An Orange Amongst Apples: Chapter 3

>Another day, another bit.

>It's your day off from working the fields with the Apples.

>You decide to rest under a tree by the entrance to the farm.

>The sun shines with a nice breeze to boot.

>You couldn't ask for a more perfect day.

>A shadow over comes the warm sunlight you were basking in.

>You look up to see Applejack beaming down on you.

>Leaning back to your comfy position, you pull out your flask and take a sip.

"What's up?"

>She takes a seat next to you and props her hat down to cover her face.

>"Nothing much, ah just thought we'd all take a rest and have a relaxin' day."

>Putting her hoof out, she motions for the flask.

>You hand it over as she takes a swig.

>She breathes a dry sigh and hands it back.

>"Its been a couple of months since ya arrived. How ya liking the farm life?"

>Taking another sip, you look to her.

"It's a lot better than what I went through before."

>She raises a brow.

>"Ya know, ya never did tell me what happened before ya showed up."

>Looking at the flask, you down the rest of it.

>You were going to need it to let this one out.

>With a disgruntled exhale, you begin.

"I was living in Fillydelphia before I came here. I tried working here and there to just make a living. Not many places were willing to take me in."

>The sun continues to raise as you rant on.

"I was an outsider, not from their place. It was only natural they shunned me."

>Applejack lifts her hat and eyes you.

>"So what did ya do for a living?"

>You shake your head, remembering everything that happened.

>It was best just to keep it mild, she didn't need the full details.

"I was homeless. I ate from trash cans, I stole, I did what I needed to survive."

>She shakes her head.

>"That ain't no way to live. Nop0ny deserves that, even if they ain't a pony."

>A frown forms widely on your face.

>There was so much more you wanted to tell her, but if you did, you jeopardized your current living standard.

>If she knew the past, you would not be welcome there.

"Yeah, so I decided to sneak onto a train heading toward Vanhoover. I was woken up with my ribs being cracked and the rest is history."

>Rubbing your side, you remember that pain.

>Applejack's face shows she hasn't forgotten either.

>"Well, even though it wasn't the best way to make it here, I'm glad ya showed up. The extra help on the farm is mighty useful."

>She nudges your shoulder with her hoof.

>A smile stretches across your face, her face following in turn.

>It seems that's what she wanted.

>You stand up and stretch your arms out.

>She lays her head back and clears her throat.

>"Ya know, ya changed since ya first came here."

>You raise your brow.

>Was that a compliment or an insult?

>She notices the look of confusion on your face and blushes before lowering her hat to hide it.

>"Ya grown into quite a stallion."

"Man."

>"Whatever, ya get the point."

>You chuckles and she soon joins in.

>Applejack has really grown on you.

>Everyday you work your ass off, but only because she drives you to.

>And the result was you body, one chiseled by the gods themselves.

>Maybe...

"Hey Applejack?"

>She lifts her hat up and looks at you.

"If it isn't much trouble, you think you and I could sit down and have a drink?"

>She grins before lowering her hat again.

>"Ah don't see why not. Ah'll meet ya in the barn at around eight, sound good?"

>You nod.

"That'd be perfect."

>Making your way towards town, you head towards the library.

>It's been your usual place for a while now.

>Even though you've made amends with Twilight, it was still awkward to talk to her.

>You did kind of deck her in the face.

>As you walk in Spike takes notice.

>"Hey Twilight! Anonymous is here!"

>Walking up to the little dragon, you extend your fist out and he pounds it.

>The little guy can be a pain the ass some times, but he was good.

>Twilight walks down the stairs and greets you with a warm smile.

>"Hello Anonymous, how are you?"

"I'm fine. Any news yet?"

>She shakes her head in disappointment.

>"I haven't been able to find anything. I've tried all the books in the library and the ones in the shops in town. No luck."

>You sigh and feel defeated.

"Well, thanks for you help. I really appreciate it."

>She stops for a moment and thinks.

>"I might be able to ask the princess. She might know how to perform a spell of that caliber."

>Your eyes widen from this news.

>You could only pray to god that this princess could help.

>Spike looks at both of your, confused.

>"What are you guys talking about?"

>Twilight shoots a 'mind your business' look at Spike, but you clear the question.

"I've been having 'dreams', if you will, but they feel as if I have lived them before. I asked Twilight here if she could find a spell that could find out what they were."

>Spike looks at you uneasy.

>He runs to a shelf and opens a book before looking to you.

>"Here's something I read a while back, and I quote, 'To fiddle with a p0ny's past is fickle, for he should worry about the present.'"

>Slamming the book shut, he puts the book back.

>You chuckle.

"Let me tell you a quote then. 'You are always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past.'"

>Spike's mouth gapes open.

>He didn't expect that.

>Turning to Twilight, you bow.

"I will take my leave. If you can back to me about what the princess says, please let me know immediately."

>She giggles and waves to you goodbye.

>You walk out and shake your head.

>It was only a quote.

>*CRASH*

>You look over in the direction of the loud noise.

>It's coming from over in Sugarcube Corner.

>Walking up the pastry shaped store, you peek inside.

>"He's in this town! I know it!"

>A scruffy looking stallion, wearing a necktie and sunglasses is yelling at the Cakes.

>There's a table thrown across the room, protruding out of the wall.

>"He owes money and I'll turn this town to hell if you don't tell me where he is!"

>Mrs. Cake is behind the counter holding the screaming twins, crying, herself, out of mercy.

>Mr. Cake stands between them, holding his ground.

>It's then you recognize the stallion.

>His name was Drudge, one of the lackeys for the loan shark you borrowed money from once.

>This could only mean one thing.

>There was a snitch town.

>But, you had to worry about that later.

>Right now, the Cakes needed you.

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>"Either you're gonna tell me where this shit brain is, or I'm gonna have to get physical."

>Your wife and children's crying could be heard behind you.

>You weren't a fighting kind of stallion, but Celestia be damned if you were going to let this chump even touch a hair on their manes.

>This guy wanted a human, meaning only one person.

>Anonymous.

>The thought of giving him up to this guy crossed your mind, but you know how p0ny like him work.

>They get what they want and more.

>There was no way you'd betray Anonymous either.

>He wouldn't do it you.

"You listen here. We told you already we don't know anything about this 'hoo-mun'. Now please, leave my store!"

>The creep rubs his muzzle with his hoof and smirks.

>"You must think I'm stupid or something. I heard you say his name. You know him."

>Right at the entrance, you notice something move.

>You peer over and see Anonymous, holding a 2×4 in his hand.

>He signals for you to be quiet by pressing his hoof... hand against his nose.

>You regain eye contact with the prick, a smile infesting your face.

"Fine, I'll tell you where he is."

>The stallion's face reaches a state of utter confusion.

>He eyes you worriedly.

>Mrs. Cake covers the eyes of the two little one and her own.

>"Finally see what's good for you, ey?"

>Anonymous extends the wood piece over his head and rears back.

"Oh yes, it's been a while. I haven't been to a baseball game since I was a colt."

>The stallion has completely lost you.

>"What in the hel--"

>Anonymous cracks the lumber across the back of the stallion skull.

>The wood snaps the instant it makes contact and catapults across the room.

>The stallion hits the ground and lays in a fetal position, holding it's head.

>"You mother bucker!"

>Anonymous rears the remainder of the 2×4 to finish the deal, but you put your hoof in the way.

>He stops, and looks to you.

"If you do that, who ever sent him will just send more p0nies and cause a bigger ruckus."

>Anonymous nods in an agreement.

>He lifts the stallion by the tie and stares coldly into his eyes.

>Taking a pouch from his pocket, he places it in the stallion's pocket.

>He throws the stallion on the ground, who winces back against a wall.

>"Tell him I'll have his money and to stay away from here if he knows what's good for him."

>The stallion bolts off out the front door, not looking back.

>Anonymous lets out an annoyed sigh and proceeds to remove the table sticking out of the wall.

>You turn to see your wife and kids recollecting themselves.

>Trotting over, you check up on them all.

"Are you okay Sugarlumps? How are the children?"

>She kisses the two foals who are now asleep on the forehead.

>"I think they had too much excitement for one day. I'll put them to bed."

>She begins to head up the stairs as you turn to Anonymous.

>"Listen, I'm really sorry about this Mr. Cake. I don't even know why he would come to you of all places."

>You sit down and look at him sternly.

>"Well, he came in for a bran muffin and started to eat. My wife made mention of your name and he snapped."

>Anonymous puts on a face that could out beat a puppy any day.

>"I apologize. Listen, I'll be sure to keep you out of this and pay for the mess."

>He points at the gaping hole in the wall.

"I'm not concerned about the wall, I'm concerned about you. How did you get into this mess?"

>Anonymous slowly shakes his head.

>"That's a story for another time, I'm afraid. I will explain it, it's the least I can do, but right now I have bigger problems to worry about."

>Understandable.

>He did now have no where safe to stay, so it was best to let him take care of his problem.

"Alright. And listen, don't worry about the wall. Just make sure you stay safe, alright?"

>He nods, before heading out.

>That poor boy has dug himself a hole only he can get out of.

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>As you walk outside, you notice the orange hue in the sky.

>The sun was beginning to set and you didn't have much time.

>Walking up the liquor store, you begin to open the door when you remember.

>You have no money.

>You just gave up your savings to Drudge.

>There was no way of getting anything from this point.

>Feeling defeated, you shuffle away from the door.

>A sudden tug is felt at your pants.

>You turn around to see Twilight looking up at you.

>"Hey, listen. I saw what you did over there."

>She points towards Sugarcube corner.

>Your heart drops.

>If she tells Applejack, then it will only get worse.

>She sees the worried look in your face and smiles.

>"Don't worry, I'll keep it quiet."

>You let out a relaxed sigh.

>She hands you five bits and beams at you.

>You give her a puzzled look.

>"Well, I saw you give all your money to that stallion, so I know you have nothing right now. Applejack told me of your little... 'get together' tonight."

>She begins to giggle.

>You follow in turn and shake your head.

"You have no idea how grateful I am that you did this for me. I already owe you too much as it is."

>Wrapping your arms around her neck, you give her a tight hug.

>She returns the gesture and smiles.

>After your thank yous and goodbyes, you walk inside the store.

>Looking at the wines, you carefully go through them.

>None of them appeals to you, not because of the types or years, but because this wouldn't be the stuff Applejack would drink.

>She was a pony of strong taste, so you need something to match.

>A shiny shimmer glistens out of the corner of your eye.

>You turn to see a bottle of Northern Comfort.

>'Anon! Take me! You know our love be true!' it screams to you.

>You slowly walk up to the bottle and grab it.

>The owner of the store walks up to you and smiles.

>"Ah! I see you have a strong taste, sir. That bottle right there is the finest liquor for a burly one as yourself."

>Looking at the hazelnut colored bottle, you turn to the stallion.

"How much for it?"

>He clears his throat and keys you.

>"For you, eight bits."

>Your face drops.

>It did seem too good to be true.

"I only have five bits. Any chance I can strike a deal with you?"

>The owner shakes his head.

>"That's way too low of a price. I'm afraid I can't sell you it."

>He snatches the bottle from your hand and goes behind the counter.

>"I can, however, get you something else if you wish."

>That bottle would have been perfect.

>There's nothing in here that would bring the face you wanted to see on Applejack's face.

'Make him give it to you for that price.'

>That voice again.

'He's so much smaller than you, you could easily intimidate him.'

>Shut up voice.

'Imagine the look Applejack will have on her face when you give her that bottle.'

>Your heart sinks.

>It's right.

>She would be so happy to taste that sweet drink.

>You slam your fist on the counter and glare at the owner.

>He jumps back, fear in his eyes.

"Listen here, buddy. I know its bullshit that that bottle is eight bits. I'm not stupid."

>He looks around the shop for help, but nop0ny is in sight.

>"Sir, I think you're getting out of con--"

>You slam the counter again, this time with enough force to make the bottles jump along with their owner.

>Leaning in closer, you bring yourself to his face.

>He begins to sweat profusely, his eyes unable to maintain contact with yours from fear.

"Five. Bits."

>The owner hands you the bottle without saying a word.

>Placing the five bits on the counter, you smile and make your way out.

"Thank you sir."

>Closing the door behind you, you look at the bottle in your hand.

'See, was that so hard?'

>Shaking your head, you eradicate the voice inside your head.

>There was no chance of going back to that store.

================================================================================

>As you set up the hay bales, you keep looking at the barn doors.

>No sign of her yet.

>You pull the bottle out of you satchel and place it on the table you made out of hay bales.

>Sitting down on the bales for seats, you take a deep breathe.

>Tonight, you would tell her everything.

>To explain why you were really on that train, why you were running away, and why you couldn't stay for long.

>*KNOCKKNOCKKNOCK*

"Come in."

>The barn door creaks open slowly and your eyes can not fathom what you see.

>Applejack is wearing what seems to be makeup.

>Her hair is also done in a nicely combed ponytail. [spoiler]Ironic, no?[/spoiler]

>The makeup, however, can not hide her blushing cheeks.

>"H-howdy Anon."

>You smile, trying your best to contain a laugh.

>It's not the makeup or the hair that's funny.

>It's the fact that she's so embarrassed from the get up.

"You look nice, Applejack."

>She turns her face, now a thick beet red color.

>"Thank ya kindly. Rarity said you'd like it..."

>Should have guessed that she would be the culprit behind this.

>You smile and gesture for her to take a seat on the hay bale opposite you.

>She takes a seat and turns her head away.

>You can't help but smile; she's acting so cute.

>Cracking open the bottle, you grab a glass and fill it with ice.

>You pour the bitter-sweet liquid and place a slice of apple as garnish.

>Handing her the cup, she takes a sip, and perks up.

>"Is this here Northern Comfort?"

>You nod.

>It figures she'd be able to distinguish the taste from other liquors.

>A small smile forms on her face as she drinks from the glass.

>You pour yourself a glass and take a swig.

>The burning sensation slides down your throat as you ingest it.

>"This is some expensive stuff. Ya didn't have to go all out on the occasion of drinkin' with me."

>Shaking your head, you prod a finger at her.

"Quite the opposite. I'm here to take you for everything, the least I can do is give you something worthwhile."

>She begins to scratch at the make up and her hair.

>It looks... Uncomfortable.

"Here."

>You take off your shirt and hand it to her.

"Go ahead and wipe that makeup. It doesn't look like you're enjoying it."

>She blushes and wipes it off to reveal her beautiful, natural face.

>She removes the bow-tie around her ponytail and releases her long, flowing mane of golden blonde hair.

>Looking at you, her face turns completely red.

>Down the rest of her drink, she slams in on the table.

"Thanks. Let me get another one."

>You pour her another glass of Northern Comfort.

>Finishing your own, you down the cup and pour yourself one.

>After about six more glasses, you look around.

>The awkward silence hangs like a horrid scent.

>"So what's the real reason ya brought me out her?"

>You look over and see her eyes are bloodshot.

>She's completely gone.

>"Well, I called you here today because there was something I had to tell you."

>Suddenly she jumps onto the hay bale table, sliding herself across.

>"Oh, ya don't gotta tell me nothin', Anon. I know everything. It's pretty obvious."

>Your heart drops to your stomach.

>Did she know already?

>Did somep0ny tell her?

"I-is it?"

>She crawls closer to, her heavy breathe pressing across your face.

>"Come on, Anon, I ain't stupid. Ya ask a pretty girl to come over to yer place and have a few drinks. Ya buy a fancy bottle of booze. It's plainer the color of Granny's panties."

>Gross thought in your head.

>ERASEERASEERASE

>There is now a mere centimeter between your face and her's.

>She stares deeply into your eyes, as if lost for an eternity.

'Kiss her.'

>NOT NOW VOICE.

'It's her, the girl from your dreams.'

>Looking closely, you can see the resemblance.

>The sharp, crisp green eyes.

>The look of desperation in her eyes, not from wanting you, but wanting someone to be there for her, someone to tell her everything was going to be okay.

>Your hand slides slowly across the back of her neck up to her mane.

>Her breathe grows faster and heavier.

>"Anon..."

>*BOOM*

>The barn doors blast open and you break apart from Applejack.

>Turning to the blast, you see Twilight and another pony.

>Something about this other pony seemed... off.

>She was a unicorn, but had wings, with a dark blue and black coat.

>"Anonymous, I came as fast as I... Could?"

>Twilight looks in awe at the scene in front of her.

>You were shirtless and Applejack had her hair in a mess, both of you on the ground.

>Standing up, you brush yourself off.

"Let's try this another time, okay?" you whisper to her.

>She simply nods and gallops past the two.

>Twilight begins to blush and turns to the strange pony.

>"I'm sorry if I interrupted something..."

>You wave it off.

"It's fine, don't worry about it."

>The pony clears her throat and Twilight jumps.

>"Oh, right. Anonymous, this is Princess Luna."

>She extends her hoof out.

>"Charmed."