My Little Pony: Equestrian Life In another World

The next day, at the Castle of Friendship, Twilight and Beau were standing in front of the mirror, with a few luggage ready for just in case, with the rest of her friends, Spike and Buck standing near them.

“Now y’all be careful over there Sugarcube.” Said Applejack.

“She’s right, Twilight.” Said Spike, “We’ve spent a few days at a time whenever we visit, you’ve never been there for two weeks or a month before.”

“He does have a point, Twilight.” Said Starlight, “Are you sure this will be safe?”

“Not to worry,” said Twilight, “Beau showed me the spell to alter the mirror. When we came out of the other side, we appeared as teenagers. But thankfully, he was able to help me determine our age, so we’ll be able to look about our current age the moment we’re on the other side.”

“Plus, the other side is also a lot like my old home.” Said Beau, “So I’ll be able to help adapt in this world. And thankfully I was also able to get a license for driving.”

“Driving what?” asked a confused Rainbow.

Beau showed them a picture of a car and said “With these. Someone invented these types of transportation a hundred years ago. Overtime, they continued to improve the design and people use them on a daily basis. It also make traveling easy. Where it takes a week traveling from one town to another, this one allows you to travel there in a matter of hours.”

“Oooooohhh.” Went the ponies in the room.

“Now, before we go.” Said Beau, then turned to Twilight. “Honey, I just need to make sure we haven’t forgotten anything else. Did we forget anything?”

Twilight thought about, then realized. “Oh, right. I forgot to bring an empty journal with me. I want to use it to document on what’s on the other side. I think I left it in the Library. Could you get it for us?”

“You got it.” Said Beau, then looked at Starlight and said “Starlight? You happen to know where it is, considering the two of you are always in the same library when carrying out lessons.”

“Oh, sure thing. I can show you.” Said Starlight as she was the first to leave, whilst Beau followed her.

As the friends discussed on what they’re going to do, both Beau and Starlight arrived at the library. Starlight looked around and said “Now where did we put that journal.”

“Before we do.” Said Beau, gaining Starlight’s attention. “I know my wife gave you a very overcomplicated list.”

“Um, that’s right.” Said Starlight nervously.

“But I convinced her otherwise and instead I asked her if I could give you an important task instead.” Said Beau, “I’m not going to go overboard, it’s just something simple.”

“Um…what?” asked a confused Starlight.

“I want you…” said Beau as he suddenly got serious, to which frightened Starlight a bit, until he smiled and said “To housesit for us.”

Starlight blinked and said “Excuse me?”

“Whilst we’re away, we need someone to look after the Castle whilst we’re away.” Said Beau, “Your job is to make sure everything stays clean, neat, making sure no one abuses this place for their own needs like forming a party, like that time Twilight had to kick Pinkie out a while back because of what she did.”

“Twilight did what?” said Starlight surprised.

“I found out from Spike.” Said Beau, “Anyway, we need somepony to look after the place. Consider this a lesson.”

“Lesson?” said a confused Starlight, “What kind of lesson?”

“By being responsible.” Said Beau.

Again, Starlight was confused by this, with Beau deciding to fill in.

“See, every now and then, whenever we’ve been given a task, we’ve also been given a responsibility. And if they see that you’re responsible, then they trust you enough to do things on your own. Princesses Celestia and Luna learned them, same with Cadence and Shining Armor. And Twilight still struggles with it all the time. Now you get to do the same by proving your worth. And seeing that you’ve got some parts of being responsible hands down, I figured that this could also prove as a place of responsibility. Back in my world, what I’ve read in a comic book, there’s a saying, that with great power comes great responsibility. Meaning now that you’re in charge of the castle, it’s your responsibility.”

“Wait, me?” asked Starlight, “But what about Spike?”

“No offense, I wouldn’t even trust him enough to look after a cardboard box than a castle.” Said Beau.

Starlight was surprised by this, with her asking “Why would you say that?”

“Look, I like Spike, I really do,” said Beau, “But that guy can sometimes make boneheaded decisions when it comes to certain things. Remember that incident at Canterlot a while back when Twilight needed rest after her so called all nightery and Spike made a mess by taking over, claiming that Twilight asked for a few things?”

“Oh yeah,” muttered Starlight as she remembered Twilight telling her that. “I forgot about that.”

“Not to mention a few other things,” said Beau, “Like the Winter Wrap Up when he acted innocent when Twilight wanted to help plough the field with Applejack, when it was his idea to tell her to use magic to plough the field. Then there was that time he thought he could take on the Diamond Dogs when he wanted to save Rarity, but made a fool of himself. Then there was the time he got jealous over an owl. Then there was that time he ended up upsetting Pinkie Pie that made her think her friends didn’t love her anymore…”

“Wait, what?” said a confused Starlight, “Why would she think that?”

“Long story short, it was her birthday, she didn’t know about it, her friends tried to keep it a surprise, but you know how persistent she can get, for she can’t keep a secret unless you Pinkie Promise, and she can’t read a person or stop poking her nose into other people’s business.”

“That sounds like her.” Muttered Starlight.

“Then there was the time he didn’t try to stop her from using that Want it, Need it Spell, or try to convince her that she shouldn’t overstress over a dumb report. When he let his greed turn him into a literal monster. And that time he made a fool of himself in front of the dragons by acting like a pony, when he failed to realize that everyone grows up differently and don’t have the same upbringing the other does. Or that he didn’t even stay and defend Twilight when she tried to save Shining when she felt something off about Cadence when it was Chrysalis in disguise.”

“But…didn’t they turn their back on her when they thought she was crazy when she didn’t have any proof or evidence and made a poor case?”

Beau wanted to say something, but then realized it too and said “Oh yeah, good point.”

Beau continued “Then there was the time he was supposed to take care of their pets whilst they were away, only for him to botch it up completely. Where he got them trapped into an enchanted comic book, when he didn’t pay attention to the enchanted part. Or that time he botched up the Breezie Migration. Or gave that spell book to Rarity that caused her to over beautify the entire town, where he made a fool of himself twice at the Equestrian Games.”

Starlight was surprised by the mistakes Spike made. “He made that many mistakes?!”

“That’s right. More importantly.” Said Beau, before whispering to her, “I know he still has that fantasy where Rarity would finally fall in love with him, but it’s never going to happen.”

Starlight was surprised by that last part, with Beau saying normally, “Which is why I’m putting you in charge of the castle, because you’re the only pony in this castle that’s responsible.”

“Um, I wouldn’t exactly call enslaving a town and trying to destroy Equestria’s history being responsible.” Said Starlight nervously.

“Eh, that’s all in the past.” Said Beau, “Besides, you were just lost, confused, didn’t know how to move on…”

Then Beau looked at her with a flexed eyebrow, “Or even grow up.”

She winced at that, with Beau reassuring her, “But the point is, you’re better than you once were. Which is why we take the path of redemption one step at a time. There’s an old saying in my world. You take it one step at a time. You live life as best you can, and then you pick up right where you left off. And some things may come to an end, which we know can be sad. That’s why we continue to live in the moment with the time we still have.”

Starlight blinked a couple of times, as if…she was strangely moved by his words.

“How is it you’ve never been my teacher?” said Starlight in disbelief.

“Eh, I have my moments.” Said Beau. Then he found the journal and picked it up. He then said “Whenever you struggle, Starlight. You can always talk to me. You can count on it.”

As Beau left, Starlight stared at Beau surprised, and couldn’t help but smile and follow Beau where Twilight and the others were waiting.

“Got it, Twilight.” Said Starlight.

“You really need to keep that library of yours clean.” Said Beau.

“I do clean it!!” protested Twilight.

This however, was a mistake as Beau suddenly smirked.

“Oh really, lady Sparkle.” Said Beau, “You know how I feel about lying. I’m gonna have to…”

Beau then whispered to her whilst he slowly ruffled her feathers, making her blush and slightly moaned, “I’m going to have to punish you during our…happy ending sessions.”

Twilight widened her eyes in shock, whilst blushing madly at the same time.

“Shut up.” Muttered Twilight as she shoved him a bit before giggling.

“We’d better get going, or we’ll be late.” Said Beau, “We don’t want to miss out on anything.”

“Right,” said Twilight as she picked up her bags, with Beau picking up his. She turned to her friends and said “We’ll see you guys in about a month.”

Twilight stepped through the portal, with Beau saying “See you guys.”

“See you later, Beau!!” said Pinkie.

“Enjoy your honeymoon.” Said Spike.

“You got it bonehead, er, I mean, Spike.” Said Beau before walking through.

Spike blinked by the first part her called him.

“Hey, what did he mean by bonehead?” Said Spike, then turned to the others and said “I’m not a bonehead!!”

The looks from the girls faces said otherwise, which Spike didn’t get.

‘Wow,’ said Starlight from within her thoughts, ‘Beau was right, he really is a bonehead.’

***********************************************************************************************

Back at CHS, the Rainbooms were hanging out near the statue, with Sunset holding Princess Twilight’s journal.

“Are you sure they’re popping by here?” asked Rainbow.

“They are, Rainbow.” Said Sunset Shimmer, “Plus from what Princess Twilight says, both she and Beau have a surprise for us.”

“Oooh, what kind of surprise?” said an exciting Pinkie Pie.

“Ah’m sure they’ll tell us once they get here.” Said Applejack.

They heard the sounds of a portal shimmering, “Oh, that must be them now.” Said Rarity.

Two figures soon emerged from the portal, with Twilight standing tall and said “Whoa, that feels a bit different.”

“I know what you mean.” Said Beau. He then noticed the Rainbooms and said “Oh hey girls.”

The Rainbooms however, all looked at both Beau and Twilight shocked, as they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“What?” said a confused Twilight.

“Twilight? Beau?” said a confused Sunset.

“Is…is that you two?” said Sci-Twi surprised.

Spike went over and sniffed them, then said “Yep, that’s them alright?”

“Why are you two staring at us like that?” asked Beau.

“Well…” said Rarity as she used her diamond geode to create a large mirror.

When Twilight looked at it, she widened her eyes in surprise, whilst she inspected her body at the same time. For the spell that Beau had founded worked. For now, they look somewhere in their mid-20’s. But what was different, was instead of her usual attire, it nearly resembled that to Principal Celestia’s, only in her previous’ clothing’s color scheme.

“Wow,” said Twilight after she was done looking herself over. “So, this is what I look like if I was an adult in this world.”

Beau looked at himself over, and said “Never figured this is what I look like at age 26.”

“What did you two do?” asked Sunset.

“Oh, see it’s like this.” Said Twilight before she was cut off.

“Honey, mind if I explain things?” said Beau.

Twilight couldn’t help but roll her eyes and gestured for him to do so.

“It’s like this,” said Beau, “A while back when we last visited you guys, we appeared as teenagers. But back in Equestria, we’re already adults. I’m about 21 and Twilight’s a year younger than me. But we realized that if we wanted to move around the world a bit, or even drive, then we’d end up having a problem that we appeared as teens. So, I looked through a few spells and was able to find an artifact that could help change our ages. I experimented with the portal so that it could help turn us into adults the moment we crossed. Thankfully it’s a onetime thing.”

“Oh? Why would that be a problem?” asked Fluttershy.

“Well for one we wanted to go somewhere on our honeymoon.” Said Beau.

The Rainbooms were greatly surprised by what he had said.

“I’m sorry,” said Rarity, “Did you say, honeymoon?”

“Er…yeah.” Said Twilight as she and Beau showed their wedding rings to them.

Needless to say, the Rainbooms were speechless at first, until the girls, minus Rainbow squealed in excitement and hugged the couple tightly.

“Normally, I wouldn’t condone to acting like they do, but…” said Rainbow, before she did the same and hugged them too.

“Congratulations!!” said Sunset after they broke the hug.

“You two must be so happy!!” said Fluttershy.

“This is the most amazingness thing, ever!!” exclaimed Pinkie Pie as she got just as excited.

“Y’all must be the luckiest ever.” Said Applejack.

“As well as something else.” Said Beau.

The Rainbooms were again confused at first. Until Beau placed his hand against her belly, causing them to instantly realize what he meant, making them squeal even louder and hugged Twilight again.

“So, you’re going to be parents, too?!!” said Sci-Twi in excitement.

“We sure are.” Said Twilight, “The doctor also said that it’s going to be a girl.”

“Aw yeah, this is awesome!!” said Rainbow Dash.

“Although, now it would explain why you made yourself older, because you didn’t want to be in trouble with the authorities.” Said Rarity when she realized something.

“That’s the gist of it, yeah.” Said Beau.

“But how did you guys make yourself older?” asked Sunset.

“We used this artifact.” Said Twilight as she pulled it out and showed it to them. “We were able to use this on the mirror to change our ages when we crossed over.”

“Yeah, cause for one, Twilight’s a year younger than me.” Said Beau.

“How old are you?” asked Fluttershy.

“I’m twenty-one whilst Twilight is a year younger than me.” Said Beau, whilst unknown to them the artifact was reacting slowly to something.

“Huh?” said the Rainbooms.

“See, it’s like this.” Said Twilight, “I’m already a legal adult in Equestria, but when I crossed the portal the first time, I was turned into a teenager, different worlds different times. I was turned into a teenager in order to avoid suspicion, considering as you guessed, my counterpart was still in her teens.”

“So that explains why you were the same age as me.” Said Sci-Twi, “Our counterparts are already adults, but if you cross to the portal where you’re counterpart is still a teenager, you’ll end up the same age as we do in order to keep the balance of the world.”

“Good guess.” Said Beau.

“Good guess, it’s a great theory!!” said Twilight in excitement.

“I know, I’m just…” said Beau, until he noticed something about the artifact, which made him widen his eyes a bit. “Uh, Twilight? Is it supposed to do that?”

They saw the artifact reacting a bit as it glowed, which surprised them.

“Uh, I don’t know.” Said a surprised Twilight, “It’s never done that before.”

As the artifact glowed, Pinkie noticed something. “Hey look, Sunset’s glowing too.”

They saw Sunset glowing a bit, making her look at herself for a moment. “Uh, what’s happening?” said a nervous Sunset.

Suddenly, Beau noticed that Sunset was slightly growing, which made his eyes widen in shock. “Uh, Twilight?”

“Yes?” said both Twilight and Sci-Twi.

Seeing that Beau wanted both their opinions, he asked the two of them, “Seeing that you’re from Equestria and the mirror reduced your age to a teenager, but we found a way to make ourselves older thanks to the artifact, right?”

“That’s right.” Said Twilight.

Sci-Twi widened her eyes in shock as she realized, “And er…Sunset also happens to be from Equestria, and you did mention that she was older than you, so…”

Suddenly, it dawned to everyone, with Fluttershy going “Oh my.”

They heard a large rip, causing them to look. For Sunset was now the same height as Twilight, but two years older, her breasts were now an E-Cup. She was now a fully grown woman, which made her gasp in shock. She screamed in shock as she covered herself whilst crouching, which shocked the others.

“Okay, we did not, do that!!” exclaimed Beau.

“We need to get her inside!!” shouted Twilight.

Everyone quickly took her away whilst trying to avoid the crowds at the same time.

***********************************************************************************************

Soon enough, they were safely in the music room. And though by some miracle, they were able to turn Sunset back to normal, and Rarity having her wardrobe ready for just in case.

“We are so, sorry Sunset.” Said Twilight.

“No, no, it’s alright.” Said Sunset, though still feeling embarrassed, “You didn’t know this would happen.”

“Why the heck did the artifact affect Sunset, too?” asked Rainbow Dash.

“As I theorized, and what my counterpart also guessed,” said Sci-Twi, “When Princess Twilight crosses over, she turns into a teenager. And from what all of you mentioned, Sunset was older than Twilight before she became Princess Celestia’s pupil.”

“And when she traveled through the portal,” said Twilight, “She was turned into your freshman year. But when I first saw her, she was about the same age I was. Though it felt like it was ten years since she was in Equestria, the artifact must’ve reacted to her, causing her to grow older too.”

“Thank goodness it was temporary though.” Said Sunset as she took a breather, “I didn’t know how I was going to explain this to Principle Celestia if she saw me older.”

“Though from what you’ve told me, I thought she was used to it by now.” Said Beau.

“Sometimes she is.” Said Sunset.

Beau sighed and said “This is not how I wanted our honeymoon to start.”

“It’s alright, Beau.” Said Twilight, “Neither of us knew this was going to happen.”

“Still,” said Applejack, “Where are y’all gonna go now that y’all are here?”

“Well, seeing that I know how humanity works and everything, I figured I’d show her the ropes.” Said Beau, “As for locations…I’m not sure, we haven’t thought that far yet.”

“Maybe we can help.” Said Pinkie as she pulled out a map and presented it to them. “This is the map where you wanna go. Famous locations and everything. Perfect place for Princess Twilight to go if she wants to go to a place she hasn’t gone to yet.”

“Oooh, this is perfect.” Said Princess Twilight as she accepted the map. “Thanks Pinkie Pie.”

“No problem, Twilight.” Said Pinkie Pie when she smiled with a squeak sound.

“Though how are y’all gonna get around?” asked Applejack.

“It’s like this.” Said Beau.

(One complicated recap later)

“And that’s how I was able to plan everything out.” Said Beau, which caused their jaws to be dropped.

“Okay, wow.” Said Sunset.

“You’ve certainly gained a keeper, Princess Twilight.” Said Rarity playfully, with Twilight blushing and leaning against Beau.

“So, now that we’ve cleared that out, when are you guys heading out?” asked Rainbow.

“Well, we figured we’d stop at Sugarcube Corner first, and then we hit the road.” Said Twilight.

“Good idea,” said Fluttershy, “We can show you the attractions and locations you’ll want to go.”

“We’ll go after your class is over,” said Beau, which confused the Rainbooms, “You still got an algebra quiz coming up.”

The Rainbooms gasped, causing them to run out and didn’t want to be late for it. Twilight looked at him surprised.

“What, I read their schedules for today of this week.” Said Beau, which caused Twilight to giggle as a result.

***************************************************************************************************

Later, near Sugarcube Corner, after everyone got together and discussed where to go on their road trip, the Rainbooms were saying goodbye to both Beau and Twilight before they would leave on their road trip whilst standing near their RV.

“Sure, wish y’all could stay a bit longer.” Said Applejack.

“Indeed,” said Rarity, “We wanted to catch up for old time’s sake.”

“I’m sorry, girls.” Said Twilight.

“Oh, it’s okay Twilight,” said Fluttershy, “You and your husband comes first when it comes to a honeymoon.”

“Plus, from what the others said, you never had a chance to explore the rest of Equestria.” Said Sci-Twi.

“Yeah, so go have some fun whilst you’re at it.” Said Rainbow Dash.

“And have a fun party whilst you’re at it!!” said Pinkie Pie.

“Maybe on your last week, you can visit us?” asked Sunset, “I mean it would be great if we could spend time with one another before you go back home.”

“I think that’s a good idea.” Said Beau, “I’d like to know you girls more too. Even if I already know your counterparts.”

“Just…promise me that the part of me getting older doesn’t happen again.” Said Sunset nervously.

Both Beau and Twilight chuckled at this, with Twilight saying “We’ll keep that in mind.”

“Time for us to get going, we don’t want to be late.” Said Beau.

Twilight was the first to climb aboard, with Beau stopping for a moment and looked at Sunset.

“And Sunset?” said Beau, gaining the former bad pony’s attention, “Even though you didn’t find love in this world, that doesn’t mean one should give up on it. Everybody’s meant to be loved. Even you. And I can tell that someday…you and your special someone will be very happy.”

Sunset was surprised by the wisdom her gave her whilst she slightly looked down. For the way he spoke to her, felt a bit like Princess Celestia. Beau walked down and gave her a final hug, and said “It will happen someday Sunset. You just gotta believe in it.”

Sunset ended up hugging him back, before they broke it and smiled at one another, before he left and boarded the RV, with him behind the wheel.

“What’d you say to Sunset?” asked Twilight as she was curious.

Beau chuckled and said “Something to help her see forward for the future.”

Beau and Twilight soon drove away, with the Rainbooms waving goodbye to them, with Sunset smiling to the fullest, as if she was looking forward to the future.

************************************************************************************************

Meanwhile, back at Equestria, everyone continued with their daily lives, with Starlight doing her best to look after the castle. It had been a few days since Twilight and Beau left for the other world, and sometimes her friends ask Starlight for a status update, considering they sometimes communicate over the journals.

Back at Sweet Apple Acres, both Buck and Applejack were busy tending the farm, looking after, and harvesting the trees at the same time.

Whilst picking up one of the baskets, Buck asked “How do you think Twilight and Beau are doing?”

“Ah’m sure that they’re fine.” Said Applejack as she brought two baskets of her own. “Starlight’s keepin’ an eye on the journal, so she’ll let us know if Twilight had said anything.”

“I sure hope so.” Said Buck as he placed the basket in a wagon, “From what all of you told me, Twilight only explored the entire city when she last visited there. But she never explored the entire world there.”

“First time for everything.” Said Applejack when she placed her basket in the wagon.

After Applejack walked to the next tree, Buck stared at her for a bit. And for some reason, he blushed madly. I mean…what are the chances…the two of them…in a relationship? He didn’t think it would be possible. But if Beau and Twilight were able to make it work so far. Then maybe…

He shook his head and quickly went back to work. After gathering the last baskets and taking the wagon to store them, they closed up for the day with Applejack whipping the sweat from her brow, same with Buck.

“Boy, now that’s what I call a hard day’s work.” Said Buck.

“Ah agree, it was a good day.” Said Applejack.

Buck thought about it again, for he liked Applejack he really did. And…he has to admit…

Buck looked at her as the sun shone on her. He was captivated by her beauty. The way her hair was shining, her deep green eyes that can stare deep into anyone’s soul, her cute freckles, her amazing strength, which he had to admit, he has a thing for strong women. Not to mention her sweet countryisms accent that he liked about her.

…she’s perfect.

Just as she turned around…

“Uh, Applejack?” said Buck as he caught up with her.

“Yes?” asked Applejack as she looked at him.

Once again, Buck blushed again. But after what he wanted to do, he took a deep breath, then let it out. He looked at her and tried to muster his courage.

“Applejack,” began Buck nervously, “I was wondering that if…neither of us were busy…if you want to, well…go out with me sometime?”

Applejack widened her eyes a bit and could’ve sworn that she was slightly blushing a bit. Did he just ask her out?

“Are y’all…sure about that?”

“I am,” said Buck, “That is…if you want?”

Applejack shook her head and thought about it whilst placing her left hand on her hip whilst using her right hand to tap her index finger against her bottom lip whilst thinking.

“Tell you what,” said Applejack, “Give me a few days and ah’ll consider it.”

“Oh, alright then.” Said Buck. Though he sounded disappointed, at least he’s hopeful that she might say yes one day. “I’ll head to the south field and see if there’s anything we missed. Why don’t you go wash up.”

“Okay, ah’ll see ya later.” Said Applejack.

As Buck left, Applejack walked back home. However, she kept quiet for some time. She eventually made her way to her home and walked to the kitchen’s entrance, where Granny Smith, Apple Bloom and Big Mac were. Granny was sitting in her chair; Big Mac was drinking some water and Apple Bloom was getting a few plates. The three of them noticed Applejack walking in.

“Oh, hey Applejack,” said Apple Bloom, “We’ll get dinner ready soon.”

However, they noticed that she was very quiet and she didn’t say anything.

“Uh, Applejack?” said Granny Smith.

Suddenly, Applejack exclaimed whilst grabbing her head and sat on her knees whilst her face was red at the same time, which surprised the others.

“Whoa, y’all okay Applejack?” said Apple Bloom.

“Yeah, y’all are actin’ crazier than cow stampede.” Said Granny Smith.

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac.

Applejack was rapidly breathing a bit, until she was dowsed by water, which snapped her out of it. Which revealed Granny Smith holding a jug of sorts.

“Now then, from the top youngin,” said Granny, “What happened?”

“Well, see…” said Applejack, “Me and Buck were busy gathering the last apples for the harvest. Then after we were done, he, well…”

“What? What?” said Apple Bloom eagerly.

“He, well…” said Applejack, then gulped and said “he asked me out.”

The three of them were stunned, when Apple Bloom said in excitement, “Like a date?!”

Applejack grasped Apple Bloom’s mouth shut whilst she was blushing madly at the same time.

“D-don’t say that!!” said Applejack.

“What’s wrong with ya, y’all act like y’all have never been on a date before.” Said Apple Bloom after she removed Applejack’s mouth from him.

“Well…”

“She never had a date.” Said Big Mac, “Most times cause folks are intimidated by her strength. Though ah can’t blame em’. We apples are the strongest because of our hard labor work.”

“Yer not wrong there.” Muttered Applejack.

However, Granny Smith could tell something about Applejack. She couldn’t help but smile and said “Ah think it’s clear as a shining apple on a good day that y’all have feelings for him.”

Applejack looked at Granny Smith in shock.

“What, I can tell.” Said Granny Smith with a smile.

Granny brought a chair with her and sat across her, staring at Applejack at the same time. She took a breath and spoke her side.

“Just as ah can tell,” said Granny before slowly pointing at Applejack, “That you have feelings for him.”

Applejack wanted to deny it, thinking that it wasn’t true, but the look on Granny says otherwise, with Applejack also slowly being surprised by this. And said “Is it that obvious?”

“Although…” said Granny, “From what ah’m seein’, it’s the first time that y’all fell in love with anypony. And y’all have been spendin more time with him. Especially the way y’all have been looking at him.”

“Though…” said Applejack, then looked to Granny and said “What do ah do? Ah’ve never done any of this before.”

Apple Bloom gasped and said “Ah got it!!”

She dashed over to the other room, and came back with a letter. “This’ll be perfect!!”

“Apple Bloom?” said a confused Granny whilst Apple Bloom showed them the letter.

“Cousin Braeburn is having a Rodeo party at Appaloosa!!” said Apple Bloom, “Some of our Apple families are goin’ there, and Braeburn asked Pinkie Pie if she could help arrange the party. Y’all can accept his offer over there and start yer first date there.”

Applejack then suddenly started to worry. “But…what if they don’t like him? Or they don’t approve of us?”

“Ah’m sure they will,” said Granny, “Especially since he saved Apple Bloom’s life.”

“Eeyup.” Said Big Mac as he nodded in agreement.

Applejack thought about it, and sighed. “Alright…Ah’ll accept his offer.”

“That’s what ah’d like to hear.” Said Granny. “Now then, y’all better pack yer things. We leave tomorrow. We’re also gonna have to bring Pinkie Pie with us.”

“Really?” said a surprised Applejack, “How come?”

“Cause when he heard that Pinkie is also a party planner,” said Apple Bloom, “He wanted her help to planning a party. Plus, it’ll be her first time at the rodeo too.”

“Huh, good point.” Said Applejack. She then stood up and said “Ah’m gonna start packing’, that way we’ll be ready just in case.”

Applejack soon left to pack, with the rest of the Apple family smirking, for something tells me it was going to be a night that nobody would be forgetting anytime soon.

************************************************************************************************

Later the next day, the train from Ponyville was making their way towards Appaloosa, with the Apple family in the train, waiting eagerly until all of them had gotten there. Though no one was more eager than Pinkie Pie as she hopped onto the seat like a hyperactive puppy. Though she was a little disappointed that they didn’t have confectionary treats onboard.

Buck was watching from the window as he never had the chance to explore much of the world, and was amazed to see how the world looked like.

“Mighty impressive, isn’t it?”

Buck turned around and saw Applejack standing near him.

“It’s amazing.” Said Buck. “I’ve only seen Ponyville for a while, seen Canterlot from the distance, but never seen much of the countryside before.”

Applejack chuckled and sat next to him. “Yeah, I kinda had the same feelin’ since the day I first left Ponyville.”

“You mean when you were trying to find your place before you went back there?” asked Buck.

“Y’all guessed right there.” Said Applejack whilst looking out of the view. “When ah was young, I was tryin’ to find mah place, so I left Sweet Apple Acres and moved to Manehattan to be with mah relatives. Though I had a hard time fitting in, because ah couldn’t connect with them well. Then one day, ah saw a rainbow, leading me straight to home. That’s when ah realized ah knew where ah was supposed to be. That’s also how ah got mah cutie mark in the first place. Cause mah place was…”

“With your family.” Said Buck. He chuckled and said “You really are lucky. To have a place to call home, and be surrounded by folks who love you. But…wasn’t your parents worried about you leaving everything behind?”

“Oh, they were.” Said Applejack, “But they figured ah’d come back home eventually.”

“Still,” wondered Buck, “It’s a shame what happened to them.”

“Huh?” wondered Applejack.

“Granny told me what happened to them.” Said Buck, which at first startled her. “She visited me in the hospital and told me. It’s…a shame what happened to them. I wish I could’ve met them.”

Applejack chuckled and said “Yeah, they would’ve liked ya. Even more after the way you saved Apple Bloom.”

“She’s too precious and innocent in this world.” Said Buck, “Were there more like her and her friends, the world would be a better place. And if there had been ponies on my world and taught everyone the meaning of family, things would’ve been different for me, Daisy, as well the rest of my family. Someone…”

He looked at Applejack and smiled, “Someone like you.”

Applejack was surprised by this and looked away, but she blushed bright red and smiled, as she felt touched as well as taken aback by what he had said.

“So, whilst we’re on our way there, what’s Appaloosa like?” asked Buck.

“Oh, it’s almost like Ponyville…” said Applejack.

“But in the Wild West.” Said Buck, which caused her to chuckle at that.

“Got that right.” Said Applejack.

“And it’s also a town filled with ponies who are twice as thickheaded and stubborn as mules.” Said Buck.

Applejack was shocked by what he said, until…

“Your friends told me,” said Buck, “Same with your grandmother and siblings.”

“He ain’t wrong there!!”

Applejack looked back and saw Granny Smith look at her, whilst also being a little miffed at the same time.

“Why, ah was never this ashamed in all mah life.” Said Granny Smith, “When ah heard from yer friends about what happened between them and the buffalo, and from what Apple Bloom told me about that there horse feller, ah gathered my cousins and we gave them a ton of scolding for what they did on both accounts. Why, even Big Mac gave cousin Braeburn a good scoldin’ for what he did.”

“Eeyup.” Replied Big Mac in a serious tone.

“Still,” said Granny Smith, “Ah still can’t believe y’all were goin along with Braeburn and the others to fight against the Buffalos. And ah told them not to build on the Buffalo’s stomping’ grounds years ago. But it fell unto deaf ears. When y’all told us, ah personally went over and told them off mahself.”

“So that would explain why y’all have been gone for a week.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Though in their defense, sheriff Silverstar was the one who started the fight in the first place.” Said Applejack.

“Ah know, which is why Ah’ve been given him such a whooping, he’d never forget to never do something like that again.”

“That would explain why he couldn’t sit for a while.” Pondered Applejack.

They then heard the sound of a whistle, which caused Applejack to stand up in order to look out of the window. But as she walked, the train shook, making her lose her balance and landed on Buck’s lap, making him quickly catch her at the same time. The two of them were surprised as they looked at one another at the same time.

The two of them kept staring at one another as they felt themselves lost in some sort of void. Blushes had appeared on their faces as Buck couldn’t help but gently held her cheek with his left hand and Applejack wrapping her arms around his neck, staring at one another non-stop.

This however, didn’t go unnoticed by Granny, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom, who couldn’t help but giggle at the sight.

Applejack and Buck continued to stare at one another whilst they blushed at the same time. The two of them slowly moved towards one another, until they heard the train stop. The two of them looked at one another again, with the two of them blushing redder now.

“Would…would it be alright if we hold hands whilst we’re walkin’?” asked Applejack.

“Yeah…I’d…I’d like that.” Said Buck nervously.

The two of them stood up and walked out together, whilst at the same time, the two of them held hands. They didn’t look at one another, but both of them couldn’t help but smile at the handholding at the same time.

The Apples noticed this and though they were disappointed, they still smiled.

“At least that’s somethin.” Said Apple Bloom.

“Eeyup.” Responded Big Mac at the same time.

***********************************************************************************************

A few hours after they arrived and already Pinkie Pie was darting over back and forth setting everything up. How she has so much energy, no one will ever now. But as they continued to set everything up, Granny had to make sure that the Sheriff would not get in the way, considering she’s still miffed at him for what happened, and folks know twice as much of not to tick off Granny Smith, especially since they know what that mare is capable of.

As Buck was watching Pinkie Pie decorating, he also watched the Sheriff really wanted to intervene, but was scared when Granny Smith was standing next to him. That’s when he noticed Apple Bloom standing next to him.

“What y’all doing?” asked Apple Bloom.

“Does she really have to stand next to that sheriff guy?” asked Buck.

“Oh, trust me, she knows how he thinks.” Said Apple Bloom as she somewhat gave him a stink eye too.

“How so?”

“Who do you think helped made him sheriff?”

“Really?” said Buck in surprise, “I didn’t know she has influence all the way out here.”

“Well, ever since the Apple Family got involved.” Said Apple Bloom. “Mah granny told me that after the ponies founded and built Appaloosa, they couldn’t manage a town without goin’ bankrupt, so the apple family, aka, mah granny, and from what I heard mah pa back before Applejack was born, had to be involved here to straighten up the town. Then before ah was born, she made Silverstar the sheriff, but made him promise that if anythin were to happen, they’d tell her right away.”

“I guess even he forgot after all this time, huh?” said Buck with a smirk. “I would’ve thought that someone like Burnt Oak would be in charge.”

“Wait, y’all know Burnt Oak?” asked Apple Bloom surprised.

“Sure do.” Said Buck, “Shortly after Beau and Twilight left for their honeymoon, Granny asked me to deliver some wood to the guy cause some of the Apple Trees didn’t make it. And seeing that he was shorthanded, he asked me to help him cut some wood. And on a break we had a great conversation about your dad. And the more I hear him talk, the more I could’ve sworn I was talking to Sam Elliott.”

“Who now?”

“Famous actor on my world,” said Buck, “Plus he’s also a westerner. But the moment when you hear him talk, you can just hear the amount of wisdom coming from the guy. It’s amazing no matter where you go, inspiration can come from the most unexpected places. Heck, he’d even make a great sheriff, maybe even be friends with the Buffalo chief.”

“Oh, speaking of the Buffalo, there they are now.” Said Apple Bloom as she pointed at the town’s entrance.

Buck saw them come in and was surprised by how tall they were.

“Wow…they sure look strong.” Said Buck, “They’d bring half of the strongmen in my world to shame.”

“They sure are.” Said Apple Bloom. “Ah remember Applejack onetime tried to challenge them in who the strongest is. She won by a landslide.”

Buck then noticed another…horse? How’s that possible? “Who the heck is that?”

Apple Bloom noticed a bigger horse, “Oh, that there’s Trouble shoes. He’s a resident here. Although…some of the ponies, namely the sheriff, thought he was a troublemaker. But it turned out, he was just a cluts. He didn’t mean any harm, he just wanted to watch the Rodeo.”

“So how is he invited.” Asked Buck.

“Mah friends and ah thought he was a bandit, so we tried to catch him.” Said Apple Bloom, but then noticed Buck’s expression. “Ah know, we didn’t think it through. But then we found out the truth and we wanted to help him. And we helped him get a part time job as a rodeo clown. And he made a lot of folks laugh. Though we were able to help him find his place, it didn’t help that we got punished for goin’ off like that.”

“Still, glad you girls didn’t get hurt.” Said Buck. Who then held Apple Bloom close, which surprised the mare before she looked at him. “Ponies like you are too precious to get hurt. You’ve got a ton of things to live for. Though some things didn’t work the way you expected it, you were able to accomplish more in the long run. That is something you should be proud of. And in a way, a lot of folks would be lost without you and your friends.”

Apple Bloom couldn’t help but blush and said “Aw, y’all are just sayin that.”

“I’m serious…” said Buck.

And from afar, Applejack could see and hear both Buck and Apple Bloom’s conversation. She couldn’t help but smile and see how well those two are getting along. She then thought of what to wear for the rodeo.

“Good thing Rarity isn’t here,” said Applejack, “Otherwise Rarity would start fussing over what to wear in places like this.”

***********************************************************************************************

Night time had approached and soon, the entire town was on full swing on the rodeo party. Everyone, both Pony and Buffalo, came together and began to celebrate together, especially the pies Pinkie Pie came to provide thanks to the Buffalo’s request to have them added in the menu. The music was already starting to play and everyone began to dance.

Applejack was already with Pinkie Pie to make sure everything was okay. Granny, Big Mac, and Apple Bloom were busy getting ready, until they heard knocking on the door. After they got dressed, Big Mac opened the door and saw Buck standing there, wearing his blue shirt, black jean jacket, brown pants, an orange ascot, and a black Stetson hat.

“Well, howdy there, Buck.” Said Granny as she approached the human. “What can ah do for you.”

“Well, uh…is Applejack here?” asked Buck.

“Nah, she went with Pinkie Pie to make sure everything will be alright.” Said Apple Bloom. Who then did a smirk and said “Why…are y’all wantin to take her out on a date?”

Buck blushed a bit and said “Well…yeah. I’ve been…wanting to ask her out for a while but…I never found the right time to ask her. I always chicken out at the last minute. So, I figured…”

“Y’all wanted to ask her out during the rodeo party, right?” asked Granny Smith. Buck nodded shyly as he never felt his face going red before. Granny then smiled and said “Well, ah say go for it.”

“Wait, what?” said Buck as he was surprised by this.

“Truth be told, we’ve been waitin’ for ya to ask her out.” Said Granny Smith. “Ah see how well y’all were gettin along too. And ah had a feeling that she felt the same way too.”

“Wait, she did?!” said Buck in surprise, but then he felt his face heating up from the mere thought. “I…I thought you guys would say no.”

“Why would we do that?” said Apple Bloom, “It’s clear to us how Applejack is happy around y’all.”

“Plus, it’s fun to see her a bit flustered.” Said Big Mac.

“Wow, you do finally speak.” Teased Buck.

Big Mac suddenly hugged him with a bear hug, which made Buck grunt as he said “Wow, I don’t know who’s the strongest, you or Applejack!!”

“Ah get that a lot.” Said Big Mac before letting Buck down, “Y’all wouldn’t believe how many times we kept on competin’ on whose the strongest.”

“Especially when not to overload the wagon when it comes traveling.” Said Buck with a smirk, which surprised Big Mac as he partially glared. “Granny Smith told me.”

“He’s not wrong.” Said Granny as she gave Big Mac a stern look, to which the latter was giving a sheepish grin. “Now then, let’s get to this shindig before Pinkie Pie gets the best ones.”

“Y’all ain’t wrong there.” Said Apple Bloom as she got out first, with Big Mac and Granny Smith following.

Just as Buck was about to walk out, he heard a loud groan.

“Oh, no.”

He looked to his left and wondered what that was all about. So, he went to the noise and looked around the corner. To his surprise, they were…

“Country musicians?” muttered Buck.

“What in tarnation are we goin’ to do?!” said the one musician.

“We can’t cancel now, not for a party this big.” Said the mare musician.

“Um, excuse me,” said Buck, gaining their attention and was surprised to see a non-pony, but he looked more concerned as he said “Is something wrong?”

“Y’all bet it is!!” said the youngest pony mare, ignoring the fact that Buck is not a pony and said “Our lead singer, County Song’s had an accident.”

They showed Buck an injured Stallion, much to his surprise. “Whoa,” said Buck, “What happened to him?”

“When we arrived, he wanted to have pickles for a snack,” said the stallion country musician, “But he took a gherkin instead and he ended up losing his voice. And what’s worse, he was so much in a panic, he ended up hurting himself and injured his hands. The doctor said that the effects of the gherkin should wear off in a month, same with his hands.”

“And we can’t cancel now, we were already hired and we’re supposed to be performin in an hour!!” exclaimed the mare musician.

“What’s the song called?” asked Buck.

“And that’s also another thing!!” exclaimed the youngest mare, “We got the melody of the song, but not the lyrics!!”

“Can I take a look?” asked Buck.

One of them handed the music sheets whilst Buck looked through it. To his surprise, he recognized the Melody. Buck then smiled and said “You know what, I think I can help you out with this.”

The others were surprised by this, wondering what he had in mind.

*************************************************************************************************

Later down at the rodeo, everything was in full swing, everyone was having fun, as well as feasting, drinking, and dancing at the same time.

However, from among the crowd, a certain bearer to the Element of Honesty, who was wearing a green, plaided, button-up shirt, red ascot, and brown shorts, was looking around, looking for a certain human among the crowd. But for some reason, she couldn’t see him anywhere.

“Somethin’ wrong, Applejack?” asked Apple Bloom when she arrived.

“Ah can’t seem to find Buck anywhere.” Said Applejack.

“That’s strange.” Said Apple Bloom in confusion, “He was really lookin’ forward to this dance.”

“Ladies and gentleman!!” said Braeburn as he talked on the stage. “Thanks ever so much for comin along, we really appreciate y’all bein’ here. So, before we go on further with the shindig, let me introduce tonight’s entertainment!!”

Everypony cheered as they wondered who was going to be on stage. As the ponies were on stage, they didn’t know who was the singer that sat in the chair, which was a mystery. And then, they began to play their song.

But as the song was about to start, the moment the singer lifted his head, it was revealed to be non-other than…

“Buck?!!” exclaimed Applejack and Apple Bloom.

Everypony saw him singing and continued to wow everyone the way he was singing, even getting the crowd excited as all of them were getting into it.

Applejack on the other hand was staring wide eye in surprise as she couldn’t believe what she was seeing.

“Wow!!” exclaimed Apple Bloom. “Who’d thunk that Buck was that good of a singer!!”

Applejack didn’t pay attention and walked towards the stage and watched Buck sing, for she had no idea he could sing so well. She couldn’t help but let out a content smile as she watched him sing.

Sure enough, the song was over and everyone cheered at the human for singing. The three country performers hugged Buck and thanked him for a great performance. After they left, Buck climbed down the stage, where Applejack was waiting for him.

“Since when did y’all sing so good?” asked Applejack.

“I may have done some singing for my little sister when she was feeling down.” Said Buck, “Plus I find country music very calming and relaxing.”

“Do you, now?” said Applejack with a smug look. “So that’s why y’all have been eyeing my guitar lately.”

“Yeah, just needed a banjo and we could make some good music together.” Said Buck, “As long as you don’t get competitive on the strings, that is.”

Applejack couldn’t help but laugh out loud and slapped Buck’s back playfully. Though he winced a bit and nearly fell down, he was able to laugh with her. The two of them saw another group of ponies began to perform and began to play another song.

Everyone began to dance to the song, and having a fun time. Both Applejack and Buck enjoyed the song and dance at the same time, and also have fun doing it at the same time. However, as the song had ended, the two of them had held one another close, looking deep into one another’s eyes. Both of their cheeks blushed and their hearts felt like it could be pounding at great speed.

Both of them slowly moved towards one another, not breaking eye contact from one another. And then…it happened.

Both Buck and Applejack placed their lips onto one another’s. Savoring the kiss for real this time as the two of them never let one another go. For this feeling…it was truly a magnificent one. The two of them slowly broke the kiss and looked at one another whilst they still smiled and kept the blush on their cheeks.

“Wow,” said Applejack in a partial daze, “Better than the first time.”

“Those lips of yours will always be better.” Teased Buck, which got her flustered.

She gently punched his shoulder as the two of them laughed a bit, then walked towards one of the tables where Granny Smith, Big Mac and Apple Bloom was waiting for them. And they weren’t alone, for their cousin Braeburn was with them.

“Applejack, over here!!” said Apple Bloom as she waved to both her and Buck to come over.

However, as they got closer, Braeburn got up and was close to him.

“So…you’re the human that Granny Smith talked about?” asked Braeburn.

“Yeah, I am, so what?” said Buck as he took a step forward and placed his hand on Applejack’s, which surprised the latter as if he was prepared to defend her honor. “You wanna make something out of it…partner?”

The two of them stared one another down for a moment, before Braeburn left out a loud laughter and patted Buck’s back hard a couple of times.

“Granny wasn’t kidding when she said you were spirited!!” said Braeburn.

“Wait, you told him about me?” asked Buck.

“Sure did.” Said Granny, “When we got here, I told Braeburn and some of the apples here about you, especially of how y’all saved Apple Bloom’s life.”

“Darn tootin!!” said Braeburn, “That was quite the brave thing ya did there, mister. Goin in the flames of inferno, not caring if everything was on fire, just to save one of our own. That there is a great mark of respect for the Apples. Anypony who goes far and beyond to save one of our own from the goodness of their heart is a friend to the Apples.”

He chuckled and said “And from the looks of it, a special somepony for Applejack.”

Applejack couldn’t help but blush on the matter, until…

“That’s true. But out of all the apples of a single tree,” said Buck before looking at Applejack and said “There will always be one whose beauty shines bright in the sun.”

Applejack couldn’t help but blush madly at what he said, even Apple Bloom couldn’t help but giggle out of giddiness out of it.

“Wow…” said a surprised Braeburn, “That’s deep.”

“But true.” Said Buck as he lifted her up bridal style and kissed her, making her yelp.

“B-Buck!!” said Applejack.

“Don’t tell me you don’t enjoy it, cowgirl.” Teased Buck as he rubbed his nose against hers, making her blush even more. She giggled and said held her arms around him. “But hey…thanks for agreeing to this.”

“Ah should be the one to thank ya.” Said Applejack, “That and for deliverin’ a great performance.”

“I’ll say.” Said Braeburn, “I had no idea you could sing too.”

“I loved to sing for my little sister when I was little.” Said Buck. He sighed and said “I’m sure wherever she is in heaven, she’ll be happy.”

“Granny told me.” Said Braeburn, who took of his hat and said “Sorry y’all had to go through that.”

“It’s alright.” Said Buck, “But she’s in a better place now.”

“Still,” said Braeburn as he put his hat back on, “Ah still wish fer the best of the both of ya.”

“Thank you.” Said Buck, with Applejack holding him close.

One thing’s for sure, though there were some twists and turns, tonight had been a great night for everyone. But not as much it was for both Applejack and Buck. One thing’s for sure, like a flower, it blossomed into something great.