//------------------------------// // Family // Story: The Pony That Fell From The Sky // by Zurvan //------------------------------// Chapter 36: Family         It’s late in the day when Applejack walks into the farmhouse more than a little weary from the road. “Howdy y’all.” She says as she enters and sees Granny Smith preparing supper.         “About time you got back.” Granny Smith says. “You whippersnappers don’t have any respect for the farm these days.”         “I’m sorry Granny. Equestria needed me, again.” Applejack says as she hangs her head.         Granny Smith laughs. “I’m just foolin’ with ya Applejack. Big Mac and Apple Bloom had the farm well in hoof while you were gone. Diamond Tiara’s been stopping by and lending a hoof every once in awhile, but she mostly brings something for the supper table and visits when chores are done.  I tell you that one knows she ain’t cut out for the farm life.”         “Yeah, but what we goin’ to do Granny?” Applejack asks. “She and Bloom seem right happy together, I can’t go breaking them apart.”         “I didn’t mention breakin’ them apart.” Granny Smith says.         “Then whatcha mean Granny?”         “I’m saying that that one she’s right smart. She’s helped Apple Bloom improve a few things around here and I don’t mean with her bits.  She learned real fast that we don’t accept no charity.”         ‘So you’re alright with Bloom being with her?”         “Of course I am. I’d have already pulled them apart myself if I thought otherwise.” "I reckon I shoulda figured that." Applejack says. "So where is everypony?" "Big Mac and Apple Bloom are planting the east field. They got it well in hoof." "What can I do to help? Gotta get back in the swing of things." "Come help with supper."          "Alright." ========== Right about supper time Diamond Tiara shows with a box on her back. "Hello Applejack." She says. "Welcome back." "Thank ya." Applejack says. "Can I take that from ya?" She motions to the box on Diamond's back. "Sure, it's a chocolate cake." "Sounds right tasty." Diamond nods. "Do you want me to set the table?" Applejack nods. "If you want to. I reckon Apple Bloom will be in to get cleaned up any minute." Diamond smiles. "Sounds good." Apple Bloom comes in right as Diamond finishes setting the table. "Hey sis." She says then walks to Diamond and kisses her on the cheek. "Hey Deets." "I'd kiss you back, but you’re filthy." Diamond says obviously teasing Apple Bloom. "Oh yeah?" Apple Bloom says as she tackles her fillyfriend, covering her in dirt and pinning her to the floor. Diamond kisses Apple Bloom. "You win." Apple Bloom gets off Diamond. "I figured that's what you'd say."          "Why don't both y'all get cleaned up?" Applejack suggests. "Supper's almost ready." "Okay!" Both fillies say before running off to the shower together.          "That's not what I meant." Applejack says more to herself than anything. "It's alright Applejack." Granny Smith says. "They woulda done that anyway."          "I suppose that's what it's like to be in love." "Speakin' of which you ever going to find yourself somepony?" "Me?" Applejack asks as she looks at Granny Smith. "Shouldn't you worry about Big Mac first? After all he's older than I am." Granny Smith laughs. "Big Mac and Cheerilee been seeing each other since Apple Bloom and the others gave them that there love potion." "What? I thought they were just friends." "You know Big Mac, he ain't gonna rush anything." "I suppose you have a point there." Applejack admits. "I'll be honest with ya Granny I ain't met nopony I felt that way for." Granny Smith nods and they finish cooking. Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara come back downstairs and sit at the table. Big Mac walks in and nods to everypony as he takes his place and they all eat. ========== After the cake is served they all sit at the table. “That was a right good cake you brought here Diamond.” Applejack says. “I bought it from Sugarcube Corner.” Diamond admits. “I never learned to cook.” “I could teach ya.” Apple Bloom says. “Big Mac and Applejack taught me.” “Well Granny Smith taught both us.” Applejack says. “Eeyup.” Big Mac adds. “Since we’re talking about cooking I had an idea I wanted to present to all of you.” Diamond says. “What is your idea?” Applejack asks. “Apple Bloom told me that when you went to the Grand Galloping Gala that you took a cart full of baked good to try and sell.” Diamond says. “I did, I thought I’d bring in a whole buncha bits from the wealthy ponies there.” Applejack says. “Only made a single bit.” “Yes, I believe that your idea of a cart of your baked goods has merit. I just think we need to find a better setting.” “Whatcha talking about?” “I discussed the idea with my father. He’s willing to clearout a corner of Barnyard Bargains for you to set up a food stand.” “I reckon it couldn’t hurt to try it and see if it works.” Applejack admits. “Do ya think I could be the one the to run it?” Apple Bloom asks. “I don’t know, you think you will be able to concentrate on selling and not get distracted by your fillyfriend?” Applejack asks. Apple Bloom blushes. “I’d like a chance.” “All right.” Applejack says. “We’ll give ya your chance. Tomorrow we’ll work on baking so that the day after you can take a cart of goodies to sell.” “Thank you.” Apple Bloom says. “I won’t disappoint you.” “I’ll tell my father you agree and get him to work on clearing on that corner.” Applejack nods. "Sounds good." ========== Not long after that there’s a knock at the door.  Applejack goes and opens the door. “Twilight, whatcha doin’ here?” “I was hoping to talk to Apple Bloom, and Diamond Tiara.” Twilight answers. “Why us?” Apple Bloom answers. Twilight pulls a set of blueprints out of her saddlebags and unfurls them in front of Apple Bloom. “I need to know if you can build this.” Apple Bloom looks at the plans. “I don’t see why not.  Looks easy enough.” “What do you need me for?” Diamond asks. “I need you and your father to foot the bill for this for awhile.” Twilight says. “I can’t afford to have this on record as a crown expense just yet.” Diamond looks at Twilight suspiciously. “What are you getting at?” “I suspect someone is leaking intel to the griffins.” Twilight admits.  “They knew exactly how to hit us to be the  most effective.  If we hadn’t have activated the Rainbow Power we might have lost.” Diamond nods. “Do you suppose we could get it in writing that you’ll pay us back?” Twilight nods. “Have your father draw up the terms.  Make sure it’s noted that this deal has to remain secret until I say so.” “Not a problem princess.” Diamond says.  “It’ll be taken care of.” “Good.” Twilight says. “Now I must be off.” With that she leaves. “Come on Diamond.” Apple Bloom says shortly after. “Bout time we went to bed ourselves.  I have a feeling things are going to get interesting from here on out.” “Okay.” Diamond says as she follows Apple Bloom up to her room for the night.