Ariana trotted out to the orchard to help with the applebucking that went on each harvest. Earlier her mom, Applejack had asked her to help out. She was a lot happier than most fillies and colts, due largely to the fact that she and her friend Adrian were unique.
They were both the children of same sex children.
She got started on a tree when she noticed her mom bucking a few trees away. She cantered over and hugged her tightly.
"Well hey there sugarcube." Applejack said smiling.
"Hi mom."
"So ya finally decided to come help?" Applejack asked.
"Yup."
She loved helping around the farm, it made her very happy. She got started on a tree right next to her mom, so she could be closer. They worked for a few hours before Rainbow showed up.
"Ah, there's my two favorite mares." she said as she flew down and pulled them both into a hug.
"Hey Rainbow, Ah missed ya. So ya finally done with your weather patrol duties?" Applejack asked.
"Yep, sure am. I'm not late for my applebucking nap am I?" Rainbow laughed.
Ariana laughed as well. Her mom loved to take naps. It seemed that she loved her naps almost as much as she loved Applejack.
"By the way, Ah wanted to tell ya Ariana, Your friend Adrian is comin over to help out."
Ariana stopped.
"Adrian's coming over?"
"Yep, and he says he wants to help out." Applejack replied.
Ariana's face lit up. She couldn't be happier. Adrian was her best friend in the whole wide world! Ever since they first met.
Mommy where are we going? I thought we were going to Aunty Pinkie's! Ariana whined.
"Ah never said that sugarcube, now Ah'm bringin you to meet Twi and Fluttershy's son, Adrian, and Ah expect ya to behave yourself, ya understand?" Applejack asked.
"Yes mommy, I understand."
They trotted down the street, but she couldn't help but be distracted by everything she passed. She even saw a butterfly, and wanted so badly to chase after it, but her mom noticed and told her no.
Once they reached the door, Her mom tapped her hoof against the door, which was answered rather quickly by Twilight.
"Hey AJ. Oh, and hello Ariana." Twilight said smiling as she greeted them.
"Howdy Twi!" Applejack said as she leaned forward and hugged her friend. Ariana was still quiet, until her mom gave her a quick glare.
"Hi Twilight."
They trotted inside and sat down in the lobby of the Library, where Twilight had some snacks and drinks set up.
"I'm glad you guys made it, Adrian has been talking about meeting Ariana for almost a week, nonstop. I swear, she's picked up some of Rainbow''s habbits," Twilight explained, "Which reminds me, I have the newest copy of Daring Do on hold for her."
"Ah'll be sure to let her know Twi, So where's the little guy?" Applejack asked.
He's upstairs in his room. (Spike's old room)" Twilight replied.
"Ariana, why don't ya head up and say hi, I need to do some catchin up with Twi." Her mom told her.
Ariana trotted up the stairs, hopping like Aunty Pinkie, onto each step as she went along. She reached the room and saw a pegasus that seemed around her age, playing on the floor.
"Um...Hi." Ariana said smiling as she trotted in.
"Oh, Hi!" He replied, his face brightening up considerably. "I'm Adrian!"
"Hi Adrian, I'm-" she said before being cut off by Adrian.
"Ariana, Yeah, my parents have told me about you, and I've been really excited to meet you!" he said as he ran over.
Ariana sighed. Those days after they had first met, had been more fun than ever, and after that, they were inseparable. She immediately trotted to the front entrance to the orchard and nearly slammed into Adrian as he showed up. She hugged him tightly, almost tackling him to the ground.
"Hey, good to see you too Ari. It's been a while." he said smiling his charming smile. Ariana blushed at his smile. She didn't understand it, but his smile always made her feel fuzzy.
"I know, I've been busy helping my parents with the Applebucking, and I've been learning how to make treats with Aunt Pinkie." Ariana replied.
"Sounds fun. Come on, We should get started on the Applebucking, otherwise your mom might not let us have any fun today." he laughed.
They raced to the orchard and began seeing who could buck the most trees. Applejack sat with Rainbow and watched.
"Ya know, Ah think she's got the same attitude you had Rainbow." AJ laughed.
"Yep, You remember when we did that, when I first realized how I felt about you." Rainbow replied.
Applejack was about to say something, but she was silenced by a kiss from her wife. She remembered all too well the day Rainbow kissed her. It had been the greatest day of her life.
Rainbow awoke the next morning feeling more rested than ever, on account of the hard work she did the day before. She got up and looked at herself in the mirror, her mane was shaggier than usual, her eyes still half lidded, and her fur had little tufts sticking out here and there. All in all, she looked like crap.
She grabbed her brush and brushed out her mane, and her fur making it look as sleek as it always does during the day. she then washed her face, making sure to get rid of unwanted bags under her eyes. as soon as she was ready, she looked at herself in the mirror again, struck a pose and said, "Lookin good!"
OK time to finish helping Applejack with her apple-bucking, she thought to herself as she flew through the sky. When she looked down, she could see all of Ponyville, the library where twilight lived, Sugarcube Corner, the spa, rarity's boutique, Ponyville town hall, Fluttershy's cottage and finally Sweet Apple Acres. As soon as it came into sight she dived down, landing in a bale of hay that was sitting off to the side.
"Owwww!" she yelped as her head hit the ground.
Applejack ran over and flipped the hay bale over revealing Rainbow's head.
"Now what in tarnation are ya doin in my hay?" she asked laughing.
"Sorry Applejack, I was flying a little too fast and couldn't stop myself in time." She replied.
Applejack pulled on Rainbows head but she couldn't get her out, then she had an idea.
She walked around to where Rainbow's backside was.
"Rainbow this might hurt." she said as she bucked with all her might.
"Wait what are yo-" Rainbow started to say as she was bucked out of the hay bale and was sent flying across over an acre of trees. All she felt when she landed was a soreness in her backside, and a little disoriented from impact.
Applejack came running over to her and helped her up, but as she grabbed Rainbow, her hoof rubbed against one of her wings, causing the Cyan Pegasus to blush. When Applejack realized what she did, she blushed too and let go of Rainbow. She then turned so she wouldn't see how red her face had gotten.
"Uhhh, hey Applejack, um im gonna go get started k." Rainbow said, feeling a little awkward.
"Uh, sure sugarcube, you go right ahead." she said, hoping Rainbow didn't see how she felt.
Rainbow went through and bucked tree after tree, as apple after apple fell into each basket. She couldn't stop thinking about Applejack touching her wings, it felt good. but she didn't understand this feeling. It felt right, but she knew it was wrong. How in the world could she keep hidden the fact that she had a crush on Applejack. The answer was simple, she couldn't, no matter how hard she tried, the feeling would just keep coming back.
She walked over to Applejack, who was bucking trees faster than ever, and tapped her on the shoulder.
"Hey Applejack," she asked, "I-uh, I think i need help with my Bucking technique." she asked. she couldn't do it, she couldn't tell her. She felt so stupid. Applejack agreed and joined her at an un-bucked tree. She placed her hooves on her flanks, to position her just right, which made Rainbow blush even harder. She felt herself getting hot.
Applejack moved her about a couple more times trying to get her into prime bucking position. She felt kinda happy and kinda sad. she was happy to be able to help her friend, but sad that she couldn't even show her feelings. Finally she got Rainbow into a good position and told her to buck as hard as she could. She hit the tree hard enough to cause the whole tree to shake. Applejack was impressed with her strength, and with the fact that for her first perfect apple buck she got nearly all the apples.
"Nice job Rainbow!" she said happily.
"Uhh thanks." Rainbow replied. she felt so nervous now. especially being that close to her friend. Then out of nowhere, she leaned over to Applejack and kissed her on the cheek. Oh man! did i just do what I think I just did? she thought.
"Rainbow!" Applejack said in surprise.
As soon as those words left her mouth, Rainbow Dash flew off as fast as her wings could possibly go. Why, why did she kiss her. how could she be so stupid! she thought to herself as she flew off to the quiet seclusion of her cloud home.
"Ah still can't believe ya kissed me, spur of the moment like that." AJ said smiling, knowing that Rainbow was remembering the same moment.
"I know, but you gotta admit, It was pretty awesome!" Rainbow said, striking an awesome pose.
"You still have that same attitude." AJ laughed as she kissed Rainbow. They both sat back and watched the two teenage ponies race their way through the orchard.
I walked down the street of Ponyville, staring in wonder at the bustling crowds. Everypony was so busy, it seemed as though they belonged here and I was a complete outsider. Which, after taking my current situation into account, was not entirely a lie. You see, I am a native of Foal’s Haven, a Native Equestrian seaside settlement. I have no idea of the cultures of these ponies. I was snapped out of my reverie by a high-pitched voice.
“Hey, what’s your name?” I looked around quickly and saw a pink pony bouncing around in front of me. “I’m Pinkie Pie! You must be new here! I’ve never seen you before! Ooh! I know! Let’s celebrate your coming to Ponyville!” She spoke so rapidly that I could barely make it all out. I hastily shook my head in an attempt to make sense of what she was saying. As soon as I realized her intent, I shook my head vigorously to show her that I didn’t want a celebration for something besides a great accomplishment.
I ran as fast as I could towards the outskirts of town. I saw, rising like a green wave from the horizon, endless rows of apple trees. As I watched, some of them shook violently before dropping almost all their apples. I was amazed by this fact. ‘How can trees rid themselves of their apples? I thought they had to be picked by hoof?’ I thought to myself. I hurried in the direction of the orchard’s entrance.
When I got to the orchard’s entrance, I saw that the trees weren’t knocking the apples down on their own. Two ponies, about the same age as me, were running around bucking the trees and knocking the apples of the trees into huge buckets. Two older ponies were watching from underneath one of the already-cleared trees. I approached cautiously. I winced as I stepped on a twig and it broke with a crisp snap. Immediately, the two older ponies whipped around to face me. I didn’t hesitate, I turned and ran right out of the orchard and into town. I heard them giving chase.
“Wait! Who are you?” One of them, the cyan-blue one, called out as she took off into the air.
“Yea, who are y’all?” The other one, this one a cheerful shade of orange, echoed the first one. ‘This is it! Now or never!’ I thought as I spread my wings and prepared to take off. I leaped into the air and, with surprising agility, started weaving back and forth, ever so often doing a barrel roll or a backflip. What I lacked in speed I definitely more than made up for in agility. “This one’s all yours, Rainbow!” The orange one called.
“You got it, AJ!” Rainbow replied. ‘Rainbow? AJ? I’ve heard those names before!’ I dropped a little and stopped dead in my tracks, watching as Rainbow hurtled passed me. I flew away as fast as I could towards the Everfree Forest. I once glimpsed behind me as I reached the edge of town and saw that I had effectively shaken off my pursuers.
As I landed in my clearing, I realized the throbbing pain in my wings. ‘I must have flown too fast.’ I flexed my wings slowly, wincing as the pain of the cramp left all at once in a sudden burst. ‘Nope. Just a cramp.’ I walked into my hut and prepared a quick herbal bath to cleanse myself of any possible misdeeds I may have committed.
I almost fell asleep after sinking into the warm, soothing water. The events of that day replayed themselves in my head. ‘I wandered into the Everfree Forest, found this clearing, built this small hut, found a stream with perfectly clear water running through it, dug out a water system to take water to my hut, investigated more of the Forest, wandered into Ponyville, encountered three famous ponies, and got a cramp in my wing. All in all, it has been a pretty good day.’
I got out of the bathwater and dried myself off. I walked out into the main room and laid down on my bed. It wasn’t dark out yet, but I was going to sleep anyway. I was completely worn out by my day. The last thought that passed through my mind before I fell asleep was this: ‘Who were the other two ponies at the orchard?’
• • •
When I woke up the next morning, I decided to go back into Ponyville. Or, more specifically, the orchard. I stepped outside my hut and looked up at the sky. There were to be clear skies again today, by the looks of it. I launched myself into the sky and headed towards the endless greenery in the distance.
By the time I got to the orchard, I saw more trees shaking like they were yesterday. I flew into one of the empty trees and surveyed the area below. Once again, Rainbow and AJ were sitting together on the fringe of the orchard while the two younger ponies bucked the apple trees. I picked up a rock I had picked up and brought with me. I threw it as hard as I could towards the opposite side of the orchard. AJ and Rainbow immediately went to investigate the noise.
I saw my chance and flew into the branches of a tree that had just been emptied by one of the younger ponies. I jumped down behind them and landed with a quiet thud. I could tell now that one of the young ponies was a mare and the other was a stallion. They both turned to face me, obviously startled.
“It’s okay. I don’t want to hurt you.” I said. Well, I tried to say it. All I could manage was opening my mouth to attempt to speak, although nothing came out. Suddenly, an idea popped into my head. ‘Yes. That’s perfect.’ I thought as I broke a stick off of a nearby apple tree. I jabbed it into the ground and started writing something.
“HI. I AM EAGLE EYE. I DO NOT WANT TO HURT YOU. I NEED TO DO THIS BECAUSE I AM A MUTE. I WANT TO BE FRIENDS. WILL YOU BE MY FRIENDS?” I wrote. I could tell that the stallion was giving it some thought. The mare on the other hoof looked like she was fumbling for the right words to say. ‘Boy, this a great start.’ I thought sarcastically to myself.
As if she could read my thoughts, the mare suddenly looked really enthusiastic. “Of, course we can all be friends! Right, Adrian?” She said, looking pointedly at me and then Adrian.
“What makes you think he can be trusted, Ariana? He did sneak up on us after all. What if he’s a spy?” He replied harshly. My face immediately contorted into a look of shock.
“I AM DEEPLY OFFENDED BY YOUR THOUGHTS.” Was all I wrote in response.
“Adrian! Be nice! Why would anyone want a mute to spy for them?” She asked before adding as an after thought, “No offense, Eagle Eye.”
“NONE TAKEN.” I wrote in response. I was still uncertain if showing myself was the best idea ever or not.
“Hey, why don’t I hear bucking going on over there? Is there a problem?” Rainbow’s voice rang out clearly through the orchard. Both Adrian and Ariana looked at me. I shook my head and made a sideways motion across my neck with my hoof. They both nodded in response. I quickly erased all of what I had written and flew up into the tree again.
“Sorry, Mom!” Ariana called out. “I got some bark stuck in my hoof and Adrian is helping me get it out! We’ll be getting back to work soon!” As Ariana replied to Rainbow, Adrian pulled a small sliver of bark off of the tree and dropped it on the ground behind Ariana.
“There! Got it!” He called out. I was grateful to find out that Adrian and Ariana were the kind of ponies who would help anyone, even someone they just met.
“Thanks, Adrian. Let’s get back to bucking.” As Ariana finished talking, she looked up at me and waved goodbye. I waved back and took off, flying out of the tree and heading back towards my hut. ‘What a great day.’ I thought as I flew away from Ponyville.
