Autumn Leaves: Chapter 5 -The Last Roundup-

Autumn Leaves

Chapter 5

-The Last Roundup-

 

7 Years Ago

 

>You stood on the sidelines, ponies of every shape and color standing amongst you as you all yelled cheers into the air.

>Applejack raced around the track, her competitors trying to keep up with her as best as they could. Unfortunately, their best just wasn't enough to keep up with AJ.

>Applebloom, barely 3 years old, sat on your head with Applejack's hat on her head, as you both cheered Applejack on.

>BLOOM: "Woooo! Yay Applejack!"

"Go AJ GO!"

>BLOOM: "She's winnin' ain't she Anon?"

"You betcha' Applebloom! Just look at her go!"

>Applejack leaps and bounds over obstacles and fences, her grace outweighed by her outstanding drive to win. As she rounds a corner for the final stretch of the race, she shoots you a wink and a grin.

>AJ nears the finish line, the crowd bursting out into applause when she crossed it and came to a halt.

>Applejack sucks on air and catches her breath, beaming up into the stands with pride as she wins her very first rodeo.

>You leap over the fence keeping the spectators back and race up to Applejack, Applebloom squealing in delight as you do so.

>Applejack gallops up to you and you tackle each other in a hug as the crowd cheers on her victory.

>AJ: "Ah won! Didja' see me? Ah won the whole thang!"

>BLOOM: "You were amazin' sis!"

"That was great AJ!"

>AJ: "Aw shucks, thanks you two."

>You take the hat from Applebloom's head and return it atop Applejack's, her smile painting a portrait of pride on her face.

"I'm proud of you, AJ."

>AJ: "Ya mean it?"

"Always do."

>She tackles you once more in a hug, all three of you laughing happily.

 

Present Day

 

>Applejack throws a hay bale with all her might, sending it sailing across a finish line you drew on the ground. She grins at her achievement and turns back to you, as you click the stopwatch in your hand.

>AJ: "Time?"

"Forty six seconds. New personal best for you."

>AJ: "Yeah, but is that gonna be fast enough fer me when Ah go t'Canterlot?"

"Don't know. What I DO know is, you're doing better than you ever had."

>She trots up to you and poses, a proud grin on her face.

"You're gonna do amazingly, Applejack, trust me."

>AJ: "Ah do, believe me."

>She laughs bashfully.

>AJ: "There's just a lot of ponies expectin' me t'go out there and win the whole shebang, is all. It can be a lot of pressure."

>You place a hand to her cheek, a smirk on you face.

"Tense huh?"

>AJ: "Mmhmm."

>She nuzzles your nose softly.

>AJ: "Maybe we could find a way to... break the tension?"

"Hmm, I could probably get a few ideas."

>Applejack giggles playfully and kisses you softly.

>The mood is broken when you hear Granny Smith calls from the farm house.

>GRAN: "Now c'mon you two, Applejack's gotta git goin' t'town hall fer her send off!"

>AJ: "And yet again, we're interrupted."

"Seems that way, doesn't it?"

>AJ: "C'mon, Ah'll race ya!"

>Applejack breaks off into a sprint and races towards the farm house with you in hot pursuit. Despite her running a course all day with you, she's still faster than you could ever hope to be. Didn't rightly matter, though. You just enjoyed being with her.

>You make it to the farmhouse, while Applejack waits for you to catch up at the door.

>AJ: "Aw don't tell me yer winded after that little run? Ah thought ya had more endurance than that."

>She gives a wink, then trots over to Granny and the family.

>Dammit you're a sucker for a quick wit.

>GRAN: "There ya are! We was gettin' worried ya went 'n' ran off on us fer a second'er two, Applejack."

>BLOOM: "Hey sis, are ya excited about th'competition?"

>AJ: "Absolutely, Applebloom, very excited."

>BLOOM: "Ah can't wait fer you to come home and show the whole town all yer blue ribbons! My big sis, Equestria Rodeo Champeen!"

>AJ: "Aw shucks Applebloom."

>Applejack breaks out into a bashful blush, pulling her hat over her eyes a tad with a small smile on her face.

>You head to the edge of town near the train station with AJ and Applebloom, where a number of the townsp0nies have gathered in front of a small stage. The mayor stands on a podium, awaiting Applejack to come up on stage with her.

>You ruffle AJ's hair playfully as she leaves you all for the stage, standing proud center stage.

>MAYOR: "Mares and Gentlecolts, as you all know the Equestria Rodeo Championship is starting up in only a few days, and it is Ponyville's great honor to have our very own, Applejack, to be sent to represent our town! And she has generously offered to donate the money from her winnings in order to repair the roof of the town hall."

>You glance over to the town hall, and by god is it destroyed. The roof has a number of gaping holes in it, and there appears to be smoke trailing off of it as well.

>Suddenly Pinkie shouts from the crowd.

>PINK: "Speech!"

"Speech!"

>AJ: "Aw shucks, Ah'm not really one fer speeches, but here goes Ah guess... This here is the warmest send off a pony could ask fer. Thanks ya, all of ya, fer wishin' me luck at the competition. Ah promise ah'll y'all that ah'll do mah best t'make y'all proud."

>The crowd gives a cheer, and Applejack hops off the stage and trots back to you, yet again bashful at all the applause she's getting. She takes her place at your side and you all walk to the train station.

"Seems like the whole town is rooting for you, huh?"

>AJ: "Seems that way. Got a lot of ponies countin' on me."

"You'll do great, AJ. You always do."

>AJ: "Ah sure hope so. Oh, Anon, here."

>Applejack delicately removes her necklace and hands it to you.

"Why are you giving this to me?"

>AJ: "Well the tournament's gonna be mighty hectic, and Ah'd rather not scuff this up or ruin it. So, would ya mind holding on to it fer me while Ah'm gone?"

>She places the silver chain in your hands, the small emerald shining brightly. You carefully slip it into your shirt pocket and give her a nod.

"Course, don't mind at all."

>The whistle of the train blares loudly as steam rises from the train's engine. A conductor calls for any last passengers.

>Applejack gives a quick sigh as she looks at the large locomotive.

>AJ: "Well, this is it. Time to make mah town proud."

>Before she boards the train you stop her, and get down on a knee, looking her eye to eye.

"Make yourself proud, sweetheart."

>Applejack nods, a confident smile on her face, and kisses you quickly. Waving goodbye one last time to her, you watch as the train pulls away and chugs along into the distance.

>You feel a tug on your pants leg, and find Applebloom looking happily up at you.

>BLOOM: "Ya think she's gonna win it, Anon? The whole thang?"

"Can't say for sure, squirt, but she'll definitely do her best. She always does."

>BLOOM: "An' like ya tell me, 'Doin' yer best s'all ya can do. The important thing is'ta try yer hardest.' Yer pa told ya that when you we're little, right?"

>You give a smile and a nod, picking up Applebloom and resting her on your shoulders.

"Yup. Was sort of his motto I guess. After all, your best is all you can really give."

>BLOOM: "But what if yer best ain't good enough?"

"Then you just work harder to get better, I suppose."

>BLOOM: "Hey Anon?"

"Hm?"

>BLOOM: "Are we philosiphizin' bout th'potential of the pony-spirit?"

"...what?"

>Applebloom shrugs and smile widely.

>BLOOM: "Ah'm gettin' kinda hungry. Are you gettin' kinda hungry?"

"You know, I AM gettin' kinda hungry."

>The two of you walk on through town out to the dirt road that led back home.

>BLOOM: "Issit yer turn t'make supper t'night?"

"Yup, sure is."

>BLOOM: "Do ya think Ah can help ya with it t'night?"

>You laugh lightly and give Applebloom's ear a scratch.

"Sure you can. I'd love for you to help me make supper."

>BLOOM: "Grrreat! Ah can't wait t'make some apple pie fer dessert."

"No dessert tonight."

>BLOOM: "Aw shucks Anon, please? We haven't had a dessert fer at least a week or so."

"You'll have a fruit salad for dinner and like it."

>BLOOM: "Maybe just a smidgin' of pound cake? Pleeeaaase?"

"Nope."

>Applebloom puffs up her cheeks and sighs.

>BLOOM: "Yer no fun."

"Oh I'm sorry, what was that?"

>BLOOM: "Ah said yer no f-"

>You grasp Applebloom in your hands and toss her high in the air, as she squeals in surprise and delight.

>She tumbles in the air and you catch her in your arms, nuzzling her madly, sending her into fits of laughter.

"Who's no fun?!"

>BLOOM: "Hehehehe you are!"

"Who's no fun?"

>BLOOM: "Haha, alright alright! Quit it hehehehe!

>She squirms around in your clutches as you continue your tickle assault. Eventually, you show her some mercy and release her, and she bounds back to the ground and gives you a stern glare.

>BLOOM: "Ah've got mah eye on you, ya tickle monster!"

>You give a crazy grin and flourish your fingers at her as you growl like a menacing beast.

"I shall CATCH you, little filly!"

>BLOOM: "Neeeeeveeeeer!"

>Applebloom scuttles away as fast as her little filly hooves can carry her as you chase her down the lane, while she giggles wildly.

>The two of you near the farm house, and slow down to a stop when you see that Granny Smith and Big Macintosh are outside of the house, talking with a white unicorn colt.

>He's wearing armor, and has a blue mane.

>BLOOM: "Who's that, Anon?"

"I don't know. Whoever he is, he's talking to Granny and Big Mac."

>You pick Applebloom back up and onto your shoulders as the two of you make your way over to them.

>GRANNY: "Well here he is. Anon, this here's Shinin' Armor. He's a captain of th'guard in Canterlot."

"Uhm, hi?"

>SHINE: "Hey, 'sup?"

"Not... much? What uh, what are you doing here, exactly, if you don't mind me asking?"

>SHINE: "Not for me to say. You'll have to go inside and see for yourself."

>You're unsure what's happening, but you take it as it is and shrug, walking in with Applebloom still on your head.

>When you enter the kitchen you stop dead in your tracks and Applebloom lets out a quick, quiet gasp and whispers to you frantically.

>BLOOM: "Anon! Is that who Ah think it is?"

>Sitting at the kitchen table was Princess Celestia, a calm look on her face as she greeted you.

>TIA: "Hello there. Your name is Anonymous, yes?"

"Uhm..."

>BLOOM: "Anon don'tchu 'uhm' th'princess! Shame on you."

>Applebloom bops you on the head lightly, and the Princess gives a soft laugh.

"Er, Yes ma'am. My name is Anonymous."

>TIA: "Well, it's very nice to finally meet you, Anonymous. I don't know if you remember, but we've actually met once before. I saw you a while ago, during the Summer Sun Celebration and once more at the ceromony after Discord was defeated. You were in the crowd with the Apple Family. I'd like to chat with you, if that's all right."

"Uhm, alright."

>BLOOM: "Anon, no 'uhm'n!"

"Sorry."

>TIA: "Hmhmhm, It's quite alright, you don't have to feel so nervous around me. Please, have a seat."

>You sit down, and Applebloom buries her face in your hair, peeking every now and then at the princess with a smile on her face. After all, she wanted to see royalty up close and personal, and this was as close as she was going to get.

>TIA: "So I take it you live here, with the Apples?"

"Yes ma'am, that's right."

>TIA: "Have you been with them long?"

"Yes'm. Near on ten years, in fact."

>TIA: "Ten years? My, that's quite some time for you. You're twenty-one, correct? That means they took you in when you were only a child of twelve."

"Yes ma'am."

>BLOOM: "Is yer mane made of rainbows, yer highness?"

>Celestia gives another soft laugh at Applebloom's question, and shakes her head.

>TIA: "I'm afraid not dear."

>BLOOM: "Has it always been all wavy like?"

>TIA: "No. In fact, my mane used to be very pink and much less wavy, little one."

>She gives Applebloom a smile and she whispers into your ear.

>BLOOM: "Maybe mah mane will change like that one day!"

>TIA: "Anonymous?"

"Yes?"

>TIA: "If you don't mind me asking, how did you come to live with this family?"

>Was she really asking you where you came from? You were the only human you knew of in Ponyville, and according to Twilight you were the first human she'd ever even heard of, so maybe the princess having concerns was normal.

"Well, the day I came to Equestria was a... hectic one, to say the least. I was on my way to school with some friends of mine, humans like me. There was a bright light, I heard a high pitched squeal, and then I blacked out, I guess. When I woke up, I was here. Just... well, like magic."

>TIA: "You're not from anywhere in Equestria or it's bordering nations?"

"No ma'am. I'm the closest thing to an alien you're going to get."

>Celestia lets out a quick laugh and smiles at you.

>TIA: "You'd be surprised at how wrong that statement can be sometimes."

"Haha, yeah..."

>TIA: "Actually, would you mind if I asked you a question, Applebloom?"

>Applebloom blushes and nods vigorously, propping herself on top of your head.

>TIA: "What is Anonymous like? Does he have any hobbies?"

>She beams at the princess and nods again.

>BLOOM: "Well Ms. Princess Celestia, Anon here is one of th'nicest ponies Ah know, and he ain't even a pony t'begin with! He's kind, he helps out around the town with odd jobs, he's a great appple bucker, he's mighty fine with that archery thang he's got goin', an' he loves mah sister more'n anything in the whole world!"

>You find yourself smiling as Applebloom says her kind words about you. If anyone were to vouch for you in all of Equestria, Applebloom would be the best choice.

>Celestia closes her eyes and nods a few times as she takes in Applebloom's review of you, and smiles after opening them back up.

>TIA: "So Anon, I take it that you consider this place, Equestria, to be your home?"

>You nod, steadfast in your gaze with her.

"Yes, your highness."

>TIA: "You don't miss your old life?"

"Well, yes and no. I miss my old life from time to time... especially that of my father, but Equestria is my home." You smile and ruffle Applebloom's hair a tad. "Specifically, Sweet Apple Acres is my home."

>TIA: "Hmhm, that's quite good to hear. Equestria is better for having you, Anonymous. You seem to be quite the caring soul. I'm sure you would do all you could do keep her safe."

"Of course, your majesty."

>The princess' eyes are locked onto your, as they scan for any sign of hesitation in your proclamation.

>She smiles and nods.

>TIA: "I'll remember that. In any case, it was very nice to finally meet you, Anonymous. You have a lovely home and an even lovelier family."

"Thank you, Princess Celestia."

>BLOOM: "Yer highness, would ya like t'stay fer supper?"

"Oh c'mon Applebloom, I'm sure the princess has more important things to do than-"

>TIA: "Actually, that sounds nice. I'd love to, Applebloom.

>The filly dons a smile of sheer giddyness as she bounces of your head and prances about the house singing, "We're havin' the Princess fer Suuuuuuupper, we're havin' the Princess fer Suuuuuuuupper!"

>You look back to the princess as the two of you laugh heartily at Applebloom's adorableness.

>The dinner goes along smoothly, Shining Armor and Princess Celestia joining you all for a meal you and Applebloom prepare.

>Your two guests enjoy their meal, create small talk amongst the family, and even a few jokes are made.

>Shining Armor, for a captain of the guard, seems to be a very laid back, calm pony. You like him.

>As for Celestia, she keeps a calming presence amongst the table as Applebloom assaults her with even more questions about princesses and life in a castle, as well as cutie marks.

>When everyone's plates are clean and empty, your guests get up to leave and they say their goodbyes.

>TIA: "Anonymous? May I have a quick word with you?"

"Yes your highness?"

>You walk up to the white alicorn, the setting sun sending brilliant rays of light through her mane.

>TIA: "It was good to meet you. I try and make sure all my citizens, no matter their origin, are comfortable and content in my land."

"It was good to meet you too, your majesty. I promise you, I'm quite happy with Equestria."

>TIA: "But," she says, eyeing you slightly, "I hope I can count on you, as well as all Equestria's citizens in times of hardship. We all do our part, after all."

>The two of you are locked in a stare, her purple irises almost glowing in the setting sun.

>TIA: "Can I trust you to do your part when it's needed?"

"I... I don't rightly know what you mean, your highness..."

>TIA: "Neither do I, really. All I do know is that you seem to care deeply for Equestria. But more so, you care for this farm, right here."

>She smiles softly.

>TIA: "And that compassion will help you when you need it most."

"Well... thank you, your highness. I'm still confused, but thank you all the same."

>You bow to her, as Celestia lowers her head slightly to you as well. She gives Shining Armor a nod, and in a flash she teleports herself and Shining out of your house, leaving you with your family as her words ring within her ears.

>Help you when you need it most.

>Were all princesses this cryptic with their messages?

>If there was ever a moment of ominous tension, this would probably be it.

>BLOOM: "Hey Anon?"

"Hm? What?"

>BLOOM: "Are ya sure we can't have no pound cake fer dessert?"

>...

"Sure. Yeah, let's get on that."

>Leave it to Applebloom to fix your mood with her sweet demeanor.

 

Days Later

 

"Alright, everyone ready?"

>TWI: "Mmhmm!"

>DASH: "You bet!"

>PINK: "Yup yup yup!

>RARITY: "Absolutely."

>FLUTTER: "Y-yes..."

"Great! Okay, she should be home any minute now, so make sure you keep quiet when she shows up."

>It had been a few days since Applejack's departure to Canterlot for the Rodeo Championship, and she was due to come back today at any moment.

>As such, the Apple family, and the rest of your friends are waiting in the barn for her to arrive, streamers and banners adorning the barn and food laid out in order to welcome her home warmly.

>PINK: "Ooh ooh ooh, how excited do you think she's going to be? I bet she's going to be super, DUPER excited! Ohmigosh, now I'M excited teehee!"

>TWI: "I'm sure she'll be very excited, Pinkie."

>BLOOM: "Ah can't wait t'see her face when we surprise her with this party! Ah bet she'll just love it!"

>You peek out the door and see the silhouette of a pony coming down the lane.

"I think that's her! Everyone, HIDE!"

>You all dart around the barn and hide yourselves, turning off the lights as you do so, and wait.

>The door creeks open, and you all burst out of your hiding spots and shout "SURPRISE!"

>"Oh man, how did you know it was my birthday today?!"

>It's the mail man.

>God.

>Dammit.

>You walk up to him and take the letter he's holding, closing the door in his face. Pinkie darts over and gives him cake though. That's Pinkie Pie for you.

>BLOOM: "Is that a letter?"

"Yup, looks like it's from Applejack."

>BLOOM: "ooh ooh, what's it say?"

>You open the letter. Looks like it's relatively short.

"Dear Friends and Family, not-..."

>You stop talking.

>The words are stuck in your throat, and you don't want to say the rest of the letter out loud.

>You fold the letter up and put it in your pocket, heading for the door.

>BLOOM: "Anon? What'd it say?"

>DASH: "Yeah man what's up?"

"What? Oh, nothing. Nothing's wrong... Applejack won't be back today. There were... complications with the train in Canterlot, so she won't be back for a little while."

>RARITY: "Well does she need any help getting back? I'm sure the girls and I could go to Canter-"

"No... No, she just needs one person to come by Canterlot to help her out, so I'm going."

>BLOOM: "All bah yerself?"

"Yeah, yeah all by myself. Don't worry guys, I'll be back with Applejack before you know it!"

>Everyp0ny gives a smile and a wave, happy and content with your plan.

>When you leave the barn and close the door, you sink down in front of it, your head in your hands.

>Not coming back.

>What does she mean she's not coming back?

>That's all the letter said, "Not coming back to Ponyville. Sending money soon."

>You sit there, trembling slightly at the thought of her in trouble in Canterlot.

>What if... what if she just got tired of this place?

>What if she just didn't care for the family and the business anymore?

>What if she just got tired of you?

>You let out a croak of a cry, but feel your shirt pocket suddenly.

>Pulling the silver chain from your pocket, you eye the emerald necklace you gave to Applejack.

>That emerald reminded you of her eyes so much...

>...

>You get to your feet and walk to the farm house, grabbing a single picture of Applejack, and make your way to the train station.

>You were going to find out where she went and what happened to her, no matter what.

 

One Day Later

 

>The train comes to a stop in the dusty town of Dodge Junction.

>You had gone to Canterlot where the rodeo had been held, asking ponies if they had seen her anywhere since the competition.

>Most didn't have a clue, but when you went to the train station one of the local conductors told you that he'd seen an orange pony with a brown cowboy hat on the last train to Dodge junction just a day prior.

>So here you were, the middle of nowhere looking for the most important person in your life, hoping that nothing happened to her.

>You tried sleeping on the train, but you had trouble getting some shut eye due to your worrying about her.

>You walk about the small town, scanning the area for any sign of orange.

>You spot a mare with cherry red hair strutting along the sidewalk. Might as well start your search with her you guess.

"Excuse me, ma'am?"

>"Hm? Oh well hello there dear, how may Ah help you today?"

"Sorry to bother you, but you wouldn't happen to know where I could find this pony, would you?"

>You fish the picture of Applejack out of your pocket and hand it to the mare.

"I'm trying to find her and it's rather important that I-"

>"Oh why this is Applejack!"

"Wait, you've seen her?"

>"Seen her? Honey she works for me! Pleasure to meet you, mah name is Cherry Jubilee. I run a cherry orchard here in Dodge Junction."

"That's all well and good, Ms. Jubilee, but if you could point me in the direction of where Applejack is?"

>"Oh how silly of me! She just got done with her shift, so she might be back in her hotel room across the way, just over there. She's staying in room twenty-three."

"Did you say she got done with a shift?"

>"Oh why yes! She's mah newest employee! Ah saw her at the Equestria Rodeo Championship after she won all those medals and ribbons, and when she told me she was looking for a change of scenery I offered her a job working for me. And wouldn't you know it, she accepted!"

>Change of scenery? So she did want to leave Ponyville.

"That's... okay, thanks. Thanks for the information."

>"Anytime sugar. Toodaloo!"

>She walks off past you, and you eye the hotel across the street.

>Time to find out what the hell was going on.

>Taking the stairs two at a time, you make it to the second floor and over to room twenty-three, knocking on the door.

>No answer.

>You knock again, harder this time.

>You hear muffles behind the door, and a voice.

>"Hold yer horses, Ahm'ma commin.'"

>When the door opens you see Applejack, who must have just gotten to bed despite it being so early.

>When she sees you, she freezes, her mouth slightly agape.

>There she was. Safe and sound.

>You beam at her and snatch her into a hug.

"Applejack!"

>"Anon? What're you doin' here?"

"What am I doing here? What re YOU doing here?"

>"Whaddya mean?"

>She squirms out of your hug and stands in the doorway to her room, staring confusedly at you.

"I mean, what are you doing? You sent us this letter saying you weren't coming back to Ponyville, so I got worried! I though-"

>"Anon."

"-that something may have happened to you so I went to Canterlot and then I came here to try to find-"

>"Anon."

"-out what happened, and now you're here, you're alright and not hurt and-"

>"ANON."

>You stop talking, slightly taken aback at how Applejack yelled.

>"Anon, please just... listen t'me, okay? Ah can't come home."

"...what?"

>"Ya heard me, Ah can't come home. Ah.. don't want to go back."

>What was she talking about?

>You start to worry, but let out a nervous laugh.

"What do yo mean, 'I don't want to go back?' What's keeping you from coming home?"

>"Nothin! Nothin is keepin' me from home. Ah just... Ah just don't want to is all."

>Your heart sinks as she continues to deny wanting to come home, her expression staying dead serious.

"What... but you... what did I do?"

>"What?"

"What did I do? I did something, right? For you to not want to come home? Just tell me what I did so we can work on it, please."

>"Anon ya didn't do anythin', honest."

"So then why? Why the hell do you refuse to talk to me, to tell me what's going on?"

>"Ah told ya Ah didn't want t'come back home!"

"But there's a reason, right?!"

>"Anon. Please."

>With that, she closes the door to her hotel room right on you suddenly.

>This didn't make any sense. You try opening the door, but she locked it.

>A torrent of different emotions swirled around in your chest. Fear, anger, sadness, you name it. You wanted to yell at her, demand some answers, but...

>No. No, you could get answers out of her just fine. All you needed was a plan. Your mind begins to race as you walk away from Applejack's motel room. What if you spied on her? Just followed her around for a few days, see what that does.

>No, wait, that was stupid. You were concerned, yeah, but you weren't going to stalk her. That just seemed... petty.

>As you walk along, you cast your gaze back towards an orchard in the distance. That's when you strike gold in the idea department.

>Looks like you were job hunting.

 

The Next Day

 

>Cherries.

>Oh god, oh god this was FAR too many cherries to deal with.

>You kept shoveling the damn things into the bags at the end of the conveyor belt, but Applejack was running too fast on that damn hamster wheel thing.

"AJ, c'mon sweetheart slow up! I can't sort these cherries out with you running that fast!"

>"Quit dodgin' mah questions, ya big dummy! What in the heck are you workin' here fer?"

"Sorry," you say, shoving yellow cherries into a bag as fast as you could, "Can't tell you."

>Applejack snorts in frustration, picking up speed.

>"Well why not?"

"Because," you say as the cherries come to you quicker and quicker. Oh sweet jesus this was too much fruit in one building.

>"Because why?"

"Oh wait, I need a reason? Sorry, I thought it was totally fine for me to not have a reason for the stuff I do," you retort, a small hint of venom in your words.

>Applejack winces at your jab, but speeds up in retaliation. Cherries begin to fly off the conveyor belt, peppering you in tiny, delicious, painful fruit.

"Ah! Oh come on, STOP THAT."

>AJ doesn't listen. Her hooves gallop faster and faster on the wheel, and soon the cherries are plastering your body as you try to stop the storm of fruit from killing you. Well, not kill, but they could at least maim you.

>"Ah wish you would jus' leave me be an' go back to th'farm!"

"And I wish you would stop acting so stupid and come back with me! Gah, stop with the cherries!"

>"Ah am not actin' stupid!"

"Yes. Yes you are!"

>"Argh, why are you so stubborn?!"

"Because I love you, you crazy ma-"

>You're cut off as a torrent of cherries rocket into your mouth, making the last bit of your sentance sound more like a pained gargle than actual speech. Luckly for you though, Applejack hops off of the wheel and stomps her way up to where you're lying on the ground, covered in bits and snippets of cherry.

>"You wanna know why I can't come home?" she asks angrily.

"Yuff," you reply, your mouth still choked on fruit.

>AJ gives a quick and huffy "Fine!" and turns around, nodding for you to follow her. You rise from the floor, spit out all the cherries in your mouth, and follow behind her. The two of you walk in relative silence, but eventually it seems she's taking you back to her motel room.

>She leads you inside her room and opens up a saddlebag on the bed. Ribbons and medals of all colors are inside. Every color, except blue.

>"There. That's why ah can't come home. Happy?"

"This?... this is why you wanted to stay away from home? Because you lost the rodeo?"

>She nods her head, dejectedly.

>"Ah wanted t'make you all so proud of me... Ah just couldn't come back and face all y'all, not after that send off the town gave me, and the promise to the mayor for the prize money, and... and..."

>You grip Applejack in a soft hug, your anger completely diminished once you learn the truth of the situation.

"AJ, do you remember something I told you a long time ago?"

>"What?"

"When we were little, I helped you get ready for your first rodeo. Do you remember that?"

>"Well a'course Ah remember that, Anon. That was the day ya gave me... mah hat.."

>She takes off the stetson and looks at it for a while.

>"The day ya gave me YOUR hat... the hat yer pa gave ya.."

>You nod, a small smile on your face.

"How about what I told you? Do you remember that?"

>She nods, a single tear rolling down her face.

>"You told me that he gave it to ya to show that he would be proud of ya, no matter what..."

"Just like I'm proud of you, no matter what."

>Applejack wipes her eyes and sniffs a bit, but looks to you and beams.

"Ah'm sorry. Really, Ah am. Ah was being stupid."

"Yeah. Yeah you were."

>You embrace her in another hug, kissing her strongly. You break away, and pull an extrememly serious face.

"Don't you ever pull this kind of shit again."

>AJ smiles at you, then changes her expression to one of equal seriousness.

>"Ya got yerself a deal."

"Promise?"

>"Promise."

>You hug her tightly once more, finally at peace with the turn of events.

>"Hey, Anon?"

"Mmhmm?"

>"Can we... ya know... go home now?"

"Thought you'd never ask."

>The two of you leave the hotel and the town itself, boarding the next train to Ponyville and rolling away on the tracks and into the sunset.

>Applejack falls asleep in your lap on the ride there, you stroking her mane as she does.

"...I think we're going to be just fine, you and I..."

>Just fine.

 

~End of Chapter 5~