Chapters “See you next week Pinkie!” called the mare with the two-toned mane as the Element of Laughter lugged a double saddlebag full of candy out the door of the shop.
“Thanks again Bon Bon!” chirped the pink mare as she squeezed through the doorway with an audible ‘pop’.
Thank goodness for that mare’s sweet tooth. Otherwise I’d barely break even month to month thought Bon Bon. Ponies were not known to indulge in sweets outside of special occasions, put this was Pinkie Pie after all. But the truth was Bon Bon didn’t do this for the bits. Candy was her reason for living, though admittedly a distant second behind her love for a certain human-obsessed musical unicorn mare.
Bon Bon’s happy thoughts of her beloved mate were disturbed by the sudden tinkle of the bell over the front door of the shop. She looked up and prepared to greet her customer with one of her amusing accents she used in her sales pitches when she actually recognized the pony.
“Big Macintosh.” Even though the mare‘s heart and soul belongs only to Lyra, she still couldn’t help but be impressed by the handsome figure of the draft horse. The fact that the Apple stallion was a rare sight outside of Sweet Apple Acres made it that much more of a surprise.
“Howdy Miss Bon Bon.” rumbled the stallion politely.
“I never pegged you for the candy type, other than the occasional apple drop.” Remarked Bon Bon cheerfully.
“I ain’t here for myself Miss Bon Bon.” Indeed, the stallion was looking over the shelves and jars with a mix of trepidation and mild worry. He would never of expected there to be so many different types of sweets to choose from.
“Oh? Maybe you are looking for something for a special somepony?” teased the mare, memories of that one Hearts and Hooves day turning up the corners of her mouth. She could help herself from snickering at the grave look she received from Big Mac.
“Ahm lookin’ fer something to give to Peppermill. He needs some cheerin’ up on the account he’s been under the weather.”
“Oh, I’m sorry to hear that.” Bon Bon immediately grew serious as she watched the stallion give each candy a critical eye. Every pony in Ponyville knew about the little grey colt who had been taking in by the Apple clan. The charming little cook was well like by young and old alike, and news of his illness drew plenty of sympathy.
“It wouldn’t be so bad, but whatever he has is jus’ lingering on fer so long. An’ he keeps talkin’ about how cold he is.”
“Cold?”
“Ain’t seen so much shiverin’ in mah life. He got mah sisters all in a panic, and I caint even claim hes doing it fer the attention.”
“Oh dear…”
“Given how low he’s feeling, I figured a little present might cheer him up. The only problem is I’ll be danged if I know what kind of candy he lahks.”
“Hmmm…” The mare looked thoughtful as she pondered the problem. A sudden spark of inspiration suddenly hit her, and she spoke. I think I know somepony who would love to help you with your problem.” Bon Bon turned from the counter and poked her head into the adjoining kitchen. “Twist? Could you come out here please?”
“Coming Auntie Bon Bon.” chirped a voice, followed quickly by the filly in question. Big Macintosh nodded his approval as he caught sight of the cream colored filly with the chunky glasses, braces and mass of curly red mane as she trotted onto the sales floor.
“Howdy Twist.”
“Hello Big Macintosh!”
“Twist? Big Macintosh says that Peppermill is sick. He wants to get him some candy to cheer him up. Would you know what kind of candy he happens to like?” asked Bon Bon. Twist, a undisputed candy prodigy, pretty much knew how to deal with every sweet tooth in Ponyville.
“Oh, that’s easy.” announced Twist in a confident tone. “Peppermill loves hot cinnamon candies.”
“Sounds good to me.” nodded Bon Bon heading for the confection in question. Twist suddenly ran back into the kitchen as Bon Bon measured out a generous portion of the tiny red candies into a bag. When she handed it over to Big Mac, she waved away his hoof full of bits.
“Don’t worry Big Mac, it’s on the house. And I hope Peppermill gets better soon.”
“Thank you fer yer generosity Bon Bon.” murmured the stallion. “Ahm sure Peppermill will appreciate it.”
“Wait!” Twist came racing back into the room, carrying a small parcel and a folded piece of paper on her back. “Would you mind giving these to peppermill…from me? It’s some candy sticks and a thank you card. Well…a thank you note at least…”
“Eyup.” The stallion accepted the gifts and bade his goodbyes.
Ah hope this helps…
***
Back at Sweet Apple Acres Applejack was busy working in the field closest to the farmhouse. She did this mostly because doing so gave her the clearest view of the second stories of her home. Every so often, after bucking and loading a few baskets of apples, she would glance at one particular window and sigh.
“Cheering up is all well and good Big Mac, but what I’d rather have is answers…” said the mare to the trees.
“Hello?” a voice from above queried. The blond mare blinked and craned her neck skyward to spy a familiar butter yellow Pegasus mare hovering overhead.
“Hey Shy. Wut brings you around here today?” Fluttershy came down for a dainty landing in front of her friend, puffing some stands of long pink mane from her face.
“Um, I was hoping to get some apples from you Applejack. I thought some of my animal friends would enjoy a little treat.”
“Sure thing sugarcube. I reckon yer welcome to any you see here.” Applejack motioned with a forehoof to the baskets behind her. She was about to grab one for her, when a thought occurred. “Hold up fer a second sugarcube. Is there any chance I ken ask a favor from you?”
“A favor? What kind of favor?”
“You see, Peppermill has been under the weather lately. The fella cain’t seem to shake whatever bug he’s got.”
“Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“He ain’t left the house going on two weeks now, and he’s plum miserable. I reckon a bit of company might do him some good. So ifin you got a bit of tahm…”
“Oh absolutely! Angel…erm…some of my critters could learn a bit of patience.”
“Great. And by the tahm you’re finished with him I’ll have see to it you get the best apples we’ve got. Deal?”
“Deal.”
Top of the stairs, first door on the right. Fluttershy had crept into the farmhouse, past a dozing Granny Smith and literally floated up the staircase. Upon reaching the top of the stairs, she spied the portal in question and carefully nosed it open.
“Peppermill?” When she didn’t receive an immediate answer, she walked into the bedroom and gazed in amazement at the sight before her.
“Goodness. So many blankets…” The mare counted at least six different patchwork quilts piled high on a colt-sized bed. And judging from the shape and size of the mound in the middle, there was something colt-sized underneath.
“Peppermill, are you under there?” called out Fluttershy. In response, the mass under the blanket moved slightly and the mare had to strain to hear a weary, raspy voice speak.
“Hello…is that you…Fluttershy?”
“Oh dear” tutted the mare. Even from under all that material, she could tell the colt didn’t sound good at all. It didn’t seem possible, but his naturally raspy voice seemed even more gravelly than usual. What was worse, the pure misery in his voice stabbed at the shy mare’s heart. With a look of determination, Fluttershy began to push her snout and eventually her entire head under the cloth mountain. The stifling heat under the blankets surprised her, as did her first actual look at the colt.
Dark rings were around his dull dark eyes, and his grey face seemed greyer than usual. A sombre frown finished the heart aching image of a very sick colt. Pushing forward further, Fluttershy nuzzled the colt’s forehead, only to gasp in shock and alarm.
“Oh Peppermill, you’re freezing!”
“I just can’t…seem to get…warm. “ agreed the colt sadly. “I’ve never…felt so bad…in my life. Even…running away…from Saltpeter wasn’t…this bad.”
“You poor, poor thing…”
“You know…I’ve never been sick…in my life…until now.” whined Peppermill, rather glad to have a sympathetic ear after driving his adoptive famil crazy with his complaints.
“Never been sick?”
“Never…not even…the pony pox.”
“Oh dear. Haven’t you been to a doctor?”
“The doctor just…said to rest…and drink lots of…apple juice. He almost…said orange but…the look Applejack gave him. And he…gave me this…medicine…” The shudder of revulsion made it clear to the Pegasus that the medicine in question was probably of the icky variety. Peppermill was about to vent more, until a nasty cough shook his body. Fluttershy made some soothing noises and reached with a forehoof to stroke his chilly cheek.
As Fluttershy comforted the colt, Big Macintosh peeked into the bedroom. He had arrived back from town to offer his gift to his little brother. But before he could do so he found his gaze riveted to the rather…interesting sight before him.
This rather eye-popping view was more than he could have possibly dreamed of.
He continued to savor the sight until the sound of his sister’s drawl was heard from downstairs. He found himself having to physically wrench his head away from the near-hypnotic swaying of Pegasus flank and stare in horror at the staircase. It was only when he realized that Applejack was merely greeting Granny Smith and not him that he allowed a sigh of relief. He didn’t want to think about what might happen if he was caught shamelessly ogling one of her friends.
Reckon ahl wait till after supper. With one last lingering glance, and a mental note to make more of an effort to talk to his sister’s pretty friends, the stallion crept back down the stairs
Featherweight and Rumble poured over their Official Wonderbolt Trading Cards as they lounged on a park bench near Ponyville’s fountain.
“You know, my Uncle Heavyweight insists he met Spitfire once.” Remarked the spindly-legged colt casually.
“So? My brother Thunderlane says the same thing.” shrugged Rumble. “Did you ever happen to get one of those Soarin with Apple Pie foils?”
“I think they only made like three of those.”
Grrr
“Was that you?” exclaimed Featherweight in surprise.
“Yeah.” the Pegasus colt sighed. “It’s my stomach. Usually around this time of day you could count on Peppermill showing up with some awesome snack.”
“You haven’t seen him around lately either, huh?”
“I think Scootaloo mentioned something about him being sick.”
“Sick? He hasn’t been around in weeks. I hope it isn’t anything serious.” remarked Rumble.
“Eeek!” A shrill shriek caused the colts to jump and scatter their collections. Before either of them could gather their wits, a wine-red unicorn filly came half running, half tripping over her hooves towards them.
“Is that Ruby Punch?” asked the young photographer.
“Looks like it. But the real question is this real or another one of her over-reactions?” Despite being one of the younger ponies in town, most of the young colts tolerated the little filly and her big personality for two reasons. First off, even the most stalwart ‘fillies are icky’ colts would admit that Ruby Punch was unbearably cute. When pressed, Berry Punch’s daughter could reduce the stoniest of hearts to mush with her shining eyes and trembling bottom lips. Secondly, she had an imagination as big as Equestria itself. There were times when some ponies worried whether or not she was capable of separating reality from her make believe, especially when she seemed to pull anyone in the vicinity into her world. Even so, it was impossible to ever be bored with her around.
“I saw it! I saw it!” she squealed as she came to a somersaulting halt in front of the bench.
“Saw what Ruby?” asked Rumble calmly, knowing to take anything she said with a grain of salt.
“An abominable snow pony!”
“An abominable snow pony?” was Rumble’s understandably skeptical response.
“I’m impressed she could pronounce the word…” admitted Featherweight.
“I saw it! It’s real! It was big and lumpy and moving this way!” The filly waved her forelegs wildly, in what one would assume was meant to be a threatening, lumbering way.
“Are you it wasn’t just a bush, or maybe a dog?” asked Featherweight.
“Nuh uh!”
“It seems kind of…hot for a snow pony. I mean, the first day of autumn was just the other day. Not to mention there aren’t really many mountains around here…” remarked Rumble.
“I know what I saw! You have to come and see!” demanded Ruby.
“All right, all right. Let’s see this snowpony of yours.” soothed Rumble.
Within moments the filly had led the Pegasus colts to the other side of the park. She hid behind them as she pointed past them with a trembling hoof.
“See, there it is. On the path.” Rumble and Featherweight peered in astonishment at the…thing waddling in their general direction.
“I don’t think that’s a snowpony Ruby.” announced Featherweight warily.
“It does look like a bit like a pony. But that is an awful lot of winter clothes on him…or her.” Rumble added.
“But it’s not winter.” mentioned Ruby.
“Something weird is going on.” With a bold strut, Rumble approached the heavily burdened, pony shaped figure.
“He’s so brave.” Ruby sighed while Featherweight rolled his eyes at the drama.
“Hello?” questioned Rumble of the figure. There was so much clothing on the figure it was a wonder it could move at all. Even with Rumble taking a position directly in front of it, it took a few moments before the ‘snowpony’ seemed to notice. By the colt’s calculations there was a large jacket, snow pants, at least three long scarves and a large woolen hat with an apple-shaped bobble on top. The hat was pulled so low and the scarves wound so high that there was no way to recognize anything resembling a face.
“Hey, that hat looks kind of familiar…” remarked Featherweight, edging closer.
“Hello?” asked Rumble again. The figure lifted its head high, trying to glimpse the colt through the slim opening between the hat and scarves.
“Rumble?” came a raspy, muffled response.
“Peppermill?!” gasped Rumble in amazement.
“Oh my gosh!” squealed the unicorn filly. Now that Ruby Punch had accepted that her snowpony was in fact one of her potential future husbands (don’t ask) she immediately bounced forward to try and yank a scarf off of Peppermill’s face. Eventually, with a bit of help from the Pegasus colts, they were able to free up the chef’s face.
“Geeze, you must be broiling in all that!” exclaimed Featherweight.
“I wish…” moaned Peppermill.
“I thought we heard you were sick. What is with all the clothes?” asked Rumble.
“I am…sick. But…I couldn’t stay…home any longer. I always thought…’cabin fever’…was just…an expression.”
“That still doesn’t explain why you have all this stuff on.” prodded Featherweight.
“I’m just…so…cold.” moaned Peppermill again with a pronounced shiver.
“Cold?” Ruby Punch reared on her hind legs and place a hoof onto the colt’s forehead. “You aren’t cold, you’re wet!”
“Of course he’s wet. He’s sweating buckets!” exclaimed Featherweight. He and Rumble exchanged a look, and began to have a hushed conversation. Meanwhile, Peppermill suffered silently as Ruby attempted to wipe the sweat from his face with one end of a scarf.
“All right, on three…three!” exclaimed Rumble. The two Pegasus colts suddenly lunged at Peppermill, each grabbing him underneath a foreleg. Despite the colt’s feeble protests and a squawk of alarm from Ruby, they managed to get him off of the ground.
“Where…are you taking…me?” demanded Peppermill.
“The library.” answered Featherweight. “If any pony can figure out how to help you, it will be Twilight Sparkle.”
“But Miss Sparkle isn’t a doctor!” protested Ruby.
“But she is the smartest pony in town. Besides, maybe she can…I dunno…magic it away.” explained Rumble. All the grey colt could do was pray to Celestia as he and his friends bobbled in the air, with Ruby following anxiously from below, towards Ponyville’s library.
***
“You know Spike, you can just take two or three books at a time up the ladder.” Twilight Sparkle watched her number one assistant with concern as he clambered up the ladder against the bookshelves. The baby dragon had done this time and time again with half a dozen books at a time with a 73 per cent success rate (yes, she had calculated this probability during a rare quiet moment). Even during those other 23 per cent of the time events when he crashed hard to the floor and bounced back up unscathed, it still concerned her when he did so.
“No sweat Twi. Not only do I have perfect balance, but these books are better than weights for building up arm strength. Besides, if I did it your way I’d never get done.”
“Whatever you say Spike.” sighed Twilight. The lavender mare had just turned away when…
CRASH!!!
“Spike?” Twilight was already mentally ready to lecture-slash-scold her friend on the follies of pride, and discovered the dragon standing behind her in surprise.
“That wasn’t me Twi, that came from outside.” The dragon jogged to the library’s front door and pulled it open.
“Ow…” moaned the raspy voice of Peppermill. He rubbed at his temple, his bobble-hat having been knocked off his head from the impact. On either side of him, sprawled on the doorstep, were Featherweight and Rumble who were rubbing their own heads.
“I told you I was losing my grip…” griped Featherweight.
“You need to work on your upper body strength…” grumbled Rumble.
“I got his hat!” chirped Ruby Punch from the back of the pile, holding up her prize in a forehoof.
“Holy guacamole! What the hay happened here?” demanded Spike.
“Peppermill? What are you doing here? I thought Applejack had told me you were sick!” exclaimed Twilight.
“I am…sick. And now…I have…a headache.” The young ponies were ushered into the room as Featherweight and Rumble explained the situation. As they did, Twilight used her magic to peel the layers of clothing off of Peppermill.
“Wow! You’re soaked! I’m going to get a towel.” exclaimed Spike.
“You see! It knew it wasn’t my entire fault. He was heavier than usual.” exclaimed Featherweight. Spike returned with a towel, which was immediately grabbed by Ruby Punch as she doted on the colt.
“First you get sick, then you get tossed around by a bunch of clumsy colts…” she sighed as she pressed the towel onto Peppermill’s chest. The Pegasus colts looked put upon while Peppermill tried to vainly push the filly away.
“If you are so sick, they why in Celestia’s name are you wandering around town in all this?” demanded Twilight, holding up a dripping wet jacket and wrinkling her nose at the scent of young horse sweat wafting from it.
“It just…I’m…erghh!” Peppermill’s head hung low as he gave a groan that was more emotional than physical in nature. “I hate…being sick. I can’t…cook; I can’t…go out with…my friends. I’m…sore…and tired…and I just can’t…seem to get better!” The colt looked on the verge of tears when Ruby Punch gave a little sob and embraced him. Featherweight and Rumble shifted uncomfortably, moved by their friends plight.
“You boys should maybe go on your way. But make sure one of you go and tell Applejack at the stand that Peppermill is here.” Twilight’s voice was firm, despite the twinge in her heart. The colt quickly bade their goodbyes and did as they were asked.
“Ruby? I think you could go home too.” said Twilight softly. The filly either didn’t hear or chose not to as she held onto Peppermill with an impressive hug. Spike and the unicorn mare managed to pry her off of him, but not before Twilight noticed that Peppermill had gained a bit of color back into his face. Eventually the filly let go and was sent on her way, with Spike being sent to accompany her. This left Twilight and the grey colt alone in the library. As Twilight watched Peppermill shiver, her mind began to percolate. The sight of the slight improvement Peppermill showed under Ruby Punch’s grip, and some text from a book she had recently read burned bright in her mind.
“Peppermill? Are you here sugarcube?” Applejack’s twang broke Twilight out her thoughts. The blond mare entered the room, her green eyes reflecting a mix of concern and anger.
“Sakes alive! When those friends of yers tol’ me you were here, I thought they were pullin’ mah tail.” Applejack crossed the room in a flash, immediately nuzzling the colt’s clammy forehead. She gave a moan of distress at the taste of salty sweat. “Oh sugarcube ah…ah jes don’t know wut to do fer ya. Ahd give up every apple in the orchard ifin it could make you well again.”
“I’m sorry…Applejack. I just…couldn’t stand…being cooped up…at the farmhouse…any longer.” Peppermill sighed.
“Thanks fer watchin’ over him Twi.” sighed the Apple mare as she gathered his soaking wet clothes from off of the floor and ushered the colt away.
“Man, that’s rough.” Spike shook his head, and debated whether to get a cloth to wipe up the puddle on the floor when he glanced at Twilight.
“I know that look Twi. What’s up?”
“Spike, do you remember that book I was looking at the other day?”
“The one on magical illnesses?”
“Yes, could you please find it for me?”
“Aye aye!” The dragon snapped the mare a salute and raced for the bookshelves. Meanwhile, Twilight murmured to herself.
“I have a theory…”
It took something incredibly substantial to keep Applejack away from her bucking duties at Sweet Apple Acres.
Having her ill younger brother somehow successfully leave the farmhouse and get to the town library without any other Apple pony noticing was beyond substantial…
“Honestly…Applejack. I promise…not to do it…again.”
“Ah know sugarcube. But ah ain’t about to take any chances with you. And fer the record Applebloom and the rest of yer friends are under orders to watch out fer ya.” Peppermill, bundled in a quilt and burrowed into one end of the chesterfield in Sweet Apple Acres’ living room, gave a tired sigh. Applejack, who was leafing through the pages of a book but not actually reading it, sat on the opposite side.
I wonder if…this constant guarding…is what Saltpeter is…going through…in the sanitarium. Though I…don`t think I am…the same kind of…sick that he is pondered the colt silently. He was just about to give into his fatigue when a knock on the front door caused both him and the mare to look up.
“Hello?” called out Applejack.
“It’s me and the girls. Can we come in?” came Twilight Sparkle’s voice.
“Come on in. The more the merrier…” Moments later all of the Elements of Harmony were gathered in the room.
“So wut bring you gals around here? Does Equestria need savin’ again?” smiled the blond mare.
“Actually, we’re here because of Peppermill.” explained Twilight Sparkle.
“Well, I appreciate the offer of help but I reckon I can watch over him myself.”
“Now with…that blind spot…that Stetson…gives you.” Peppermill quipped from the chesterfield, which made the mare in question glare at him and the others to stifle giggles.
“Heh, I see your silver tongue still works.” chuckled Rainbow Dash.
“I noticed something the other day when Peppermill was at the library.” explained Twilight, quickly changing the subject. “I would like to perform an experiment before I finalize my theory on his sickness and any potential cures.”
“This isn’t…going to involve…having to go into…the library basement, will it?” asked Peppermill. He recalled hearing from Pinkie Pie about some of the strange machines that the lavender mare kept there.
“Don’t worry, this experiment can be done here.” smiled the unicorn. The set up only took a few minutes, resulting in the colt in the middle of the floor surrounded by the six mares.
“Okay Peppermill, I want you to pay close attention to how you are feeling and make note of any changes you experience.” requested Twilight.
“Very well…” With that Twilight produces a clipboard and quill.
“All right Pinkie, you are first.” The bubble gum pink mare bounced over to Peppermill and proceeded to envelop the colt in a huge hug. Since this was not an uncommon event (Pinkie pretty much hugged him whenever she saw him to begin with…in fact, given half a chance she would hug any pony she came across) Peppermill didn’t think much about it. As much as he wanted to return the gesture though, he simply couldn’t find the strength to even lift his forelegs. He settled for enjoying the warmth and scent of baked goods that seemed to follow the mare. All too soon, Pinkie released her hold and took her place back among her friends.
“Next!” announced Twilight. To the colt’s growing puzzlement the vivacious fashionista Rarity sauntered to the center of the circle and embraced him. Despite having developed a strong bond with him and the mare, Peppermill would never have expected her to willingly touch a sick pony no matter how much she might have cared for him.
And yet…
The slightest hint of perfume tickled the colt’s nose, and a vivid memory of his own lost mother came into his mind. The softness and warmth of the mare, both in nubile body and generous heart, touched the colt deeply. So absorbed in the pleasant sensation, Peppermill almost didn’t notice that for the first time that day he was no longer shivering.
“It’s your turn now Fluttershy.” Peppermill hid a flicker of resentment towards Twilight for ending the embrace with Rarity. Within moments the unicorn had been replaced by the yellow Pegasus mare.
“Um…I’m not holding you too tight am I?” asked Fluttershy in her usual whisper.
“No…I’m fine.” the colt sighed. He knew it was entirely possible that the mare had caught his brief moment of annoyance, and erroneously thought she was at fault. Naturally he felt a pang of guilt at this, as any pony in the same situation would. He tried to relax, hoping it might calm the mare down. But he found his task tricky due to the fact that a bit of the mare’s luxuriant pink mane was threatening to make him sneeze.
“Hmmm…” As Peppermill struggled in his task not to sneeze, Twilight’s full and undivided attention was on her private observations. So far her ‘theory’ was proving accurate, but she reminded herself that the experiment was only half over.
“Okay Applejack, whenever you are ready.” Fluttershy murmured an unnecessary apology as the Apple mare stepped forward. For the first time that morning since this ‘experiment’ began, Peppermill was genuinely curious. He had discovered that for all of the honesty, love and loyalty he experienced as an Apple physical signs of affection were surprisingly rare.
And of course…she smells of apples thought Peppermill as the mare put her strong forelegs around him. And…sweat apparently . But the thing that stuck in his mind was that unlike the other mares, Applejack had an undeniable solidness to her. The colt could feel all of the muscle that Applejack had proudly developed through a lifetime of apple bucking. Peppermill could genuinely see why a number of stallions in town tended to solicit him for whether or not she had a special somepony, as she was…well…attractive in a way.
…
…
…
Dear Celestia…I must be sicker…than I thought. Maybe…I should talk to….Big Macintosh about…this.
“Um, Applejack?” It was Twilight’s voice that broke out Peppermill out of his minor concern for his…hormones. It also caused him to realize that the embrace his was receiving from his older sister was lasting considerably longer than that of the other mares. In fact, the others were beginning to look a bit concerned at just how long it was lasting.
“Applejack, darling, a little decorum please.” requested Rarity. This comment seemed to finally snap the Apple mare out of whatever had been consuming her thoughts, and she sheepishly released the colt.
“Ahm sorry about that folks. It’s just…ah kinda realized I ain’t really done something lahk this with Peppermill before. Huggin’ I mean…”
“Apples are…judicious with…their words and…their affections.” said Peppermill, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly at his elder sibling.
“Eyup.” chuckled Applejack with a smile.
“That’s okay Applejack. It won’t be that much longer. Now it is my turn.” announced Twilight Sparkle. If Peppermill was surprised by Applejack’s show of affection, he was even more taken back by the super smart unicorn’s willingness to take part in the experiment. But sure enough, the lavender mare stepped forward and embraced the colt.
“Twilight?” he asked.
“Yes?”
“You didn’t…happen to go looking…for books on how…to hug before…this, did you?” Peppermill intended this as a joke, as he knew fully well how close she and Spike were. Still, he was rewarded when the mare responded in her typical serious response.
“You know, there seems to be a surprising lack of material on the subject. That could be a good project for me after this is done…”
You would do…something like that…wouldn’t you? For a mare whose most powerful feature was her mind, Twilight Sparkle’s body wasn’t lacking either. She was remarkably soft and warm, and for the second time that day the colt felt the pattern of relief followed by dismay when she had to finally release her hold.
“And finally you Rainbow.”
This…ought to be good . Even before she approached the colt, Rainbow Dash’s unease was palatable. While the brash mare was as eager to help as the rest of her friends, she was even less likely to show affection physically than Applejack was. She reached out awkwardly and seemed to hold Peppermill gingerly like a fragile package rather than a small pony. Her grip seemed to fluctuate from too tight to barely felt, almost as if she were afraid she might break him.
As Peppermill sat there, noting that Rainbow Dash’s physique was similar to that of Applejack’s (and scolding himself at how much he seemed to like all the muscle embracing him) a thought occurred to him. It struck him as so funny, that he couldn’t stop himself from laughing. Unfortunately, his laugh came out as a cough, which threw Rainbow into a panic.
“I swear I didn’t do anything!!!” she squawked, holding the colt out at foreleg’s length and her rose colored eyes wide with alarm.
“It wasn’t…anything you did…Dash.” explained the colt once he caught his breath after his coughing fit. “I just had…a thought: here I am…surrounded and…being hugged by…six of the…most popular and…prettiest mares in…Ponyville. I can’t imagine…how many stallions…would do anything…to be in…my position.” As Peppermill had predicted, the reactions to his statement were varied.
Pinkie Pie burst into a mix of giggles and snorts while Rarity merely gave an enigmatic smile in agreement. Poor Fluttershy looked like she wanted to find a hole to hide into, her cheeks burning bright despite trying to hide her face behind her mane. Applejack and Twilight Sparkle simply looked rather puzzled, while Rainbow looked like she had bitten into a lemon.
“Aren’t you kind of young to be thinking about stuff like that?” grumbled Rainbow.
“He isn’t that young darling.” remarked Rarity with amusement.
“Can we get back to the experiment please?” asked Twilight, clearing her throat. “Okay Peppermill, did you notice anything while we went through the experiment? Any major changes in the way you felt?”
“Hmmm…” Peppermill closed his eyes and tilted his head in thought. He ran back in his mind that last few minutes, trying to come up with an answer. Eventually, realization dawned on him. “The only time…I felt any better…was when you…or Rarity was close by. The others…I didn’t feel…the same way. Is that…important?”
“That is exactly what I had hypothesized.” agreed Twilight in triumph. “I think I might know what the problem is, and how to help you.”
“I didn’t doubt you would sugarcube” sighed Applejack in relief.
“Egghead Lecture Mode Activate.” snickered Rainbow, recognizing the subtle change in Twilight’s posture.
“As you are all well aware, Equestria is a world of magic. As such, magic in various forms and degrees can be found virtually everywhere. Even things that we normally wouldn’t consider traditional magical have absorbed enough traces of it to be noticed. That includes ponies…”
“You mean, besides being able to fly or endurance?” questioned Fluttershy politely.
“Exactly.” nodded the lavender mare. “Because of all this absorbed magic, everything can, to a degree, be affected by it. There have been more and more reports across the land about ‘magical illnesses’ being caught by ponies other than unicorns. I think that is what has happened to Peppermill.”
“So, Peppermill has a magic cold? Neat!” chirped Pinkie.
“Not exactly Pinkie. But the reason why his illness is lingering on for so long, not to mention the chills he has developed is due to it. That’s why standard medicines and cures aren’t working.”
“So, how exactly are we supposed ta help him?” Applejack demanded.
“As you heard, Peppermill felt better when he was in close contact with unicorns. I believe that a unicorn’s natural magic acts like…well…a natural curative. While I don’t have any numbers to crunch, I think that the more contact he has with unicorns will speed up the recovery process.”
“How do you plan on getting a bunch of unicorns to come to Sweet Apple Acres?” questioned Rainbow Dash.
“Oh I think you should be asking how you won’t keep the unicorns away darling.” remarked Rarity. “All of Ponyville respects the Apple clan. I’m sure once the news spreads that you need them to help poor Peppermill you’ll be overrun. Celestia knows that I would be happy to lend a hoof…once I get caught up on my workload. But I’m sure Sweetie Belle will be happy to help.”
“Are you…that certain…about that?” questioned Peppermill.
“Well, ah learned mah lesson long ago not to be afraid of askin’ fer help. I reckon there has got ta be some folks in town willing to help…” said Applejack.
“We can all tell everypony! It’ll be like a big get well party!!” crowed Pinkie.
“I would more than happy to arrange a schedule for the unicorn ponies that will come.” added Twilight.
“Sounds good. I guess we’ll take all the help we can get. After all, didn’t some pony say something about needing a village to raise a colt?” In truth, Applejack had already began to hatch a plan that could take advantage of the situation…
During a standard Equestrian year, Sweet Apple Acres tended to be at its busiest during two periods: cider season and Zap Apple season.
But when the word got out that the Apple clan of Ponyville were in need of any and all unicorns, it made those two seasons combined seem like the bleak winter months.
As Rarity had predicted only a few days prior, the response to the summons was quick and substantial. There were many unicorn ponies in town that respected the Apple clan, just as there were those who were impressed by the colt’s cooking prowess. And that didn’t even include the younger colts and fillies who were Peppermill’s friends.
It started fairly early in the day when the first groups of unicorns, deciding to do their ‘duty’ prior to going to their respective jobs, arrived at the farmhouse. Thanks to a bit of pre-planning by Twilight Sparkle an arrangement was made where Peppermill would hold court inside the farmhouse living room and every guest would be given equal time to…well…
This was where things got a bit tricky as far as Twilight Sparkle’s theory went. At first it was believed that it was actual physical contact that was needed. And while the Apples trusted the other pones of town, the idea of a ‘hugging assembly line’ (Pinkie Pie came up with the term) made them understandably uneasy. Fortunately it didn’t take long to discover than just simply being in the room with the colt was adequate enough for him to feel a significant change in his health.
And in truth, all of the constant coming and going of ponies made Peppermill feel comfortable in more ways than just physically. It didn’t take long for the colt to recognize the similarities to this and his old life at his parent’s restaurant. The greetings, the small talk, turning the charm up to eleven: this was the element he had been born and bred in. It did more than just cheer him up, he lightened his heart.
And he wasn’t the only Apple pony who was enjoying the way things were turning out. Applejack, who could be quite shrewd when needed, saw an opportunity to make a few bits what with the influx of visitors. She had quickly set up a small table just outside the front door of the farmhouse offering ‘the freshest apples in Ponyville’. (Normally her inability to even produce a white lie kept her from using this claim while at their usual stand in town, but given the fact that the apples had to travel barely a few feet made her willing to say it and not feel sick to her stomach).
Meanwhile, thanks to a bit of prodding from all of his younger siblings, Big Macintosh found himself breaking out of his shell a little bit. Granted, he had never spoken to so many ponies in so little time (aside from distant family members) but he seemed to handle himself fairly well. Not only did he find himself invited out with some stallions to have drinks at the local watering hole, but found yet even more mares that showed an interest in him.
In fact, the only pony who didn’t seem to be seeing the silver lining of the situation was Applebloom. This was due to the fact that she had developed a bit of an over-protective streak towards Peppermill as of late. Adult ponies were all right, and Celestia knew she didn’t mind her little brother befriending more colts his age. But when it came to the various unicorn fillies that seemed to arrive in little groups, some she was convinced were not even from Ponyville, her annoyance showed through. As a result she became the unofficial chaperone during the visits. She personally screened every young pony that came into the living room, and kept watch from Granny Smith armchair. She made it very clear that while their presence was welcome, any attempt to try and make any sort of physical contact was frowned upon. Fortunately the only three fillies that Applebloom was willing to make an exception for were Ruby Punch, Ruby`s best friend Dinky Doo and Sweetie Belle.
It took a little over a week of this ‘magical cure’ before Peppermill declared he was back to one hundred percent. And it took another week before he had finished writing out thank you cards to the section of the population that had a hoof in his restoration. Today found him, with help from Featherweight and Rumble, delivering those cards.
“I think I preferred it when you were sick. At least it didn’t mean we had to work…” muttered Rumble, lugging a large bag.
“Considering how quickly…you inhaled that…sandwich I made…for you, I think…I’ll call your bluff.” chuckled Peppermill. The grey colt had loaded a wagon with stacks of cards, plus a few extra special gifts he intended to deliver personally.
“Still, hanging out is hanging out.” shrugged Featherweight. “Though I think you might have been able to get Ms. Doo to help.”
“I already…had Ditzy…begging to help. She is…very motherly…”
“I still can’t believe that you had a magic cold.” remarked Rumble.
“Don’t let Twilight…hear you say that.” warned Peppermill. “I understand…she is busy…writing out her…findings and…sending them to…the big hospital in…Canterlot.”
“Maybe they’ll name a disease after you.” grinned Featherweight.
“How about…no.” The three colts continued to joke as they made their way to Carousel Boutique, Peppermill’s first major stop. He grabbed a small wrapped parcel from his wagon and knocked on the door, flanked by the Pegasus colts. A full minute passed without any answer, and the three colts looked at one another warily.
“Hello?” called out Peppermill, knocking one more time. Finally the door opened to reveal not the white unicorn mare he was expecting but a yellow Pegasus mare instead.
“Hello Peppermill, hello boys.” greeted Fluttershy.
“Hello Fluttershy…is Rarity available?”
“Oh, um…well…sort of…”
“Sort of?” queried Rumble.
“I guess it won’t hurt for you to come in. Just…keep your distance from her.” The colts entered the shop warily, puzzled by the Pegasus mare’s cryptic answer. She led them to the second floor of the building, which was used as the living area for the two sisters. They soon found themselves inside Rarity’s opulent bedroom where the ivory mare lay in her bed propped up on some pillows. Judging from the tiredness in her eyes and the redness in her snout she was clearly under the weather, though it didn’t stop her from being her usual flamboyant self.
“Hello darlings. What brings some gentlecolt callers here?”
“You don’t look very well at all Miss Rarity.” remarked Featherweight.
“I know, I know. It seems glamour is no substitute for healthy habits. But don’t worry, I’m sure I’ll be fine in a few days.” agreed Rarity.
“I’m watching over Rarity while Pinkie and Dash are at the library helping Spike.” explained Fluttershy.
“Wait…are you saying…Twilight is…sick too?” An unhappy thought began to form in the cook’s mind.
“Yes, and I heard somepony mention that Berry Punch’s little filly was home sick as well…”
“The first three…unicorns that…had physical contact…with me.” sighed Peppermill. “I guess…it was too…good to be true.”
“Oh don’t worry darling. It’s a minor inconvenience at best. And I have darling Fluttershy to nurse me back to health and do a few bouts of sewing. I just hope Twilight Sparkle takes the time while she convalesces to let the doctors in Canterlot know of this…well…issue. Still, it is a rather remarkable breakthrough. “
“Maybe now they will name it after you.” snickered Rumble. Peppermill just groaned.