MLP: Friendship is Forgiving Part 1

Spirit exited town toward his home. It was located on the outskirts of town between some apple orchard and the Everfree forest. He was on the right trail seeing that he was next to an apple orchard bordered by a white wooden fence. Spirit found the orchard to be comforting. It reminded him of his home life before he left. He grew up on a farm growing corn. It was a long family tradition, and for many years he was happy being an only pony working with his father everyday from dawn until dusk. It all changed when he decided to join the Army. Spirit shuddered at the thought. Out of the corner of his eye, he spotted an orange mare with a blonde mane and tail, and  wearing a hat struggled to pull with a wagon filled with apples. Spirit placed his front hoofs on the top of the fence, leaned over, and peered through the trees and it appeared the wagon was stuck. Spirit called out to the mare, “Excuse me, Ma'am!”

The mare looked around, trying to pinpoint where the voice came from until she spotted the stallion, “Howdy pard'ner! What can Ah do ya for?”

“Actually, I was wondering if you needed help, Ma'am!”

“Ah'm in a bit of trouble, .Ah reckon Ah could use a little help! Thank ya kindly!”

Spirit leaped over the fence and trotted over to the mare. “Good evening ma'am. I'm Tough Spirit, but please, call me Spirit.” Spirit felt it unnecessary to give his rank.

“Mah name is Applejack, so there's no need to call me “ma'am”. Ah bet your new to Ponyville judgin' by them bags and all. Plus, Ah haven't seen ya around town.”

Spirit thought to himself, does everypony know each other in this small town?

He responded, “Yes I just got off the train and I was heading to my new house.”

“Well then, welcome to Ponyville!Ah have a stand out in the market if you're ever lookin' for the best apples in Equestria. Ya know what? When ya through helpin' me, Ah'll give you a bucket of apples as a thank you.”

“That's very nice of you, but it's not necessary.”

“Ah insist, but first ya have to get this here wagon free.”

“No problem.” Spirit positioned himself underneath the wagon.

“What in tarnation are ya doin'?” Inquired Applejack.

“Well, seeing how the mud dried over part of the wheels, I'll lift it out to break the mud, and then we'll get it moving.” Sure enough, Spirit lifted the wagon and the mud cracked and the wheels broke free.”

“Well Ah'll be. Thanks pard'ner!” Applejack was surprised he could lift so many apples. As far as she knew, only Big Mac was strong enough to do that.

“It was nothing, but I have a feeling you've been stuck here a while. If I learned anything from my farm days in my colthood, it was staying in one place too long was never a good thing. What else do you need to do?”

Applejack glanced at the apple trees that still needed bucking and sighed, she didn't want to trouble Spirit with so much work, “Well, no, but Ah can take it from here.”

“How about this, I'll buck that row of apple trees while you drop off those apples, and I'll have the apples bucked and ready for pick up when you come back. I don't think you want to stay up all night, or wait until morning and have a full day of work. Did I also mention this is free of charge?”

“That's mighty kind of ya, but—” Applejack realized she never mentioned what she had to do and asked, “Wait, how'd ya know Ah need to buck those trees?”

Spirit shrugged, “Lucky guess when I saw you glanced at those trees. Plus, I don't think you can fit another apple in that wagon, so it has to go back to wherever you store the apples. Now I may have never bucked an apple tree, but I have farm colt blood in my veins. I'll catch on.”

Applejack didn't have much of a choice. She promised to teach Rainbow Dash how to lasso tomorrow. Rainbow Dash didn't want to be beaten again in that event by Applejack for the Iron Pony. Since Spirit insisted to help so much, Applejack figured that it wouldn't be a problem.

“Ah guess mah hooves are tied. Ah just didn't want to give you so much work. By the way, why are ya so eager to do this work? Apple buckin' aint easy.”

“Call me strange, but really you're doing a favor for me. I used to do work like this with my  parents all the time in my colthood. I don't see him much since...” Spirit hesitated, “Since I've been on my own, so this brings back good memories.”

Applejack smiled, “Ah know exactly what ya mean. Now, Ah'll be right back.”

Applejack started thinking about this new pony in town. He was very kind since he was so helpful, but she couldn't help but get the feeling that something was off. She didn't have a problem that he wanted to help to relive memories, but he seemed a little too eager. Applejack was so lost in thought that she didn't notice Big Mac started to walk beside her. Startled, she said, “Big Mac! Ah didn't see ya there. Have ya finished yer buckin' for the day?”

“Eeyup.” The simple Stallion replied. “Ah'm hopin' that yer also finished.”

“Well, no, the wagon got stuck in the mud, and I woulda still been there had it not been for a nice stallion who offered his services.”

Big Mac looked at the wagon wheels; he didn't see any mud. “Lil' sis', was the wagon stuck in the mud, or were ya stuck on the stallion?”

Applejack gave an inquisitive look at Big Mac.

“Applejack, is this stallion your coltfriend?”

Applejack came to an immediate halt. She was shocked and quickly retorted, “He's not mah coltfriend!”

Applejack picked up her trot.

Big Mac didn't seem to listen, “Ah shucks, mah lil' sis' is growin' up.”

“What? Are ya tellin' me Ah haven't grown up yet?” Responded Applejack with frustration.

“Nope. This is just the final step.”

“So you think Ah just now grew up?”

Big Mac paused, “Nope. Actually, ya will always be mah lil' sis'.”

...

The two siblings arrived at the barn, Applejack spoke first, “Ugh, Big Mac, don't start again with me. He's not mah coltfriend. End of story. Now help me unload these apples.”

Big Mac Chuckled, “Eeyup, just let me pull the wagon from now on.”

The two siblings finished unloading the apples and began their journey back to Spirit. They were expecting to help Spirit finish the row of apple trees, but they were astonished to see Spirit laid back and enjoying the sunset. All the buckets filled with apples ready to be transported.

Applejack's jaw dropped, “He bucked all them trees while Ah was gone?”

Big Mac placidly said, “Eeyup.”

“Ah, you're back Applejack, and you brought somepony with you.” Said Spirit now in an extra happy mood. He got up and approached the new stallion.

“Eeyup, Ah'm her brother, Big Macintosh.”

“It's nice to meet you Mr. Macintosh.” Spirit gave Big Mac a firm hoof shake.

“Call me Big Mac.”

“Well, let's get to it.” said Applejack. She was trying to get Spirit and Big Mac working so that Big Mac would be too occupied to try talking to Spirit. The last thing she wanted was the coltfriend ordeal to escalate, but Big Mac was persistent.

“Spirit, how long have ya been seein' mah sister?”

Spirit's eyes went wide with shock as he dropped the bucket he was lifting. He wondered how he drew this conclusion. Spirit had to answer him quickly, so his silence wouldn't confirm Big Mac's suspicions on its own.

“No, no, no, you have the wrong idea. I just met your sis—”

Big Mac interrupted, “And you're already going steady?”

“No! She's not my fillyfriend.”

“No! He's not my coltfriend.”

“Y'all need to give up the charade. Ah got y'all figured out.”

Applejack shot a glare at her brother, but he was too busy trying to suppress his laughter to notice. Applejack sighed, “At least this can't get any worse.”

A little yellow filly with yellow hair and a red mane and bow trotted toward, them. “Big Mac! Applejack! Supper's almost ready and Granny's—who is that pony!” The young filly paused and examined the stallion walking next to Applejack. Her imagination went wild. Gasping she asked, “Sis', who's you're new coltfriend? Will he stay for supper?”

“No, He's not my coltfriend!”

The small filly looked at Big Mac.

Big Mac winked, “Eeyup.”

Applebloom happily declared, “Ah knew it!”

Applejack stopped, sat down, and covered her face with her hat in embarrassment.

Spirit leaned over and whispered in her ear, “Oh come now honey, you wouldn't want to hurt your little sister's feelings.”

Applejack snarled back, “Gimme one reason Ah shouldn't knock ya outside your head? This is yer fault anyway.”

“I had nothing to do with this. Besides, you need to lighten up. I haven't had fun in years.”

Applejack was confused by his answer. She's picked up a couple subtle hints about this pony's past, but this is the strangest yet. 'Haven't had fun in years'? What did he mean by that? Before she could inquire about it, Spirit had already turned to Applebloom.

“And what's your name?” Spirit asked.

“Mah name's Applebloom. What's your name Mister Coltfriend?”

“My name is Tough Spirit, but Spirit is fine. It's nice to meet you.”

“Likewise. Hey Applejack, will he stay for supper?” Applebloom asked again.

Suppressing her rage, “No Applebloom he'll leave as soon as we get back to the barn.”

Surprised, Applebloom went back to Spirit, “Won't you stay for supper?” Her puppy dog eyes as big as could be.

“How could anypony say no to that face?”

Applebloom, her face bright with joy, again went back to Applejack, and Applejack couldn't resist either.

“Alright, he can stay for supper.”

“I'll go tell Granny!” Applebloom excitingly exclaimed. She rushed off into the house.

Applejack sighed, “What did Ah get myself into... Ah'm beginning to question whether this was worth it.”

“I think it was worth it.” Replied Spirit.

Big Mac chimed in, “Eeyup!”

…

The apples were put away and Big Mac, Applejack, and Spirit went into the house to find Applebloom and Granny had already prepared dinner. The table was set with the nicest table cloth, fine china, and the widest assortment of apple related food. As a special touch, they even lit candles at the center of the table.

“Oh! What a handsome, young feller we have here! Applejack, you sure know how to pick 'em.”

Applejack at this point has given up and rolls her eyes, “Yep, I sure do.”

“Hello, I'm Tough Spirit. It's a pleasure to meet you.”

“I'm Granny Smith; the pleasure is all mine.” Granny Smith responded flattered.

“He likes to be called Spirit,” Applebloom added in.

Granny commented, “I wish I had more time. I would have gotten mah good dentures!”

“Ugh, can we get to eatin' already! I'm starved.” said Applejack, growing impatient.

“Right, right, let's all grab a seat and get to it” said Granny.

As an afterthought, Granny continued, “But Applejack, aren't ya going to tell us about yer coltfriend?”

Now that was Applejack's last straw. Once you mess with her apple eating time, all bets are off. Before she began, Tough Spirit instantly stepped in and said, “Let Applejack enjoy her dinner. She had a full day's work today, and has a full day planned tomorrow. She needs her strength, and I'll bet we're just about at her wit's end about this coltfriend ordeal with her family.”

“Ah fiddle sticks! There's no harm in that.” Granny protested, but she, as well as everypony else, left Applejack alone and a nice dinner started.

Granny asked where Spirit grew up and he decided to tell the happy story of his colthood.

He grew up on a corn farm growing corn. His father knew all the ins and outs of growing the best corn in Equestria. His mother knew all the ins and outs of serving up all of the best corn-related food in Equestria. Every morning his father would work with him to plant, grow, and pick corn, as well as maintain everything outside the house on the farm. His father taught him that hard work always paid off and that work that can be done today should never put off until tomorrow. He was grateful and proud of his son that worked hard everyday. Every afternoon, he would help his mother around the house, whether it was cleaning or cooking. She spoke softly and had a very gentle touch. Spirit always listened to her as she was very loving and caring. Spirit was very detailed in his colthood story, but once he got to where he left home he simply told the Apple family that he began to travel Equestria. The meal was finished by then, and neither Granny, Big Mac, nor Applejack pushed the subject; they were satisfied by the long story he gave, and it was late anyway. Applejack though, thought that he was very skimpy on the last few years of his life, and it stuck in her head as another suspicion about his past.

“Thank you for the meal. It was so delicious! I've never tasted apples this good; I think I'll pay a visit to your stand in the market real soon.

Granny started first, “Anytime handsome and Twas' nothin'! Just give me some warnin' next time. When Applebloom, came runnin' in hootin' and hollerin' about Applejack's coltfriend, I darn near had a heart attack! Mah little girl's first coltfriend and Ah'm about to serve up supper on the regular table, with all the regular fixins'? Not on mah watch!”

Applejack tried one more time, “Granny, he's not mah coltfriend.”

Granny poor hearing misheard Applejack, “What's a boyfriend? Never heard the word 'boy' before. Is that new youngster lingo?”

Applejack smacked her hoof against her face in disgust. She had been trying all day to convince  her family, but they still didn't understand. She couldn't tell if they were hard-headed or were only teasing.

Applebloom was next, “Bye Mr. Coltfriend, Spirit, sir! Y'all comeback now ya hear.” Applebloom noticed Spirit's cutie mark. It was five golden stars arranged in a pentagonal shape. “Spirit, if you grew up on corn farm, then what kind of cutie mark is that.”

Spirit noticed that Applebloom didn't have a cutie mark of her and the shimmer in her eyes suggested she was dying to know, “That, my little pony, is quite a story...” He paused, he didn't want to bring up a huge chunk of his life in the Army he failed to mention during dinner.

Applejack intervened, “It's getting' late Applebloom, we better let Spirit go home and rest. We don't want to keep him from getting' his rest. Besides, it's yer bedtime.” Little did Applejack know, if she hadn't spoke for Spirit, she could have some of the answers she was looking for.

Applebloom groaned, “But Applejack!”

“Off to bed Applebloom, your sister will be right behind ya.” Added Granny Smith.

Applejack escorted Spirit outside and to the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres.

Applejack joked, “Ah never thought getting help from a stranger would be so chaotic. Ah'm never goin' to do that again!”

They both laughed. Applejack continued, “All that aside, ya really did help me. Ah'm very grateful for that. Wait, here are your apples for all ya trouble!”

Spirit stopped her, “I couldn't accept this after you already fed me quite a delicious meal. You don't owe me anything. Besides, I caused you a lot of embarrassment.  The fact you didn't smack me across the face is a testament to your kindness and restraint.”

Applejack wasn't going to let Spirit leave without the apples, “No, Ah insist! You earned these apples and overall, ah enjoyed this night, as chaotic as it was.”

“Thank you very much! For the apples, for the fantastic dinner, but most importantly, for letting me help you.”

Now Applejack was really confused, so she asked, “Ah know ya been hidin' somethin' about yourself.Ya need to explain me this: first, ya claim ya haven't had fun in years. Then ya hesitate whenever ya bring up your parents. And just now, yer more thankful for being allowed to help with mah work rather than a delicious Apple family meal? Ya don't need to worry about your past here in Ponyville. We're quite the understandin' type of folk. Ya just have to trust me.”

"Dinner was delicious and enjoyable," Spirit began, "but doing that farm work reminded me of the good ol' days I remember with my parents. Then I left home." Spirit paused and sighed, he wanted to be give as much detail as possible, but keep the truth hidden. He feared that giving his military background would prompt Applejack to ask more questions, more questions that could lead to his dark past. The last thing he wanted was a relapse to his nightmares and dreary mood. Spirit didn't like lying, but he could hide the truth. "When I did, it was to search and find out who I really was, and to pursue my special talent." Spirit glanced down at his cutie mark, "My parents were against it from the start, but I had to find out who I was. Well, let's just say this, I've gained a variety of experiences. On one hoof, I found myself and gained new friends. On the other, I've made mistakes and lost my family."

Spirit looked down at the ground.

Applejack could see how hurt Spirit was, and didn't push it any farther. Instead, she decided to make her mends there and lifted his chin, "Look, Ah know how ya feel. If ya need a family to spend time with, Sweet Apple Acres is always open for ya."

Spirit smiled, "Thank you Applejack, I better be off now—"

"Oh no you don't! Ya ain't gettin' off that easy." Said Big Mac, trotting up from the rear.

Applejack stopped him, "Big Mac, for the last time, he's not mah coltfriend! And I'm ain't leavin' 'til you let him go home—"

Spirit interrupted, "Applejack, it's alright. This is where you get back at me for the whole coltfriend ordeal."

Big Mac was surprised, "Y'all really been playin' this charade fer too long."

"Alright, if ya say so..." Applejack left the two stallions by themselves.

Big Mac began approaching Spirit, "Alright buster, let me tell ya somethin'. My family is very important to me." Big Mac drew closer, he suddenly seemed much more intimidating to Spirit. "Applejack, Applebloom, and Granny Smith." Now their faces were only a few inches apart. Spirit was starting to worry. "For now let's talk about Applejack." Spirit tried to back up, but Big Mac bumped and pressed his head against Spirit's. Spirit just realized how large Big Mac was, now that Big Mac was so close and towering over him. "If ya hurt her in anyway, especially if ya break her heart, then Ah will break every bone in yer body. Ya hear?"

Spirit gulped, "Y--Yes... g--good night, Big Mac."

"Eeyup." Big Mac smiled victoriously. He was satisfied knowing he made his point loud and clear.

Spirit cracked a nervous smile and turned away to begin his lonely walk home. Spirit has seen the worst war had to throw at him, but never was he so nervous when Big Mac threatened him. Big Mac only wanted make sure his sister was safe, but it sent shivers down Spirit's spine. It was all in the look in Big Mac's eyes. He would do anything to protect Applejack. When a stallion's motive and drive were fueled by the things they hold closest to their heart, they were unstoppable. Spirit knew this all too well.

Spirit was almost home. His mind had completely switched to thinking about the old days of his youth he thought were long forgotten. The Apple family brought out the best memories Spirit had thought he locked away. He was surprised thinking about them didn't bring up the pain he normally felt like before. He took advantage of this and thought of the bright memories, from the countless hours of work he did with his father, to the warm dinners his mother cooked and conversations they shared. He stopped reminiscing and regained rational thought only when he closed the door behind him after entering his new home.

Some punishment! I haven't felt this good since...when I first met Duke.

He set his bags down  on the floor and used them for pillows. It reminded him when he spent two days trapped behind enemy lines with his old friend Duke. Their friendship strengthened tenfold in that situation. Never had they had to rely on one another so much, though they didn't have much of a choice; their survival was at stake. They had to watch each others' back, find their own shelter, water, ration their remaining meals, sleep on the ground, and use bags as their pillows. Normally, this would lead to another nightmare, but instead, he laid down without giving it a second thought.  He closed his eyes, smiled, and quietly uttered, "Good night ma, good night pa." and slept without a care in the world.