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Chapter 1 - Series of Misfortune3,271 words
Chapter 2 - Reviving Hope7,244 words
Chapter 3 - Showing Kasin Ponyville5,126 words
Chapter 4 - Rescue Mission7,638 words
Chapter 5 - Stay Brave3,531 words
Chapter 6 - Other Offers7,404 words
Chapter 7 - The Revolution Starts6,328 words
Chapter 8 - The Main Fighters6,901 words
Chapter 9 - Fear of Fur6,856 words
Chapter 10 - Relax and Talk4,486 words
Chapter 11 - When Lightning Strikes9,617 words
Chapter 12 - Pride worth dying for6,022 words
Chapter 13 - Cry for the night - Truth5,149 words
Chapter 14 - Cry for the night - Skirmish6,598 words
Chapter 15 - Cry for the night - Failure6,067 words
Chapter 16 - Training 1016,686 words
Chapter 17 - Results10,804 words
Chapter 18 - Grandest Galloping Gala13,219 words
Chapter 19 - Camping with the Cutie Mark Crusaders9,643 words
Chapter 20 - Chaos Sense and Pinkie Sense10,367 words
Chapter 21 - Prophet11,379 words
Did you see Heart Shards?469 words

Chapter 10 - Relax and Talk

-Applejack's POV-

-Bad Back-

"Augh…"

Out of all the days I've had been too tired to work.

"Oh…"

This would be one of them.

"Agh!"

My backs been aching all day! It never happened before! Must be because those dang revolutionaries for breaking it! I was trying to get in the working habit as usual, but I don't feel as good as I usually do. Big Mac and Applebloom have been on my case about it during breakfast. I told them it was fine, but while I was working, I think I cracked something fierce when I bucked that last tree. Right now, I'm lying down rubbing my back. Big Macintosh came in and sighed while nodding.

"Applejack, you should let me handle this one for today." Big Mac told me. "You're back is in bad shape and you know it. Go take it easy for a while."

I got up and glared back at my brother saying, "I told you Big Mac! I'm fine! I know when I'm still good to work and-"

When I tried bucking the tree to prove my point, I ended up spraining something again.

"Yow!"

I rubbed my back again and looked back at Big Macintosh still nodding.

"You should know better than to lie, even if it's about working." He reminded me. "Just take the day off, the sooner you do, the sooner you can work again."

I hate to admit it, but Big Mac was right. There's no way I can work like this. I went on home to get some rest until I ran into Rarity. She was passing by along the fence. Might as well say hi while I'm at it.

"Howdy Rarity!" I greeted.

Rarity turned to me with a smile and said, "Why, hello Applejack! What are you doing outside of the orchard? It's not even the afternoon."

"Ah, guess you noticed I stopped working already, huh?"

"Why? What's the matter?"

"Big Macintosh has been on my case about my back. I'm heading home to get some rest."

Rarity frowned at me before saying, "Why, like Kasin, you too don't know that rest on even a fine mattress won't help a bad back."

I raised an eyebrow at her claim. "Well then, what will?"

She smiled as she suggested, "The spa of course!"

"Really? A spa?" I questioned with a straight face.

"That's what Kasin thought as well, until I brought him there…by force…"

"By force!?"

"Minor details. In the end, Kasin's posture has never been better! And if you must know, there's also a new masseuse that is just simply, divine~!"

"Oh really?"

"Yes! He has the magic touch! Trust me, you'll be doing yourself a big favor! If you don't go now, he won't be working until the next Friday and Saturday."

"Only works there on Friday and Saturday, huh? What, is he that special that he needs five days off a week?"

"Why don't you ask him while you pay him a visit? He's did quite the performance for me, I never felt so relaxed ever since he started working~."

"What's this pony's name anyhow?"

"Why don't you go ask? If you're really interested, you should hurry on over before you miss your chance." Rarity suggested before walking on.

A new masseuse huh? Well, if this guy really is as good as Rarity said he was, I guess I should pop in for a visit. Especially if that means getting my aching back better. I made my way into town, saying hi to some ponies along the way, and found myself at the spa. I don't usually go here unless all the others went too, and we haven't all went together since Kasin came. I couldn't help but wonder who this special masseuse was. My question was soon answered as I stepped in through the door and asked Aloe for an appointment.

"Howdy Aloe. Listen, my back's been aching real bad, and I heard about this new masseuse that has the 'magic touch', or something like that. Can you maybe let me see him about this problem?"

"Of course Miss Applejack. Come this way." She told me.

Aloe brought me to the room where all the massaging goes on. She showed me to my bench and asked me to lie on it and wait. After I got on, I waited for the guy. I can’t imagine what kind of colt would take his time not working and doing who knows what. Soon, I start hearing steps coming from the door. When it opened up, I was very surprised to see who was behind it.

"AJ?" Kasin spoke. "Are you my next patient of the day?"

"Kasin? What are you doing here?"

"I work here."

"Wait a minute, YOU'RE the masseuse with the 'magic touch'?"

Kasin started to blush as he said, "I told Rarity not to go spread that around. But yeah, I'm the new guy who got onboard a while back."

"Well, I didn't know that." I admitted. "Is this what you do when you're not working on the farm?"

"Only on Fridays and Saturdays. Monday and Tuesday, I'm with you at the farm. Wednesday and Thursday, I'm at Sugar Cube Corner cooking. Sunday's are my days off."

"Huh…and here I thought some uptight pony was gonna come in right about now."

"Heh, well thank goodness that's not the case." Kasin said as he went up to me. "Alright, let's get started."

Kasin placed his hands on my back and started petting my coat. It was a bit strange at first, but it felt nice after a while. Soon, I felt his fingers start pushing down on my back. It was all new and very relaxing. I could tell what Rarity was talking about now. That magic touch was getting to me.

I moaned a bit, with how relaxing this all was. "Oh yeah…right there…"

Kasin chuckled a bit at my pleasure. "Alright, just hold on…"

From the corner of my sight, I saw Kasin start using his elbow on my back muscles. He placed pressure on me slowly, making it all feel so good. He massaged my back in a circular motion and soon went on to my neck.

"Huh, I didn't know my neck had this much stress." I thought aloud.

"Well, you do work pretty hard AJ. I wouldn't be surprised if I had to massage every part of your body seeing how much you do." Kasin stated.

"What do you mean by…'every part'?"

Kasin suddenly blushed before saying, "Whoops! That came out wrong. I only meant to say I was kinda worried seeing how much you work."

"Aw shucks, thanks Kasin!" I commended him. "Nice to know you care about me."

After rubbing my neck, he moved onto my back and then my flanks. It felt kinda nice, but at the same time a bit weird. I don't remember the last time I was massaged on that part. I almost fell asleep with how relaxing it was. Before I even closed my eyes, Kasin had already finished up.

"Well, it's an hour already. Hey Applejack, do you feel…AJ?"

"Huh? What?" I said after snapping out of my sleepy state.

"I guess that massage made you feel good, huh?" Kasin guessed.

"Oh, don't you know it partner! I can't believe how good you are at this! If I could, I'd drop in every Friday and Saturday."

"Heh, well, Rarity, Fluttershy, and Pinkie go here often. Either Rainbow and Twilight haven't known about this or they're too busy."

"Really? I didn't expect Pinkie to drop in at your work. Rainbow not visiting, I understand. You can't get that girl to let anypony touch her hooves."

"My first time here, I felt the same way. Rarity and Fluttershy helped open my mind when we came."

"Really? You were a bit frightened coming here?"

"Very. Now that I think about it, most of the time, Fluttershy's been helping me with a lot of my problems."

"Fluttershy? She helped you with your fears?" I questioned. "Well, don't that surprise all."

Aloe them came in and said, "Miss Applejack, the spa bath is prepared for you. Come in when you're ready."

"Alright, thanks!" I replied.

"And Kasin, would you like to take a break for now? Lotus will take the next shift." Aloe told Kasin.

"Thanks, I wanted to talk to Applejack some more too." Kasin stated.

Kasin brought me off the bench and walked me to the spa bath. I went right in for a soak. Kasin was outside the tub leaning against the side. It was nice to be in the bath and talk to Kasin, but it didn't feel as nice with Kasin not relaxing on his break.

"Hey Kasin, why don't you get in the tub?" I invited him in.

"What?" Kasin responded, blushing a bit. "I-I'm an employee! This isn't even my day off! I-I can't…"

"Come on partner, it's just a quick dip. I'm not trying to force you into it, but it'd be even better if we're both relaxing, you know?"

Kasin smiled and said, "Okay, is you say so. Let me just change. I'll be back real quick."

With that, Kasin left to do as he said. It was only about a minute or so before he came back with only shorts. I don't want to imply anything when I say this, but with Kasin's shirt off I saw his slim arms have some muscle. His chest was not buff, but it had a tough build. He had a muscle pack on his stomach and his calves showed some buff too.

I whistled as I said, "Wow Kasin! Work on the farm has been good to you, huh? Or is it because of those fights with the revolutionaries?"

Kasin grinned nervously as he said, "I don't really know. I will admit, I'm much healthier ever since I came here. Eating right has never been easier and with no media to distract you that often, activities have become even more fun."

Kasin went in the bath slowly and sighed in relaxation.

"Ah, I needed this." Kasin told me. "I've been working all day. Aloe and Lotus says the days I work here are the busiest days ever. Mostly because the ponies want to try my massage."

"I take it you're a bit nervous at that." I guessed.

"Yeah. You all know by now that I don't have a good self esteem. I know I should be a bit more prideful sometimes, but…it's just hard for me."

"Don't worry Kasin. You stood up for us whenever you needed to. If somepony picks on you and I'm nearby, I'll stand up for you."

Kasin smiled warmly as he said, "Thanks AJ."

After a while, Kasin started to slouch. His head would be the only thing sticking out of the water by now.

Hoping to see what's wrong, I asked, "What's wrong Kasin?"

"Just have something on my mind is all. I don't usually have this long to talk to any of you since I'm always so busy." Kasin stated. "Pinkie listens well, but her responses are…not as assuring."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well, you know. Pinkie has a hard time taking things seriously."

"Ah…right. Well, why don't you talk about them to me?"

"Alright then…it's mostly about…"

Kasin's face started to redden. I could easily tell it was a 'hot' topic.

"Who's the mare Kasin?" I questioned.

Kasin was a bit surprised and said, "What!? No! I meant…"

"I can tell from the look on your face. Who is she?"

Kasin sighed before saying, "It's not that kind of problem. I'm not planning to ask her out…it's just…I do feel like I need to tell someone about this…"

"About what?"

"During the day the revolutionaries tried to invade Ponyville, I was in the library before the attack started. I was having nightmares, but they went away thanks to you girls."

"Oh…so what's the problem?"

"Well, like I said. Before the attack, I was talking with Twilight alone. And then we…shared a kiss."

My eyes widened and I couldn't help but feel excited.

"That's great Kasin! I didn't even know you two were dating! When were you planning to tell us?"

Kasin was silent. He didn't look so happy. Finally, he said, "Let me tell you…what happened."

-3rd POV-

-The talk overheard-

Kasin was talking to Applejack in the spa about a day that had already passed. It was the day after the failure of the Revolutionaries invasion. Kasin was outside the door of the library with a bouquet of flowers in my hand. It was a special kind of sparkle flora. A flower that shine can be compared to the stars. Kasin knew Twilight would like it, and it would be nice to give it to her ever since that kiss. As he readied myself before opening the door, he started to hear the voices of Twilight and Spike.

"So Twilight, are you finally gonna ask out Kasin?" Spike taunted.

"Pfft! N-No! Don't be silly Spike! Kasin and I are just friends!" Twilight stated.

"Just friends?" Kasin thought to himself. "No, she's just trying to get out of Spikes assault of questions."

"Come on! I know you two kissed while I was gone." Spike told them.

Twilight and Kasin blushed immensely hearing that.

"H-How do you know that!?" Twilight questioned.

"Oh my Celestia! You did!? I was just bluffing!" Spike laughed. "I knew it though! You like Kasin!"

Twilight huffed as she said, "No way Spike! Even if we did have a lot in common, he's still…seventeen! He's too shy to go out with anypony, and most of all, he's…not even a pony!"

Those last words hurt Kasin. He walked away and threw the flowers in a nearby trash can. He then thought to himself.

"Who am I kidding? Dating a pony? I guess I must be desperate…heh, heh…"

Kasin sheds a few tears before wiping them off. The symbol of his shirt felt colder as the day went on.

After that, the rest of the conversation was not heard by Kasin. Twilight and Spike still continued to talk, never knowing Kasin had listened to half of it.

"Wow Twilight…that was harsh." Spike stated.

"What?" Twilight stepped back at the response.

"So, what? Are you saying that since I'm not a pony, I can't be with Rarity!?"

"I-I didn't mean…"

"You didn't mean what? Humans and ponies can't be together? You didn't even ask if Kasin was up for it! That's not cool Twi."

Twilight lowered her head in shame before she turned back to Spike.

"You're right Spike. It was rude of me to say something like that."

"Exactly."

"But…I'm not sure if I like him or not. I mean, what if this is just a filly's crush? I don't want to just head right in a relationship. And what will this do to our friendship? What about the others? How will they react?"

"They'll learn to accept it Twi." Spike assured her. "You just have to at least try."

"Maybe…it's just too confusing right now…But maybe…'That' day, I'll tell him."

"Oh, you're planning to make your confession to him something memorable, huh?"

Twilight blushed as she said, "Well, I should give it my all, right?"

Back to the present, Kasin had just told only half of the story to Applejack, or at least all he knew.

-Applejack's POV-

-Making feelings-

I listened to what Kasin had to say. It seemed to me he already had his hopes crushed ever since. But it was strange, because I knew Twilight wouldn't be the kind of pony to say something like that.

"Sorry to hear that Kasin." I emphasized to him. "But maybe Twilight was just a bit nervous talking to Spike and just blurted that out."

"Maybe…but…" Kasin spoke slowly. "Ever since I heard all that, the kiss…never felt like it happened."

"What do you mean?"

"Well…even if it was a mistake, she made it feel like that kiss was a mistake. As if it should have never happened." He explained without emotion. "Basically, I guess I don't feel like it anymore."

That was a sad. Accident or not, Twilight really managed to hurt Kasin.

"Do you mean…like, never find love?"

"Not exactly." Kasin replied. "I just…don't have a crush on her anymore."

I sighed in relief, knowing that Kasin wasn't as depressed as I thought he was.

"Well, don't worry Kasin, I'm sure you'll find that special somepony." I assured him.

"You think so?" He asked with a smile.

"I know so partner! In fact, I'm pretty sure you have some ponies liking you the same way already."

Kasin looked away and said, "Pfft, yeah right. Now I know you're just pitying me."

That was a bit annoying. "Now look here Kasin! An apple don't lie! Especially me!"

He looked up as he said, "Well, even if you're right, I still don't know. What Twilight said still makes me think…is it even right? A human and a pony? Even she said it herself that it was a bit strange. I just…don't know anymore…and I certainly don't want to go back to a world with nothing waiting for me."

I could really see Kasin in a slump. I wasn't planning to leave until I got Kasin's spirits back up.

"Kasin, I'd accept it."

"Huh?" He replied surprised.

"If you date a pony, I'll accept the both of ya'll. You're not bad company, and you're certainly somepony I can count on. I have a feeling whoever you're with has a heart like yours too."

Kasin then blushed immensely. He stopped slouching and stood up straight as he splashed his face with water.

"T-Thanks AJ…That means a lot…"

"No problem."

Kasin sat a bit closer to me before he brought up his own question.

"You know, you have a good view on love." Kasin pointed out. "Do you have anyone in your heart?"

I chuckled a bit before I said, "Well, I don't really remember much about that. I'm pretty sure a stallion or two whistled when I came around."

Kasin raised an eyebrow, confused. "But…no boyfriend?"

"Coltfriend" I corrected him. "And no, not one asked me yet."

Kasin winced at my words before saying, "Knowing how honest you are, that must be the truth. But even so, those guys must not see what I saw."

I was a bit taken back by what he said. "W-What do you mean by that?"

"Well…when I first came here…" He started off, reminding me of his arrival. "I thought your freckles…made you look cute."

My face turned red as apples. "You uh…really thought that?"

"Yeah, and there was a time you took off your hair bands and hat when we were working at the farm. I saw your mane and…it was beautiful. I don't understand why no one asked you out yet."

Never before have I spent enough time with Kasin to hear all this. It made me a bit jumpy at the idea of his perspective on me. Before I could say anything back to him, he continued.

"I'm pretty sure someday, that stallion will come around. Just like how my mare will arrive…like you said." He ended with a blush.

"Uh…eh heh, right." I stuttered.

Aloe then came in the room and said, "Kasin! Lotus is almost done with her shift. You should get ready."

Kasin nodded and said, "Right, let me just get out of my swimming trunks and change back into my clothes."

Kasin went out of the bath and said, "Thanks for the talk. It really helped." Before leaving towards the dressing room.

"Just happy to help." I told him as he went.

Aloe came up to me and asked, "Miss Applejack, would you like to finish up?"

"Sure, just give me a sec."

I left the tub and got a towel. After drying myself, I checked my back and it felt great! Kasin really did the trick when it came to fixing a pony up. I paid the spa sisters and headed on home seeing the sun already setting. We've been in there for a while, haven't we? I headed back and felt great with my body not aching like before. It was almost as if it never even happened. When I showed up at the farm, Big Macintosh brought in the load for the day. He walked towards at me wondering what I was doing out of bed.

"Before you ask Big Mac." I told him before he started. "It's all better. Got somepony to make it good again."

I showed it off by bucking a tree without cringing. He seemed pleased with the results.

"So we're good?" I questioned.

"Eeyup." He answered.

"Great! Meet you back in the house."

He nodded and went back to storing the apples. Going back in the house, I got ready dinner. Wasn't long before the Applebloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac met up with me in the dining room, ready to eat. But as we did, I didn't feel as hungry. It was weird, cause I felt a twist on my stomach too. I wonder if Kasin made a mistake somewhere.

Applebloom looked at me and said, "You okay sis? You're kinda red."

I winced at her words before I looked at the reflection of my plate. "Huh…you're right…"

I could see a pale pink on my cheeks. I don’t know why, but it even felt a bit hot.

"Oh! I knew the day would come!" Granny Smith said as she looked at me happily. "I knew you'd find that stallion!"

"WHAT!?" Me and Applebloom yelled.

"Don't be surprised Applejack! Feeling warm and stomach's screaming for something else that's not food. What else could it be?"

"Granny, I'm pretty sure you're mistaken!" I stated. "I'm not feeling that way for anypony at the moment!"

"Then why's your face all red?" Applebloom questioned.

"It's probably just hot is all."

"Yeah right!"

I glared at the little filly and said, "Now look here missy! I know what I'm feeling right now, and I'm probably just tired! Right Big Mac?"

"…Nope." He answered

"There! You see that- Wait, WHAT!?"

"You don't know how you're feeling Applejack." he told me. "If you did, then why aren't you doing something about it? If you're really feeling tired, then what have you been doing all day?"

I thought about it in my mind. "All I did today was go to the spa and get a massage from…Kasin."

At his name, I felt something shutter up on me. I looked at my family smiling at my flustered expression. I couldn't deal with this right now, so I just went and left the table.

"What's wrong with her?" Applebloom asked after I left.

"She's just trying to get her feelings in order." Granny Smith stated.

After getting outside, I looked up at the sky and saw it was night time. I decided to just take a quick walk around, because as tired as I was, I didn't feel sleepy. As I walked around, I found myself on a high hill. there, I could see most of Ponyville. I spotted Sugar Cube Corner, Fluttershy's cottage, Rarity's tailor, and Twilight's house. A bit farther, I could see Kasin outside looking at the sky again on the balcony.

No, I'm not falling for him. We're just friends after all. Those compliments are just getting to me, that's all.

Author's Note:

Apples

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