Counting Bodies Like Apples To The Rhythms Of How They Fall From The Tree
Was a calm day in Ponyville, just like any other. Here I was, tendin' to the farm, gatherin' up apples under the scorchin' sun. Had to keep wipin' the sweat off my brow every few minutes, but truth be told, it didn't bother me none. Hard work's always been my way, it's what defines me, after all.
Today, it was just me lookin' after the farm. Apple Bloom's over at Sweetie Belle's place for the day, Granny Smith's off visitin' kinfolk in Applewood, and Big Mac's off on his honeymoon with Sugar Belle. So, I reckon I got the whole farm to myself. We're a busy family with big dreams for the future, so it ain't uncommon for one of us to be holdin' down the fort solo from time to time.
Could've asked Apple Bloom to lend a hoof, but figured it'd be best for her to stay with her friends today. She can help me out tomorrow with the chores around here.
The process was straightforward enough. Grabbed me a basket, positioned it under the tree, and gave that tree a good kick with my hind hooves. Apples came tumblin' down like rain, easy as pie. But let me tell ya, it could wear a pony out, especially with more than twenty trees to tend to. Orchard's a mighty big one, no doubt about it.
Now, I wasn't in no rush to pick 'em all today. Could always finish up tomorrow. But for now, reckon I'll keep at it till the sun starts to dip low in the sky.
When I got plumb tuckered out, I'd head back to the farm for a swig of water, makin' sure to keep myself hydrated. Sometimes, I'd just plop myself down under a tree, takin' short naps here and there. And every now and then, I'd take a gander at them big ol' hills, covered in apple trees as far as the eye could see. Made me downright proud to see how much my family had achieved in keepin' this orchard goin' strong.
But there was one spot on the farm I'd always steer clear of, no matter what. Just thinkin' about it made me feel uneasy, like a weight on my chest. It was the place where my folks were laid to rest, especially my ma. Just bein' near it brought back a flood of memories, none of 'em too pleasant.
Every now and again, I'd find myself havin' to make a token visit to her grave, just to keep the peace with the rest of the family and avoid stirrin' up any questions. Truth be told, I'd rather steer clear altogether, considerin' what she'd done in the past.
During her funeral, I put on a show, sheddin' fake tears like they were goin' out of style. Had to pretend I was grievin' somethin' fierce, even though deep down, I felt nothin' but a hollow emptiness. It was a tough act to pull off, but at least it kept everypony from suspectin' a thing.
Still, the guilt gnawed at me somethin' fierce. Was what I did right? Wrong? Truth is, I reckon we were both in the wrong, and there ain't no easy answers to be found.
Had to take matters into my own hooves, reckon somepony had to put a stop to her madness. Couldn't bear the thought of her hurtin' innocent ponies, and if not me, then who else?
While toilin' away on the farm, I'd often find myself takin' a breather under the shade of a tree. Helped keep the sun from scorchin' me too bad on them swelterin' days, and gave me a chance to sort through my thoughts.
As for my ma, reckon I'll never truly understand what drove her to do the things she did. It's a mystery that'll likely remain unsolved till the end of days. Never did put much stock in the words that came outta her mouth, though. She'd prattle on about this and that, none of it makin' a lick of sense. Makes me wonder if losin' my pa had somethin' to do with it all. It's the only thing that seems to fit, but even then, it don't make much sense.
The subject of my ma's always been a touchy one for me. I go outta my way to avoid talkin' 'bout her, keepin' her memory buried deep where it belongs. Only a handful of ponies know her name or anything 'bout her, and that suits me just fine.
My friends don't know 'bout her neither, not even Rainbow Dash, and we've been friends since we were fillies. Reckon it's better that way, less complicated.
I reckon it's for the best if my ma stays forgotten, her name fade into the background. Sounds harsh, I know, especially comin' from her own daughter, but her actions were downright unforgivable. I don't wanna be associated with anypony like her, plain and simple. 'Cause if she ever got caught for what she done... Well, I ain't reckonin' it'd be good for any of us, not me, not Apple Bloom, not Big Mac, not even Granny Smith.
My family's reputation would take a mighty blow if all of it came to light. We'd be tarnished somethin' fierce, might even lose the farm altogether. But even with all that at stake, I stand firm in my decision.
Still, reckon it's a real whirlwind of emotions reckonin' my ma. On one hoof, she was my ma, and I loved her somethin' fierce. She had a kind heart and was always showerin' us with affection, despite my doubts. She had a heap of patience with me, even when we'd butt heads over her actions.
But on the other hoof, I just can't reckon with what she done. Ain't no hatred there, mind you, but reckon I can't help but feel a sense of disbelief. How could my own ma, the one who raised me, do somethin' like that? It's a notion I still can't wrap my head around.
It's been more'n fifteen years since the day she passed on. That burden weighed heavy on me durin' my foalhood, let me tell ya. Couldn't hardly sleep, couldn't hardly eat, guilt eatin' away at me like a pesky varmint. Tried convincin' myself over 'n over that what I did was right, that it was the only way.
I'd been breathin' in that foul darkness for far too long. But I found my way out, found the light at the end of the tunnel.
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was lyin' there in bed, snuggled up cozy-like with Apple Bloom, sleepin' sound as could be. The wind was blowin' in through the window, makin' the room feel crisp and cool, just the way I like it. And in that moment, I was dreamin' the sweetest dream—a dream where I was chowin' down on the most perfect apple you ever did see.
But then, like a shadow creepin' in from the night, I heard her voice. My ma's voice, callin' out to us from the doorway. "Huuuh Sweeties?" she said, her words cuttin' through the peaceful quiet of the night. And just like that, my perfect dream was shattered, replaced by a sense of unease that lingered in the air like a thick fog.
I lifted my head, rubbin' my front hooves over my eyes as I tried to shake off the sleep. "What's the matter, Ma?" I asked, my concern piqued. It wasn't like her to be wakin' us up at this hour.
"There's somethin' mighty important I need to tell you both. Can you wake up Apple Bloom?" Ma's voice was quick, urgency lacin' every word she spoke.
I nodded, reachin' out with one hoof to gently rouse Apple Bloom. "Apple Bloom, wake up," I murmured softly, tryin' not to startle her.
Once Apple Bloom stirred awake, Ma made her way over to the bed and settled herself on the edge.
Apple Bloom rubbed her eyes, lookin' a mite confused. "Huh? What's goin' on?" she mumbled, a yawn escapin' her lips.
"Ma's got somethin' important to tell us, Apple Bloom. Best pay attention," I whispered, tryin' to convey the seriousness of the situation.
"I know this might sound a mite hard to swallow, but earlier today, while I was out workin' the farm, I had a visit from an angel," Ma began, her voice faltering briefly as she coughed. "This angel, she came right up to me and told me somethin' powerful. Said I was chosen to rid Equestria of evil, and she even granted me the gift to see the darkness dwellin' within ponies."
"An angel, Ma? What'd she look like?" Apple Bloom piped up, her voice full of innocent curiosity. Seemed like she was takin' Ma at her word, believin' every bit of it.
"Well, Sugar Cube, she had these big ol' wings, spread wide as could be, white as freshly fallen snow. And she was wearin' this radiant white tunic, shinin' with a golden light all around her," Ma replied, her tone confident as can be. But even as she spoke, I couldn't help but feel a twinge of doubt creepin' in.
"Are you sure 'bout that, Ma? Sounds a might fanciful, if you ask me," I chimed in, my disbelief plain as day in my voice.
"It's the honest truth, Applejack. I saw her with my own two eyes," Ma insisted, her gaze steady as she looked me square in the eye, her frown deepening as she leaned in closer.
"I get that it's a lot to take in, Ma, but... it's just so hard to wrap my head 'round it all," I replied, holdin' my ground. Even at fifteen, I knew when somethin' didn't quite add up, when things seemed a tad too far-fetched.
"Why'd I make up somethin' like that, Applejack? You think I'm just tryin' to spook ya? I'd never do that, Sugar Cube. I'm tellin' ya the truth, and I'm gonna need both of y'all to believe me," Ma insisted, her tone serious as a heart attack.
"Don't be such a stick in the mud, sis. It could be excitin', like we're our own little band of heroes," Apple Bloom chimed in, her voice full of innocent enthusiasm. But bless her heart, she's still just a young 'un, barely ten years old and only just startin' to see the world for what it is.
"Glad you're on board, Apple Bloom," Ma said, shootin' her a warm smile. But when she turned her gaze back to me, that smile faded quick, replaced by a steely determination. "And you're helpin' too, Applejack. No ifs, ands, or buts about it. Tomorrow, we're startin' with the first pony we gotta take down," Ma declared, her lips pursed in seriousness.
I couldn't shake the feeling that Pa's leavin' had somethin' to do with Ma's behavior. She was downright shattered when he passed, heart attack takin' him away in the blink of an eye. Made me wonder if it'd tipped her over the edge somehow, if she was seein' things, or maybe takin' some kinda medication messin' with her head. Truth is, I was too darn confused at the time to make heads or tails of it.
Ma gave us each a kiss on the cheek and bid us goodnight before headin' off to her room. Apple Bloom didn't seem to have a care in the world, driftin' right off to sleep like it was nothin'. Wish I coulda had some of her innocence, reckon it'd make this whole mess a whole lot easier to bear.
Me? I spent the whole dang night tossin' and turnin', my mind racin' with thoughts of what we'd do once we got our hooves on that pony. I prayed it'd be through peaceful means, through words rather than anythin' more drastic.
I didn't wanna be caught up in all this, but Ma's words made it clear I didn't have much of a choice. Judgin' by her tone, it seemed like I was stuck in this mess whether I liked it or not. I wanted nothin' more than to up and leave, but somethin' kept me rooted in place, tethered to this situation whether I wanted to be or not.
I was out in the open field, waitin' for Rara to show up so we could head off to school together like we did every day. It was our special shortcut, a path that wound through some of the most picturesque scenery around Ponyville. Even with all the worry weighin' on my mind, bein' out here always helped me feel a mite calmer. I had one hoof pressed to my chest, takin' deep breaths to try and ease some of the tension. The wind blowin' gently across the field added to the peaceful atmosphere.
Every now and then, I'd take a break from all the waitin' and just lie back in the grass, gazin' up at the vast expanse of blue sky above. It was a simple pleasure, but it helped take the edge off.
I'd planned to fill Rara in on the whole mess with Ma and her wild tales 'bout angels and whatnot. But before I could even start thinkin' 'bout that, there she was, my trusted best friend, approachin' with her trademark warm smile.
"Hey there, AJ! Good to see ya!" Rara greeted, her voice as sweet as honey, just like always.
"I reckon the same, Rara," I replied as I rose from the grass, slinging my backpack onto my back.
"Any tests today? I didn't even crack a book yesterday, just spent the whole day playin' with my toys," Rara inquired, her typical carefree attitude shinin' through. She had a knack for puttin' off studyin', that was for sure.
"Nah, no tests today, Rara. Just regular classes," I reassured her, noticin' the relief wash over her.
"Thank the stars! I'm in the clear," Rara exclaimed with a grin of satisfaction.
"That's just like you, Rara. Always got your head in the clouds, thinkin' 'bout toys and singin'," I teased her, givin' her a playful nudge.
"Can you blame me? All that stuff they try to teach us is borin' as watchin' paint dry. Hard not to doze off," Rara replied with a yawn, makin' her point crystal clear.
"Well, let's hoof it then. Don't wanna see you snoozin' through history class again," I jested, sharin' a laugh with Rara as we set off on our way.
As we walked, I couldn't help but take in the serene beauty of the field around us. It was a quiet, peaceful place, hardly a soul around even in broad daylight. It felt like our own little slice of paradise.
In that brief moment of quiet, I figured it was the perfect time to let Rara in on what was weighin' heavy on my mind.
"Rara, there's somethin' I need to get off my chest. It's been gnawin' at me somethin' fierce," I said, fixin' my gaze straight on her.
Rara turned to face me as I finished my sentence, her expression shiftin' to one of concern. "What's troublin' you, AJ? Sounds serious," she asked, her brow furrowin' with worry as she looked me in the eye.
"It's about my Ma. I reckon she's... well, she ain't right in the noggin'," I said, searchin' for the right words to ease Rara's worries.
When I dropped that bombshell, Rara's eyes widened in shock, a worried sigh escapin' her lips. "Are you sure about this, Applejack? You can't just go 'round sayin' somethin' like that 'bout your own Ma. She's the sweetest pony I know," she protested, her concern clear as day.
"I know it sounds heavy, but you gotta trust me, Rara. Ma's not herself lately," I insisted, raisin' my voice a tad to emphasize the seriousness of the situation. "She's goin' on 'bout angels and missions, sayin' we gotta take down ponies with evil inside 'em."
"That sounds like a tall tale if I ever heard one. You sure she ain't just pullin' your tail?" Rara asked, her disbelief plain to see.
"No, she's dead serious. I could see it in her eyes, hear it in her voice. I dunno if it's 'cause of Pa or what, but somethin's off with her," I explained, feelin' a pang of desperation as I brought my hooves up to my cheeks.
Rara reached out a hoof to try and comfort me, her touch soothin' but my worry still lingered, stubborn as ever. "Listen, AJ, when ponies are havin' problems like this, they need help. Maybe we could talk to your Ma after school, see if we can get her some help?" she suggested, her voice laced with genuine concern. And though her words did offer some comfort, the worry still gnawed at me, relentless in its grip.
"Nah, Rara, that won't work. If we go tellin' her she needs help, she'll just shut us out and get mad. I can't risk upsettin' her like that. Not yet, anyways. We gotta figure out what this 'mission' of hers is all about before we go doin' anythin' drastic," I replied, giving her a tap with my left hoof to emphasize my point.
"So what's our plan then? How can I help?" Rara asked, rubbin' her neck with concern.
"I just need you to stick by my side, Rara. And if things start gettin' outta hoof, I need you to keep this under wraps. Don't tell anypony 'bout what we talked 'bout today," I told her, my tone serious as a heart attack.
"Why not?" Rara asked, tilting her head in confusion.
"'Cause if Ma finds out, I'll be in hot water. And she'll never forgive me for makin' ponies think she's lost her marbles. We gotta be sure of what we're dealin' with before we go spreadin' rumors," I explained.
Rara seemed to mull over our conversation in her mind, her expression troubled. Understandable, considerin' the bombshell I'd just dropped on her. We fell into a moment of silence, both of us lookin' ahead as we walked.
As we neared the school entrance, Rara turned to me with a determined look. "It's gonna be okay, Applejack. I'll do whatever I can to help, and I won't breathe a word of this to anypony," she promised.
I nodded, grateful for her support, and we shared a hoof-bump before headin' inside.
I wasn't sure if spillin' my guts to my best friend was the smartest move, but it felt like the right thing to do. I couldn't bear to shoulder this worry alone, and Rara's always been there for me.
