It's summer in Equestria, and this summer, Apple Bloom and her cousin Babs find a lost and abandoned human child in the barn at Sweet Apple Acres
Summer has arrived in Equestria, and Babs Seed is visiting her cousins at Sweet Apple Acres for the whole season. After their first week there, she and Apple Bloom find a lost and abandoned human child named Michael, or Mike for short.
Where did this child come from, and can the Apple Family take care of him?
It was almost night time in the land of Equestria. On the road to Sweet Apple Acres, Apple Bloom and her cousin, Babs Seed, were walking back to the farm after a day of crusading with their friends, Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo. Once again, the four of them got covered in pine needles and tree sap, but as always, they had their cleaning buckets to wash themselves off. They were disappointed that their recent attempts at hang gliding cutie marks didn’t work out, but they shook it off and promised they’d meet again tomorrow.
“You think we’ll have better luck tomorrow cuz?” Babs asked.
“Ah sure hope so Babs,” Apple Bloom replied.
Babs was visiting her cousins and Granny Smith from Manehatten. Ever since she became a member of the Cutie Mark Crusaders, she came back to visit her cousin a lot. Babs started up the Manehatten branch of the club, and got two blank flanks at her new school to join, and one of them was the whole club’s first colt member.
Apple Bloom was especially happy that Babs was allowed by her parents to stay for the whole summer. The two fillies were ecstatic to be able to spend the whole summer together. Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo were equally as happy to hear the news. The four of them had already spent their first week of summer vacation crusading for their cutie marks.
As the two fillies got near the barn, they became aware of whimpering from inside the barn. At first, they thought it was the family dog, Winona, but upon listening closer, it sounded more like a young colt. The two of them entered the barn house and began looking around. The whimpering came from behind a pile of hay bales in the back corner. The two cousins cautiously approached the hay bales and looked behind it. They were surprised to see a small, strange looking creature curled up in a ball whimpering and shaking. He had light tan colored skin, a dark blonde mane on his head, a torn red shirt, and dark blue shorts. His exposed skin also had dirt and bruises on it. The two fillies were surprised to see him in this condition.
Apple Bloom slowly and quietly approached the small colt. The young child lifted his head up letting the two fillies see that his face was covered with small specks of dirt. The young child gasped upon sighting the two fillies looking at him. He quickly crawled backwards into the corner shaking harder.
“P-please,” he said still whimpering with tears falling out of his eyes, “D-d-don’t hurt me.”
Apple Bloom continued to approach him slowly.
“It’s okay,” she said calmly, “We won’t hurt ya.”
“Yeah kid,” Babs said nodding, “We just want to see if you’re okay.”
Apple Bloom slowly reached her hoof out toward the young colt and placed it on his shoulder. The small child began shaking at her touch but calmed down when she began rubbing his shoulder soothingly.
“There, ya see,” Apple Bloom said smiling, “It’s okay.”
“What’s your name?” Babs asked.
“Michael,” he said, “or Mike for short.”
“It’s nice to meet ya Mike,” Apple Bloom said, “Ah’m Apple Bloom, and this is my cousin, Babs Seed.”
“Hey Mike,” Babs said.
Mike slowly stood up. Apple Bloom and Babs were surprised to see that he only came at nose level with them. Apple Bloom waved him over with her forehoof to come in for a hug. Mike took slow steps over to the yellow filly. When he was close enough, Apple Bloom wrapped her forelegs around him and started rubbing his back soothingly.
Mike started shaking slightly when Apple Bloom wrapped him in her forelegs, but stopped when she started rubbing his back. He then brought his arms around the filly and returned the hug.
“It’s okay buddy,” Apple Bloom said.
“Apple Bloom!”
Apple Bloom, Babs, and Mike jumped at the voice. It was Apple Bloom’s older sister, Applejack.
“Where in tarnation are you and Babs sis?” Applejack called out, “Dinner’s ready!”
“Do ya think we should tell her about Mike, cuz?” Babs asked.
“Ah think so,” Apple Bloom replied. Babs nodded and called out to her older cousin.
“In here Applejack!” she called.
Applejack poked her head inside the barn to see Babs standing at the far back corner near the big pile of hay bales.
“What in the hay are you two doin’ in here?” Applejack asked walking toward them.
Mike began to shake again after hearing Applejack’s voice, but Apple Bloom kept rubbing his back.
“It’s okay buddy,” she whispered into his ear, “It’s just mah older sis, Applejack. She won’t hurt ya.”
Applejack finally closed the distance between her sister and her cousin and gasped at the sight of the small colt in Apple Bloom’s forelegs.
“What’s goin’ on here?” she asked raising an eyebrow, “Who is this little feller?”
“Well, after Apple Bloom an’ I came back from Crusadin’, we heard somepony in here whimperin’,” Babs said, “We were just as surprised as you are to see this little guy back here.”
Applejack nodded and folded her legs underneath her.
“Hey there sugarcube,” she said softly to Mike, “Are ya alright?”
Mike looked up from Apple Bloom’s hug and saw Applejack looking at him with a smile. Mike slowly nodded his head.
"What's yer name?" Applejack asked.
“I’m Mike,” he said.
“It’s a pleasure to meet ya Mike. Ah’m Applejack, Apple Blooms’ older sister and Babs’ other cousin,” she said reaching her foreleg out and rubbing his shoulder. “Would ya like to join us for dinner Mike?”
A growl from Mike’s stomach answered for him. Apple Bloom giggled and placed him on her back. Babs and Applejack stood back up and the three of them began walking toward the barn entrance.
While walking, Applejack began thinking. Ah wonder where the little feller came from, and why his clothes are worn and torn like that? She decided to let Mike tell her and her family when he was ready and proceeded to lead the three of them into the house.
When Applejack entered inside, she called out, “Granny! You’d better set out another plate! We’ve got company.”
“Okay then Applejack,” came Granny’s voice from the kitchen. Applejack then turned to the fillies and the colt on Apple Bloom’s back.
“Why don’t you two take Mike up to get him washed up for dinner?” she asked them.
“Sure thing sis,” Apple Bloom said. Babs nodded in response and the three of them went towards the bathroom. When they got inside, Apple Bloom took Mike off her back.
“You need some help cleanin’ up Mike?” Apple Bloom asked, “We just need to wash our hooves and faces.”
“Is it okay if I just do it by myself?” Mike asked.
“Sure you can,” Apple Bloom said. Babs slid over a stepping stool for Mike to use so he could reach the sink. Mike stepped up onto it and began splashing water on his face. While he was cleaning up, Apple Bloom and Babs had a private conversation.
“What do ya think happened to him cuz?” Babs asked whispering.
“Ah don’t know,” she answered whispering, “It almost seems somepony hurt the poor little guy.”
“Who’d do somethin’ like dat?”
“Not sure. Ah’m as curious ‘bout it as you are, but we’d best not ask him ‘bout it. We should let him tell us when he’s ready.”
Babs nodded in response. The two fillies looked over to see Mike was drying himself off. The two fillies then took their turns washing themselves. After that, they left the bathroom and went into the kitchen where Applejack was waiting with her brother, Big Macintosh, and her grandma, Granny Smith.
“There y’all are,” Applejack said trotting up to the three. “Mike, Ah’d like you to meet mine and Apple Bloom’s big brother, Big Macintosh, and our grandmother, Granny Smith.”
Mike looked up at the two new ponies and gave a shy wave. “Hello,” he said quietly, “It’s nice to meet you both.”
“Hey there little whipper snapper,” Granny Smith said with a smile, “It’s nice to meet ya as well.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac said.
“Alright kids,” Applejack said, “C’mon and sit down before the grub gets cold.”
Everypony sat down at the table with Mike sitting in between Apple Bloom and Babs. While eating, Applejack decided to ask Mike a few questions, but made sure not to ask why her sister and cousin found him the way he was.
“So Mike,” she began, “How old are ya?”
Mike began counting his fingers trying to remember. Afterwards, he spoke up.
“I turned six and a half today,” he said.
He’s just a young’un, Applejack thought as she continued, “What exactly are ya Mike?”
“I’m a human,” he replied.
Human? Applejack’s mind continued, One of those things that Twilight turned into when she went to get her crown back? That’s what a human looks like?
Recently, before Twilight Sparkle’s first princess summit, Princess Celestia’s former student, Sunset Shimmer, came from an alternate world where these creatures known as humans resided to steal Twilight’s crown and Element of Harmony. While there trying to get her crown back, Twilight told her friends that there were human versions of her friends there, which certainly surprised the others.
“Well, we’re ponies, and this is the land of Equestria,” Applejack explained, “We live near the town of Ponyville, and our farm is called Sweet Apple Acres, home of the best apples in Equestria.”
“All this food is really good Miss Applejack,” Mike said.
“That’s nice of ya to say sugarcube,” Applejack said smiling, “But just Applejack is fine.”
The Apple Family and the young human continued eating dinner together, while telling Mike who they all were. Mike started to feel a little less timid around them. After dinner, while Big Mac and Granny cleaned the dishes, Applejack took Apple Bloom, Babs, and Mike into the living room. Granny and Mac joined them shortly after.
“Did ya enjoy dinner sugarcube?” Applejack asked.
Mike nodded, “Yes I did. Thank you,” he said.
“No need to thank us little feller,” Granny said, “We’re always happy to have guests.”
“Eeyup,” Big Mac agreed. Just then, Mike looked down for a minute.
“Somethin’ on yer mind Mike?” Applejack asked.
“Is it okay if I tell you something?” Mike asked.
“’Course it is,” Applejack said, “You can tell us anythin’.” The rest of the family nodded in agreement.
“Well,” Mike said with tears starting to fall, “I don’t have a mommy or a daddy.”
Sweet Applesauce, Applejack thought, The poor feller's an orphan.
“I lived at an orphanage my whole life,” Mike continued, “The caretakers said that my old mommy and daddy couldn’t take care of me because they...they...” Mike hesitated for a moment and started to sob lightly, but Applejack wrapped a foreleg over his back and started rubbing it.
“It’s okay sugarcube,” she said consolingly, “If it’s too painful to say, you don’t have to.”
“No,” Mike said, “I want to.” He took a deep breath and finally said, “My old mommy and daddy died.”
The five earth ponies gasped at hearing that.
“I was teased at school because of it,” Mike continued, “I told the teachers about it, but when the big kids who teased me got in trouble, they beat me up. That’s why my clothes are torn and I have these bruises. After they finished, they threw me into an alley far away from the orphanage.” Mike couldn’t hold it in and started crying heavily. Applejack quickly brought her other foreleg around him, picked him up, and brought him in for a hug.
“Shh...just let it out sugarcube,” Applejack said, “Just let it out. It ain’t good for ya to keep those emotions held inside.”
That’s what Mike did for the next few minutes. The Apple Family meanwhile were burning with anger and sadness on the inside.
How can kids beat up other kids like that? Applejack asked herself, Especially when the ones they're beatin’ up are so much younger than them?
Poor kid, Babs thought, He got picked on just like I used to.
Low-down, no good varmints, Big Mac angrily thought, and to such a good colt too.
No parents, Apple Bloom thought sadly, just like me and my brother and sister.
Poor little feller, Granny Smith said to herself, If I were still as spry as I used to be, I would’ve given those varmints what fer!
Mike had cried himself to sleep in Applejack’s forelegs after a few minutes. He looked very peaceful asleep like that.
“What are we gonna do ‘bout Mike?” Apple Bloom asked.
“Well, first thing after breakfast tomorrow,” Applejack began, “Ah’m gonna take him over to Rarity and see about getting him some new clothes. Then over to Twilight’s so she can write a letter to Princess Celestia about him.”
“Could we come along tomorrow Applejack?” Babs asked.
“Ah don’t see why not,” Applejack replied standing up. She placed the sleeping child on her back and began walking up the stairs with Apple Bloom and Babs close behind. The two fillies entered Apple Bloom’s room after saying good night to Applejack and the orange mare trotted into her room. She pulled the covers down her bed, placed Mike with his head on the pillow, laid down next to him, and pulled the covers over the two of them. She then took off her stetson hat and placed on the nightstand next to her bed. Before she fell asleep, she looked down at Mike, who had snuggled up next to her and smiled.
Don’t you worry sugarcube, she thought to herself, Nothin’ll harm you here.
Applejack woke up the next morning with a yawn. She then remembered the events of yesterday and looked down to see Mike still snuggled up next to her. She smiled down at the young human child and started nuzzling his cheek lightly.
“Time to wake up sugarcube,” she whispered softly in his ear. Mike stirred in his sleep and opened his eyes. He smiled up at Applejack after fully waking up.
“Good morning Applejack,” he said.
“G’mornin’ Mike,” she replied, “Have a good sleep?”
“I did,” Mike said nodding, “Thank you for letting me stay.”
“It was no trouble at all sugarcube,” Applejack said giving him a noogie bringing a giggle from his mouth. Applejack then stepped off the bed and leaned her side against it. “Hop on Mike,” she said. Mike did so and wrapped his arms gently around her neck. She then walked out of her bedroom and trotted downstairs. She and Mike could smell breakfast being cooked in the kitchen. When they entered, they saw the rest of the family in the kitchen, with Granny cooking, and Big Mac and the two fillies setting the table. Apple Bloom looked up as Applejack and Mike entered.
“Mornin’ Applejack!” she said, “Mornin’ Mike!”
“Mornin’ Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, “Mornin’ everypony.”
“Good morning everyone,” Mike said waving.
“’Bout time you two woke up,” Granny said, “Breakfast is just ‘bout ready.”
True to her word, breakfast was ready after a few minutes. Everyone sat in the same places at last night’s dinner. Granny made some haycakes, eggs, and apple juice to drink.
“Applejack,” Mike said after a little bit, “What are we going to do today?”
“Well,” Applejack started, “First AB, Babs an’ I are going to take you to see our friend Rarity. Hopefully she’ll make ya a new set of clothes that’ll be more comfortable than the torn ones ya got on ya right now.”
“That sound nice,” Mike said, “Then what?”
“Then we’ll take you to meet the rest of our friends,” Applejack continued.
“Are they nice like you all are?” Mike asked starting to get nervous.
“’Course they are,” Apple Bloom said placing a hoof on his back, “and maybe Babs an’ Ah can introduce ya to Sweetie Belle and Scootaloo too.”
“Okay,” Mike said deciding to trust them. After breakfast was cleaned up, Applejack set Mike on her back and with Apple Bloom and Babs on either side of her, the four of them started their trek toward Ponyville.
Mike looked all around while on Applejack’s back. He was amazed at how much brighter everything was compared to where he came from. When he looked back in front of him, he saw a small town a short distance away.
“Is that Ponyville?” he asked.
“Yep,” Applejack replied, “The Carousel Boutique where we’re headin’ is just up ahead.”
“Is that where, Rarity was it, lives?”
“Yep,” Apple Bloom replied, “She also has a younger sister name Sweetie Belle, who’s one of our other friends. Maybe she’s inside with Rarity.”
The four of them approached the door and entered in. The bell above the door announced their arrival. They all saw Sweetie Belle sitting in the middle of the room drawing. She looked up at seeing the ponies and human enter.
“Hi Apple Bloom! Hi Babs!” she greeted her fellow crusaders, “Hi Applejack!”
“Hey Sweetie Belle,” Applejack said, “Is Rarity in? Ah need to ask a favor from her.”
“Sure, I’ll go get...” she paused when spotting Mike and gained a look of interest, “Who’s that?” she asked pointing a hoof at Mike. Mike tried hiding behind Applejack’s mane, feeling shy about meeting Sweetie Belle. Applejack noticed this.
“It’s okay sugarcube,” she said to Mike, “That’s Sweetie Belle, Rarity’s little sister.” Applejack took Mike off her back and placed him in front of her while keeping a forehoof on his shoulder.
“Sweetie Belle, this is Mike,” Applejack said.
“Hello,” Mike said waving shyly.
“Hi Mike!” Sweetie Belle said, “It’s nice to meet you!”
“Sweetie Belle?” came Rarity’s voice from the back room, “Who’s come?”
“It’s Applejack, Apple Bloom, and Babs Rarity,” Sweetie Belle said, “And they have someone new here with them!”
“I’ll be right out,” Rarity called. A few seconds later, Rarity stepped out levitating a few rolls of fabric with her. “Hello there everypony,” she said. She then noticed Mike and the clothes he was wearing. “Goodness gracious darling, whatever happened?!”
“Rarity, this here is Mike,” Applejack explained, “Apple Bloom and Babs found him like this in our barn last night. We came here to see if you could fix up a new outfit fer him.”
“I’d be delighted,” Rarity said. She then looked back down at Mike. “If you could follow me please, I’ll take your measurements down for your new clothes okay?”
Mike looked up at Applejack, and she nodded at him.
“Okay,” Mike said. Rarity then led him over to the area of the room where three mirrors were arranged. Mike stood in front of the mirrors, and Rarity levitated her glasses, measuring tape, pencil, and notepad over. While measuring Mike, Rarity was thinking to herself.
Mike certainly does fit the description of those “humans” Twilight said she encountered over in the other world, but how exactly did Mike’s clothes end up torn and tattered like this? It certainly does look like it was a wonderful outfit.
“Well Mike,” Rarity said a few minutes later, “I’ve gotten all your measurements down, and it shouldn’t take me long to make this.”
“Thank you Miss Rarity,” Mike said.
“You’re quite welcome darling,” Rarity said with a smile, “but just Rarity is fine.”
Mike nodded and gave Rarity a hug around one of her forelegs. Rarity used her free foreleg and hugged Mike back. After they finished the hug, Mike went back to stand with Applejack. Just then the door opened and the bell rang. Everyone turned and saw a small purple and green dragon.
“Hey Rarity,” Spike said, “Hey everypony.”
“Ah, Spikey-wikey, excellent timing,” Rarity said, “Could you come and give me a claw please?”
“Of course milady,” Spike said with a slight bow. He briskly hurried over to Rarity. When Mike saw Spike, he started clinging tighter to Applejack’s foreleg. Applejack looked down at Mike, saw him shaking, and started using her free foreleg to rub his back. Mike looked up at Applejack with a hint of fear in his eyes.
“Applejack, i-i-is that a dragon?” he asked pointing at Spike.
“Don’t worry sugarcube,” Applejack said, “Spike’s just a baby dragon. He wouldn’t hurt a fly.”
While Rarity was stitching the materials for Mike’s new outfit, Spike spoke up.
“Rarity, is that for me, because it looks kinda small.”
“Oh no Spike,” Rarity said, “It’s for Mike over there.” She pointed behind the two of them over to the human next Applejack. Spike looked over to Applejack and was surprised.
“How’d a human get here?” he asked. He hadn’t seen a human since he was turned into a dog in the other world.
“I’m not too sure myself,” Rarity said, “You’ll have to ask Applejack. Why don’t you go and introduce yourself, but be gentle though. The poor thing looks as if he was beaten up.”
As Spike began walking over, he began thinking to himself. Who’d hurt a little kid like that? He stopped in front of Applejack and Mike. “Hey there Mike,” he said gently holding out a claw, “I’m Spike.” Mike looked at Spike warily, then at the offered claw, and then looked back up at Spike with a small smile. He could see Applejack was right. He then put his hand in Spike’s claw and shook it gently.
“Hi Spike,” he said, “It’s nice to meet you.”
While Mike and Spike were getting acquainted, Sweetie Belle pulled Apple Bloom and Babs to the side for a private discussion.
“What happened yesterday after we went home?” she asked whispering.
“Well, when Babs an’ Ah got close to the barn, we heard whimperin’,” Apple Bloom whispered.
“At first we thought it was Winona,” Babs said whispering as well, “but it started soundin’ more like a young colt. Younger than us.”
“When we went inside to look,” Apple Bloom continued, “we found Mike inside behind the hay bales. He had bruises, dirt, and his clothes were torn like that. He told us that he didn’t have any ma or pa.”
“He’s an orphan?!” Sweetie Belle gasped quietly.
“Yeah,” Babs said sadly, “But that’s not the worst of it. The reason he had bruises on him, there were some kids bigger than him pickin’ on him for not havin’ a family to call his own. When he talked to the grownups at the school they all went too, the big kids got real mean and beat him up. They then tossed him in a dark alley far away from the orphanage he was stayin’ at.”
Sweetie Belle had tears stinging her eyes after hearing that. She excused herself from Apple Bloom and Babs and trotted over to Mike and Applejack. Spike had gone back over to helping Rarity.
“Mike?” she said getting his attention.
“What is it Sweetie Belle?” he asked. Sweetie Belle wrapped her forelegs warmly around Mike.
“Apple Bloom and Babs told me what happened to you,” she said, “I’m sorry to hear you got picked on.”
Mike smiled at Sweetie Belle and put his arms around her.
“There, I think that should do it,” Rarity said speaking up. She came up to her sister, Mike, and Applejack holding a plaid shirt that had red, yellow, and green colors, blue suspenders, white socks, and a pair of brown shoes in her magic.
“You can go and change in the bathroom just down the hall darling,” Rarity said lowering the clothes into Mike’s hands.
“Thank you Rarity,” he said taking the clothes in his hands. Applejack then guided him to the bathroom down the hall.
“Will you be okay by yerself sugarcube?” she asked.
“Yes,” he said looking back at Applejack, “I’ll be alright.” He then walked in and shut the door behind him. Applejack then trotted back to the room where Rarity and the others were. Rarity suddenly got up in Applejack’s face very quickly.
“Tell me it’s not true!” she said.
“What in tarnation?!” Applejack said suddenly.
“Apple Bloom and Babs told me about Mike,” Rarity replied, “Please tell me it’s not true!”
“As much as Ah hate to say it, it is true Rar,” Applejack said.
“Oh!” Rarity gasped placing a forehoof on her forehead in a dramatic pose, “What a travesty! The poor thing! No wonder his clothes were like that.”
“Well, at least nothin’ll harm him like that here,” Applejack said with a small smile.
“I suppose that’s true,” Rarity said getting back down on all fours, “So where are you all going to next?”
“Well,” Applejack said, “I’m gonna be takin’ him over to see Twilight. Maybe she can ask Princess Celestia what to do ‘bout him.”
“Who’s Twilight?” came a small voice. Everypony looked behind them and saw Mike. His old clothes were piled up in a ball in his hands, and his new ones were fitting him comfortably.
“Wow Rarity,” Applejack said, “That’s some mighty fine work you did there.”
“Thank you Applejack,” Rarity said, “Do those clothes suit you darling?”
“Yes Rarity,” Mike said. He came up to Rarity and hugged her foreleg again. Rarity returned the hug with a smile. After they finished, Mike went over to Applejack.
“Applejack, who is Twilight?”
“She’s one of our best friends, and a princess too,” Applejack explained, “In fact, she was in contact with humans not too long ago. We were thinkin’ about introducin’ ya to her.”
“Really?” Mike asked a little nervous.
“Don’t worry sugarcube,” Applejack said rubbing his shoulder, “We’ll be there beside ya.”
“Okay,” Mike said nodding. Applejack picked Mike back up and put him on her back. She then turned back to Rarity and Sweetie Belle.
“Y’all want to join us?” she asked the two sisters.
“No, but thank you for the offer,” Rarity said, “I have some important orders to fill out.”
“I’ll come along!” Sweetie Belle said bouncing over to Babs and Apple Bloom.
“Make sure you’re back before dinner Sweetie Belle,” Rarity said, “You’re my responsibility while our parents are out of town.”
“I will Rarity,” Sweetie Belle said.
“Need any more help Rarity?” Spike offered.
“I would most certainly appreciate it, Spikey-Wikey,” Rarity said. So the Apples, Sweetie Belle, and Mike exited the boutique, leaving Spike to help Rarity with her important order. But as the ponies and human trotted across Ponyville, they were unaware of a pair of eyes watching them, and the look they had was one of evil.
So, a human has come to Equestria, has it? the owner of the eyes thought to himself, Excellent. He’ll be the perfect tool for helping me get revenge on those two royal sisters.
Applejack, the three fillies, and Mike soon found themselves standing in front of the door to the Golden Oaks Library. Babs trotted up to the door and knocked twice. The door opened to reveal Princess Twilight Sparkle looking pleasant.
“Good morning everypony,” she said.
“Howdy Twilight!” Applejack said. The three fillies however bowed respectfully to Twilight.
“Really kids, none of that,” Twilight said waving a hoof, “I’m still not entirely used to the whole ‘Princess’ thing.” The fillies brought their heads back up and smiled. “So what brings you all by?”
“Well Twi,” Applejack said, “Last night, Apple Bloom and Babs found somethin’ in our barn last night, and we thought we should show you.”
“What is it?” Twilight asked.
“Twilight,” Applejack said turning to the side to show Mike on her back, “Meet Mike.”
Mike looked at Twilight nervously and gave a meek wave. “Hello,” he said.
Twilight was surprised. A human here in Equestria? she thought, Interesting! How did it get here without the portal? It was closed last I remember, and it hasn’t even been thirty moons. She trotted up next to Applejack to get a better look at Mike and placed a hoof over his back. “Hello Mike. My name is Twilight Sparkle. It’s very nice to meet you.”
“It’s nice to meet you too,” Mike said smiling a little bit.
“Hey! Crusaders!”
Everypony looked over in the distance and saw Scootaloo riding over on her scooter. She skidded to a stop, took her helmet off her head, placed it on the handlebar, and walked over to the group.
“Hey Scoots!” Apple Bloom said.
“Where were you all?” she asked, “I’ve been waiting at the clubhouse for...” she paused suddenly when she took notice of Mike. She and Mike stared at each other for the good part of a minute.
“Scootaloo!” Applejack said suddenly, “Mind yer manners, it’s not polite to stare.”
“Right, sorry,” she said sheepishly, “Is he one of those humans you told us all about Twilight?”
“Yes he is,” Twilight said, “This is Mike. Mike, this is Scootaloo.”
“Hey Mike,” Scootaloo said rapidly flapping her wings.
“Hi Scootaloo,” Mike said. Applejack brought Mike down off her back and onto the ground in front of Scootaloo.
“Why don’t you all come inside?” Twilight said motioning them in.
“Sure Twi,” Applejack said, “Ah need to ask for a favor anyway.”
The ponies and human walked inside where Twilight motioned for Applejack to follow her up to her room. Before she reached the stairs however, she felt a small tug on her tail. She looked back and saw Mike looking worried.
“Where are you going Applejack?” he asked.
“Don’t worry sugarcube,” she said, “Ah just need to ask Twilight somethin’. You just stay down here with Apple Bloom, Babs, and their friends, ‘kay? Ah’ll be back in a bit.”
“Okay,” Mike said walking back over to the fillies. Applejack continued to follow Twilight upstairs, where they shut the door behind them.
“So what is it you need AJ?” Twilight asked.
“Well Twi,” she said, “It’s about Mike. Y’see, last night, he told us that he’s an orphan.”
“No parents?” Twilight asked.
“Nope,” Applejack replied, “Ah was hopin’ you could maybe write to Princess Celestia ‘bout this. She would know what to do, right?”
“She might,” Twilight said bringing out a piece of parchment and a quill. “So was there anything else Mike told you?”
“Well,” Applejack said with hesitation, “The condition Apple Bloom and Babs found him in last night was...shockin’.”
“How so?”
“Y’see, he told us that at his school, bullies were pickin’ on him for not havin’ a family to call his own. When he told the teachers ‘bout it, the bullies beat him up and just left him in an alley far away from the orphanage he lived in. Next thing he knew, he was inside the barn lookin’ at Apple Bloom and Babs with no idea how he got there.”
Twilight’s mouth was wide open when she heard that. “My goodness,” she said, “That’s so mean!”
“Ah know,” Applejack replied, “It makes me burn with anger to know that there are some older kids have the nerve to hurt kids younger than them like that.”
“Well, I’m sure Princess Celestia will know what to do about Mike,” Twilight said as she finished writing. She then levitated the scroll next to her to bring downstairs. “Now I just need to wait for Spike to come back and he can send that letter off.”
“Let’s go check on Mike and the others,” Applejack said. Twilight nodded and the two of them trotted downstairs.
While Twilight and Applejack were upstairs...
Mike was a little nervous being around the four fillies without Applejack. Around her, he felt more comfortable, but at least he had Apple Bloom and Babs in the same room with him. They were the ones he first met.
“Ya okay Mike?” Babs asked placing a hoof on his shoulder.
“Yeah,” he said.
“Say Mike,” Scootaloo said coming up to him, “Apple Bloom, Sweetie Belle, and I were talking, and we were wondering if you’d like to join our club.”
“Your club?” Mike asked, “What’s it called?”
Apple Bloom and Sweetie Belle came up next to Scootaloo and Babs, and all four of them took a deep breath and exclaimed, “THE CUTIE MARK CRUSADERS!!!” Mike covered his ears from the yell. After the fillies finished, he uncovered them.
“What’s a cutie mark?” he asked.
“Y’know those three red apples on Applejack’s flank?” Apple Bloom asked him. He nodded. “That’s a cutie mark. It shows a pony’s special talent, and as you can see...” the four fillies showed off their flanks, “We don’t have ours yet, but we’re workin’ on tryin’ to find ours.”
“Can I think about it first?” he asked.
“Sure buddy,” Scootaloo said patting his shoulder, “You just let us know if you’re ready to join, okay?”
“Okay,” Mike said smiling. Soon, Twilight and Applejack came back down the stairs with Twilight levitating a scroll with her magic. “What’s that Princess Twilight?” he asked pointing at the scroll.
“This is a letter I wrote to my teacher and fellow princess, Princess Celestia,” she said putting it on the small round table. “Hopefully when Spike gets back, he’ll send it off to her.
“Oh, and Mike?” she asked him. Mike looked up at her and gave her a questioning look. “Just Twilight is fine, or Twi for short.”
“Okay Twilight,” Mike replied. He then walked back over to Applejack.
“What are we going to do now Applejack?” he asked her.
“Well, Twilight an’ Ah were thinkin’ about introducin’ ya to the rest of our friends,” Applejack replied as she put Mike back on her back.
“Okay,” he said as he wrapped his arms gently around Applejack’s neck.
“Hey Applejack,” Apple Bloom said, “The crusaders an’ Ah need to get goin’. Scoots was waitin’ at the clubhouse for us for our next meetin’ before she came over.”
“Sure Apple Bloom,” Applejack said, “You an’ yer friends go ahead.”
“Thanks sis,” she said, “See ya later Mike!”
The four fillies then ran off to do their usual crusading, leaving Applejack and Twilight behind.
“Well, shall we AJ?” Twilight asked.
“Sure, if Mike’s ready,” Applejack replied looking back at Mike.
“I’m ready,” he said. So the two of them left the library to introduce Mike to the rest of their friends.
For the rest of the day, Twilight and Applejack introduced Mike to the rest of their friends. Fluttershy was the next one they introduced Mike to. She was rather interested at seeing a new creature she had only heard Twilight talk about. While they were there, they had lunch with her as well. Mike was in awe at all the animals Fluttershy had at her cottage. Angel seemed to take a strong liking to Mike when the two were introduced to each other, even though Angel was a bit stubborn at times.
Rainbow Dash was the next one after the three of them were done at Fluttershy’s cottage. Rainbow picked Mike up off of Applejack’s back and examined him all over, gently running her hooves over him, and looking at his hands too. Mike was a little nervous of being in Rainbow’s forelegs, but Applejack assured him she meant no harm.
Pinkie Pie was the last one Mike met. It didn’t start out that well at first, because Pinkie got right in Mike’s face, scaring him, but after Twilight explained to Pinkie Mike’s delicate situation, she eased up very considerably and apologized for scaring him. She even gave him a free cupcake, which he enjoyed.
Later, they arrived back at the library. Spike was inside sweeping the main room when they came in. He looked up and smiled.
“Hey guys,” he said.
“Hello Spike,” Twilight said, “How’d your time with Rarity go?”
“A day with Rarity is always wonderful,” he said dreamily. He then regained composure and continued. “I saw the letter you wrote to Princess Celestia and sent it, by the way.”
“Thanks Spike,” Twilight said smiling.
Spike beamed and was about to continue sweeping, when he suddenly belched. This startled Mike a little bit as he tightened his grip around Applejack’s neck. Applejack noticed and reached a forehoof behind her to rub his shoulders.
“It’s okay sugarcube,” she said, “That’s just how Spike receives letters from Princess Celestia.”
Mike relaxed a little and loosened his grip. Spike grabbed the letter and read it.
Dear Applejack,
I will be stopping by your farm in the evening to see this human you and your family found for myself. I am sorry to hear about what he has been through and I send him my deepest sympathies.
See you this evening,
Princess Celestia
Applejack looked over at the clock to see that it was 4:30.
“Shoot!” she said, “I need to go get Apple Bloom and Babs! If Princess Celestia is comin’ to our farm, we’ll need to make sure were ready for her. See ya later, Twi, Spike.”
“Bye, Applejack!” Spike said, “Bye, Mike!”
“See you both later,” Twilight said as the two of them headed out.
***
Later, after gathering up her sister and her cousin, the three ponies and one human arrived at Sweet Apple Acres at 4:50. With 10 minutes to spare before Princess Celestia arrived, Applejack sent Mike, Apple Bloom, and Babs upstairs to clean themselves up. She then went into the kitchen where Granny Smith and Big Mac were getting things ready for dinner.
“Granny, Big Mac,” she said coming in.
“How’d your day go?” Granny asked.
“Well, everypony got along with Mike pretty well,” Applejack explained, “But now we have Princess Celestia comin’ over to visit any minute now.”
“Princess Celesita, eh?” Granny asked, “Well, let’s get eatin’ then.”
After Mike and the fillies came down, they all had dinner. After finishing up, there was a knock at the door. Babs went to answer it and went wide eyed when she saw Princess Celestia standing there.
“Your Highness!” she said quickly bowing.
“Rise my little pony,” Celestia said to her. Babs lifted her head up and saw Celestia smiling down at her. "May I come in?"
Babs stepped to the side to allow the Princess entry. Celestia walked in, and Babs closed the door behind her.
"Applejack!" she called, "Princess Celestia is here!"
"Show her into the living' room Babs!" Applejack called back, "We'll all be there in a minute!"
"Follow me, Yer Majesty," Babs said. She led Celestia into the living room, where she proceeded to lay out a pillow for her to lay on.
"Thank you," Celestia said smiling as she laid down on the pillow. She then looked back towards Babs as she'd jumped up onto the couch. "You're Babs Seed, Applejack's cousin from Manehatten, correct?"
"That's right," Babs said, "I'm visiting for the whole summer."
Soon, hoofsteps entered the room. Applejack, Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, and Big Mac came in, each of them bowing respectfully at Princess Celestia.
"Hello, Princess," Applejack said.
"Hello, Applejack," Celestia said, "It's wonderful to see you again. Twilight wrote to me about a human your sister and cousin found last night. Where is he?"
Applejack had a look of confusion as she looked around the room for Mike.
"That's weird," she said, "He was right next to me a moment ago."
There was some movement out of the corner of Celestia's eye as she looked over to the living room doorway. She saw a small pair of eyes peeking out from behind, but they ducked behind the doorway when her eyes made contact with them. She called out to the child.
"It's alright, little one," she said, "I won't hurt you."
The Apples all looked over to where Celestia was looking. Mike slowly and hesitantly came out from behind the doorway. He stared at Princess Celestia in awe and fear. He was mesmerized by her colorful, sparkling, and waving mane and tail. He then quickly made his way over to Applejack and hugged his arms around her foreleg as he continued looking at Princess Celestia.
Applejack hooked her free foreleg around Mike and rubbed his back reassuringly. She then looked at Princess Celestia. "Princess, this is Mike," she said. "Mike, this is one of Equestria's rulers, Princess Celestia."
Mike didn't say anything as he continued looking at the tall alicorn but waved slowly. Princess Celestia smiled.
"Hello Michael," she said, "It's a pleasure to meet you as well."
Mike was surprised that she knew the full version of his first name. Celestia lifted a foreleg and motioned for him to come closer. Mike looked at Applejack unsure if he should or not, but a nod from Applejack said that he would be okay. Slowly, he let go of Applejack's foreleg as walked towards Princess Celestia. Celestia gently wrapped her foreleg around him and brought him in for a hug. Mike suddenly felt relaxed as Princess Celestia hugged him. He returned the hug and smiled.
"It's nice to meet you too, Princess Celestia," he said.
***
Meanwhile, at the Golden Oaks Library, Twilight and Spike were just finishing up their dinner. While Spike was cleaning the dishes, there was a knock at the door. Twilight answered it and saw the Princess of the Night standing at her door.
"Princess Luna!" she said quickly bowing.
"No need for that now, Twilight Sparkle," Luna said, "You are a princess now too, don't forget."
"Right," Twilight said standing back up, "Force of habit. So what brings you here?"
"Something that may danger Equestria greatly," she said gravely.
"What do you mean?" Twilight asked curiously.
"An ancient evil, someone Celestia and I have thought to have beaten long ago has returned," Luna said, "And I sensed it when the young human Applejack found arrived."
"Who is it?" Twilight asked.
"I shan't say his name, because if you do, he's there in an instant to strike you down," Luna said, "but he is very dangerous. He's the only one who's given me and Tia a run for our money in using the Elements. But there is a common factor he shares with young Michael."
"What's that?" Twilight said getting a little nervous. Luna took a deep breath and looked at Twilight very seriously.
"They're...both from the same world?" Twilight asked incredulously.
"Yes," Luna said nodding, "You see, a long time ago, shortly after we had defeated Discord and imprisoned him in stone, there came a time of great darkness for Equestria, and the source of that darkness was an evil spirit that could control any and all darkness no matter what it was.
"There was however one exception," Luna continued.
"And that was?" Twilight asked.
"Me," Luna replied simply, "He had gone through many attempts to manipulate me and control me to use me against my sister, but I refused to play his mind games, no matter shat he tried."
"So, what happened?" Twilight asked somewhat nervously.
"He ended up using my sister agInst me instead," Luna replied, "In fact, it's partly the reason ponies back then basked in the day and slept through the night after the whole ordeal was over. They became afraid of me and the night itself.
"I had to use the Elements of Harmony to cleanse my sister of the darkness that spirit plagued her with, and sent him to the world Michael is from into a deep sleep. That is when our subjects back then began to fear me. And you know what happened some time after that."
Twilight nodded her head. She did indeed know.
"Keep a watchful eye on Michael, Twilight," Luna said heafing towards the library door, "For I fear that spirit may attempt to use a young vessel for an easier advantage."
"I will, Luna," Twilight said with a nod.
Luna nodded back at Twilight and left the library.
***
After talking with Mike, Princess Celestia pulled Applejack into a private conversation.
"What's wrong, Princess?" Applejack asked.
"Applejack," Celestia began, "My sister has alerted Twilight and the others on this matter, and now I must inform you: an ancient evil Luna and I defeated long ago has returned, and I fear he may try and take over Equestria again."
"Who?"
"I can't say his name, because when you do, he's right there in an instant," the princess replied gravely, "He is very crafty and will pull out every trick up his sleeve to ensure his victory. And what's more, he is from the same world young Michael is from."
"What?!" Applejack exclaimed.
"Shh!" Celestia shushed suddenly, "You don't want to scare Michael, do you?"
"Oh, right."
"Now, you'll need to keep a close eye on Michael until we capture this villain," Celestia instructed, "Never let him out of your sight."
"Ah swear Princess," Applejack said with a determined look in her eyes, "Ah'll keep Mike safe until this is resolved."
"Thank you, Applejack," Celestia replied, "Tell Michael that I wish him the best."
"Will do," Applejack replied with a smile. Celestia then walked out of the Apple Family residence and began her flight back towards Canterlot. After closing the door, Applejack checked the clock and saw it was time for the family to get to bed. Apple Bloom, and Babs walked out of the room with Big Mac behind them. Michael was on Apple Bloom's back already fast asleep. Granny however was absent.
"Where's Granny?" Applejack asked.
"She fell asleep on her rockin' chair again," Apple Bloom explained. Applejack smiled and shook her head. She then walked over to Apple Bloom and took Mike onto her back. The group then trotted upstairs to their rooms where they all lay down for bed. Before Applejack fell asleep though, she felt Mike's arms wrap around her just below her neck as he snuggled into her. Applejack smiled down at the little child and kissed his forehead.
"G'night, Mike," Applejack said as she closed her eyes.
***
At the other end of town, where Scootaloo stayed with Rainbow Dash whenever her parents were away, the young pegasus filly kept finding her mind wandering back to the little human she had met that morning. Whenever she thought about him, she kept getting this strange feeling in her chest.
"What are these feelings I'm getting?" she asked herself as she sat in her bed looking out the window at the moon, "Am I... no, that can't be it. I can't be in love, can I?"
The more she thought about it, the more her brain hurt. She kept asking herself if she was really having feelings for Mike. Eventually, she decided to think about it tomorrow. Right now though, she needed to get some sleep.