One Month Later

Another day dawned on Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack got out of her bed in the early morning. She donned her usual cowpony hat and went downstairs to eat and wash up before going out and tending the cider stall. There was almost no point now. Fewer ponies came every day, yesterday only a couple dozen came over the course of the day. Applejack was determined though, she had to stay hopeful.
There was never any consideration of accepting Celestia’s rumored help for apple farms. Apple family pride dictated that much. They were hesitant to accept charity from their friends and neighbors, much less the monarch responsible for their plight in the first place.
She ate some apples, AJ reflected on the fact they wouldn’t starve if money ran out, at least for as long as they still had the farm. She looked at herself in the mirror. “Come on girl, we’ll get through this.” She forced a smile onto her face. “We always do, and we always will. The Apple family has always lived on. Through every drought, every famine, every attack of insects, every competitor, every single challenge, the Apples have seen it through. And even if the worst should happen we’ll still have each other and our friends.” Applejack blinked back tears and took a deep breath, “But that won’t happen, we’ll find a way.” She smiled again, this time it was genuine. She left the farmhouse in relatively high spirits.
A few months ago Applejack never would have believed she would need to give herself a pep talk every morning to give her the strength carry on. But every day the situation grew more hopeless. Already farms around Equestria which depended on cider sales were being foreclosed on. So far the Apples had survived through determination, customer loyalty, and what little they still had in savings after numerous barn repairs.
She trudged down to the cider stall. The early morning sun feebly tried to peek through the dark grey cloud cover. She looked down the road. There was no line of eager ponies clamoring to get a taste of Apple family cider, there hadn’t been one for more than two weeks. They had stopped pressing new cider and now it just sat in their cellars collecting dust.
She sat down and waited for customers. A half hour passed, then an hour. She waited still. Applejack poured a mug of cider and drink it. Pinkie was right it didn’t quite have the same pop. After another few minutes she gave up on waiting and decided to practice with her lasso, while waiting for customers. She roped a few barrels and wooden dummies the few loyal customers left came by at their leisure, but they made sure to come by every day. Applejack was extremely grateful for them.
She heard someone at the stall clear their throat. She looked over, and smiled widely. Two ponies stood there, Rainbow Dash and Fluttershy.
“Hey AJ,” Rainbow Dash said. “Two please.”
“Thank y’all for coming out again,” she said, pouring the drinks. “I can’t tell you how thankful I am to all of you.”
“We can’t let our friend down,” Fluttershy said. She sipped her cider.
Rainbow Dash drink from her mug and smiled, “Good stuff. Anyone else come around?”
“Not yet,” Applejack said, “You’re my first customers of the day!”
“Well it’s good that your friends were the first to see,” Fluttershy said cheerfully. The prohibition meant little to her but she remained supportive of her friends. She had come every day with Rainbow Dash.
“It’s been a while since you’ve been off the farm hasn’t it?” Rainbow Dash asked.
“Yeah,” Applejack said. “Ain’t been much time lately.”
Rainbow Dash hovered over the ground. “You should come with us and do something!”
“I can’t leave the stand.”
Rainbow Dash looked around, “Can’t Big Mac manage by himself for a few hours?”
Applejack looked at the ground, “He’s not here.”
“What did he leave, abandon you guys?” Rainbow Dash slammed to the ground. “I’ll find him for ya!”
“Hold on their sugarcube, he ain’t left us. He’s gone into town looking for work.”
“Oh sorry,” Rainbow Dash said. “I didn’t know.”
“It’s alright Rainbow,” Applejack said. “I know you didn’t mean anything by it.
“Are things really that bad Applejack?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Applejack sighed, “Well, cider sales are down. Granny Smith said they’re seventy-five percent down from last year, though I’ve never been much for the business side of things. But anyway,” Applejack paused a moment. “Last week when work here slowed down enough I could run the cider stand alone, Big Mac went into town to see if he could get any other work.”
“Has he found any?” Fluttershy asked.
“A little, he’s been doing some odd jobs around town, while trying to find something more permanent. So far he’s earned enough money to keep us going for a while longer.”
“Do you think it’ll be enough to get you through winter?”
Applejack thought, probably not, especially doing only odd jobs. Even a full time job wouldn’t be able to replace cider earnings, “Maybe, especially if we can get cider sales to pick up.”
Their conversation was interrupted by a couple trotting down the road. They were talking and noticed the cider stand. They trotted over and ordered two cups. Applejack served the drinks and thanked them. They continued down the road.
Fluttershy continued the conversation, “I hope he finds enough work.”
“Has Pinkie come by any?” Rainbow Dash asked.
Applejack nodded, “Yeah she comes around pretty regularly, about every other day or so.”
“She’s been frequenting the speakeasies in town,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Speakeasies?” Applejack said.
Rainbow brightened, “Yeah, I totally came with that, well me and a few other ponies, we just started telling everypony to speak easy about the hard cider.”
“You don’t say,” Applejack said.
“Yeah, I helped make a name!” Rainbow Dash said, beaming. She noticed the look Applejack made, “But not that it matters.”
“And you say Pinkie’s been going to them?”
Rainbow Dash nodded slowly, “Yeah, not regularly but about once a week.” Applejack looked at the ground. “Most of them are pretty alright, they’re mostly just bars that refuse to go out of business.”
Fluttershy spoke up, “Yeah they’re not bad. Most of the customers are just normal ponies.”
“You too Fluttershy?” Applejack asked.
Rainbow Dash chimed in, “We’ve all been with Pinkie at least once, she practically dragged us there.”
“All except Twilight,” Fluttershy said.
“Yeah, Pinkie doesn’t trust her to keep the secret from the Princess. Really AJ we’re not doing anything illegal!”
“I still don’t want my friends getting involved in any illicit activity!” Applejack said with a stomp. “How many times have you been Rainbow?”
“Only once with Pinkie,” she said. “I’m not going anywhere but here for cider.”
Applejack smiled warmly, “Thank you, both of you.”
“We’ve got to help our friends,” Fluttershy said.
“We all know you’d do the same for us,” Rainbow Dash said.
AJ’s smile widened, “Of course.” They group hugged each other.
“Well if you don’t mind we’ll be off,” Rainbow Dash said.
“Where you going?” Applejack asked.
“We’re headed back to town, probably just going to hang out,” Rainbow Dash said.
Fluttershy chimed in, “We wish you could come with us.”
“Could you get someone else to watch the stand for a few hours? You’ve been out here almost every single day since cider season started.”
“Someone’s got to watch the stand,” Applejack said.
Rainbow Dash spoke, “Can’t Applebloom do it for a couole hours?”
“I can’t ask Applebloom to stay out here all by herself,” Applejack said.
“I’m sure she could handle it for a little bit,” Fluttershy said.
“I’m sure she could but I’m not making her take my responsibilities.”
Rainbow Dash took to the air and hovered over the ground, “Alright if that’s how you feel AJ. We’ll see you later.”
“We’ll come by again soon Applejack,” Fluttershy said. “I hope business picks up.”
“So do I Fluttershy. Thank y’all for coming again.”
“It was our pleasure as always,” Fluttershy said. They flew off towards town. Applejack sat at the stand for another few minutes.
Winona came down to the stand. She had been frequently coming down and keeping AJ company during her long wait for customers. She grabbed a stick off the ground and threw it for Winona to fetch, she faithfully brought it back. AJ played fetch with Winona for an hour. Only one pony came to the stall during that time.
It was going to be lunch time soon. AJ wrapped up fetch and was beginning to trot up to the farmhouse when she saw Applebloom coming down with a basket.
“Granny Smith told me to bring you lunch,” she said, placing the basket on the ground.
“Thanks little sis,” Applejack said.
“Also Granny said she put some lunch in there for Big Mac, and she wants you to go into town and deliver it.”
“Who’ll look after the stand?”
“I can handle that for a little while. Especially since, you know, hardly anypony comes around anymore,” Applebloom said.
“Oh don’t talk like that” Applejack said. “Business will pick up soon, you’ll see.”
“But what if it doesn’t?”
Applejack smiled warmly at her sister, “It will, you just wait and see. Keep hoping and everything will be alright just like Granny said.”
“Alright sis, if you say so,” Applebloom said.
“That’s my girl,” Applejack said. “I’ll be back soon.” She picked the basket up and balanced it on her back. She made her way down the road towards Ponyville.
“Feel free to take your time!” Applebloom called after her sister.
Applejack trotted up the hill. She looked back at the farm and thought of just how much it meant to her. It was the only home she had ever known. It had sheltered and fed her family for generations, as well as provide their livelihood. She wouldn’t let her and Big Macintosh be the generation that lost their family’s farm, no matter how bad their situation was. She couldn’t let her family down.
She met a few other ponies on the road and exchanged hellos on her way. Finally she entered the edge of Ponyville. Big Mac had told AJ he was working on some renovations to Town Hall. On her way there she looked around town, visually the Prohibition hadn’t changed the town at all. But there was something different in the mood of the town. Applejack sensed undercurrents of discontentment from ponies. They were unhappy at their government. Cider season was of monumental importance in Ponyville. Everypony enjoyed it. On opening day nearly everypony in town would make their way to Sweet Apple Acres. Last year the Apple Family plus AJ’s friends had finally made enough cider for the whole town on a single day, and were confident they could do it again for opening day this year. That had been the plan.
“If only,” Applejack muttered.
And in addition to the discontentment AJ felt something darker, a wave of lawlessness. An illicit industry was rising to take the place of what the princess had outlawed. In just a couple of weeks it had already grown like a weed, becoming prevalent in Ponyville, who knows how large it would be in another month.
“Miss Apple,” said a businesslike voice
Speak of the devil.
“Mr. Rich,” Applejack said coldly. “How are you today?”
“Fair enough, have you reconsidered my offer?” Filthy Rich asked.
“I have not,” she said.
It had only been a day into cider season when he had come down to the farm with an offer. He knew the prohibition left a vacuum for cider production ponies wanted filled whether done legally or not. Ever the opportunist he was determined to fill it. Filthy Rich had come and offered the Apples a deal, go into business together. Needless to say Applejack had ardently refused his offer. He had come by twice more still just as determined. The second time Applejack was still just as determined to refuse his offer and the third time he came she threatened to let the dog out on him if he didn’t leave and stay gone.
“Are you sure?” he said. “I hear business down at Sweet Apple Acres is much slower than usual.”
“It is a little but we’re managing all the same,” Applejack said.
Filthy Rich cracked a greasy smile, “Is that so? Then may I ask why I saw Big Macintosh working at Town Hall yesterday?”
“He’s helping us manage,” AJ said with just a bit of sarcasm.
Mr. Rich took a step closer and lowered his voice, “Are you so desperate to stay lawful that you send your brother to work of the farm instead of defying a tyrant who has destroyed your family’s livelihood?”
“She hasn’t done…”
“Why do you defend her?” Filthy Rich said. “She doesn’t care about you. It is your right to support your family, your right to continue the business your family started generations ago. She wants to steal that right!”
“She hasn’t outlawed apples!”
“But she’s outlawed what you need to support yourselves through winter,” he said. “When governments enact laws that go against the wellbeing of its ponies, it is the duty of ponies to resist them.”
Applejack poked her forehoof into Filthy’s chest, “Don’t bring your fancy philosophy in this to muddy the issue. You’re just saying that to justify this! The law’s the law!”
“If you say so Miss Apple. But when you lose your farm remember it was your loyalty that lost it,” he trotted off.
Applejack was left thinking. She mulled over Filthy Rich’s words. He was just a slimy business man, taking advantage of a new illegal industry and hoping to convince the best in the business to join him. His justification sounded good but in the end it was nothing more than a justification for something wrong. The Apples were always upstanding, honest, and dependable citizens and always would be no matter what they had to sacrifice, even if it meant their farm.
Applejack finally arrived at Town Hall. It looked like the renovations were finished. She saw Big Macintosh trotting towards her.
“Hey, I brought you lunch,” she said. She slid the basket off her back. “Are they finished with work on Town Hall?”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
“Do they have any more work for you?”
“Nope,” he said sadly.
Applejack smiled at him, “Ah don’t worry we’ll find something else, they paid you right?”
“Eeyup.”
“See, we’ll get through this,” Applejack said. “Anyway I came down to deliver lunch. Granny fixed some for us.”
Big Mac brightened a bit. Applejack opened the basket, inside there were sandwiches, milk, and a couple of apple fritters. They ate lunch and then headed back to Sweet Apple Acres. They were almost out of town when they ran into Twilight, she was carrying saddlebags laden with books.
Applejack smiled at her friend, “Hey Twilight, nice to see you.”
“Hey Applejack, I haven’t seen you in a while, where you have you been.”
“I’ve been at the farm mostly, we’ve been busy with cider season,” she said. “Where are you off to?”
“I need to drop these off at the library and then the pony gang and I are meeting at Sugarcube Corner, why don’t you come with us?” Twilight asked.
Applejack frowned, “I’m sorry, I’d love to come with you guys, but I’ve got to get back to Sweet Apple Acres, I left Applebloom watching the cider stand.”
“I’m sure Big Mac could take care of that AJ, we haven’t hung out in weeks,” Twilight said.
“Eeyup!” Big Mac said.
“Oh I couldn’t…”
Twilight interrupted her friend, “Nonsense I’m sure Big Mac would be happy to give you a break.”
Big Mac nodded, “Eeyup.”
Applejack smiled, “Alright then, if you insist. I’ll see you back at the farm Big Mac.”
“Eeyup,” he turned and continued out of town.
Applejack trotted off with Twilight to the library.
Twilight began the conversation, “So how’s business?”
“Alright,” Applejack said, “Slower than usual but we’re managing.”
“Has Big Mac found work?” Twilight asked.
“Who told you he’s looking for work?”
“It isn’t that hard to figure out,” Twilight said. “He’s the only one of your family coming into town on a regular basis and more to the point I’ve seen him working!”
“Oh, I suppose that is rather obvious,” Applejack said. “We just need a little extra money to help us get by.”
“AJ if you’re having money problems I’m sure Princess Celestia would be more than happy to…”
“No thank you Twilight we will get through this on our own,” Applejack said frostily.
“It would be no trouble, the Princess has promised to not let any apple farms close up because they couldn’t sell enough cider.”
Applejack stayed firm, “That’s nice Twi but we are not going to accept help from anypony especially the Princess.”
“But…”
“No buts Twilight.” Applejack spoke more warmly, “I know you’re trying to help but the Apple Family has always been reluctant to accept charity, and we are not accepting any assistance from any form of government.”
Twilight sighed, “Alright then, but don’t let your pride bankrupt you.”
“You don’t need to worry about us, like I said, we’re managing,” Applejack said. “It’s a lot harder than most winters but we’ll pull through.”
Twilight was reassured, “Alright then. But if you do need any help you know where here.”
Applejack smiled again, “Of course Twilight, I know.” They remained silent the rest of the way to the library. Twilight dropped off her books and they continued to Sugarcube Corner. The Rainbow Dash, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Rarity were all seated at a table in the corner. Twilight and AJ joined their friends.
“Howdy y’all!” Applejack said.
“Applejack darling,” Rarity said. “How nice it is to see you! Where have you been all week?”
Applejack explained her absence the same as she had to Twilight and the rest. She satisfied them and made sure they were aware her family was managing.
“Good to know you’re not going out of business AJ!” Pinkie said, “But if you do have any trouble making ends meet I know plenty of ponies who would be happy to buy some good old Apple Family hard cider!”
“But it’s not legal Pinkie!” Twilight said.
“They know that!” Pinkie leaned across the table and whispered, “But they don’t care.”
“Pinkie I’m surprised at you,” Rarity said. “It seems you don’t care at all that cider’s now illegal.”
“Yeah Pinkie,” Twilight said. “And to talk about it so lightly.”
“Ah I’m just talking to my friends!” Pinkie said, “I know they’d never tell anyone!” She stared at them all, Right?”
“I won’t rat Pinkie,” Rainbow Dash said.
“I know you won’t Dashie,” she said. “I was talking to the rest of you!” Pinkie stared at her friends.
Fluttershy, Applejack, and Rarity reluctantly shook their heads and murmured that they wouldn’t tell anyone.
Pinkie stared at Twilight, “And you Twilight?”
Twilight sighed, “No Pinkie, I won’t tell anyone.
“Pinkie promise?”
Everyone sighed .
“Oh come on! Please?”
Everyone sighed but complied this time. “Cross my heart, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye,” They all said. Pinkie smiled wide.
“As long as you don’t do anything truly illegal,” Twilight added. “I don’t want you to get yourself hurt or in trouble.”
“Of course not Twilight,” Pinkie said. “Why would I do anything illegal? I just want some fun.”
“Good,” Twilight said.
From there the conversation moved to lighter matters. Fluttershy told them about a new family of beavers that had built a dam on a stream close to her cottage. Rarity talked of some of her new clients and the stress of filling their orders. Twilight told them all about new study assignments from the Princess, though this topic was quickly glossed over in favor of Rainbow’s talk of some of her new tricks. They talked, ate, and hung out for a few hours, by the time Applejack and her friends left Sugarcube Corner the sun was setting. She said goodbye to her friends and trotted back to Sweet Apple Acres.
She felt much better after being with her friends. But the concerns of her Family’s finances still weighed heavily on her mind. She reached the farm and trotted towards their house.

Author's Note

Here's the second chapter finally. I was unexpectedly without computer access for most of the week so I got it out much later than I planned. But worry not! I am getting Chapter 3 underway and hope to have that for you in a few days.