The Sorrow series

CHAPTER 2 Bad apple

Anon was being forcibly dragged out of the house, a young Applejack protested vehemently, her voice filled with frustration and desperation. She reached out for him, trying to prevent his departure, but her efforts were in vain. Granny Smith intervened, holding the distraught filly back, while Applejack's cries for help fell on deaf ears.

"Granny? Do something, Anon is being taken away!" Applejack pleaded, her voice cracking with emotion. But before Granny could respond, Big Macintosh stepped in, his authoritative voice cutting through the chaos.

"That's enough, AJ!" he shouted, his tone firm and commanding. Applejack flinched at the sharpness of his words, her tears flowing freely as she realized the futility of her protests. Anon could only watch helplessly, his heart heavy with sorrow as he witnessed the pain he was causing his friends and their family.

The guard hesitated for a moment, his gaze shifting between Anon and the others before finally relenting. With a heavy sigh, he released the magical restraints on Anon's arms and legs, allowing him to move freely. Anon limped slowly over to the sobbing Applejack, his heart aching at the sight of her distress.

As he reached her, he gently placed a hand on her trembling shoulder, offering her a comforting touch. Applejack gasped in surprise, looking up at Anon with wide eyes filled with both hope and uncertainty. But when she saw the genuine smile on his face, her expression softened, and she threw herself into his arms, clinging to him tightly.

Anon returned the hug, holding Applejack close as he whispered words of reassurance and comfort. In that moment, their bond transcended the barriers of fear and uncertainty, offering solace and support in the face of adversity.

Anon listened to Applejack's desperate plea, her words cutting through the tension and sorrow in the room. He kissed her forehead gently, his expression filled with a mixture of love and sadness. "Applejack... I'm not an Apple," he confessed softly, his voice tinged with regret.

Applejack tightened her grip on him, her tears flowing freely as she processed his words. Granny Smith and Big Macintosh shared a sorrowful embrace, their own emotions mirroring those of the young filly's.

Anon looked into Applejack's eyes, seeing the pain and confusion reflected in her gaze. With a shaky breath, he spoke again, his voice barely above a whisper. "Take care of them, Applejack," he urged, his heart heavy with emotion.

As Anon rose to leave, he reached up and gently placed Applejack's father's hat on her head, a silent gesture of strength and solidarity. "Keep the family strong... for your parents," he urged, his voice thick with emotion.

Applejack, her eyes filled with tears, watched as Anon turned away. Her heart ached with longing for one last embrace, but she knew he had to go. She reached out towards him, her hoof trembling with the hope of one more moment of comfort. But Anon didn't turn back this time. With tears streaming down his own face, he was escorted away by the guards, leaving behind a heartbroken Applejack and her grieving family.

As Applejack burst out of the house, her heart heavy with grief and despair, she called out Anon's name with all the strength her voice could muster. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she ran towards the path, desperate to reach him before it was too late.

But as she reached the dirt road, her steps faltered, and she collapsed to her knees, the weight of the truth crashing down upon her. It was too late. Her beloved brother, Anon, was gone, taken away on false charges of murder.

Sobs racked her body as she knelt in the dirt, feeling the crushing weight of loss and injustice. The world around her seemed to blur as she mourned the loss of her brother, the pain of his absence echoing in her heart. In that moment of despair, all she could do was cry out his name, a futile plea to a fate that had already sealed his tragic fate.

As Applejack and Big Macintosh admired the completed work, the sense of accomplishment washed over them. Another successful harvest for the farm was now behind them, a testament to their hard work and dedication.

"Welp! Ah reckon we head inside," Applejack announced to her brother, her voice filled with satisfaction.

"Eeyup," Big Mac replied with a nod, his own expression reflecting a sense of pride in their work.

Just then, they noticed Apple Bloom trotting alone on the entrance pathway. As she approached them with a questioning look, Applejack and Big Mac exchanged a glance, curious about what might be on their younger sister's mind.

As the three of them trotted towards the house, Applejack noticed the solemn expression on Apple Bloom's face. "Something wrong, sis?" she inquired, concern lacing her voice.

Apple Bloom hesitated for a moment before replying, "Oh... well, nothing, just been thinking." She paused, her gaze fixed on the ground beneath her hooves. "I was at school today and... I met a human," she admitted quietly.

The revelation hung heavy in the air, causing Applejack and Big Mac to exchange a surprised glance. "What?" Apple Bloom's words echoed the shock written on their faces.

Applejack looked away, a heavy sigh escaping her lips. "So... you did," she acknowledged, her tone tinged with sadness. They continued on their path towards the house, the atmosphere heavy with unspoken questions. Apple Bloom, sensing her sister's distress, trotted closer to Applejack's side, her brow furrowed in concern.

"Do you know him?" Apple Bloom questioned, her curiosity evident in her tone.

"I... I did," Applejack admitted reluctantly, her gaze fixed on the ground.

"You did? Was it because he stole apple—" Apple Bloom began, but Applejack cut her off with a frustrated sigh.

"Yes, that stuff," Applejack interjected, her voice heavy with frustration. With a weary expression, she turned and trotted into the house, making her way upstairs to her room. Big Macintosh shifted uncomfortably, avoiding Apple Bloom's gaze as she looked to him for answers. But he remained silent, his expression unreadable as he stared off into the distance.

"Why won’t anypony tell me about the human?" Apple Bloom's voice echoed through the house, her frustration palpable in the silence that followed. With a heavy sigh, she resigned herself to the lack of answers and followed in Applejack's footsteps, making her way to her room and closing the door behind her.

Meanwhile, Big Macintosh trudged wearily to the kitchen, the weight of the day's events settling heavily on his shoulders. He sank into a chair with a tired sigh, the exhaustion of the day compounded by the sadness that now lingered in the air.

"I still talk to him," Granny Smith's voice broke the silence, drawing Big Macintosh's attention. He turned to look at her, surprise evident in his eyes as she eyed the apple pie with a nostalgic smile. "He's a good kid... has jobs, and tries to hide... just to keep what he loves safe," she explained, her words carrying a weight of understanding that resonated with Big Mac.

As Granny continued to share her insights, the voices outside Applejack's room faded into murmurs. Alone in her room, Applejack sat on her bed, her gaze fixed on her father's hat. Emotions washed over her, and tears welled up in her eyes as she processed everything she had learned.

She remembered the first time she had encountered the human after his release from custody. It had been a tense and awkward encounter, filled with unspoken tension and unanswered questions. But despite the uncertainty, Applejack had resolved to keep her composure and maintain a sense of normalcy in their interactions.

"Thank ya, have a good one!" Applejack called out to a customer, handing over a bag full of apple sweets with a warm smile. Turning back to the stand, she noticed more apples and pies had been placed on the table. Smiling to herself, she was about to continue her work when she caught sight of him.

Her heart skipped a beat as she watched him walk by, hands in his pockets, seemingly lost in thought. Without a second thought, Applejack turned to her brother, her voice urgent. "Wha- oh Sweet Celestia... Uh, hey partner, take over for a minute," she said quickly, before trotting out of the stand to follow the human.

"Anon?" Applejack called out behind him, causing him to turn around in surprise. As he saw the mare approaching, a gasp escaped his lips, and he quickly wiped his face before offering a smile. "Applejack... been a while," he greeted, his voice warm with familiarity.

Applejack beamed with joy as she approached him, embracing him tightly in a hug that took him by surprise. "I knew you'd return!" she exclaimed happily, releasing the hug and bouncing around him with infectious energy. Anon chuckled at her enthusiasm, feeling a sense of warmth and belonging wash over him in her presence.

"It's so good to see you too. Look how big you've grown!" Anon exclaimed, his eyes scanning Applejack with a mix of pride and nostalgia. He couldn't help but notice the hat resting snugly on her head, and a fond smile tugged at his lips. "Looks better on her," he thought to himself, a sense of contentment washing over him as he stood tall in her presence.

Applejack grinned at his remark, a blush creeping onto her cheeks at the compliment. "Aw, shucks, Anon," she replied modestly, feeling a rush of warmth at his words. "It's been too long since we've seen ya around here. How've ya been?" she asked, genuine concern lacing her voice as she looked up at him.

"Where have you been? It’s been 5 years, brother!" Applejack exclaimed, her tone a mix of concern and reproach. Anon flinched at the use of the familial term, but he composed himself with a sigh, casting a glance at the townsfolk bustling around them. Meeting Applejack's gaze, he offered her a tentative smile. "Wanna go... talk in private? It’s kinda hard to say it out in public," he suggested, his voice tinged with a hint of vulnerability.

"Oh, sure! Let me warn Mac, one second sugarcube," Applejack replied, before darting over to where Big Macintosh was stationed. After a quick exchange, she returned to Anon's side, ready to accompany him to a more private setting. Together, they walked down the path towards where Anon had been staying, their conversation waiting to unfold in the quiet sanctuary of solitude.

Granny Smith's words hung in the air, casting a somber mood over the conversation. Applebloom and Big Macintosh listened intently as she explained Anon's early release and his decision to explore the world rather than return to Ponyville.

"He could have come back here... but like he says, 'I'm not an Apple'," Granny Smith recounted, her voice tinged with a mixture of sadness and understanding. The weight of Anon's absence settled heavily upon them, each of them grappling with their own thoughts and emotions in the wake of his departure.

Applebloom's gaze remained fixed on the ground, her thoughts swirling with a mixture of confusion and disappointment. Meanwhile, Big Macintosh held his head high, his expression stoic as he grappled with the revelation of Anon's choice.

Anon had been given the opportunity to return home years ago, yet he had consciously chosen to stay away. The realization weighed heavily on Big Mac's heart, the sense of rejection from his own brother cutting deep. He couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt and betrayal, mixed with a profound sense of loss.

As they sat in silence, each member of the family contended with their own emotions, grappling with the complexities of Anon's decision and its impact on their lives. The bonds of family had been tested, leaving them all to navigate the uncertainty of their new reality.

"I'm... going up to my room," Big Macintosh announced quietly, his voice tinged with a heaviness that mirrored the weight of his emotions. Without another word, he turned and began to ascend the stairs, each step carrying him further away from the conversation below.

Applebloom watched him go, her gaze lingering on his retreating figure for a moment before turning back to Granny Smith. The elder pony said nothing more, her attention focused on the pie cooling on the counter.

"Anon is now 27... and lives in Ponyville for some time now... he is..." Granny Smith trailed off, her voice heavy with unspoken thoughts and emotions. She glanced at Applebloom, who was still trying to process the information, her expression a mixture of confusion and concern. The weight of the situation hung in the air, leaving them both grappling with the complexities of family dynamics and the passage of time.

"So, what did he do at your school?" Granny Smith inquired, breaking the heavy silence that had settled over the room. Applebloom blinked, drawn back to the present moment by her grandmother's question. Clearing her throat, she hesitated before responding.

"Well... he was there explaining his nature and all, really," Applebloom explained, her voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and sympathy.

"Poor soul..." Granny Smith murmured softly, her gaze drifting towards the window as she contemplated Anon's situation. The weight of his choices and struggles lingered in the air, leaving them both to wonder about the human's fate and the path he had chosen to walk.

As the silence stretched on, the creak of the stairs signaled Applejack's return. She descended slowly, her expression a mixture of concern and contemplation. Taking a seat at the table, she sighed heavily before speaking.

"Anon... he's always been a bit of a mystery, ain't he?" Applejack began, her voice tinged with a mix of fondness and uncertainty. "I reckon he's got his reasons for stayin' away, even if we don't rightly understand 'em."

Granny Smith and Applebloom nodded in agreement, their expressions reflecting a shared sense of empathy for the human who had once been a part of their family.

"He's been through a lot, that's for sure," Applejack continued, her tone softened with empathy. "But he's still out there, makin' his own way in the world. And I reckon we oughta respect that, even if it's hard to swallow sometimes."

Applejack's words hung in the air, prompting Applebloom to furrow her brow in confusion. "But why should we respect him if he don't wanna be part of the family no more?" she questioned, her voice laced with uncertainty.

Applejack paused, her gaze softening as she considered her sister's question. "Because, Applebloom," she began, her voice gentle yet resolute, "he saved my life once."

Granny Smith's eyes widened in surprise, while Applebloom leaned forward, eager to hear more.

"It was a long time ago, when we were just foals," Applejack continued, her voice tinged with nostalgia. "I got myself into a heap of trouble out in the orchard, and Anon... well, he didn't hesitate to jump in and help. If it weren't for him, I might not be here today."

Granny Smith nodded in understanding, her expression softening with empathy. "Anon may have chosen a different path, but he's still family," she said gently. "And we owe him our gratitude for what he did."

As the weight of Applejack's words settled over them, the family sat in contemplative silence, each reflecting on the debt of gratitude they owed to the mysterious human who had once saved their beloved Applejack's life. And in that moment, despite the distance that separated them, they found solace in the enduring bond of family and the power of forgiveness.

As Anon sat on the couch, discomfort gnawed at him, refusing to relent despite his efforts to find solace. Frustration simmered beneath the surface as he grumbled to himself, his thoughts swirling with restlessness.

With a determined sigh, Anon pushed himself up from the couch, his gaze flickering towards the door. Two weeks of empty time stretched before him, and the prospect of solitude weighed heavily on his mind. He needed someone to talk to, someone who could offer a listening ear and perhaps a bit of companionship to ease the ache of loneliness.

As Anon wandered through the town, his thoughts swirled with the weight of Twilight's inquiries, her persistent probing stirring up emotions he wasn't ready to confront. He sighed heavily, feeling the burden of his past weighing heavily on his shoulders as he tried to navigate the tangled web of memories and regrets.

Lost in his thoughts, he almost didn't notice Applejack's familiar form as she moved through the town square, her easy confidence and warm demeanor a stark contrast to his own troubled mind. But then, as if struck by sudden inspiration, an idea sparked within him, and he found himself moving towards her with purpose.

"Hey Aj… I uh…" Anon's voice trailed off uncertainly, his words faltering in the face of Applejack's penetrating gaze.

"I thought you did not want to see us again," she said, her tone tinged with a hint of disappointment. Anon flinched at the sudden shift in atmosphere, the weight of her words pressing down on him like a heavy burden.

He sighed heavily, his gaze dropping to the ground as he nodded in reluctant acknowledgment. "Well I… I… I guess you're right… sorry for bothering," he murmured, his voice tinged with resignation as he turned to leave, the sting of rejection lingering in the air.

But just as he began to retreat, he felt a gentle hoof grab his leg, halting his departure. Startled, he turned back to see Applejack looking up at him with a mixture of concern and understanding in her eyes.

"It doesn’t mean you can leave again… Anon," she said firmly, her voice carrying a note of insistence that gave Anon pause. He nodded solemnly, recognizing the gravity of her words, and fell into step beside her as she gestured toward a path leading to the farm.

"You’ve changed, but we all have, ain't that the truth?" Applejack remarked, her tone reflective as they walked along the familiar trail.

Anon nodded in agreement, his hands finding their way into his pockets as he considered her observation. "Well, when you see a thing or two, it can... be hard for you," he admitted quietly, his voice tinged with the weight of his experiences.

Applejack's smile softened, a glimmer of warmth in her eyes as she glanced up at him. "Applebloom had talked about ya," she continued, her tone affectionate. "She calls you Mr. Kind Human."

Anon chuckled softly at the nickname, a bittersweet expression crossing his face. "Well, ain't that somethin'?" he mused, a mix of emotions swirling within him at the reminder of the bond he shared with the youngest member of the Apple family.

"I knew she was familiar," Anon remarked, a nostalgic smile playing at the corners of his lips. Memories of Applebloom as a mere babe flooded his mind, a poignant reminder of the passage of time and the bonds that endured despite the years of separation.

As they approached the farm, Anon absently brushed a speck of dirt from his sleeve, his gaze sweeping over the familiar surroundings with a mix of fondness and longing. The sight of Sweet Apple Acres stirred a myriad of emotions within him, each corner of the farm holding fragments of his past that he had both cherished and lamented.

With each step, Anon felt the weight of his memories pressing upon him, a silent testament to the journey he had undertaken and the trials he had faced. Yet, amid the echoes of the past, there lingered a glimmer of hope—a chance to reconnect with the family he had once called his own and forge new beginnings in the embrace of familiar faces and cherished bonds.
"Uh, Applejack... you think this is—"

"Anon... you're not coming back as an Apple, but as Anon the human," she interjected gently, a reassuring smile gracing her lips. Taking a seat beside the fence, she gestured for him to join her, her gaze warm and understanding. Anon followed suit, leaning against the fence as he mulled over her words.

"You're right, but what about Granny and Mac? They might not forgive me still," he voiced his lingering doubts, his tone tinged with uncertainty.

"Now you're being stubborn. Of course, they forgive you," Applejack insisted, her confidence unwavering as she looked up at him. Anon blinked in surprise before following her gaze, his eyes settling on Big Mac as he worked diligently nearby, the familiar rhythm of farm life unfolding around them.

"But... okay, so if you guys expect me on who I am then... what am I to you?" Anon inquired, his gaze searching Applejack's face for an answer. There was a hint of vulnerability in his voice, a yearning to understand his place in the lives of those he once considered family.

Applejack accepted the hat from him, holding it tenderly against her chest as she considered his question. A soft smile graced her features as she met his eyes, her expression filled with warmth and sincerity. "You're a close friend who saved my life," she replied earnestly, her words carrying the weight of gratitude and affection.

Moved by her words, Anon felt a surge of emotion welling within him as Applejack enveloped him in a heartfelt embrace. In that moment, amidst the embrace of a friend and the gentle sway of the farm, Anon found solace—a reminder that amidst the trials and tribulations of life, there remained bonds that transcended time and circumstance.

As tears streamed down his face, Anon felt a weight lifted from his shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of peace and acceptance. The embrace with Applejack was a cathartic release, a testament to the enduring strength of their bond despite the passage of time and the trials they had faced.

Standing up together, Anon and Applejack made their way towards the farm, their steps lightened by the newfound sense of closure and reconciliation. As they approached, the sight of Big Mac's warm smile and Granny Smith's welcoming embrace filled Anon's heart with a sense of belonging he hadn't felt in years.

In that moment, surrounded by the familiar sights and sounds of the farm, Anon knew that he had found his place once again—not as an Apple by blood, but as Anon, a cherished member of their extended family. And as they shared in the warmth of their reunion, Anon felt a deep gratitude for the forgiveness and acceptance that had been bestowed upon him.

Granny Smith's voice was filled with warmth as she spoke, her words carrying a sense of genuine gratitude. "I'm glad to see you okay, Anon," she said, her hoof resting gently on his arm. Anon returned her smile, feeling a sense of relief wash over him at her words. Despite everything that had happened, it was reassuring to know that he still had a place here, among the Apple family.

"Thank you for everything, Anon," Granny continued, her smile softening as she looked at him. Beside her, Big Mac nodded in agreement, his expression solemn yet sincere. "Eeyup," he rumbled, offering Anon a small but heartfelt fist bump.

Anon felt a swell of emotion in his chest at their words and gestures of acceptance. It was more than he had ever hoped for after the mistakes he had made. But their forgiveness meant the world to him, and he was determined to prove himself worthy of it.

As he basked in the warmth of their welcome, Anon noticed a pair of curious eyes watching him from behind Applejack. It was Applebloom, the youngest member of the Apple family, peeking out cautiously from her hiding spot. Anon's heart went out to her, sensing her uncertainty and curiosity.

"Hello there, Applebloom," Anon greeted with a warm smile, acknowledging the young filly who was peering at him with curious eyes.

"Mr. Anon!" Applebloom exclaimed, her face lighting up with recognition. "You're back!"

Anon chuckled at her enthusiasm, reaching out to ruffle her mane gently. "That's right. It's good to see you again."

As Applebloom hugged him tightly, Anon returned the embrace, feeling a surge of affection for the spirited young filly. "Thanks for saving my sister," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. Anon's heart swelled with emotion at her words. "You're welcome, Applebloom," he replied

As they made their way into the cozy farmhouse, Anon couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging wash over him. The familiar sights and sounds of the Apple family home brought back fond memories, reminding him of the bonds they shared.

Sitting around the kitchen table, they enjoyed slices of Granny Smith's famous apple pie, the warm aroma filling the room with comfort and contentment. Anon listened intently as they caught up on each other's lives, sharing stories and laughter long into the evening.