The Adventures of the Mysterious Mare-Do-Well!

IN THE LIVING ROOM OF THE APPLES HOME

“So, on that day, Applejack here turned the whole reunion into a disaster like a tornado on a summer day,” said Granny smith, rocking on her chair as she retold the story of how Applejack was tasked with planning the events of her family's yearly reunion, and subsequentially over thought the process and sort of ruined the whole day. Well, ruined it until the family got together to fix the barn that had been destroyed in one of the events. In a funny sort of way, me and her have that level of dire meticulous planning in common. Well, at least I did at some point. Lately I’ve just been beating people up and going from there. We were all gathered in the living room, listening to past stories Granny Smith had in regards to the residents of this household, more often than not they were in some form related to AJ and Applebloom, usually embarrassing stories. Big Mac was leaning on the wall next to the window with a bottle of apple cider in his hand, chuckling as he reminisced from the stories. Both Applebloom and Sweetie Belle were sitting on the floor in the middle of the living room, staring up at Granny Smith with such innocent looks. Applejack and Rarity were both sitting on the couch together, Rarity had one hand over her mouth giggling as AJ covered her face with the brim of her hat, blushing slightly from the embarrassing tale.

“Oh my, Applejack would take things to the extreme when it comes to her family,” Rarity teased, making Applejack blush harder. Meanwhile, I just stood there at the living rooms entrance, leaning on the wooden column with my arms crossed like some kind of outsider. Occasionally Applebloom would give me a side glance.... so would the girls. As in character as it would be for me to say, I truthfully wasn’t forcing the light smile I had on my face. Hearing these stories and experiencing this family's bonding time was really nice. Especially after experiencing nothing but the worst of humanity for days straight. Still, I chose to keep quiet for as long as I could. What was supposed to be me just asking Applejack a simple question turned into a hangout. But.... I didn’t mind it to be honest.

“Things should be better next reunion with Pinkie joining,” said Applebloom.

“Yeah, I suppose so, though it’s going to be interesting with her family coming,” responded Applejack. I had once heard that AJ and Pinkie were related. Distant cousins or some shit? I don’t know, but it’s still kind of crazy to me. They celebrate Christmas, which I found out was this worlds version of Hearths Warming, at each other's houses every year. That sounded like a nightmare to be honest, but how the hell would I know? I don’t celebrate Christmas. Never did celebrate Hearth’s Warming back in Equestria either.

“Well, I reckon you should invite the girls too this year, they’re practically family, I’m surprised ya never did,” suggested Granny Smith. AJ looked at Rarity with a curious look, as if she were pondering the suggestion with great wonder.

“You know, You’re right. I don’t know why I never did. Guess we’ll have to plan it.” Rarity smiled back at her, taking a sip from the bottle of Apple cider in her hand. The entire time I was staring at the clock, my finger itching the leather folds of my jackets sleeve as dawn was slowly emerging. I couldn’t stay here for long, I had work to do. Honestly in hindsight, I shouldn't have come here period, I had a whole folder of other victims in Applejacks position that I could have asked the same questions too.... so why didn’t I? Perhaps after this story, I’ll just say screw it and dip. Or at least, I was hoping it would be that easy.

“How about you Sunset? Would you like to come?” The old voice of Granny Smith snapped me right back into reality.

“Huh? Sorry what?”

“I said, would you like to come to the next family reunion?” I had to stop myself from visibly scoffing at the idea. My instincts were about to take lead, and the urge to just laugh at the question had almost become a reality. But the looks of everyone else made me freeze up. Big Mac was looking over at AJ as if her opinion was all that mattered, and Sweetie Belle was nervously looking at Applebloom. Rarity was taking a deep sip from the bottle, slowly looking up at me nervously. Though, the two looks that really made me tense were AJ’s and Appleblooms. Applebloom looked a little too excited, her smile growing a bit bigger as I stumbled on an answer. I fear she may have forgiven me too easily after yesterday. Applejack on the other hand wore an apprehensive look. I don’t believe it was because she was opposed to the idea, but rather deep down she already knew my answer.

“Oh...I uh...thank you, but I have to decline Misses Smith. I’m not sure that would be the best idea.” AJ’s apprehensive look morphed into one that verged on disappointment as her eyelids lowered and she turned to face the ground. Applebloom on the other hand, the disappointment was as obvious as a flashlight hitting your face, her smile evaporated almost instantly. All I could do was put my hands in my jacket pockets and look away.

“Oh nonsense Sunny. I know there’s some bad blood between you and my granddaughter, but that’s history. We’d love it if you came,” said Granny. I just awkwardly smiled and looked to the ground, shaking my head slightly. I swear to Celestia, you have got to love the straightforwardness of the elderly sometimes.

“I uh...I don’t know.”

“You could even bring your own family. I’m sure they’d love to meet their daughters' friends.” Again, you seriously have got to love the straightforwardness of the elderly.

“I don’t know... I haven’t seen them in years.” The silence in the air that followed was so thick you could cut it with a knife. I hated the pitiful looks everyone was giving me, but it was understandable. Truthfully, I shouldn't have said anything, but it just slipped through my mouth. Even Granny Smith had stopped smiling. Refusing to just let the loom and gloom overtake the previously joyous moment, I gave a light smile and spoke.

“But.... if you think I’m worthy enough to attend it.... then perhaps I’ll come,” and just like that, the cloud of sorrow had dissipated. Appleblooms frown turned upside down, and the look of excitement returned instantly on her face. Big Mac and Sweetie Belle were smiling too, I think mostly at Appleblooms reaction. Granny Smith smiled and nodded at me in understanding, silently agreeing. The only two in the room that weren't smiling were Rarity and Applejack. AJ was still staring down at the floor, while Rarity was looking down at her bottle, twirling the tip of her finger around the top. I really should have just kept my damn mouth shut. I was hoping that that was the end of it, but of course it wasn’t. Adding onto previous sentiments, you have got to love the straightforwardness of a child just as much as the elderly. Damn do you have to.

“Wait, what do you mean you haven’t seen your family,” asked Applebloom, as if what I had just said finally clicked in her mind. Her smile disappeared again, but it wasn’t an expression of disappointment that had replaced it, but rather one of concern.

“I just haven’t talked to them in years kid. I have no reason to. Simple as that really.” Her brow furrowed, as if the concept was totally alien to her. What should I expect from a child whose family is everything to her. If she was anybody else, I would have told her to mind her own damn business. But I have more control than that.

“But...that doesn’t make any sense. I get your life is a little weird, but surely you have to still talk to them. Don’t you love them? They’re your family!” The concern on her face was honestly a little overwhelming. Everyone else in the room was just dead quiet, staring at the two of us with a mix of nervousness and curiosity. Well, except Rarity and Applejack. Rarity looked as if she were about to say something, but Applejack beat her to the punch.

“Applebloom! Those are private questions that you don’t ask other peo-”

“No. I don’t.” I had to slam my hand over my mouth to keep any more words from shitting out. Applejack and Rarity looked over to me, with wide eyes and mouths a gaped. Sweetie Belle, Big Mac and Granny Smith took their eyes away from Applebloom, staring at me with equally shocked looks. Meanwhile, Applebloom looked like she was on the verge of tears. I don’t know why the hell I said that. I didn’t mean to. But just like everything in this conversation, it just slipped. I guess I just haven’t thought about...well...that part of home in so long that my mouth just spouted my feelings on the subject. I don’t know what hurt more though, the fact I just dropped that onto these good people that didn’t need to hear shit like that.... or the fact I didn’t even hesitate on the thought.

.......Do I really hate my......yeah.... I think so.... forget it, it’s not worth thinking about it. Right now, I just need to fix this situation.

“I’m sorry, that was incredibly insensitive of me. It just came out,” I said, trying to alleviate the tense air that hovered around us. Though, even a damn idiot could see just how futile of an attempt it really was. Wearing a sheepish smile, I realized that there was no real way of getting out of this shitty scenario, so I just took a deep sigh and turned around. “I’m sorry.... I’ll just catch you guys later,” I said, ready to depart. But as I was about to leave, the light laughter of Granny Smith stopped me in my tracks.

“Well hold on now Sunny, ain’t no reason to get all shy. I’m sorry for pushing it onto ya,” she said. I spun around like a spinner top, looking at her with dismay.

“Oh no! Please don’t feel responsible for that, you didn’t do anything wrong. I’m just being foolish that’s all,” I said with a hasty quavering voice, my hands raised as if I was trying to reassure a scared puppy. But Granny Smith just tisked and waved her hand dismissively.

“Nonsense, everybody's got their personal issues, ain’t no reason to feel any lesser of a human because of them,” the smile she gave me was one that really appeased my mind in that instant. “No one's gonna force ya to do anything you don't wanna do, but the offer still stands. We’d be happy if ya came deary.” Appleblooms distressed face vanished and another wide smile appeared.

“Yeah! It’s next month too! Maybe....well, maybe you and I can really start over at it. I’ll introduce you to my favorite cousin Babs,” Applebloom exclaimed, as if the previous issue had already been long forgotten. As much as I had wanted to just run out, I couldn’t help but give a light smile to this. I could feel my face blushing, and I nervously twirled my finger around the lock of hair that hung over my shoulder, avoiding eye contact with the group.

“Well...then I guess I can come...if you’d all be okay with that,” I found myself stuttering.

“We’d be delighted with that,” said Granny Smith. The somber feeling that was in the air had vanished, and the joyous smiles and light hearted laughs returned. Even Rarity was giving me a small beam. Applejack did too...but I could tell she had something more on her mind. The hunch was all but confirmed when she sighed and stood up from the couch, stretching her arms into the air as if a previous weight had been lifted.

“Welp, I’m glad we could settle this, but we oughta get things wrapped up. The kitchen needs to be cleaned, Granny’s gotta hit the sack and the farm equipment needs to be put up. Also, you still got homework to do sis,” said Applejack. Applebloom groaned, but stood up anyways, knowing better then to question her sister. Rarity looked over at the clock and almost gasped.

“Yes indeed, we must head off before it gets late. Sweetie also has homework to do and I believe I have a Calculus test to study for...ugh,” said Rarity. She stood up and stretched her back out, popping her joints as she extended herself like a cat. “Come now Sweetie, I’ll pick us up some food,” she said. Sweetie Belle smiled and jumped up in the air before rushing to her sister. AJ looked over to Big Mac and spoke.

“You think you could handle the farm stuff and help Applebloom get Granny ready for bed? Also probably help her with her homework? I’ll clean the kitchen later tonight. I just gotta walk Rarity and Sweetie out.” Big mac cocked an eyebrow, confused on why that would require so much time. But then Applejack whispered something, and the two looked over at me. Big Mac then let out a sigh and smiled, as if everything made sense.

“Eeyup,” he said, waving bye to me, Rarity and Sweetie Belle before walking out of the living room. Granny wished us a farewell as well, and Applebloom hugged Sweetie Belle before venturing out of the living room with her. But before she did, she stopped by me and raised her fist up. I rolled my eyes and smirked, giving her a light fist bump. Her face lit up before she took off. Afterwards, Applejack escorted us out the front door. Standing on the porch, I took a deep breath, relishing the fresh air. It felt like I was stuck in a holding cell in there. As the three of us stood there staring out to the horizon where the sun set, I felt something tug on my jeans. Looking down, Sweetie Belle was staring up at me with a smile as cute as a kitten.

“Um...what’s up kid?” Applejack and Rarity looked over to us, curious to know what was happening. The little girl put her hands behind her back and looked to the ground nervously, her face turning red as she struggled to get the words out.

“I um.... well.... I never got the chance to say I’m sorry...or thank you...you know, about what happened last Friday.” Terrific, I got another kid thinking I’m a better human being then I actually am.

“Oh, hey, don’t worry about it. You don’t ever have to thank me or apologize to me. It was nothing.”

“No, seriously, I do. The whole Gabby Gums thing got super out of hand, and me and Applebloom were responsible for it. You didn’t deserve to take that punishment...I’m also sorry I just sort of let you do it,” she said, her voice wavering as she looked as if she were on the verge of tears. Not wanting to see some little kid cry over me, I knelt down beside her and spoke to her in a calm, almost caring voice. Or at least I tried to. One thing Red was right about was that my voice had been getting rougher, angrier, almost snarling at times. Also, my vocabulary hadn’t been improving either, I’ve noticed I’ve been swearing a lot more often, which Red pointed out to me a day ago. I didn’t really notice until now, but I guess that’s what happens when you spend constant nights around shit heads and screw ups. Still, I tried my best to reassure her.

“Look, I know you girls have gone through a lot. You don’t have to tell me anything, but from the little I know, you two definitely deserve a break. I know you two aren’t bad girls, so I’m sure the whole thing was an honest mistake. Besides, trust me, with how easy I got off of all the crap I did, getting suspended is the least I deserve,” I said with a light smile. But Sweetie still didn’t look too pleased. I’m sure that’s not what she wanted to hear.

“I don’t think you deserve it.... I know you and Applebloom are sort of, I guess starting over...well, I’d like to be your friend too.” Damnit, this is all going where I didn’t want this conversation to go. It was impossible to deny her though, the way she looked up at me with those puppy dog eyes. I guess I’m softer than I realized. I sighed, more in defeat then anything, and stood up.

“Um...sure kid, we can start over too.” Putting my hands in my jacket pockets, I turned back to face the far horizon, expecting the conversation to be done with. But my expectations were once again not met as I felt the warm embrace of Sweetie Belle warping her arms around my waist, trapping me into a tight hug. I could feel my face warming up as I stood there like a moron, not knowing what to do. That’s the second time today I’ve been embraced, and much like the first time with Rarity, it felt nice...but weird. AJ and Rarity covered their mouths, hiding the smiles that were expanding across their faces. Even though I’m sure my face was as red as a tomato, I still had a pretty annoyed appearance. Eventually Sweetie let go, and looked up to me with a curious look.

“I know you said that since you weren't friends with Applebloom back at school that your problems aren’t any of our business...but since we’re friends now, I wanted to ask you if you were doing okay.”

“Why would you ask that?”

“You look really hurt,” said Sweetie while pointing at her own face, indicating what in particular she was talking about. I know I’ve already said this, but damn do you really have to love the straightforwardness of kids.

“Oh, don’t worry about that. Just stupid stuff, it’s no big deal.”

“Those bad guys aren’t hurting you anymore, are they?” I had completely forgotten that the kids were in the room when I used that excuse.

“Nah, of course not. It’s no big deal,” I said. Rarity cleared her throat, choosing to finally speak up. Probably because she didn’t want Sweetie to keep asking more private questions like that.

“Come now Sweetie, Sunset is doing alright. It's getting late, we must get going,” she said. Sweetie nodded, and departed off of the porch with Rarity. The two turned back to look at me and AJ, waving goodbye before entering her SUV. As me and AJ watched the car pull out of the driveway and down the road, we waited until the tail lights were completely gone before saying or doing anything. AJ leaned against the porches railing; her hands were dangling over them. I chose to lean onto the front column, my hands still in my pockets as I stared out into space. I figured she’d been waiting to continue the conversation we had yesterday, and after the shit show that happened inside, I’m sure she had more to talk about. Besides, I still had shit to ask too.

As we stood there enjoying the orange sky slowly turning darker, I was half expecting AJ to pester me about some bullshit. Either to ask me what it was I was going to say yesterday before the two shit heads arrived, or drill me about my injuries, or apologize for the awkward intrusion of my life in there, or let me know about the Apple family reunion and either tell me not to come or to not worry about it. But she didn’t, instead she just stared out into the horizon, a small smile plastered across her face. Eventually she spoke, still staring out into the distance.

“You know, every year we have a reunion, two shooting stars always fly over. Always. Granny Smith tells us that its ma and pa, attending from the other side,” her smile widened as she continued. “There’s...well, I guess there’s some comfort in that thought. You know, Granny Smith didn’t like ma originally. Pa would call her Buttercup, but she was from the Pear family. They used to be longtime rivals of ours. Granny, and well, I guess grandpa Grand Pear didn’t like it, not one bit. They tried mighty hard to keep them from being together, but they loved each other, so much. Eventually they married in secret, the mayor allowed it, back when she was a spring chicken of course. The only two to have gone to the wedding were Burnt Oak and Mrs. Cake, they’re closest friends. When Granny and Grandpa found out, Granny came around to it, but Grandpa? Nah, he wouldn’t allow it. So, Ma left her family, and became an Apple. It was the hardest thing she had to do, she loved her family, but she loved Pa too. Granny Smith tells us all the time, she had her doubts about ma, but every time she looks at us, she can’t help but be proud of the woman Pa married. She’d tell us, ‘wow, the best decision I’ve ever done was not let my bitterness cloud my judgement, and accepted Pear into our family. Because all things holy, I have the most beautiful grandchildren anyone could ask for.’” AJ wiped a tear rolling down her cheek, but her smile never left her. “I....sometimes I’m scared I’ll forget Ma and Pa, we were so young when they...well, we were just so young. But the love we have for each other was unmatched, and that love is spread through our family. Despite everything we’ve gone through, I wish more than anything for you to come to the reunion, and experience it.”

I stood there, listening to every word, and holding onto that precious memory she shared with me such delicacy. I’m not a good person, and one day I will pay for my actions, or burn in hell at the end of it. But what she shared with me wasn’t a foreign concept, and in that moment, I found myself smiling. The sincerest smile I’ve had in a very, very long time. There was no way I could refuse it. So, I nodded my head, letting her know that yeah, I’ll be there. A part of me felt like adding to it. Sharing a memory of...well...my parents...bastards. But that would have been incredibly selfish of me to do. What she did wasn’t an invitation to share personal stories. No, it was her way of letting me know, that regardless of what shit I have deeply suppressed in the screwed up confides of my mind, that she was willing to show me what real love is. What a real family could be like. I didn’t need to say anything, she could figure it out. But alas, the tender moment was quickly grounded into reality.

“Tell you the truth Sunset...I’m scared,” she said, her voice croaking a bit as her eyes began to water. “Those two men that came over the other day...we owe them a lot of money. I’m not sure if I can keep the farm...or protect my family.” Her voice grew whispery on those last words.

“Who were they Applejack?”

“The Flim Flam Brothers. Tricky fellas really. First time I met them was when I had to get my guitar back from their pawnshop, I knew they were trouble. But then things started happening to the farm, they could fix it and well, I got us stuck in the mud pit. I should be smarter than that, I really should, but when they showed up with a solution to our problems, it was a few days after we were kidnapped by those men. I guess we just weren't in the right mindset. Applebloom was terrified, and I didn’t need the threat of losing our home hover over her poor little head. But....Sunset they’re not playing. They’re....Sunset I don’t know what to do, and I’m scared,” she admitted, her voice fully cracking by the end of it. She looked at me with pleading eyes, almost begging if I had some sort of solution. I didn’t know what to say, I really didn’t. Not without just flat out exposing myself. But I had to say something, Applejack was one of the toughest people I knew, and seeing her like this...well it just didn’t feel right. So, I did something I wouldn’t have ever thought to do. I took her arm, and embraced her in a tight hug, my third one of the day. AJ held me tightly, lightly sobbing into my jacket as I held her.

“It’s okay. I promise everything is going to be okay. We’ll figure something out. You, me and the girls...I promise,” I gently reassured her. But inside, I felt the familiar cold sensation of hatred and violence build up. But for once, it wasn’t for punishment, or self-deprecation, or the pursuit of death...no, for the first time the fire inside of me was the longing for justice. To become a guardian instead of leading with blind hatred. To be what this shit should have been from the beginning. The Mare-Do-Well shouldn’t be a symbol of self-punishment, that’s stupid Sunset Shimmers job. But it should be a protector, a guardian, a ghost of justice. The spirit of righting wrongs.

I have work to do tonight.