//------------------------------// // Chapter 4 // Story: Crazy About Apples // by Silentpegasus //------------------------------// Chapter 4 Gear woke up later than usual, he stretched in the glow of the morning sun that poured through his window. He made his way down stairs and saw that Big Mac was just finishing up breakfast he gave a nod to the red stallion who returned the gesture. Gear went back up stairs to take his pill, grabbed the letter he had written the previous night and made his way through the quiet town. When he arrived at the library he found Spike asleep on the couch, Gear walked over to the sleeping dragon and nudged his elbow. “Gah!” he said as he awoke from his slumber. “Morning Spike.” “Hey Gear what’s up?” he said as he rubbed his eyes. “I need you to send Shining Armor this letter, if not him then send it to Twilight. It’s important.” “Yeah sure, hang on a second.” he grabbed the letter and breathed out a green flame, the flames engulfed the parchment and then vanished. “Thanks Spike. Mind if I wait around for a reply?” “Go ahead, it’ll probably be a slow day anyway.” Gear made himself comfortable in one of the leather chairs on the main floor and began reading a “Daring Do” book. Twilight rose from her bed in Canterlot Castle and began doing her morning magic exercises, by levitating a few books and a vase. Suddenly a letter appeared before her, she unrolled the parchment, and began to read. Shining Armor, if this reaches you, you know what to do. Twilight, if this reaches you please hand this off to your brother. 23482837-409217582758-61289a597g816-72347d03281703735716-927840983271-803758213-5-258471 -Gear Grinder. Twilight stared at the odd message for a full ten minuted before she rolled it back up and started to trot down the hall way. She stopped in front of a pair of large blue doors and began to knock. “Come in.” she heard her brother’s voice say. She entered the room to see him reading the morning paper and Cadence was brushing her mane. “Morning Twiley.” he said with a grin on his face. “Good morning.” she trotted over and gave her brother a hug. “What’s up sis?” “I got this letter this morning, it’s from Gear. Looks like some type of code.” she handed the letter to the white stallion, she saw his eyes scanned the letter as Cadence came out of the bedroom. “Give me a second.” he said as he withdrew a piece of paper and a quill. As he began to write Cadence looked over his shoulder. As he finished writing, he read the translated message and both of them had a sly grin across spread across their faces. “What?” Twilight asked. “You’d better see this Twi.” Cadence said as she levitated the letter over to her. Twilight began to read the deciphered letter , as she finished her jaw hit the floor. Shining Armor, hate to bug you like this. But I’ve got a crush on the pony I’m staying with while Twilight is in Canterlot. Her name is Applejack. Need advise. please send reply ASAP -Gear Grinder Twilight looked back at her brother and her aunt who has started to giggle. “Well...didn’t see that coming.” Twilight said with a nervous grin. “Who’s up for a trip to Ponyville?” Shining bellowed. “ME!” Cadence said as she raised her hoof. “Same.” Twilight said in agreement. Twilight wrote a quick reply and sent it off to Spike. Back in the library, Gear waited patiently for his reply letter, he was a quarter way through his book when he saw Spike com up to him holding a letter. It read. Relax we’ll help. P.S. take cover. “Who’s we? and why should I take-” suddenly a a bright light appeared in the library, Gear and Spike took cover behind the couch, the two looked over to see Shining Armor, Cadence and a very scared Twilight looking at him with a grin on their faces. He then looked over to Shining Armor. “You told them?!” “They were there when I translated it.” he said with a grin. Cadence came over to the stallion and gave him a hug. “It’s great to see you again Gear!” “Yeah It’s been awhile Cadence. So how do I handle my.....situation?” “Does she know about-” “No, I told her that my parent’s are gone but that’s about it.” “Well, where is Applejack now?” Twilight asked. “She said she had to go do something with Rarity.” Twilight and Cadence looked at each other for a moment. “Spa.” they both said as they trotted out the door. “Where are those two going?” he yelled. “Calm down, Tell me your problems.” “You’d better sit down for this one, it’s a long story.” Gear said as the two stallions sat on the couch and Gear began to tell Shining what has happened the past few days. Across Ponyville Applejack reluctantly made her way to the spa. Rarity was waiting for her outside the pleasant smelling building. “Applejack, glad you could make it.” “Let’s just get this over with.” she said in a low grumble. “Calm down Applejack, you might actually enjoy this.” “Doubt it.” the two ponies went inside and saw the spa sisters at the counter. “Morning girls two usuals please.” “Make it four!” the ponies looked towards the door way to see Twilight and Princess Cadence. The ponies then bowed to the pink Alicorn. “Oh come on girls drop the formalities I’m here to unwind.” “B-but Princess-” “Cadence is fine.” “Okay Cadence, but what brings you here?” Applejack asked. “I’m visiting Twilight, she mentioned this spa to me at the wedding and I wanted to try it out if you two don’t mind having me hang out with you.” “Of corse not darling we would be honored to have a spa date with you.” Applejack then pulled Rarity to the side. “Rarity are you nuts!” “What? This is the opportunity of a life time! Who better to help you with your love troubles than the Princess of love herself?” Applejack was speechless. “Yah got me there.” “Right so let’s just go as planned.” the two mares rejoined Twilight and the princess. The four mares then made their way into the mud bath. Cadence, Twilight and Rarity let out a moan of pleasure, while Applejack just sat there. “Ugh, you have no idea how long I’ve needed one of these.” Cadence said in a very happy tone. “Oh I know darling.” Rarity said, she then looked over to the farm pony who hadn’t said a word the entire time. Rarity then motioned over to Cadence and pointed at Applejack, Cadence gave her a wink. “So Applejack rumor has it you have crush on some-pony.” she said with a grin, Applejack’s fece turned crimson at the Alicorn’s comment. “W-who told you?” “I’m the princess of love, it’s my job to know these things. So who’s the lucky stallion?” “His name is Gear Grinder.” “You have a crush on my BSFF!” the ponies looked at her in confusion. “Best Stallion Friend Forever.” “Oh.” the three mares said. “So you’ve known him for a long time right?” “Yup, since I met Shinning. I swear those two were like two peas in a pod.” “I really, really like him but I know nothing about him.” Cadence adverted her eyes from the mare. “There are something’s about a pony you need to figure out on your own. But why don’t you tell us what’s happened between you two.” Applejack then began to tell the three about the time she’s spent with Gear, him fixing the tractor, the poker game and the orchard incident yesterday. Cadence started to giggle in excitement. “Oh Applejack he is so into you!” “You think?” “I know how a stallion acts when he likes a mare. When I first met Shining he was so nervous that he could barely say two words to me.” “So how did you two start going out? Did he ask you?” Rarity asked. “No, Gear asked for him. Shining’s reaction was priceless.” she let out a laugh at the memory. “So he’s the reason why-” “Yup, if it wasn’t for him we would’ve never gotten married.” she said with a grin. “So what made him become such a shy stallion?” Rarity asked. “Well...It’s not my place to say. He’s been through a lot.” “Like what?” “Well you guys heard about his parent’s right?” “Yeah...he told us that they died.” “That hit him pretty hard, it changed him. He became secluded and anti-social.” “Ah guess ah can understand that.” Applejack said with a sad look. “How exactly did they die?” “I’m fuzzy on those details as well...you’d have to ask Gear or Shining Armor about that.” “When we first met him he mentioned that he wrote stories....do you know anything about that?” Rarity asked. “Oh yeah. He has a really creative mind, he actually helped Shining write his wedding vow’s.” “Really?” Twilight said in amazement. “I thought what he said sounded a little to smart for him.” “Back in school, Shining was the muscle and Gear was the brains.” she gave a small chuckle. “What else has he written? Anything published?” Rarity asked. Cadence then took a moment to look around the room to see if any-pony was watching or listening to them. “Okay, I’m gonna tell you guys something that will blow your mind’s. But please don’t tell any-pony!” “What?” “Have you guys heard of Colt Brown?” “You mean the author ‘The Da-Filly Code’ and ‘Pegasi and Demons.’ Yeah why?” Rarity answered. “Colt Brown is just an alias that Gear uses, so he doesn’t draw attention to himself.” the three mare’s jaws dropped at the information. Twilight was hopping up and down with glee. “So he’s-” “Yup, an award winning author. What can I say? you know how to pick em Applejack.” Cadence said with a grin. “But his cutie mark shows two gears turning.” “It’s a double entendre.” “A what now?” Applejack said in confusion. “His cutie mark has a double meaning, the gears represent his mechanic skills and creativity.” “Oh.” the three mares said in unison. “Yeah, he’s really, really talented.” “Sorry, ah’ve never read any his books.” Cadence said with a smile. “I have a few copies back at the library, you can borrow. They are an amazing read.” “Thank’s Twi. I appreciated it. What else has he written?” “Well...he’s written a few horror books and he studied under R.J. Colten.” “You mean the author of ‘Lord of the Ponies’ trilogy was his mentor?” Twilight said in amazement. “Yep.” “What has he written in the horror aspect?” Rarity asked. “He co-wrote ‘The Shimmer’, ‘The Nightmare Night Horror’ and ‘The Dark Palace Series.’” Twilight’s eyes were boggling. “Why didn’t he tell us!” Twilight yelled. “Well considering your occupation and hobbies Twilight...” the lavender unicorn glared at the pink alicorn, while the others started to giggle. “You’d probably be pestering him for an autograph every chance you got.” the group erupted in aloud laughter. Twilight was about to protest but couldn’t find the words. “But he hasn’t written anything in years.” “Why?” “I’m guessing writers block. It can happen to any-pony.” Twilight interjected. “That must be why he came here! To unwind, relax and get his writing flowing again!” Applejack bellowed. Twilight and Cadence glanced at one another with a nervous look in their eyes. “Yeah..that’s probably why.” “And I’m sure he’ll be able to write again if he found the right ‘inspiration.’” Rarity said as she winked at Applejack. “What’re you talking about?” AJ said as she eyed the white mare. “Maybe he could try a romance story about you. Just imagine it! A prestigious author with writers block, get’s away from the hustle and bustle of the big city and falls in love with a farm pony! Oh it’s such a darling idea he could make a fort-” she was cut off by AJ raising a hoof. “Ah don’t care about his career or finances. Ah care about him.” Applejack said with a frown on her face. “Sorry darling I can get carried away sometimes.” Rarity said as she blushed. “So back on topic, how do ah...y’know tell him how ah feel, ah can’t talk about his books. He’ll probably think that ah’m after his money or something like that.” she said as her ears flopped down in disappointment. Cadence then started to scratch her chin in thought, suddenly she started to giggle. “Applejack I have the perfect idea.” “What is it?” she asked as the mare’s stepped out of the bath. “You’ll see c’mon!” the pink alicorn then trotted out of the spa with the three mares in pursuit. Back at the library Gear was finishing telling his story to Shining Armor, Spike had joined in on the conversation as well. “And that’s when I sent you the letter.” Gear finished Shining let out a yawn and stretched. “Wow..that was a long story. Good thing you called me.” “So what do I do?” “Maybe tell her the truth.” “Yeah great idea, ‘Hey AJ guess what I’ve been a mental patient for five years! Want to grab dinner sometime?’” he said in a sarcastic tone. “Well I wouldn’t start out with that.....why not tell her about your boo-” “NO!” “Why not?” “Well...no offense but your sister is an egg head and will pester me non stop! Along with every other pony that’s read them.” Shining was about to protest but let the thought go. “Still, you’ve used that alias for years and no-pony except for Cadence and I know who you really are. Maybe it’s time for you to reveal yourself.” “NO! I hate drawing attention to myself. I’m sure you know that better than any-pony, with you being captain of the royal guard and all.” “Either way you need to tell her eventually.” “I know, but I’m scared that she’ll freak out.” “Why would she freak out? With what you’ve been through, I’m sure she’d understand.” “Would you understand some-pony who’s responsible for his own fam-” he was cut off by Shinning smacking him across the face with his hoof. “How many times have I told you!? That wasn’t your fault!” Shining bellowed. “Nice statement Shining, but fact’s are facts! My screw up! My fault!” Shining then tackled the green stallion. The two began to fight on the floor, punches and kicks were exchanged, soon Shining was holding the green stallion down by his neck. Gear had managed to get a grip on Shining’s throat as well. They had their hooves around each others throats when the library doors opened to reveal four mares glaring at them. “Hey......ladies...how was the spa?” Gear said still on the floor with Shining’s hooves around his neck. “What is going on here!?” Twilight yelled. The two stallions then let go of each other and got to their hooves. “Nothing...just a guy fight.” Shining said with weak smile. “What he said, just letting off some steam.” Gear said as he got to his hooves. The mares eyed the two stallions, Twilight and Cadence shook their heads. Gear then noticed that Applejack was with them, his face instantly turned red, as did hers. “So Shining I made arrangements for us to have dinner in Ponyville tonight.” Cadence said as she motioned towards Applejack. “Which restaurant?” “Petals and Grass.” “You’re kidding, I made those reservations too!” he said as he winked at his wife. “Great, now we have two reservations. Hey..Gear do you want to come along?” Gear’s eyes shrank at the offer. “Um...sure I guess-” “Applejack why don’t you join us as well?” Shining interjected. Applejack’s face turned scarlet. “Well ah don’t want to be a-” “Nonsense we’d love to have you join us, plus we still need a number four.” Cadence said with a warm smile. “Um...alright ah guess ah’ll come.” “Alright then. Be there at 8:00 pm. Formal attire.” Shining said with a smile. “Hey AJ, here’s that book you wanted.” Twilight trotted over to her friend levitating a book over to the farm pony. Gear’s eyes shrank at the title ‘The Da-Filly Code.’ “Thanks Twi.” AJ said as she took the book. “Wh-what book is that?” Gear asked. “The Da-Filly Code’ Twilight said it was a good read, have you read it?” AJ asked as she tried her best to lie. “Yeah, kind of. Not that really good in my opinion.” he said as he avoided eye contact. “Well it seems really interesting.” she said with a smile, Applejack suddenly felt herself being pulled by an invisible force. “What the hay?!” she looked around to see the white unicorns horn glowing. “Come darling I must help you prepare for your date.” Rarity said as she trotted out of the library with the orange mare wrapped in the magical aura. As soon as the two mare’s left Twilight started to grin at the green stallion. “What?” “I’m just so happy that you and AJ are going out.” she said as she put on her best poker face. “Thanks, every dose of confidence helps.” he said with a nervous look. “Don’t worry man I’ll help you out.” Shining said with a reassuring grin. “Same here.” Cadence said as she put a hoof on his shoulder. “I appreciate it.......By the way Shining did you get the bits for-” “Oh right! I totally forgot.” Shining then withdrew a large coin pouch and handed it to his friend. “There you go 900 bit’s.” Cadence eyes shrank at the number. “What are you going to do with that much money?” “I’m fixing AJ’s tractor. These bit’s are so I can buy the parts I need.” Gear set the bag down on the table and looked back up at the three. “So what am I going to do about tonight?” Cadence then grabbed Gear by the hoof and dragged him out the door. “C’mon lover boy, we’ve got shopping to do!” “Luna give me strength.” he said as he was pulled out the door by the pink alicorn.