I walked into the hospital with my hands clenched in my pockets. I had been in the hospital too many time too ever like them, even a smidge. Normally I avoid the hospital at all costs, but the girls had made me come here to see the new baby Cakes.
I quickly found the area the nursery was located and headed inside. The girls were crowded around the big window excitedly looking around, trying to spot the right baby.
I walked up to Fluttershy's side right as Carrot Cake was introducing his twins. Wow, a pegasus and a unicorn. They're going to have their hooves full. I chuckled as Pinkie tried to sing happy birthday to the twins, not realizing they needed to sleep. Quite cute these little ones. Although the older ones are cute too. It is a cute conspiracy. Anything cute has taken over this world. Hmmm...sounds about right.
Twilight gave me a sidelong glance at my quiet laughter. I just shrugged and smiled.
A week later I waved as Applejack rode off on the train for the Equestria Rodeo Competition. "I hope she knows it's alright if she doesn't win a lot. Competitions like the one she is going to, are fierce." I commented to Twilight.
"I am sure Applejack knows that. I just can't wait for when she is back. Ponyville just doesn't seem the same with one of us gone," she said with a hint of sadness.
"Oh, the time will pass quickly. Before you know it, you'll be back to being a full group."
We were preparing the surprise party for AJ. I shook my head amused at Pinkie's antics and Fluttershy's reactions to her. As Pinkie surprised her for a second time, I helped my little sister up. Then hearing Twilight's warning of someone coming, we hid.
We surprised the mailman. Oh poor guy. At least Pinkie left a slice of cake for him. I frowned at the contents of the letter. "Huh, sounds like she didn't win a lot." I commented quietly. Apparently not quiet enough though. Everyone was staring at me. I blinked.
"What makes you say that Rider?" Applebloom asked. "My sister is the best and she would win a ton."
"Indeed she is very good and is the best here. Competitions like the one she is going to though, are where the best of everywhere come to compete. It's an honor to even place." I shrugged then continued, "My guess is she didn't win a lot and is a bit embarrassed. Plus, if she didn't win as much, she be finding things to do to make money and send it to keep her pledge of money for the town hall."
"You got all that from just a few lines in a letter?" Twilight asked in disbelief.
"Sometimes it's not what you say, it's what you don't say. Plus, I know Applejack. She'd never leave Ponyville without a reason."
"Exactly! No matter what we are going to find her and bring her back!" All the girls agreed and ran out. I followed taking a detour to the library to grab my wings. I made it to the train station just as the train was pulling in.
We headed to Canterlot and went to the stadium that held the rodeo. The girls went all around asking and showing AJ's picture. Finally a pony recognized AJ in the photo and pointed to the desert and spoke of Dodge Junction.
We boarded the train again and headed there. As soon as we arrived, Pinkie headed to the outhouse/bathroom. It was occupied.
And who should walk out, but Applejack. As Pinkie jumped around yelling 'I found her', I slipped my wings on instead of carrying them. Glad we made this with a lightweight metal. My arms would've been killing me.
The girls were talking to her and she wasn't very enthusiastic. I raised my eyebrow at that fact she was now working on a cherry farm. The girls weren't happy with AJ's half story so they got themselves a job at the cherry farm. I just hung around to watch whatever happened. This'll be interesting. How long till she cracks and tells everything? And a sorting line? This won't end well.
I was right as the girls talked to AJ and she got mad and started making the conveyor go too fast. When Fluttershy yelled stop and the overabundance of cherries went flying, I started snickering. I knew the situation was serious, because the girls were trying to get Applejack home, but it was funny to me.
Applejack walked out to buck trees and I helped the girls clean up. Rainbow then spoke of bringing out the big guns and looked at Pinkie. Okay...how is Pinkie the secret weapon? I understood as Twilight handed me earplugs. I shivered slightly. This is bit like torture. Not that I'll ever tell them that.
Pinkie entered the orchard and started talking. Applejack couldn't take it and Pinkie Promised to tell them everything at breakfast. So, if she does break it, does she really have to stick a cupcake in her eye? I think you would lose your eyesight doing that.
The girls walked to Applejack's room to get the story. I sat in the kitchen eating some fried potatoes. Wow, this is good. The girls ran by with Pinkie looking furious. "Come on Alex!" Twilight yelled. I took one more bite and ran out slipping my pack on.
I ran with the girls as they chased Applejack. Then she jumped into a stagecoach. The girls jumped into a wagon with Fluttershy and Rainbow pulling. Really? Can't Rainbow fly faster than that? Oh, that gives me an idea. I activated my wings and flew high. Diving down at an angle I headed to the two racing groups. Speeding towards them I leveled out and grabbed Applejack out of the coach.
"Put me down Rider!" Applejack yelled struggling.
"Stop struggling! If I drop you, it's going to be painful for you." She stilled at my words. Angling myself into an upright position, we hovered in the air. When the girls neared, I carefully lowered us. "Now don't bother trying to run. I got a grappling line that shoots out faster than you can move. Your legs will be tied up faster than anything." I deactivated my wings after I set her down.
Pinkie ran up. "You broke your promise. Apologize."
"I said I'd tell you everything at breakfast. I couldn't go to that breakfast, I just couldn't."
"Why? Why can't you tell us?" Twilight asked.
Applejack brought out all her ribbons. "Wow that is a lot of ribbons. You did good Applejack. Nothing to be ashamed of." I told her.
"Yes, but there is every color there except blue. I came in 4th, 3rd, even 2nd, but I didn't win first or prize money."
"So you came here to earn money." I said knowingly.
She nodded. "After that send-off, I couldn't come home a failure."
"You are not a failure, Applejack. Alex said at competitions like those it's an honor to even place." Twilight assured her.
"And we're your friends. We don't care if you came in 50th place. You're still #1 in our books." Rainbow declared.
"But what about the mayor? I couldn't come back without the money to fix the hole in the town hall roof." Applejack looked as she said this.
Fluttershy spoke up, "We can always find a way to fix the hole in the roof, but if you left, we'd never fill the hole in our hearts." They hugged her. I smirked as Rainbow shed a few tears.
"What about you Rider, would you be sad if I left?" Applejack looked at me.
I stared at her for a long moment, thinking. As I didn't answer quickly she sort of deflated. After a long moment I answered "Yes I would be."
"Took you awhile to answer."
"You value honesty. I needed to be sure my answer would be honest. And yes I would miss you. I'd miss helping you out on the farm. The crazy lasso lessons. Your country accent. I'd really miss you. I don't come to Sweet Apple Acres for the others in your family, you know." I paused. "Though they are wonderful."
"Aw shucks. Thanks Rider." She was blushing a bit. I chuckled at that.
"Now, can we please head back to Ponyville? I hate being in unfamiliar places if I don't have to be."
They laughed and nodded. We headed to the train and boarded. I smiled as Applejack was piled on in a hug by her family.
Yes, I really would have missed you Applejack.
"Alex you coming?" Twilight asked me.
"No thanks. I don't really want to stand in line for a mug of cider." I replied. "If you need me I'll be in the basement." Mixing up some poisons and antidotes.
"Alright then. You'll be missing out though." She walked out. I gathered my ingredients and headed down to the basement. Twilight had some crazy machines, but she also had a chemistry set up that i needed to get the right concoctions. Never know when I would need a good paralytic.
I had finished and put all the jars away and was drawing out plans for pouches on my utility belt to have Rarity make. I could keep the different vials of poisons and antidotes there. Twilight then walked in looking worried.
"What happened to make you look like that? You were excited just a few hours ago." I inquired.
"Two sales ponies came up with a new machine to make cider. They offered a deal to the Apple family." She explained.
"Sales ponies. Doesn't sound good. What's their names?"
"Flim and Flam. Their brothers."
"Really? That's their names? What parents name their kids that?"
"Alex!"
"They basically named their kids Swindlers. You can't blame me for asking that." She pouted as she realized I was right. "Anyway, I am guessing the Apple family turned them down, but you're worried they'll return." She nodded. "I'll go with you tomorrow then." She smiled.
The next day I was leaning against a tree watching the stand. As the cider ran out and the brothers drove up, I felt my instincts kick in. I don't like these guys. They're trouble. As they offered, to be able to make more cider than you could dream of, Applebloom jumped in with her claim of making more than you could imagine. I walked over as the brothers offered a contest. Before Applebloom could blurt out anything, I reached out and clamped a hand over her mouth.
"These are not the type of people you make a deal with. They'll trick you out of what you own." I whispered in her ear.
"What's the matter, whatever you are?" They spoke to me. "Not confident in the Apple's abilities?"
"I'm a human. And I have full confidence in the Apple family. I just don't trust you one bit." I spoke and glared coldly at them. They backed off from me nervously. I set Applebloom down hoping she would keep her mouth shut. No such luck. Turns out I should've watched the grandmother as she made a deal after one of the brothers called her chicken.
I listened closely as the deal was made. So the exclusive right to sell cider in Ponyville. They said nothing about the farm. The Apples can find something different to sell, or ship off the cider they make. The brothers can't sell cider without apples.
The next day dawned, and Twilight and I walked to the farm. She was nervous for her friend. "Don't worry. Everything will work out."
"But they could lose the farm!" She cried.
"No they won't."
"What do you mean? You heard the deal!"
"Yes, and the deal said the exclusive right to sell cider in Ponyville. There was nothing about the farm going to the brothers, just the right to sell cider here."
Her eyes widened as she realized my words. "Oh my gosh! You're right!"
We then hurried to the farm, a hopeful spring in Twilight's step.
The contest began, and the brothers were clearly winning. Twilight then stepped up and asked about honorary family members. The brothers overconfident answer was yes they could help. The girls went to work. Applejack looked at me. I nodded. I quickly began helping Granny Smith and Rarity sort. Fluttershy is the only one I'll call sister, but the others are like sisters, or maybe cousins.
Our stack began to grow quickly. Suddenly the brothers stack began growing faster. Rainbow Dash wanted to nix quality for quantity. I was relieved when the other girls changed her mind. Soon the hour was up. I looked up to see the brothers stack was higher.
As they started mentioning about redoing the farm, I scowled. Well then, looks like I'll just have to bring up the exact wording of the deal. Twilight and I looked at each other and nodded. We stepped forward. "Hold up one minute!" I spoke up.
"The deal was for the right to sell cider in Ponyville, not the farm." Twilight continued.
They opened their mouths to protest. I cut them off, "Your exact words were, 'Whoever makes the most cider in one hour, has the exclusive right to sell cider in Ponyville.' You mentioned nothing of the farm, just rights for selling. And I have dozens of witnesses to your words." I pointed to the townspeople who all nodded in agreement to my words. "So sell your cider, but the farm stay with the Apple's."
The girls and I all stood in a row determined. I could see the sweat running down their faces. I knew they hadn't expected for us to find a loophole in their words. "Well then, we'll just sell our cider and maybe we can make a deal with you for the fruit." They stated nervously.
"Not likely." Stated Applejack. The brothers left to start selling cider. Applejack turned to me and Twilight. "Thanks you both. If you hadn't brought up the exact words we could've lost the farm. I don't know what we'll do without selling cider here, but we still have options."
"I pay attention to the details. Besides can't let my honorary family member lose her farm. Now, do I call you cousin or niece? Maybe I'll just go with honorary sister and keep Fluttershy as my actual sister." I theatrically sighed, "Oh choices." They laughed.
Our heads snapped towards the townspeople as they yelled 'no' at the brothers. Then the they drove off. "They're gone." Applejack said in wonder.
I looked at one of the mugs and gagged. "Ugh, this is why you never sacrifice quality for quantity. That is just disgusting."
"Looks like Sweet Apple Acres is back in the cider selling business." Spoke Twilight.
"And there is enough cider for the whole town." Declared Applebloom.
Everyone cheered. I got a mug and took a sip. Oh you have got to be joking! There is no way this is real and is that good. I downed the mug and Twilight actually smirked at me. I shrugged "Okay so it's really good. No wonder you were so excited. I think it tastes so good because we helped though."
"I think you're right." She replied. "Want to write Princess Celestia about anything you might have learned?"
"Oh heck no. I was not included in that assignment. There is no way I'm writing Princess Sunny." She just sighed exasperated with my ongoing dislike of Celestia. She is a good princess, but I don't like being manipulated. Unfortunately for her I can hold a grudge for a long time.
Back at the library I sat down at my desk. I may have told Twilight I wouldn't write Celestia, but Luna would enjoy hearing about this. We had become quite good pen pals. So I wrote a letter and sent it off.
"It's undeniably, unquestionably, uncool." Stated Rainbow.
"Really?" I spoke up as the girls giggled at Rainbow's claim. "Guess I'm uncool."
"Uh duh. You study so much. You are as much of an egghead as Twilight."
I shrugged. "I'm reading the 4th book in the series. They're actually pretty good. You would actually like the main character."
"Alex is right. Daring is a lot like you. Adventurous, fierce, and undeniably, unquestionably, unstoppable." Stated Twilight as we left Rainbow so she could rest. Once in the corridors Twilight turned to me. "You think she'll read it?"
"Once the boredom gets to her, sure. Then she'll deny ever liking it." I stated amused. "It's too bad her opinion on athletes and reading. There are many athlete's out there who love to read and learn. They do their sport, but also enjoy learning intellectual things as well. Sometimes it help them in their chosen sport.
"Well, maybe she'll figure that out soon."
We split ways once we left the hospital. I went to Sugar Cube Corner to help Pinkie bake. There were some desserts she had never had before that she wanted me to show her. Looks like traveling all over the world came in handy. It was nice when I had time to sample some of the local cuisine.
Ugh, I hate insomnia. especially when sleep was becoming something nice, not a terror. Suddenly barking sounded out. Weird, that sounds like guard dogs. Isn't Winona the only canine in Ponyville? I scanned the town and saw the a group of ponies with big flashlights chasing a pony. I watched as they ran throughout the town. When they passed the library, my eyes widened. Is that Rainbow Dash? Why? Also, why do I keep hearing a dog when there are only ponies?
Twilight had just opened the door when the doctor yelled out, "Rainbow Dash what in the world is going on? And why are you stealing slippers?"
A barking pony. I shivered at the slightly insane look. Poor pony. The pony and a security guard ran back to the hospital.
I shook my head amused when Rainbow said she was trying to steal a book because she liked it so much, and didn't want to admit. At least now she knows is fine to like to read. I laughed then as I remembered her comment of me being an egghead because I study so much. Oh Rainbow. I wouldn't study so much if I knew this world as much as I did mine. Except for languages, I hate studying. Though I am surprisingly good at math.
I stretched and yawned, feeling surprisingly sleepy. Huh, maybe I can sleep now. I went to my bed and lied down, falling asleep quickly. And dreamed of ponies with heads like eggs and barking ponies. I woke up, wishing the insomnia had continued just for a bit longer.
Rainbow hovered over me as I drew in the park. "Something you need?" I asked her.
"No, not really. I was just wondering something." She landed and shuffled her hooves nervously.
"Ask and I might answer." Hopefully it's not something too personal.
"Why do you like to study? I'd ask Twilight, but she would go into a long lecture."
Now this is unexpected. "Truth be told, except for languages, I hate studying."
Her jaw dropped. "What!? But you do it constantly. How can you do that and say you hate it?"
I chuckled. "I know it's sounds crazy, but I really don't enjoy studying. I prefer being more physical. I wanted to be a pro athlete before I was a spy. The reason why I study so much, well I want to know of this world. My old world I could practically navigate with my eyes close, but here? Not so much."
She nodded in understanding. "So you have been studying so much to catch up with what we already know." I nodded. "Then why do you study buildings and maps so much? They're not really something you normally study."
"Personal choice. I like to know weaknesses and exploitable points of a building so I can properly guard the place and know escape routes." Or break in and and get away undetected. "Same as the maps. What better way to escape an enemy in using a barely known road, because you know the area and he doesn't. Knowledge is power."
"So, you outsmart your opponent sometimes, instead of outdoing them with just strength." Again I nodded. "Huh. Never saw that before. You know, you're pretty cool. Not as cool as me of course, but pretty cool with those wings of yours and your workouts."
I smirked. "Thank you very much. Perhaps you and I can fly together sometime. I won't have your speed, but I am learning some pretty cool tricks for someone who usually walks on the ground."
"That'd actually be pretty awesome! I'll see you around Rider!" With that she took off.
She can be pretty flashy and and somewhat brash, but she has a good heart. I turned to my sketchbook and turned the page, something new coming to mind.