Chapter 3 - Relearning the Basics

“Rise and shine! Time to get up!” Applejack called. I didn’t want to get up. I didn’t get a blink of sleep the night before. I slid out of bed and headed downstairs. “Good morning! How’d you sleep?”

“Not too well, but if I get a cup of coffee I should be fine.” I said.

“Well you better hurry up because we start in a few minutes.” Applejack said. The first thing that was a real challenge was learning how to grab things with hooves. It wasn’t as easy as it looked but after a few dropped mugs I finally could hold a cup of coffee again. After I finished my coffee I headed down to the south orchard.

I found Applejack bucking trees and I asked how I could help. “Well you can start by helping me buck the apples down.” She said.

“Um…I don’t know how” I regretfully informed her.

“It’s simple really.” She said helpfully “You just kick backwards with your back legs like this.” And with that she bucked the tree and every single apple fell off and into a basket. “Now you try.”

“All right I’ll give it a shot.” I said. I approached a tree next to Applejack. I reared up and……fell on my face.

“You just need a little practice is all” She said encouragingly. I approached the tree again, reared up and kicked! I hit the tree just right for every single apple fell off and into a basket.

“How’d I do?” I asked. I turned to see Applejack dumbstruck.

“Never in my life have I ever seen a pony, other than myself, applebuck like that! And on your first try too!” She exclaimed. Now I was the one getting embarrassed.

“Aw that wasn’t much. It was just beginners luck.” I sheepishly stated.

“Well let’s see if it wasn’t beginners luck.” She said. “Buck another tree.” I went to another tree, reared up and bucked it and again every apple fell off. Now I was the one who was dumbstruck. “Are you sure you’re wings aren’t fake? Cause you’re a better earth pony then some earth ponies I know!” She told me.

“We’ll to tell you the truth; I don’t know how to fly.” I said.

“Really! Well let’s change that.” She exclaimed “I have an idea when we finish applebucking today, we’ll go find Rainbow Dash. She’ll be able help you learn to fly.”

“Sounds good” I commented.

We finished applebucking around 10:30 which apparently is the fastest Applejack has ever been able to finish work which made me feel good to know. By now the adrenaline was pumping through me. I was going to Ponyville!

When we arrived in town I was speechless. Everything was the same! In fact the only difference from the description that Kirkland had given me was that there was no produce stands everywhere. I thought of pinching myself to make sure I wasn’t dreaming, but then I remembered last night and realized I wasn’t dreaming. I was so focused on the town that I didn’t notice where I was going and I walked right into another pony apparently doing the same.

“Oh I am terribly sorry my dear! I didn’t see you there.” She apologized.

“Rarity! Good to see you!” Applejack smiled as she greeted her friend.

“Oh Applejack! It’s good to see you too.” Rarity exclaimed. “and oh! Who is that wonderful looking stallion you’re traveling with?” I felt my face go bright red!

“This is Jared. He’s new to town and is staying with me till we find him a place to stay.” Applejack explained.

“It’s very nice to meet you Rarity” I said. I watched as her white mane went to a dark pink. Then she darted off. Suddenly out of nowhere a purple figure jumped in my face.

“Keep your hooves off her pretty boy! She’s my love interest!” He demanded. As fast as he arrived, he was gone.

“That was Spike the dragon. He’s secretly got a huge crush on Rarity.” She said. Secretly!?! Not really. I watched as Spike walked away wearing an “I heart Rarity” shirt.

“Yeah he’s so secretive about it” I said sarcastically. Applejack agreed with me. We both laughed and once again started looking for Rainbow Dash.