter there.
“We are all looking forward to your visit to Ponyville for the Summer Sun Celebration this year.” Twilight said to the Princess.
“Yes, I think this may be my first time visiting there for the celebration since that fateful evening you became a bearer of one of the Elements of Harmony.”
“I think you may have raised the sun at least once in Ponyville since then.” Twilight admitted.
“Well you may be right, my friend.” The princess humbly admitted.
“Oh, your majesty I will always be your student. You yourself taught me that to be a teacher you must admit to yourself that you will remain a student.”
Celestia gave a modest smile at Twilight.
“How are the preparations coming along in Ponyville?”
“Quite well. I hope you will find everything to your liking, Princess.” Twilight replied in a formal tone.
“I hope you wouldn't mind if I sent a few representatives into town next week to check on the preparations?” Celestia asked.
“Why please do! I’ll inform the committees to expect a visit.” Twilight assured.
“Would you like to stay for lunch, Twilight?” Celestia asked.
“That is a most generous offer, Princess, but I’m meeting my friend Applejack for a dinner date already.” Twilight admitted.
“Well, we’ll certainly have time next week to catch up during the celebration.”
Twilight gave a low bow and exited the throne room.
“Archibald,” the princess called out to the steward. “I would like to have my lunch today in my private chambers.”
“Very good, Your Majesty. I’ll have the maid bring up the usual.” The steward replied.
Celestia turned to Scarlet and gave her a nod. Scarlet broke her stone stance and followed Celestia in a proper Canterlot canter that was fitting for any pony of the court.
Scarlet followed Celestia through the hallways of the castle not missing a step in her canter. With the exception of Shining Armor himself, no pony in the castle could carry themselves with such poise. It was not flamboyant, nor snooty, it was a canter that gave the aura of both awareness and formality.
Scarlet followed Celestia into her private quarters. Like magic the table on the terrace was already set with the princesses’ lunch.
Celestia lit her horn, the door behind them shut closed, locked itself and gave off the hum of a shield spell being placed on it.
Scarlet was surprised at Celestia’s security measures but still kept her posture and neutral expression.
“Please join me Scarlet,” Celestia spoke as she sat down at the far end of the table.
“It would not be proper, Your Majesty.” Scarlet responded.
Celestia closed her eyes and lit her horn again. Her crown glowed with her magic and it floated off her head and lightly landed on the table.
“Indeed a lunch shared between a princess and her personal guard is not proper. But behind closed doors a lunch shared between two friends who have agreed to leave their rank outside is acceptable.”
Scarlet then did something that many in the palace did not think was possible, she smiled.
“If you put it that way,” she said with a grin to the princess.
She removed her helmet and joined the princess at the table.
Celestia gave a small laugh that seemed to warm Scarlet like the sun itself.
“How long has it taken me to finally get you to stand at ease in my presence, Scarlet?”
“Never, Your Majesty. In seven years you have only gotten me to smile and speak freely within confidence.”
Celestia gave a louder laugh.
“Twilight Sparkle seems to be doing well,” Celestia said, pouring herself some tea.
“She was a bit nervous see you,” Scarlet commented.
“I’d expect that with her, especially since she had taken the Mayor’s office of Ponyville.” Celestia remarked.
“She’s slightly exhausted since last we’ve seen her, and the bags under her eyes show she’s been burning the candle on both ends again.” Scarlet factually stated, waiting for Celestia to take her first bite before she even reached for the teapot to serve herself.
“Hearing that almost makes me regret having the Summer Sun Celebration in Ponyville this year.” Celestia said sadly. “I don’t wish for her to overstrain herself.”
“Your majesty, permission-”
“You still have to ask me even though we’ve established behind closed doors, I allow you to speak freely.” Celestia sighed.
Scarlet nodded her head, she knew the princess was going to say it, but she could not break the habit of asking to speak freely to her.
“I think Twilight may be pushing herself, but would feel immensely better having hosted a satisfactory Summer Sun Celebration than had not having it at all.” Scarlet stated.
Celestia pursed her lips as she stirred her tea.
“Your observations are right as always, Scarlet.” She said, nodding. “Now to business about you.”
Scarlet raised an eyebrow.
“As you know, with Shining Armor finally taking reassignment, you are now the oldest and most seasoned member of security detail GOLD.”
“Being your personal guard is an honor, Princess.” Scarlet responded with a slight bow.
“I think it’s time for you to take some leave time, Scarlet.” The princess said with a warm smile.
“That sounds like a good idea, Your Majesty. I’ll gladly set aside some time after the celebration.”
“Actually, Scarlet. I was thinking of you taking time off to enjoy the celebration yourself.”
Scarlet looked stoically at Celestia. It was the closest she could ever get to dropping her jaw.
Celestia gave her a smile as if Scarlet had actually did drop her jaw.
“Answer me this, Scarlet, have you been to Ponyville before?” She asked her.
“No, Your Majesty.”
“Your mother is from there, right?”
“Correct.”
“Does she have plans of going back this year for the celebration?”
Scarlet took a moment to take a sip of her tea, using the pause to relax her nerves.
“Yes she is, Your Majesty.”
“First, I believe some of your subordinates should have a chance to run security without you as a safety net. I must say you are almost too good for your job, having a week without you will be a growing experience for them. Second, I think you should spend the holiday with your family. It’s been so long since you seen them.”
“Them?” Scarlet responded. “It’s just me and my mother, Your Highness.”
“Of course, it’s been so long since you’ve seen her.” Celestia quickly corrected. “I understand break has just begun of the Magic Academy. Maybe you should go visit her this afternoon and talk about it.”
“If you think I should, Your Majesty.” Scarlet spoke politely.
“When was the last time you saw your mother?” Celestia asked her.
“Hearths Warming Eve.”
“Well, I think that is much overdue than. Scarlet don’t hide it from me, I know you have reservations on taking the whole holiday off. I’ll allow you time off afternoon to go speak with your family on the issue.”
“Are you ordering me to go talk to my mother?” Scarlet asked her.
“No, but I advise that you take up my suggestion before you force me to actually do so.” Celestia replied nicely.
--~~--
Scarlet walked through the regal hallways of the Royal Magic Academy. She had been in the building numerous times as a filly. She had also visited the school many times as an adult with the royal guard. But this was the first time she realized she was walking through the hallways as an adult not in uniform. It felt a little strange, she felt a little exposed and almost like she was a back to being a filly again.
Scarlet found her way with ease to her mother’s office. On the front of the door was a golden plaque that read:
Prof. Cheerliee
Pony Pedagogy, History & Political Sciences
The door itself was locked and the lights were off. Scarlet checked the schedule posted next to the door. Normally at this time her mother would be lecturing a Modern Societies of Ponykind class in the west lecture hall.
Though classes were on break, she figured the lecture hall would be the next logical place to search for her mother.
She made her way to the lecture hall, taking notice that a few paintings of honored professors on the walls had changed since the years she had been in the school. As she approached the lecture hall she heard a few voice coming from inside. One was unmistakably her mother’s.
Scarlet walked into the hall and saw her mother standing in front of the empty room speaking with another mare. The mare was older than Scarlet but much younger than her mother. She had a yellow coat and a bright red mane, and on her flank was an image of an apple in a field.
“-Things have changed much since yah been to Ponyville.” The yellow mare said with a southern accent.
Scarlet cleared her throat.
The two of them stopped their conversation and looked a Scarlet. The yellow mare looked over at Scarlet, while Cheerilee’s eyes got huge and she ran over and threw her fore hooves over her.
“Oh Scarlet! My little girl! You know how I always hate it when you pull these surprise visits on me!”
Scarlet smiled and hugged her mother back.
“Oh, it’s wonderful to see you. You're not in uniform, did Celestia order off duty again!?” Cheerilee went on.
“Mom,” Scarlet said defensively feeling a bit embarrassed at her mother mentioning her stubbornness at work in front of a complete stranger. “It’s alright I just got the evening off.”
“Mom?” The yellow mare asked, looking strangely at Cheerilee.
“Oh,” Cheerilee said stepping immediately back. “Y-yes! Apple Bloom, meet my daughter Scarlet Gala.”
“Apple?” Scarlet asked her mother, with a sudden realization.
“Apple Bloom,” Cheerilee said quickly. “Before you were born she was a former student of mine from Ponyville. You know about Ponyville, Scarlet? I’ve never taken you there, but you know all about it. Yup Ponyville.”
Scarlet noticed her mother had started rushing her words and her pitch was going up, a common sign of when she was nervous.
She herself was just as nervous as her mother, though she had a military discipline that kept her poise calm.
Her mother told her at an early age that her father was an owner of a successful farming business that was run by a large family that went by the name of Apple.
Scarlett herself ran into her half-sisters and few years ago, though they had no clue who she was. Scarlet had made it a point to hide that fact from everyone. The only ponies who knew of her connection with the fillies were her mother and the Princess Celestia.
“You told me you never married, Ms. Cheerilee.” Apple Bloom said with a slightly surprised tone, looking over at Scarlet.
“No, never did,” she said back to Apple Bloom. “I only really had just one special somepony, and well... That was a long time ago.”
Scarlet wanted to jab her mother, her body language and her choice of words were just spelling it out to Apple Bloom.
“Special somepony,” Apple Bloom pondered to herself and then let out a gasp.
Scarlet stood her ground as Apple Bloom approached her, her own thoughts going back to all the little information she knew about her father’s heritage.
I first met your father thanks to his little sister. Scarlet remembering what her mother telling her once. She was a darling little filly with a deep red mane, and a talent for getting into mischief with her friends.
Apple Bloom took a closer look at Scarlet.
Scarlet kept her posture as her eyes darted back between her mother and Apple Bloom.
“Fetlocks,” Apple Bloom scanning Scarlet, starting at her hooves and moving up. “Physique, and freckles!? And by your age, you must have been born right after Ms. Cheerilee moved here?”
Scarlet said nothing.
Cheerilee on the other hand fell back on her haunches and lowered her head.
“You and Mac were very close all the way up until you moved away,” Apple Bloom stated to Cheerilee. “And then we just lost all contact with you. If it weren't for Snails tellin’ me about you, ah’d never come up here to talk. But...”
Apple Bloom looked back at Scarlet. She stared into her eyes, Scarlet looked right back. She had been dressed down in front of drill sergeants countless times, this mare was nowhere as near intimidating. Yet Scarlet felt a different form of fear burn inside of her.
Cheerilee turned her face away and let out a sniff.
“I know those freckles and that mane. An Apple knows their own kin.” Apple Bloom whispered.
Scarlet was speechless. There was a long pause, Apple Bloom continued to stare at her with a look on her face like she was expecting Scarlet to say something.
Apple Bloom then finally threw her forehooves around her neck.
“Hi Scarlet!” She bursted out with emotional gasp. “Ah’m your auntie Apple Bloom!”
Apple Bloom hugged Scarlet as if she was close family member whom she hasn't seen for a long time, despite that the two of them having just met.
Scarlet felt both terrified and overwhelmed. The surprise visit to her mother resulted in not only running into one of her blood relatives, but for them to find out by themselves who she was, and they were now was hugging her.
“I’m so sorry,” Cheerilee finally said breaking the silence, she was now weeping into a hoofkerchief she pulled out. “I couldn’t tell Macintosh, especially when I found that he fell in love with Fluttershy. I kinda suggested it to her. I’m sorry to both of you, I... I...”
Scarlet turned to say something to her mother but Apple Bloom was quicker to speak up.
“Oh no, no, no!” She said pulling herself away from Scarlet. “Ah’m kinda responsible for this.”
Scarlet now felt confused, which only complicated her already heightened emotions.
“Ms. Cheerilee, you know you would not have found mah big brother if it weren’t for that whole love potion incident.”
“Love potion!?” Scarlet said horror-struck. “I came to be... be... because of a love potion!?”
“No!” Both Apple Bloom and Cheerilee blurted out together at once.
“It started with a potion at first,” Apple Bloom said quickly. “But we undid it.”
Cheerilee nodded her head, her eyes still red.
“That was a full (sniff) two years before you were born.” Her mother sobbed. “We did have a real relationship after that. Then I move here, and shortly found out I was pregnant, and... Sweetheart, you were a surprise, I’ve told you that. But you were never a mistake. You were (sniff) no! You ARE the most wonderful thing to happen in my life.”
Scarlet walked over to her mother and placed her forehooves over her. It was easy for Scarlet her nearly a full head taller than her.
“I know mom,” she said resting her head on her's. “We will always love each other, and that’s all that matters.”
“Ah should be going,” Apple Bloom said quickly, looking at the two. “Ah just realized that ah should have not found out about this. The two of you are happy with your lives, and mah family is just fine not knowing about it. Some secrets are best kept that way. Ah promise that no one will hear about this.”
“Thank you,” Cheerilee said as Apple Bloom started walking towards the door.
Scarlet’s mind danced between respecting her mother’s choices, and her yearning to learn more about her own heritage.
She heard the hoof steps echoing behind her get farther away, and the door to the lecture hall open.
“Wait!” Scarlet called back suddenly.
She heard Apple Bloom pause and turn around.
“Mom,” Scarlet whispered. “I love you, and I know it’s better to just leave the past as is, but if I let her walk out-”
Cheerilee lifted a hoof up to her daughter’s mouth to silence her.
“Shhhh,” she whispered back. “I know, she has answers those many questions that I could never answer for you. You’re a grown mare now, and you have a right to know. Whatever you decide to do, I’ll support you. I’m proud of you not matter what. It didn’t matter when you changed your name or who you called your family. You will always be my daughter.”
Cheerilee kissed her on the cheek.
Scarlet turned around and saw Apple Bloom standing in the doorway looking back at the two of them.
“I don’t want you to leave,” Scarlet said to her.
Apple Bloom’s expression softened as she looked at her.
“I have so many questions,” Scarlet said, approaching her. “Let’s try this again on the right hoof. I’m Scarlet, Scarlet Gala, it is nice to meet you Aunt Apple Bloom.”
She reached out her hoof, Apple Bloom took it and gently shook it.
“It is nice to me you too, Scarlet,” she said back he face beaming with joy. “For the longest time as a filly ah always wondered what would it look like if mah teacher and big brother had a child. And here you are, you are more gorgeous than ah ever imagined you'd be.”
Apple Bloom sat back on her haunches and scratched her head.
“Ah’m kinda a stranger around Canterlot,” She said to Scarlet. “Is there a place where we could get a bite to eat and perhaps we could get better acquainted.”
“That sounds lovely,” Scarlet replied. She then turned to Cherrilee. “Mother, would you like to join us?”
“I’m not sure,” Cheerilee said with hesitation.
“Ah’d much appreciate it.” Apple Bloom added. “Ah’m sure you have some stories about Scarlet you would love to share.”
Cheerilee expression grew to a small smile.
“OK, let me just get my things from my office.” She finally said.
Scarlet sat at the small table in the Ponyville inn reading over her itinerary.
Princess Celestia was not the least surprised that when Scarlet returned back to the palace late that night a week ago and was interested in taking part of the holiday off. At Scarlet's request, the two of them settled for her be a liaison for a few of the preparation committees on behalf of the royal family before the celebration, and then take the actual solstice day and the following week off.
She looked over her list.
Decorations- Town Hall
Music and Entertainment- Town Hall/Town Square
Food- Sugar Cube Corner and Sweet Apple Acres
“Town Hall is fine,” she said quietly to herself. “Lady Sparkle certainly has things taken care things there. Octavia and Scratch have got the entertainment covered by covered in the square and Lady Pinkie Pie has things in order at the sweet shop as well. Which leaves...”
Scarlet stared down at the paper, gazing at the last three words on the list:
Sweet Apple Acres.
Scarlet now realized why the princess was so easy to settle on giving her this list. Both Twilight Sparkle, Pinkie Pie, and her sister Octavia were more than capable or organized to cover things. Sweet Apple Acres was where she both a desired and a dreaded to see.
Both Scarlet and her mother Cheerilee liked the plan Apple Bloom came up with. Scarlet would arrive as a royal envoy to inspect the food. This also gave her the chance meet more of the family (though it be in an official capacity) while Cheerilee could go set the record straight for with Big Macintosh. If Macintosh wanted to see Scarlet, she was right there on the farm. If Big Macintosh did not want to see Scarlet, or some other unforeseen circumstances arose, Scarlet could leave the farm having done her duty and go back to Canterlot.
Scarlet’s mind raced with scenario after scenario, but she had no clue how anyone would react. It was all up in the air and Scarlet needed to take her mind off of it.
“Beat you, High Score!” A voice called from a table across from her where a couple of ponies were playing cards.
“No way, Shady! Tornado are you sure he is not cheating?” A brown earth stallion replied to the blue one that just spoke.
A grey pegasus with a tornado cutie mark sitting with them looked up at the two of them.
“You both are beating me, what do I care?”
“I ain’t cheating!” The earth pony that was called Shady blurted out. “High Score just can’t accept that he can lose.”
“Bite me, Shady!” High Score rudely scoffed. “The only way you win is by cheating. Let me deal this time!”
“And let you cheat me!? No way!” Shady barked back. “And we learned the hard way that Tornado can shuffle worth crap!”
Scarlet sighed and she put away her schedule, despite all the ponies at the other table being older than her, they were all acting like children. She was going to put a stop to it.
Scarlet stood up and walked over to them, her tall stature and poise towing over them.
“I’ll deal!” She said in a direct but calm tone.
The three other ponies looked up at her.
“Fine,” Tornado said happily. “Get another mare in the game, even the numbers and put these little colts in their place.”
“And you are?” Shady asked her.
“Some who’s been noticing you’ve been dealing from the bottom deck for the last two hooves. Mr. High Score is right, you have been cheating.”
The comment seemed to shut Shady up.
High Score looked up at Scarlet impressed and slid half of his chips over to her.
“Here,” he said. “Pull up a chair, but don’t get too attached to those chips I’ll have them back from you in no time.”
“As for you I don’t think I’m in much danger, your big mouth of yours losses you more hooves than what cards you are dealt.” Scarlet sniffed, expertly bridge shuffling the cards.
“So you work at a casino, songbird?” Shady asked glancing over at Scarlet’s hawk cutie mark.
“I work at a palace of sorts, but no I do not work at a casino.” Scarlet responded not looking up at him.
Scarlet loved the game of poker, though she did not like gambling. Having spent many off duty days in the barracks had given her enough experience to enjoy the strategy and subtleties of the game.
“So what? You work at the Corn Palace?” High Score snorted.
Scarlet ignored his comment and dealt.
In about six hooves Tornado was out and Shady was down to his last chips.
“Fold,” Scarlet said calmly, discarding her hoof.
“You don’t know how to bluff, do you?” High Score asked her.
“I do, but I don’t need to when I know what cards you have by that arrogant smirk on your face.” Scarlet responded in a flat tone.
“You like my smirk then?” High Score beamed at her.
“No,” Scarlet said back in a cold tone.
Tornado pulled her hoof up to her face to hide a snicker.
“Whoa!” Shady remarked. “Denied! Ok High Score, I’ll see you, show me your cards!”
He pushed the last of his chips in.
“Two queens!” High Score replied.
“Dang! I only got two tens.” Shady groaned, hitting his head on the table.
“An then there were two,” Tornado said looking up at Scarlet and High Score.
Scarlet dealt them their cards.
“I’m in,” High Score said with the quickest of glances of his cards. “Just you and me, Lady Hawkeyes.”
Scarlet looked over at him and back at her cards.
“That is not my name,” she said arranging the cards in her hoof.
“What is your name by the way?” Tornado asked with sudden realization.
“I never gave it,” Scarlet replied. “I’ll stay as well.”
High Score shuffled his chips.
“I’ll keep my cards,” he said. “And raise four bits. So what is it? Eagle eye?”
“I’ll draw two.” Scarlet said, ignoring his smirk. “No, and I’m not giving it to you. I’ll see you and raise three.”
High Score put his cards face down on the table and gave a bigger grin at her.
“You know I am going to keep guessing till I get it.” He said crossing his arms. “Your name start with the word red? How about Red Hawk?”
“No,” Scarlet replied. “It’s your call.”
“Red song. I bet you have a beautiful singing voice.”
“No, your call.”
“Tell me.”
“Quit stalling, call or fold.”
High Score squinted his eyes at her. Scarlet looked back, her cool gaze patently waiting for his call.
“If I win this hoof will you tell me your name?” He said leaning forward.
“Is that your call? You see me my three and raise by asking me my name?”
“That and all in,” High Score said, pushing all of his chips into the table.
Both Shady and Tornado gave ‘oohs’ at High Score’s wager.
Scarlet raised an eyebrow.
“That was a dumb bluff,” she sighed.
“Really think that? I’ll give you a peek.” High Score said, flipping over one of his cards. It was an ace. “Fold and tell me your name.”
Scarlet shook her head.
“I’ve never needed to bluff because you’ve been practically doing in all night.” Scarlet replied. “I’ll see you, and you show me your cards.”
High Score flipped over the rest of his cards, he only had a pair of aces.
Scarlet showed her hand, full house jacks full of fives.
Tornado clopped her hooves. Shady pounded a hoof on the table in appreciation as well. High Score just sat there shocked.
“Well, it’s been fun ponies. But I’m going to bed.” Scarlet said, throwing her cards on top of the chips.
“Wait, wait, wait. This isn’t over! I demand a rematch!” High Score said standing up.
Scarlet stood up as well, her height towering over High Score. Both Shady and Tornado exchanged worried glances.
“You are in no position to make any demand of me,” Scarlet scoffed at High Score. She then turned to the rest of them. “Thank you for a enjoyable evening.”
Scarlet turned away from the group and headed for her room.
She heard High Score at her heels.
“A rematch tomorrow then!” He stated.
“I got places to go little colt,” she replied, rolling her eyes.
“Just give me your name.”
“You wagered that and lost, so not a chance!”
“Ember Wing?”
“You can stay here and keep guessing till the end of time if you want, but I’m not going to let you waste more of my time.”
“A scarlet mare like you walks in, schools me like a colt then walks out. I am not going to be mocked like this!” High Score said galloping in front of her to block her path.
Scarlet flinched at the sound of her name.
“What?” High Score asked at her change of expression.
Scarlet gave a sigh.
“Just when I think for a moment you get it, you go off again being a thick idiot. I guess dumb luck graces even the worst of fools.”
“Luck is a skill.” High Score said back smugly. “What you see as luck is actually my brilliance.”
“You really believe that? Arg! You’re impossible.”
High Score scratched his chin.
“Wait... Scarlet! That’s it! You’re name is Scarlet!”
“Out of my way loser!” Scarlet said pushing him aside and heading up the stairs.
“LOSER! YOU DON'T GET IT GIRL! I’M HIGH SCORE! NO ONE BEATS ME!” High Score protested, his face getting red.
“Really?” Scarlet called down the stairs back at him. “Because I beat you at cards on my first try! Keep practicing gamer-boy!”
Shady approach High Score who was now gawking at the now empty stairway where Scarlet stood.
“Easy man, she just got lucky!” He said trying to calm him down.
“Luck!? Haven’t you been listening to a word I’ve been saying!? She... I...” High Score’s voice tailed off.
“Looks like you found a worthy adversary,” Tornado said approaching the two. “Who would have thought it would be a younger mare?”
“She’s not that young. And ok, she may have beaten me today, but I don’t quit, even when I’m knocked down. I stay at it till I set the new record.”
“So what’s the new goal this time?” Shady asked with a sigh. “Train with professional poker players till you beat her?”
“No, this is not about poker. Cards are just the first level with her.”
Shady sighed again, this time rolling his eyes.
“Next level? So what is that Hoof wrestling?” He asked.
“I don’t know, but I’m not gonna stop til I have my prize.”
“What prize?” Tornado asked.
High Score looked back at the stairway.
“Her.”
Scarlet walked with her mother and her aunt Apple Bloom on the sunny dirt road. The three of them had met for breakfast in the Ponyville Inn before they headed over to Sweet Apple Acres.
“Ya know ah’ve been thinkin’,” Apple Bloom said admiring the countryside. “If you were born here in Ponyville, Scarlet, ah probably would have been your foalsitter.”
Cheerilee gave a little laugh. Scarlet herself smiled at the thought.
“You would have been a great foalsitter, Apple Bloom. I just know it.” Cheerilee told her.
Apple Bloom smiled back, then gave a sad sigh.
“There is nothing we can really do about the past,” Scarlet replied.
“Ah’m looking forward to makin’ a memorable future,” Apple Bloom said giving Scarlet an affectionate pat.
Apple Bloom had been in continuous contact with Scarlet since that day they met. Letters, meetups, and three days ago she even sent her a homemade apple pie (Granny’s secret recipe) as a token of all the birthdays and holidays they had missed with her.
Scarlet had learned to appreciate Apple Bloom in her own way. There were still awkward moments; Scarlet was not one to show physical affection, as for Apple Bloom every time she saw Scarlet she would throw her forehooves around her.
Apple Bloom was absolutely ecstatic when she found out Scarlet was coming to the farm. After talking it over with both Scarlet and her mother, she came up with a plan.
Cheerilee and Apple Bloom will arrive at the farm, have a sit down with Big Macintosh and Fluttershy, and give them facts. While that was happening, Scarlet will arrive with her credentials to survey the food preparations. Once her father has had a chance to let the news settle in, and Scarlet finished her job surveying the farm, the two of them will finally meet.
The plan was simple and it was mutually beneficial regardless of the outcome. Scarlet only wanted to see the farm and the other ponies whom she was related to. Just having Apple Bloom genuinely calling her family was more than enough for her. She would be disappointed if Big Macintosh did not accept her as his daughter. It would hurt at first but she knew she could live with it.
The group reached over the hill and saw the massive barn that sat over Sweet Apple Acres.
Scarlet was surprised, the barn was rather big, and bright. Against the citadels and spires of Canterlot, it was small. But in comparison to the small, quaint buildings of Ponyville, it was almost like a palace in itself.
“All right,” Apple Bloom said after giving Scarlet a moment to admire the farm. “Scarlet ma sister knows you’re coming. Ah kinda have to confess, that first night we met ah could not keep the news of you to mah self so...”
Apple Bloom scratched the back of her head.
“You what?” Scarlet asked, but she did not get a response. An orange mare was galloping her way towards the three of them.
“Here she comes now,” Apple Bloom said quickly.
The mare ran right up to Scarlet. She wore a cowgirl hat, had a three apple cutie mark, and wore her long mane and tail in a braid. She was larger than Apple Bloom, but Scarlet was still about two hands taller than her.
“Scarlet. I’d like you to meet your Aunt Applejack.” Apple Bloom said.
Applejack beamed at Scarlet in admiration.
“Landsakes child,” she said to her. “Apple Bloom wasn’t joshing when she said you were tall. And your color and freckles, you are ya Mama and Papa all rolled intah one!”
Applejack paused a brief moment to study her a bit more, then let out a gasp.
“And oh mah, your mane! Straw colored blonde, just like me! And it looks just gorgeous on you!”
Scarlet looked at Applejack’s mane. She was right, they did share the same color.
Applejack then erupted to throwing her forehooves around her. Scarlet was slightly prepared for it after her meetings with Apple Bloom.
“Come on, let’s introduce ya to all the family.” Applejack said keeping a forehoof around her shoulder as she started walking her towards the farm.
All three of them immediately voiced their objections at the same time.
“What in tarnation are y’all yapping about!?” Applejack asked turning to them.
“Sis,” Apple Bloom spoke up first. “Ah’m all for giving Scarlet and even Ms. Cheerilee a warm family welcome. But, Ms. Cheerilee’s wishes to keep Scarlet’s family connection on the downlow till she’s told Big Macintosh, and he has got a say on it.”
“Please, Applejack,” Cheerilee added. “I don’t want to embarrass him or the whole Apple family for that matter.”
Scarlet closed her eyes and nodded her head in agreement.
Applejack let out a slight gasp, then frowned as she looked between the three mares.
“Ah only partially agree with yah. Yeah Big Macintosh should know first, and ah respect that Cheerilee wants to break the news herself.” Applejack said finally turning her gaze back to Scarlet. “Alright, I’ll keep it to mah self, for now. But if Mac thinks for one minute that you’re any less of an Apple or girl who doesn’t deserves to meet her father, ah swear ah will buck the ever lovin’ tar out of him.”
Scarlet looked at her shocked.
“No! I don’t want to start a fight and ruin your family reunion.” She said quickly.
“Nah, don’t you worry none!” Applejack said not bothered. “Your Big “Daddy” Macintosh is not dumb, and ah’m sure Apple Bloom and Cheerilee will break the news gently to him. But ah’m just say’n you’ve got two Apple women who will be comin’ to your aid if things turn bad. You’re in good hooves, we Apple women are strong as we are beautiful. Heck you’re walking proof yourself, Scarlet.”
Scarlet felt her cheeks turn red.
“Th-thank you, Lady Applejack,” she replied.
“Lady!?” Applejack scoffed. “Please call me Aunt Applejack, or Auntie-Jackie. That was a name little ‘Tatter called me when she was a tiny filly.”
“Come on, Applejack, she hasn’t called you that since she was at least four.” Apple Bloom stated.
“Oh can it, Apple Bloom.” Applejack said quickly. “Shouldn’t you and Cheerilee got to go talk to Big Mac and ‘Shy? While you’re doin’ that, my darling niece Ms. Scarlet and ah will be appraisin’ the food preparations for the festival.”
“See you later, sweetheart.” Cheerilee said as she and Apple Bloom turned toward the farmhouse.
Scarlet followed Applejack towards the fields.
“Lady Applejack,” she said to her knowing full well she ask her to call her aunt. “For the time being I would like to properly call you by your title while I am still on duty with royal business.”
Applejack let of a small sigh.
“Alright fine. But let me tell you this, sugar cube. Ah don’t like this whole keeping things on the down low, especially around the family. It’s strictly out of respect for your mother’s wishes that ah’m keeping a tight lip. Ah don’t want to embarrass her none, or you for that matter.”
“Thank you,” She said politely. “I am most gracious.”
“Dang, Apple Bloom did say you were prim and proper. Ah guess that comes from being the personal guard to the princess herself.”
Scarlet then heard the sound fast hooves approaching her.
“IT’S YOU!” A young voice called out! “IT’S YOU! IT’SYOUIT’SYOUIT’SYOU!”
Scarlet turned and saw a light peach color filly running straight towards her. It was Sweet Potato, one of Big Macintosh’s and Fluttershy’s daughters and Scarlet’s half sister.
“BERRY! COME OVER HERE!” Sweet Potato called behind her. “IT’S THAT MARE WHO SAVED US IN CANTERLOT BACK A LONG TIME AGO, YOU REMEMBER? OUR GUARDIAN ANGEL? SHE’S HERE!”
“Whoa! Wait a gosh darn minute!” Applejack said, glancing at Scarlet. “Guardian angel?”
Applejack quickly put the pieces together before Scarlet could say anything.
“Is she talkin’ about that time she and her sister ran off from me in the Canterlot market and nearly scared both Fluttershy and ah to our early graves?” She asked Scarlet.
Both Scarlet and Tatter avoided eye contact. Applejack gave a small grin at the two.
“And some mysterious mare of the royal guard saved them from a slimeball who chased the two of them into a back alley.” Applejack finished.
“Auntie Applejack, that’s her. The one who totally kicked the slimeball’s flank! She was wearing golden armor at the time, but it’s her!”
“I was only doing my duty,” Scarlet said in a half lie.
Applejack looked at her with a new found look of approval while Sweet Potato grinned up at Applejack saying ‘I knew it! I knew it!’ in a sing-song voice.
Scarlet gave a little smile at the filly. When she last saw her she was still without a cutie mark. Now she was in her teens, with a horseshoe cutie mark and still just as energetic as ever.
“Uh, hello Tatter.” Scarlet said, meekly without introduction. “I’m Scarlet.”
“OH MY GOSH! YOU KNOW MY NICKNAME!” Sweet Potato said, bouncing up and down like a filly the morning of Hearth’s Warming Day.
Scarlet reached a hoof to shake. Sweet Potato took it and generously shook.
“Tatter, what are you yelling about?” A young salmon colored pegasus filly called out as she soared over the the hill, and landed beside Sweet Potato. “Oh,” she said shyly upon seeing Scarlet. “H-hello.”
“Berry Blossom,” Applejack said to her niece. “This here’s Scarlet. She’s been sent here by Princess Celestia to check on the food preparations.”
“Scarlet!” Sweet Potato said out loud, finally registering her name. “That’s an awesome name! It goes well with your pretty coat.”
“Thank you!” Scarlet said warming up to the filly’s enthusiasm. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Berry. I see you have your mother’s mane.”
“You know our mom!?” Berry asked, still timid.
“Not personally,” Scarlet corrected. “But I have seen your mother and aunt in the palace during official occasions.”
“Scarlet here is the personal guard to Celestia.” Applejack added.
“Whoa, so do like work with Gilitter’s Uncle Shining Armor?” Berry asked, perking up slightly.
“Captain Shining Armor is -well actually now that I think of it- he was my boss.” Scarlet replied.
“Aunt Applejack, Lights is up in a cloud again.” Berry said in a low tone pointing a hoof off in the direction of a low hanging cumulus.
Applejack gave a heavy sigh.
“That mare always gets moody around family reunions.” She muttered. “Could you excuse me Scarlet? Tatter and Berry show Scarlet around till ah get back. Ah got to go check on that filly before she goes off on somepony.”
Applejack galloped off, leaving Scarlet with her half-sisters.
“Lights?” Scarlet asked.
Sweet Potato gave an uncomfortable grimace.
“Northern Lights,” Berry clarified. “She’s the daughter of Rainbow Dash and Spitfire, the two ace fliers for the Wonderbolts. The two of them are always on tour and Lights has been living with us on the farm for a couple of years now. She’s not really... Well how can I say it?”
“She can be scary and mean to ponies sometimes.” Sweet Potato finished. “Come on Scarlet, let’s show you around the farm and meet the family.”
Berry and Tatter gave Scarlet the full tour of the pastures, the orchards, and the picnic area where many extended relatives were gathered.
Scarlet saw every single Apple pony had an apple, cooking, or country themed cutie mark and name to go with it. All of them talked like they were born and raised in the country as well.
Many folks introduced themselves politely to Scarlet, but they all felt like strangers to her, she only felt a connection with Tatter and Berry.
“You got a strong build about ya miss,” A stallion by the name of Golden Delicious commented. “What kind of farm ya work on?”
“Oh, I don’t work on a farm I work at the palace of Canterlot.” Scarlet replied.
“Ah you’re a high brow pony ah see,” he responded. “Ah hope you pick up a thing or two about country life before ya go back to the posh ponies. We country ponies may not be the prettiest bunch in barrel, but we are certainly the sweetest.”
“Have you ever made grape juice before, Scarlet?” Tatter asked her.
“Uh, no,” Scarlet responded. “Isn’t it made in a factory?”
“What you’re referring to is that unicorn swill,” Golden Delicious replied. “You haven't had real juice, whether it be apple or grape, till you tried it freshly squeezed!”
Scarlet was intrigued, she had dined on the best cuisines in Canterlot, and even on those rare occasions when Celestia invited her to share a meal, she had eaten food that was prepared for the crown itself. But never had she tried something a fresh on the farm itself.
Scarlet followed the two fillies around the barn and saw a large, open top, circular trough with a tap on the side.
‘You’ve got to be kidding me.’ Scarlet thought to herself.
Berry jumped into a medium sized bucket of water that sat next to the trough and quickly washed her hooves off. She then flapped her wings and flew straight into the middle of the trough with a soft squish.
The noise confirmed Scarlet’s suspicions, the trough was full of grapes.
Tatter bluntly jumped into the water, and then jumped straight into the trough with her sister.
“Come on, Scarlet come and join us!” Tatter called.
“Um... Tatter I don’t think that is a good idea.” Berry said quietly.
“Aunt Applejack said to give her the full tour. What better than going full hooves on? Wash your hooves off in the bucket and hop in.”
Scarlet glanced around, her thoughts siding with Berry on avoiding going in.
“Don’t push the city girl to gettin’ dirty, Tatter” Golden Delicious called to her. “T’aint proper for the lady.”
Scarlet scowled behind the stallion. She was against getting in, but justifying it was because Canterlot folk don't like being messy was just stereotyping.
“Girls,” Apple Bloom’s voice called from behind the opposite side of the grape trough. “Have you seen Applejack and that other mare she was with?”
“You mean Scarlet? She’s right there.” Tatter said pointing a grape covered hoof.
“Aunt Applejack went to talk to Lights,” Berry added. “She’s flown up in a cloud again. Aunt Applejack wanted to make sure she was keeping to herself and no one was bothering her.”
“Sounds like her,” Apple Bloom said, appearing around the trough.
“Eeyup,” a deep male voice said behind her.
Scarlet turned in the direction of the voice and saw following behind Apple Bloom was a large red stallion.
Scarlet took a moment to look over the stallion. He was big, muscular, and actually stood at least a foot taller than her. He had a seasoned, yet kind look in his eyes. His posture reflected of one who knew that his work was a craft, and he was everything to his work and his family. On his flank was a green apple cut in half. Scarlet knew immediately from the mark that the stallion was her father.
She was speechless, here he was in the flesh. With the exception of the princess herself, this stallion was the only living pony she had met who was taller than her.
He was a stud, like really! Scarlet knew he was her father and she was not swooning over him or anything like that. But at the same time she could now see what her mother saw in him.
“Scarlet,” Apple Bloom said to Scarlet pulling her thoughts back to reality. “This here’s ma brother Big Macintosh.”
He stared at Scarlet like he himself was also lost in thought looking at her. He then blinked a couple of times and gave a polite nod.
“Howdy, miss,” He said softly.
Scarlet responded with a nod as well.
“It is good to finally meet you, sir.” She manage to say to him.
“Likewise,” he said politely. “Would you please follow me, we have much to talk about.”
Scarlet followed after him.
“Bye, Scarlet! Please come and say goodbye before you leave.” Tatter called out to her.
Scarlet waved back, feeling a small boost in her mood hearing Tatter wanting to see here again.
“So Apple Bloom’s told me this isn’t the first time you have met Sweet Potato and Berry Blossom.” Big Macintosh said leading her towards one of the barns.
“That is true,” Scarlet said responding in her typical, polite yet reserved tone.
“She didn’t know that you knew exactly who they were when you came to their rescue. Your mother filled us in on that when we were speakin’ to her earlier.”
Scarlet remained silent.
“Tatter has must have written to the palace twice month for nearly a year hoping to get a response from you, so has ma wife Fluttershy. By the way, she’s having tea with your mother right now, ah’m sure she would like to speak to you after we’re done.”
Big Macintosh opened the barn door and lead her into the large barn that was full of head to hoof with apples. It looked like they were in the process of sorting the apples.
“Your mother has also told me that you are here to oversee the food preparations along with other things.” He turned around and gave Scarlet a piercing gaze. “Before that ah would like to take a good look at you.”
Scarlet, out habit, stood at attention.
Macintosh walked around Scarlet looking her over. Scarlet was living statue, but her heart was beating like a jackhammer in her chest.
“Mmmmh,” he said looking at her hawk cutie mark. His gaze went down to her fetlocks. “I see.”
His gaze went back to Scarlet.
“You know ah am not a general, you do not need to stand at attention.” He said softly.
“I am quite comfortable standing the way I am. Thank you though.” She responded.
“Ah was told by both Apple Bloom and Cheerilee that you would say that, but ah had to hear it myself.”
He gave a slight smile, turned around, picked up a basket of unsorted apples with his teeth, and placed it on a table close by.
Scarlet approached the table and stood next to him.
“You’ve got a build and no doubt have the strength of an earth pony. But you look like a city girl.” He said in a cold voice.
Scarlet nodded her head, it had been becoming more and more apparent the longer she had been in Ponyville.
“Cheerilee was born here in the country. She certainly can live among the elite of Canterlot, but she’s told me there are moments when she needs to be out in the open field, join in a tug-a-war in the mud, and eat some of the grass right off the lawn.”
Scarlet nodded in agreement. There were moments in her life when she had witnessed the country girl in her mother come out. Once or twice it embarrassed Scarlet but she understood, she still loved her mother all the same.
“Have you ever detasseled corn?” He asked her.
“No,” Scarlet responded. She didn’t even know what that meant.
“Have you ever applebucked?”
Scarlet shook her head.
“Have you even grown a small window garden?”
Scarlet felt her mood sink.
“No,” she said to him.
“Your mother says you’re quite known among high class in Canterlot.”
“That is correct.”
“You drink wine?” He asked.
“Yes,” Scarlet replied, curious at the question.
“Do you know the proper wines go with what meals, and what kind of clothin’ ya should wear to what party?”
“Of course.”
“You’re not just a city pony, you’re a Canterlot filly,” he said in a slightly disappointed tone. “Ah would have picked you for a unicorn if it weren’t for the fact that you didn’t have a horn.”
Some earth pony I am. A voice in Scarlet’s head said. Here I stand for the first time in front of my father, who has labored his whole life on growing all sorts of crops, and I don’t even own a potted fern in my apartment.
“Do you know what kind of apple this is?” He asked, pushing one in front of her.
Scarlet looked up surprised at Macintosh, and then at the apple. She stared at it for a while as her mind searched through all the information she knew about apples.
“A green one?” She finally said.
Big Macintosh shook his head.
“Definitely not a country pony,” He said to himself. “And what kind of member of the Apple family are you if you do not know anything about apples?”
Scarlet’s spirits dipped even further.
“Your mother also said you in fact changed your name.” He said to her.
Scarlet nodded, sadly knowing full well where he was going with the conversation.
“I was born Scarlet Glade.” She murmured.
“A good name,” he said. “Good country name. A name that would have been quite acceptable here in Ponyville.”
“I’m Scarlet Gala now,” she said poignantly.
“Why that name?” He asked.
Scarlet started feeling defensive. OK so maybe she’s nothing like the country ponies she had met here on the farm, but she still has made a good life for herself in the city and she was happy.
“I like Canterlot, it is my home. This is my first time on a farm, first time in the country for that matter. The name did not fit me. I’ve never been to a glade, I prefer the city. I like cocktail parties, operas, and going to art galleries. Gala reflects the upper class better, it is the gathering of all gatherings at Canterlot. The name just felt... right.”
“You’re right, you don’t strike me as a filly whose name should be glade.” He said with a calm voice.
They were in an agreement, but Scarlet did not feel good about it.
“But ah will not let one mare or colt who share’s my linage leave this farm without knowing something about our namesake.” He said, still in his calm tone.
Scarlet took a deep breath, anticipating the on coming lecture. So far this first meeting had become a catastrophe.
He motioned to the green apple in front of Scarlet.
“That there’s a Granny Smith. Mah own grandmother was named after that apple.”
Scarlet eyed the apple while he got out another one.
“This here’s a jonagold. Mah Pa was named after this one.” He said, placing it next the granny smith. “And this one is a golden delicious.”
“I just spoke with him a few moments ago outside.” Scarlet said looking at the apple and seeing a slight similarity in the color of the apple and the color of the Gold Delicious’ coat.
“You’re see’n the pattern. Can you have a guess what this one’s named?” He placed another in front of her.
“A macintosh?” She asked taking an educated guess.
“Eeyup,” He said reaching for another apple. “Ah think this is an important one you should know. It’s a relatively new apple mah Pa successfully hybridized and created when ah was still a blank-flanked colt.”
Scarlet looked carefully at the apple. She knew the shape and the color. “I have seen this apple around Canterlot before. I know the royal kitchens use this frequently when they make their desserts, and jellies.”
“Ah’m not surprised by that. Back when mah Pa first successfully created this apple he sent a barrel to the courts of Canterlot so her majesty may be the first try it’s delicious taste before anypony else. Celestia loved it so much she requested the royal chefs use this type of apple in all their fancy food. They infact served them at the following Grand Galloping Gala.”
Scarlet had a newfound fascination with the apple and his family’s direct connection with the princess.
“Do you know what ma pa named this apple?”
“Is it something with the word ‘royal’ in it? Or a Celestia?” She asked.
“Nnope,” he responded kindly. “The name he picked was gala.”
Scarlet glanced at him.
“It’s full name is scarlet gala.”
Scarlet for the first time ever, dropped her jaw. Macintosh just smiled quietly at her.
She picked up the apple and looked over it carefully. The apple was not quite ripe, she knew that from seeing others of it’s kind in full color and flavor in the palace. The darker part of the apple had a dark magenta, very similar to the color of her own coat.
The two of them stood there quietly, the new information milling through Scarlet’s head.
“This apple’s official name is-” She asked still in disbelief.
“Scarlet gala,” Big Macintosh finished, with a bigger smile.
He picked up the apple and took a bite.
“One of my favorites,” he said in between chews. “Ah grew up on this apple ya know? Made me strong. Applejack says it’s too rich for her tastes, but ah think it’s just fine.”
Big Macintosh pulled out another gala and gave it to Scarlet. She took a bite.
A familiar taste flowed across her tongue, she had tasted this taste before. The princess herself had a jam she liked to put on her toast every morning that was made from this very apple. She knew it because she had shared that very jam no more than a week before when she invited to lunch with her.
The two of them stood quietly eating their apples
“It looks like we’ve both learned something pretty amazing today, mah little filly.” Macintosh said finishing his apple and breaking the silence.
Scarlet felt a warm feeling sweep across her face when he said filly. It sounded like a word he used to address Berry and Tatter.
“Let me tell ya what ah learned. Yesterday Apple Bloom comes up to me and tells me Cheerilee, a mare whom ah loved before ah married Fluttershy, is coming to town and wants to see me. This morning was the first time we have spoken and seen each other for years and she breaks out tellin’ me that she had a foal which is my daughter by blood. And now she’s a grown mare, and personal bodyguard to princess Celestia herself.”
Scarlet watched his expression, his eyes were locked on her, a genuine look of pride and affection in them.
“The first thing ah naturally asked her is what is your name. She then tells me she called you Scarlet Glade but when you grew up you chose to change it to Gala. Naturally mah assumption is because you have found about you heritages and the connection of that apple from the palace.”
“No,” Scarlet admitted. “I hadn’t the slightest idea.”
“That’s what makes this news sweeter. Not only did you pick a name that perfect for you, without knowing it, the name itself is a name of the apple your grandpa grew, and also is the personal favorite of the pony you have sworn to protect?”
Scarlet felt her cheeks starting to glow and her eyes starting to grow damp.
“You must be thinking this is too much of a coincidence.” She said in an uneasy voice, as he saw the look of affection in his eyes at her. “I picked it because is was more elite, it felt more like me, it just felt right.”
Macintosh’s face seemed to swell even great with pride at her words.
“Somewhere up there mah granny must be laughing. Mah own daughter, mah flesh and blood, chose Scarlet Gala because she says it felt right. Sugar cube, ya may have done everything in ya power to more city-like and through it you’ve proven, on your own, without a doubt, that you deserve the name of an Apple.”
At that moment Big Macintosh laughed, a loud and jolly laugh.
Scarlet was taken off guard (kinda amazing given her profession) she wanted to laugh too, but she was so overcome with the news and with the prideful joy that seemed to radiate from her father as he laughed, that she simply swallowed her apple and wiped away the tears that were now speckling her cheeks.
Big Macintosh took a few deep breath to steady himself, Scarlet could see tears of joy in his eyes as well.
“An Apple knows their own,” he said finally. “Even when they grow up on their own in the city, your gut knew who you were better than what you thought yourself. Your an Apple, by both blood and choice. This morning ah woke up the father of two daughters, and just an hour ago ah found out ah have another one. And just now you’ve shown me that... you, are just as wonderful as mah other daughters. Scarlet a’m-”
Big Macintosh paused taking a breath to gather his emotions again. Scarlet didn’t need him to finish, his expression said it all, he was proud of her.
In that moment Scarlet did for the second time that day, something that was out of normal behavior. She impulsively, without invitation, flung her forehooves around Big Macintosh and hugged him.
Her father gave a joyful sob as he hugged back.
“You hug like an Apple too,” he said quietly to her.
--~~--
“You’re my big sister!” were Tatter’s first words when Scarlet and Big Macintosh stepped out of the apple barn. She then ran toward her and gave her a tackled hug.
“This is so cool!” Tatter said into her neck. Scarlet was glad that she had washed her hooves after her grape smashing.
“So,” Berry said approaching her, even more shy than she was before. “Aunt Apple Bloom said that you’re our big sister and you’ve been watching out for us when we’re in Canterlot?”
Scarlet smiled back at her and knelt down to her level, Tatter still clung around her neck.
“Yes I have,” Scarlet said gently, not wanting to make Berry anymore uncomfortable then she already was. “And I promise to keep watching out for you, if you like.”
Berry, unlike her twin sister, walked slowly over to Scarlet and calmly put her forehooves around the other side of her neck as well.
“I’d like that very much,” She murmured softly.
Scarlet held her sisters, amazed how the two of them were showing tremendous amount of affection for her in to two completely opposite ways. Tatter with her high energy expressions, like ‘ohmygosh’ and ‘this is awesome!’ And Berry just simply holding on to her, with gentle yet urgent grip that seemed to say ‘don’t let go just yet.’
Scarlet heard a noise off in the distance and saw her mother with Lady Fluttershy, the two of them obviously overjoyed by the sight of the three sisters united.
The rest of the day was a welcoming party for Scarlet. It turned out Apple Bloom was not able keep silent about her meeting Scarlet. Applejack, her husband, Sorin’, their son Apple Bourbon, Caramel Apple, Golden Delicious, Apple Fritter, Apple Tart, Apple Dumpling, and Fluttershy we told about Scarlet by Apple Bloom in the last week.
Really the only ponies who didn’t know about it till that day itself was obviously Big Macintosh, a few of the younger Apple cousins, and the sisters Berry and Tatter.
“Hey Scarlet,” Apple Bloom called to her while the family was cleaning up dinner.
“Yes?”
“Ah’ve been meaning to tell you, when you and Big Macintosh were in the barn talking a feller I knew from school came by asking about you.” She said picking up a stack of pie plates.
“Who?”
“His name is High Score, he’s professional video game player or something.”
“Oh,” Scarlet said in an annoyed tone. “Him.”
“How do you know him?”
“I was bored last night at this inn so I joined a game of cards with him and friends and beat them.”
“If ah were to take ah guess, ah think he’s smitten with ya.” Apple Bloom shared.
“Well yeah I really creamed that smug, arrogant, colt and put him in his place.” Scarlet said confidently.
“That’s not what ah mean’t, sugar cube.” Apple Bloom replied, taking her gently by the shoulder and pulling her in closer. “Ah think you have an admirer.” She whispered into her ear.
Scarlet let out a half laugh.
“More like a rival! And if he’s thinking of stalking me, I know fifteen ways to break a stallion’s legs.” Scarlet said coldly.
“Well, go easy on him next time,” Apple Bloom said smiling.
“There will not be a next time.”
Apple Bloom just gave a shrug and smiled.
“I got to leave soon,” Scarlet said looking at the setting sun. “Her majesty is expecting my letter, and Canterlot-”
“Oh Scarlet!” Apple Bloom said quickly cutting her off.
“What?”
“Sorry that was rude of me to interrupt,” Apple Bloom said. “You said Canterlot and I just wanted to say. I know it’s your home and all, but I just wanted to say, the door is always open here at Sweet Apple Acres. Do you job at the palace and all, but please come visit.”
“Yeah, yeah,” Tatter said walking past the two, carrying a load of dishes. “Please come back and see us.”
“Of course,” Scarlet said. “Also come see me in Canterlot. I’ll show you how a city Apple lives.”
