> Zap Apple Jam > by TheBronyRun > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- > Yeeeup! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Go fish!” Spike smirked as a young purple maned pony drew a card from an old deck. It had been a beautiful day, with the spring flowers beginning to bloom and the temperature rising. It had been a week now since the annual Winter Wrap-up, and the Pegasi were doing a wonderful job keeping the skies clear. Bringing just enough rain to keep the ground perfectly moist, and tomorrow she would help her friend Applejack fertilize the roots the family orchard. For generations, as far back as the beginning of Ponyville, the Apple family had been running Sweet Apple Acres. They sold apple products of all kinds, apple pie, apple cobbler, apple turnovers, etc. but their most famous product was Zap Apple Jam, a delicious jam made from a strange magic apple tree that was a key factor in the creation of Ponyville. Running the farm was a big job for them, and Twilight remembered what had happened the last time Applejack had tried to run the farm on her own. It ended badly to say the least. So every year since, Applejack would ask Twilight to help her plant the fertile compost into the roots using magic. It made the job quite a bit easier, and so Twilight agreed. “Spike, I think we should go to bed.” Twilight yawned. Spike had beat her three times already at the card game. “Alright. I’m exhausted now that you…“ Spike began but as usual fell asleep on queue. Twilight smiled and magically lifted the little dragon to his basket where he contently curled up and slept. “He’s got the right idea.” Twilight mumbled to herself as she turned out the light and crawled into her bed. “I need to rest up for tomorrow anyways…it’s going to be a big day.” She had no idea. *** “Spike, I’m headed out!” Twilight called as she opened the door of her library. Spike nodded and continued cleaning up the bookshelf like he had been doing as the book-smart mare closed the door and headed into the quant, yet beautiful town of Ponyville. As she walked, she smiled. She loved it all, with the fun of Pinkie Pie in Sugarcube Corner, and then Rarity’s clothing store, and she thought about the hard work Rainbow Dash must be doing and how Fluttershy was probably doing something nice for the animals. They were all great, and Twilight would say without a second thought that the place was boring without them all. As Twilight thought, she almost passed the arched entrance of the path to the farm. She laughed at this and quickly trotted off down the path. She arrived in front of the Apple house to see Applejack and her brother, Big Macintoch. He was an odd stallion, Twilight had thought. He never said anything but “Yeeeup!” or “nnnnope!” and sometimes in kind of annoyed Twilight. Her thinking was interrupted by Applejack yelling to her. “Well hey there, sugarcube! We were waiting for you!” Twilight smiled. “Sorry to keep you waiting! Having a good day, Macintosh?” She called over to him politely. “Yeeeup!” Applejack looked at twilight. “Ready for a long day?” Twilight nodded. “Let’s do it!” *** They finished the short walk down the dirt trail and looked over the hundreds of apple trees, just beginning to bloom there flowers. “Twilight, you know the drill. If you would start over in the East Section, Big Macintoch can take the middle and I will take the west. We will break at, say, noon?” “Sounds good!” Twilight replied. “Yeeeup!” Macintosh replied again. And so Twilight split with the others, rolling her eyes at Big Macintosh for his ridiculous lack of vocabulary. The three hours until noon were full of hard work, but Twilight enjoyed it because she got to test new ways to accomplish her goal. Being the scientist book-nerd she was, it was very fun for her to experiment. Whether she levitated the dirt and made the compost fly under it, or she placed it on top and vibrated the ground so in mixed in with the dirt, or she simply forced it into the ground like worms. She was just about done with three dozen trees when Big Macintosh came over. “Is it noon already?” Twilight asked incrediously. She quickly bit her words, because she realized she had just given him an excuse to say… “Yeeeup!” He replied happily. Twilight had had enough of it. “Okay, that’s IT! Why do you always say that?! It drives me crazy! At first it was just odd, but funny, but it’s become extremely annoying! Why can’t you say anything worth saying?!” She instantly felt bad. Big Macintosh looked at her, shocked. He didn’t know what to say. He never felt a reason to say anything else…there just wasn’t a reason! Was it really annoying anyone? “I….I don’t know…” He sputtered. “Macintosh, I’m sorry. It doesn’t really annoy me, its just…weird! I want to be your friend, but I know so little about you because you never say anything but ‘yup!’ and ‘nope!’ and it’s just odd.” Twilight said, hoping to fix her stupidity. “I’m…I’m sorry I’ve made you mad. I want to be your friend too, Twilight! I…I guess I just haven’t felt a need to say anything else…but I hate making ponies upset.” He said sheepishly. “Macintosh, honestly it doesn’t anger me. I don’t know why-” Twilight started but was interrupted by a confused and frustrated Applejack. “Y’all comin’ or what?” she tapped her hoof impatiently. “Yeeeu-er, Sure thing sis!” Macintosh quickly corrected and glanced sheepishly at Twilight. *** The rest of the day went well. They had finished the job, and Applejack promised to give twilight a free bucket of the first apples of the year to show her thanks. Twilight was glad to help, but she couldn’t get something out of her mind. Why was it such a big deal to Twilight that Big Macintosh never had shown any of his feelings to her? I mean, a normal pony would just have thought he wasn’t a good person to befriend and let it be. But Twilight instead kept hoping he would say something, and he only did when he was confronted. But why was this such a big deal? Why was Twilight so persistent with Macintosh when she hadn’t done anything of the sort with anypony else? This question troubled her for the entire walk home and kept her awake. There was one thought that had crossed her mind and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t get it to leave. Was…Was Twilight attracted to Big Macintosh? Sure, outwardly he was a nice stallion, his mane was dirty…but somehow in a good way. The red fur all over him was unusual, but it suited him. But…was there more to this then just what she thought of his looks? > He Speaks! > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Well hey there Sugarcube!” Came Applejack’s typical greeting. “Hey Applejack! And hello to you too, Macintosh!” Twilight tried to hide the anxiety in her as she greeted the red stallion. “Hey Twilight!” He called back, smiling. It had been a month since Twilight had helped fertilize the apple tree roots. There had been a night-and-day change in Macintosh. He actually was fun to be around, and he spoke with real phrases and sentences. The more Twilight talked to him, the more she was fighting a growing affection. He was kind, and not some tough guy who never opens up. He actually was similar to Applejack in some ways. He was very honest, and quite open with his mind. But what really got to Twilight is the fact that he had a soft spot for her and she knew it. Not a romantic one has far as she could tell, but more like he was grateful she put in so much effort to be his friend and also because she had opened a door for him he hadn’t known was there. Macintosh loved talking. Not as much as, say, Pinkie Pie, but it was nice to share his opinions and feelings, while before he just bottled it up. It felt odd he hadn’t considered being open before, considering everyone else already had discovered it, but he felt free from a burden. The best part for him was that he had people who liked to hear him talk. Applejack was shocked, but happy at his change. She loved to hear his opinions, and she listened intently. Twilight of course listened a lot as well, and he loved having friends like them. He had never experienced a true friendship like they offered, and he savored it. So, as a result, Big Macintosh, Twilight and Applejack formed a close trio. They were all three close, and while Applejack and Twilight shared things with each other that you just can’t share with boys, they mostly all knew each other deeply. “So what do you two want to do today?” Twilight asked happily. “Well, Big Mac and I have to ask Rainbow to give our orchard a shower, but other than that we are not really doing anything. So maybe we could go and hang out with the others? They haven’t seen the change in Big Mac, and I think it’s something big enough to share.” Applejack said thoughtfully. “Knowing Pinkie, there will probably be a party to celebrate it this weekend.” She smirked. And so, they headed back to the mass of Ponyville. “Where to?” Big Mac asked, again grinning like a fool for speaking. His smile made Twilight melt, but she denied it even to herself. “How about Sugarcube Corner?” “Alright!” Applejack agreed. They opened the door to the sweets shop and bakery to be met by a very excited Pinkie. Of course, Pinkie is always excited, so it did not really count. “Hey guys! How have you been? I have some amazing news! The Cakes are making a cupcake for me!!” Pinkie spoke so fast that her words slurred and she acted like it was a winning lottery ticket. “Isn’t that awesome?!” “Yes Pinkie, it is!” Twilight said, chuckling inwardly. Good Ol’ Pinkie Pie. “I’m so happy for you, Pinkie!” Big Mac said, again grinning like a fool. Pinkie’s jaw dropped and she, for once and probably the last time in her life, was speechless. “Did…did you just say something other than “Yup!” or “Nope!”? Did my ears actually just hear that?” “Yeeeup!” He said and winked at Twilight, who again was denying a skip in her heart. Pinkie slowly made a huge grin. “So…your…like…talking now?! Ohmygoshthisisgreatthereisgoingtobeapartycomethisweekendpleasepleasepleaseplease!” Pinkie screamed excitedly. “Did I hear a party somewhere in that?” Applejack asked, obviously saying “Called it!” in her own secretive way. “Yes yes yes! There must be a party! To celebrate a new beginning for Big Mac!” Pinkie said as if it was obvious. Big Mac just grinned. Twilight couldn’t help but notice the grin, and she grinned herself uncontrollably. She tried to surpress it before someone noticed, but too late. Pinkie saw Twilight glancing at Big Mac and trying to suppress a smile. Pinkie suddenly glanced between Twilight and Big Mac, gears obviously turning in that spastic mind of hers. As the trio turned to leave, Pinkie whispered into Twilights ear. “Good luck!” Twilight turned around to see Pinkie, who was leaning over the counter near her face. Pinkie winked and smirked as the three left the shop. The others were basically just surprised to see Big Mac talking, but it was normal. However, the whole time Twilight was fighting a losing battle against herself liking Big Mac. She was Applejack’s brother! It would be weird to like him like that, wouldn’t it? But the sun was setting, and they were all getting tired. They decided they would just take a walk in the park before turning in. As they walked, they were pretty much silent. Twilight kept glancing at Big Mac. He was such a good looking stallion! But he was still the brother of her best friend. She couldn’t let a crush develop on him! But fate didn’t have that in mind. Big Mac suddenly stopped. “I need to say something,” He began. “ever since I began talking, I’ve experienced a new feeling. The feeling of true friendship. Applejack, you’re my sister, and I’m so glad we are as close as we are. Not all siblings get along as well as we do. And Twilight, Thank you for knocking some since into my head! Without you, I would still be that clueless idiot I was a month ago. You’re a true friend, and that means a lot to me.” After a short silence, Applejack nuzzled his neck. “I’m glad too, Big Mac. I am too.” Twilight grinned. Secretly, her brain was at civil war. I don’t want to be just friends! One part of her brain said. The other part kept whispering a warning. She’s your best friend's brother. Do you know what this could do? But at this point, there was no stopping it. Frustration winning, she nodded to Big Mac to show that she was happy to hear it (even though she wasn’t) and suddenly started tearing up. Oh no, this wasn’t happening. Not on her watch. Suddenly, she turned around and ran, leaving other Big Mac and Applejack in shock and confusion. But there was only one thought that rang in her head. I love Big Macintosh. Her brain screamed. > The Party > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “Okay, Twilight. You can do this. It’s just a little party and they are my best friends.” Twilight spoke forcefully to herself in the mirror on the wall. “Suck it up!” Three days had passed since she ran away like a little idiotic foal. Her friends, especially Applejack and Big Mac, were all confused and worried. She even had kicked Spike out, saying “She needed time alone.” Twilight had locked herself up in shame. Why on Equestria did she run away like that? Although, in truth, she knew the answer. She loved Big Macintosh, despite her worries. What worries, you might be asking. Well, where to begin? Well, for one she was worried that she would find herself admitting her feelings to Big Mac and he wouldn’t love her back. And then she also was worried that she might never work up the nerve to confront him and spend forever loving him in cowardice. But those are the childish, obvious ones. Then there is the more serious one. She was worried that Applejack would find it weird that Twilight was dating her brother, and that it would form a barrier between them. But either way, she had to worry about her current situation. She hated that she had probably scared her friends half to death by her silly action, and she was making her first public appearance since she ran away. She heard Pinkie Pie through the door accidently blurt how the rumor of her running had spread like wildfire, which she quickly caught and walked away, thinking she better leave before she said anything else stupid. She was going to apologize, and hope that they will understand why she can’t tell them why she ran. Only Pinkie new her secret because of her uncanny deduction skills, but Twilight made her promise not to tell the others. She even did a Pinkie promise. But now was the time to go, so she left her tree library and headed to the Town Clubhouse to the party. “Here goes nothing.” She muttered as she opened the door to the clubhouse. It was a full house, not necessarily because of Big Mac’s huge step in life but because it was a Pinkie Pie Party, which automatically means its good to say the least. There were streamers and balloons, cake and a banner that said “Congratulations Big Macintosh!” and there was music playing with stage lights streaming around the room. It seemed a bit like a nightclub actually, but more innocent and young. And there they were, huddled around a small table. Rainbow Dash, Fluttershy, Pinkie, Spike and Rarity. And then there was also Big Mac and Applejack. Twilight kind of laid low, unsure of what she was going to say, but she wanted to hear what they were talking about before she greeted them. She played it on the less obvious side, dodging out of the way and staying unnoticeable from the crowd as she worked her way past tables and balloons and other party “essentials,” according to Pinkie As she approached the table, she ducked behind a different table and listened. “…if she’s doing okay. I still wish I knew what was happening. Are you sure you have no idea why, Spike?” Rainbow Dash asked. “For the last time, I have no clue! You’ve asked that at least a dozen times guys!” Spike replied in frustration. That made Twilight feel bad. Spike did nothing, and she shouldn’t have kicked him out. It was a very bad call, and he’s probably mad. One more thing on the list to explain and apologize tonight. “Sorry, Spike. We know you’re as worried as we are.” Rarity said. Applejack still had the same confused look she had had the night Twilight had ran. “I…I just don’t understand what happened. One minute we were havin’ a nice peaceful, content walk, the next she’s cryin’ and runnin’ away! What did I say?” Applejack choked up. “Sis, I don’t know what Twilight is upset about, but it isn’t you!” Big Mac comforted her. At that moment Twilight stood up and walked over to the table.“H…Hi guys.” She said sheepishly. They just sat there, wide eyed and confused, expecting her to explain herself. She just looked back, a guilty smile on her face. After about a minute, she gave in. “Okay…FINE. I’ll talk! I…I’m not going to tell you why I ran. I just can’t, I’m sorry. But none of you did anything wrong! I’m fine now, please don’t worry about me.” She said harshly. They still were shocked, wide eyed and silent. Pinkie was trying not to laugh. What, did she think this was cute? Twilight glared at her to stop and Pinky did. “Please understand guys, I’m sorry I did this to you all!” Twilight pleaded with her friends. Applejack stood up, blank faced, and walked over to Twilight. Twilight felt really guilty, but she was relieved to see Applejack come to her until… “Oof!” Twilight winced at the blow to the face by Applejacks hoof. Twilight’s eyes watered in sorrow and then Applejack hugged her. “Don’t ever to that to me again! You hear? I’ve never felt so bad in my life!” Applejack sobbed, obviously relieved. At this point everypony came and hugged her, all smiling, relief in there faces. She felt very awkward when Big Mac gave her a hug, but she certainly wasn’t complaining. “Can I come home now?” Spike asked pleadingly. “Of course Spike!” Twilight quicklym apologized and hugged the little dragon. “Aw gross get off me!” He squirmed. Twilight giggled and Spike smiled. The rest of the party went well. Pinkie ate an entire half of the cake and Rainbow Dash bragged about her flying skills, as usual. But they all left early, feeling emotionally drained with relief and happiness at Twilights well being. Twilight could tell they were all curious why she ran, and a bit nervous she would have a breakdown like Fluttershy would have, but they didn’t push. They were just happy to have Twilight back. They all gathered outside the party in the night air.They all said goodbye to Twilight and one-by-one they all left. That is, all but Applejack and Big Mac. “Twilight, please, I know I shouldn’t ask this, but I have to know! What happened that night?” Applejack asked desperately. Big Mac nodded his agreement. He wanted to know just as much. “Please…don’t make me tell you. I...” She was silenced by the hurt look on Applejacks face. “Forgive me…” Applejack said. She obviously thought she had hurt Twilight in some way, and it built up more emotional pain over the three days. Apparently enough to bother even her. “Applejack you really did nothing! And neither did you, Big Mac!” Twilight said desperately. Applejack suddenly grew stern. “Then why, Twilight?! How could everything have been going fine and then go south so quickly?!” She stomped her hoof. “I’ve spent the last three days in agony, thinking I had hurt you somehow, and you won’t even do me the good of telling me the real reason? Not even a ‘”sorry”?!” She looked angrily at Twilight. “I’m your best friend, Twilight, but you’re keeping a big secret from me, of all people, and I’m worried. I just thought we were closer than that.” “Please…” Twilight began desperately “I’m done.” She ran away like Twilight had, leaving Big Mac and Twilight alone. “….Big Mac, Are you mad too?” “…No, just worried, Twilight.” He said solemnly. “I’m glad to have you back, I just wish I understood why we lost you in the first place.” And with that he turned and started to walked away. “….Because I…I…I love you!” She squeaked quietly. But he heard it. He stopped dead in his tracks, frozen. Slowly he turned around, wide eyed and mouth open. Oh, this is it Twilight. Life as you know it is over. She said miserably. She was right. “Y-You what?” He sputtered incredulously. “I-I love you…” She repeated in a more normal, but extremely hesitant voice, Silence. Lots of it. It went on forever before he grinned. “I…I love you too, Twilight.” Her mind exploded. “R-Really?!” “Yeeeup.” > Finding Applejack > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- “What do we do now? I mean, the others will take it well I think, but what about your sister?” Twilight asked. “Twilight, she’s my sister. She’s your best friend. My sister isn’t a pony who gets jealous like that.” “…..Okay.” Twilight sighed. She was too happy to worry. Although she didn’t mean to come clean, especially this early on, it all worked out. “Promise me you won’t tell Applejack about us unless I’m with you.” “I promise, Twi.” Twi…the nickname sent shivers up her spine coming from him. She walked up and hugged him. “I’m glad I told you my heart.” “Me too.” He said and hugged her back. *** “Let’s do it today.” Twilight said, closing her book. It had been a week since the confession at the party, and still only two of their friends knew their secret. One of which was Pinkie Pie, who of course figured it out the moment she saw her the next day. She threatened to make another party for them, of course. And Spike knew as well. It was hard to hide it from him when Big Mac spent hours chatting to Twilight, moon eyes gleaming. Spike wasn’t stupid. He guessed on the second day. “You two are dating, aren’t you?” The question was more of an accusation than an actual question. “Um…no….maybe…” Twilight stuttered, taken off guard. “Yes.” Big Mac winked at Twilight. “I knew it!” Spike said triumphantly. “But don’t tell anyone, we aren’t coming out with it yet!” He said pleadingly. He hesitated. “That includes Rarity, Spike.” Twilight told him, suspiciously raising an eyebrow. “My lips are sealed.” Spike gave them a thumbs up and walked into the kitchen, chuckling. But back in the present, today was the day they planned to tell Applejack. And then they could move on to the others.However, Twilight was more than worried. She was terrified that this would come between them. It’s not that she expected Applejack to get mad or anything, but like before she was still nervous it would be awkward and damage their friendship.They walked down the dirt path to the Apple farm. The house was in sight, but as they approached there was no sign of Applejack. “She’s probably out working the orchards.” Big Mac suggested. Suddenly Applebloom and the other Cutie Mark Crusaders came sprinting down the path. “Hey Twilight! Hey Big Mac!” They all said in turn. “Hello, girls! Have you seen Applejack?” Twilight asked them. “Nope!” and “nah.” and “Sorry, no” was there answer. “Alright!” Big Mac said. “If you see her, tell her I’m looking for her.” “Okay!” they said in unison, and took off into the woods toward there clubhouse. After that, it was all tedious hours of searching. She wasn’t in the Orchard, not at the apple stand and not at the house. “Where is that girl?” Twilight asked the world in frustration. And then it clicked. What if she…. Twilight suddenly ran off, startling Big Mac. “Twilight what the-?” but he gave up and quickly followed. They ran and ran, out of Ponyville, past her library, past Fluttershy’s shack, and into the Everfree forest. Twilight slowed to a fast trot, nervous of being in the forest. Big Mac took this opportunity. “Twi…why are we in the Everfree forest?” Twilight stopped. “Because Applejack is here.” And with that she continued her fast paced trot down the worn, dark trail ignoring the noises of the foul beasts. About ten minutes later, Big Mac realized she was right as she heard the frustrated mumbling of her sister from…where? Twilight obviously knew. She stepped into a clearing, leaving Big Mac behind a bush. A clear pond formed from a stream as beautiful as a mountain river. You could see fish of all kinds. There were flowers splashed here and there along the shore. Applejack was sitting, head down, obviously muttering insults about Twilight in her frustration. “Applejack?” Twilight said softly. “What do you want?” She replied bitterly. “To tell you what I couldn’t say before.” Twilight said, a bead of sweat now forming. The day of searching had gone slowly, but for some reason she never thought of how she would say this. She had to do it delicately and pray it all goes turns for the best. But, of course, it didn’t. Applejack’s mood changed. She looked up suddenly. Twilight, don’t. I feel like I’ve overreacted…I mean… I know I’ve overreacted. It’s your secret and I don’t know why I pressured you like that.” “Applejack-“ “Twilight listen to me, you don’t have to-“ “Big Mac and I are dating.” Twilight blurted. The look on her face was not possible to describe. Shock. Amazement. Confusion. She simply couldn’t process it. “That was my secret, I loved your brother and I couldn’t say it.” Twilight admitted. Big Mac stepped into the opening from the brush, grinning sheepishly. Poor Applejack was losing it. She was so confused, and she couldn’t handle it. Just as Twilight began to think it was all looking up, Applejack exploded. “You’re dating?! My brother?!” She said in anger. “Yes! What’s wrong with-“ Twilight said, taken aback. “What’s wrong with that?! Twilight you used me!” Applejack said furiously Wait, wait, wait, what? Used her? Twilight did nothing of the sort! “What-I-no-how?!” Twilight sputtered in confusion. “You got close to me so you could get close to my brother! Don’t act innocent! Twilight, your terrible!” and with that Applejack ran again, leaving Twilight and Big Mac in confusion. Twilight just stood there, staring where Applejack had been. Big Mac stood behind her, trying to figure out what to do. Twilight collapsed and sobbed, a heap on the ground. “Twi…” Big Mac started. “Leave me alone, please” She said, voice quivering. And with that Big Mac left the pond in the Everfree Forest. He was going to have a talk with his sister. > Granny Smith's Story > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack fought back a tear. What was wrong with her? It wasn’t like her to overreact like that! She was a strong pony emotionally. But Twilight had been her best friend for over a year, and she had become especially close to her in the last month. How could it all have been a lie? She couldn’t take it and as she ran down the path to her home she let out the first in a series of tears to come. How could Twilight stoop so low? Applejack had truly trusted her. Her bookish friend new so much about Applejack, and it killed her to have poured so much into Twilight just to find she never really cared. It was cruel. She hopped onto her bed, and let the tears come for a while. She was taking it really hard, which was not normal for her. But nonetheless she cried for at least a half hour. Finally she stopped. Pull yourself together, Apple! She thought. Life goes on! She turned around to face the door to her room, to see Granny Smith in the doorway. “Sweetie, what’s wrong?” The old pony asked, concerned. “Twilight is a…oh!” Applejack choked up again. Pull it together, girl! “She used me, Granny!” Applejack said angrily. “She used me to get close to Big Mac. They’re dating.” There was an awkward silence for a second. Finally Granny Smith spoke, confused. “Twilight, use anypony? I find that unlikely!” She looked thoughtful. “Why do you think that?” “Because she’s dating Big Mac!” Applejack exclaimed, like it was a stupid question. “But are you sure she liked him when you two became so close?” Granny asked. Applejack hadn’t thought that. Why hadn’t she thought that? It was obvious thought, she felt somewhat block headed. But what if this was false hope? That seemed more likely, or at least safer. “Granny, why would you even say that? Don’t you understand what I’m saying?” Applejack said in frustration. “More than you know.” Granny said. She walked over and sat on the bed next to Applejack. “When I was a bit older than you, I had a best friend named Flame Sparks. She was very, very talented at all things fire, as her name would suggest. We were as close as anypony ever got. But I had another close friend, mind you he was my friend, who was a handsome young stallion. Well, Flame apparently liked him and he liked her back, so they started…’dating,’ I think they call it now. Anyways, I did exactly what you’re doing. I accused her for being my friend to get close to my colt friend. I was so mad I wouldn’t believe her, my best friend. And so our friendship died, and she dated the colt for a few months, and it ended. “Well, she moved away, and it wasn’t until years later that I considered that she may not have been using me at all. The more I thought what she had said the day I confronted her about the colt, the more it seemed likely that she had indeed not used me. To this day I feel terrible, and I always will. It was wrong of me to do that to her, especially since I now believe with everything in me that she was innocent. To this day I still wonder what I missed my being so thickheaded.” Granny looked out the window. “I don’t want you to go through this one day.” Applejack at this point was in a battle with herself at this point. Twilight was so kind, and she felt the truth in her voice. There friendship wasn’t a lie. But then, had she ever really known Twilight to be able to judge that? “But…what if she was using me? It will be worse. I mean, maybe I should explain what happened? It seemed so obvious that she was using me at the time. She came to talk to me, to tell me about her new relationship with Big Mac.” Granny Smith looked at Applejack, expecting her to continue. After a few seconds Applejack said “Well? What do you think?” Granny raised her eyebrows “That’s it? Applejack you’ve been raised better than that, smarter than that!” Granny was obviously shocked. Applejack was confused. “Wait…what?” “If she was using you, she wouldn’t have come looking for you! Thought of that?” Granny looked at Applejack in astonishment at the young farmer. Applejack hadn’t thought of that, in fact. Why was she so stupid as of late? She missed the obvious and cried when she normally wouldn’t have, what was with her? But either way, Granny was right. Twilight probably didn’t use her! And Applejack hadn’t even given her a chance to explain herself! Applejack had even called her terrible! “Granny, I need to go!” Applejack said suddenly and jumped off the bed, running down the stairs. All she could do is hope she could repair the damage she had done. Granny Smith watched the young filly run out the door and smiled. “Good luck, sweetie.” Suddenly a series of howls in the now forming sun set. “Sounds like it’s about time for the Zap Apples!” *** Big Mac walked down the street with a purpose. How could his sister have been so thick headed? How could Applejack have jumped to such a conclusion?! Twilight would never do such a thing, and Applejack knew it! He was halfway to his home to talk to her when suddenly he saw Applejack herself running straight to him. Go ahead, come. I’m going to knock some sense into that empty head of yours. He thought angrily. How dare she hurt his Twilight? “Big Mac!” Applejack skidded to a stop. “Where’s Twilight?!” “Last time I checked she was sitting in the Everfree Forest, lying in a heap crying thanks to you. What is wrong with you?!” He said angrily. “I know, I know! Please help me find her! I’ve been an idiot!” She pleaded. “O-Oh, um…okay?” He said startled. “I guess lets go find her.” They headed back in the direction of the forest. Big Mac was still really confused, but going with it. They were about to enter the forest when suddenly Twilight and the Cutie Mark Crusaders suddenly ran out, knocking Applejack and Big Mac on their backs. “Oof!” they said. “Twilight! I need to talk to you!” Applejack yelled. “Later Applejack, just run!” and she kept running. Applejack and Big Mac had just gotten up from the ground when suddenly a dragon rose its head from the forest directly above them. “Run!” Twilight screamed from up the trail. > The Fight for Ponyville > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Applejack didn’t need to hear it twice. She flew down the path back towards Ponyville, running side-by-side with her brother. She ran and ran, running out of breath as the fire breathing dragon flew above them, terrorizing the animals and threatening the lives of the six ponies running on the path. It was easily sixty feet long and as it flew it appeared to have a wing span of about a hundred feet. It certainly wasn’t harmless, with his jagged, gleaming midnight black scales, lightning shaped horns down his spine and two feet long claws. This was a Everfree Forest dragon, it wasn’t like the one in the mountain from before. Any creature from the Everfree was a danger to everypony. “Twilight!” Applejack cried. “What, Applejack?” She sounded impatient, mostly because she didn’t want to waste stamina on talking. “In case something were to…happen…to either of us, I want you to know I’m sorry! I shouldn’t have accused you, and I know I was wrong!” Applejack shouted, dodging a beam of flame from the dragon’s roaring mouth. Twilight looked back for a moment, relief and joy in her eyes as she made eye contact with Applejack. This was short lived, however, as the dragon came back to their minds. They quickly refocused all their attention to the dangerous matter at hand. Twilight was thinking hard. The stun spell might work, but it would be hard on such a massive creature. Maybe the sleep spell? No, he is too excited. How about…no….maybe I could….definitely not… Twilight desperately looked for a spell to save them, but to no avail. This was it. They all were sure of it. The Cutie Mark Crusaders were all crying as they ran, all wishing they could just make it home and cry in their beds. Applejack was furious she couldn’t have fixed her friendship with Twilight. Twilight and Big Mac were thinking that they had had so little time together, and it was sad to have lived such short lives. Because, you see, there wasn’t much to be done about an Everfree dragon rampaging about Ponyville. At this point, it was obvious that the ponies of Ponyville saw the dragon. From where the six desperate ponies were they could see the horrified expressions of the citizens, all frozen and few managed pull themselves together and run away. This was bad, how many ponies might die today? Twilight thought, horror striking her as she bolted even faster. The dragon looked like it had just found a candy shop that gave away its product. Ponyville had so many things to take, and so many ponies to kill and eat. It was heaven. He roared a victorious roar and made a beeline for Ponyville. “Hiiiiyah!” Rainbow Dash came flying out of nowhere and kicked the dragon in the eye, surprising the evil dragon and making him furious as he favored his eye. “How dare you?!” a deep, echoing voice said in fury. “Because of what you have done, I will personally hunt down your friends and family and make sure they suffer. Agony, emotional torment and pain, oh so much pain. More pain than your puny little brain can fathom. All before I kill them! They will know it was you who did this to them!” The dragon screamed and opened its eye, which was bloodshot and grey. Rainbow Dash had blinded him in that eye! But Rainbow Dash didn’t feel very accomplished. You could tell that the dragon’s words had intimidated even her, and she was hesitant to continue her assault. Too hesitant. Thwap! Rainbow Dash was batted out of the air and landed in a nearby tree, groaning and slipping into unconsciousness. Oh no! She was our best hope! Twilight thought, desperately trying to come up with another plan. Suddenly, an idea sparked in Twilight's mind. “Applejack, do you have any rope?” Twilight asked, praying she did. “No, why?” Applejack asked like rope was the last thing they could possible want right now. “Because you could lasso its wing and stop its flight!” Twilight called back. Applejack looked doubtful. “even if we did have rope, that’s a hard shot!” “Actually, we do have rope!” Big Mac said as he reached into his saddlebag. Twilight, Applejack and Big Mac all stopped. The Crusaders did not, which was a good thing. Big Mac quickly gave the rope to Applejack. “Here goes nothing!” Applejack shot the rope with everything she had. Missed. They ran a bit to catch up with the dragon, who was just outside of fire breathing range on the first buildings of Ponyville. Applejack brought in her rope for a second shot “This is my last try before it’s too late!” She warned and let the rope fly.That was one of the slowest moments of there lives, watching the rope fly through the air towards the dragon’s wing. And then successfully lassoing it. Anypony could see the terror in the dragons eyes, even the grey one. Its wing’s leathery surface was twisted by the rope, forcing it to lose lift. Slowly it uncontrollably dived sideways. But it knew its attackers. A ball of fire, a fury unknown to any creatures existence. It flared in the dragons eyes as it sped towards the ground. Unleashed fury. Flame. All headed straight for an unsuspecting Applejack. It all happened in slow motion. Twilight, noticing her friends imminent danger, her quickly casting a teleportation spell directly in front of Applejack. And then the flame hit. Pain, agony, no words were strong enough to describe the instant of impact, as the massive ball of flame ripped Twilight’s body to shreds, barely saving Applejack. The last thing Twilight remembered was Applejack on the ground, burned, but definitely able to recover. And then everything went black. > Waking Up > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Twilight woke to find herself in a white room, with two beds. She was aching in her entire body, and as she tried to move she realized her entire body except her muzzle and right eye were bandaged. She was hurt badly. Twilight’s minds quickly began to race. What if she had been permanently damaged? Or worse, what if she just woke up temporarily, and was going to die? What if her organs were shutting down and this was one last futile attempt to revive her? Twilight panicked. Was she going to die? “Eep!” the very thought made her squeal with terror, raising the head of Big Mac, who had been sitting in a corner solemnly waiting. “Twilight!” He quickly rushed over to her side. “Am I going to die?!” Her normal check-of-worst-case-scenario attitude was showing. Big Mac smiled. “No, Twilight. You were out for four days. You will be out of here in about four months. You will be moved even be able to walk in about a month.” But then he suddenly grew grave. “But, Twilight…you…well…you’re not…” He couldn’t finish.The doctor said she wouldn’t be able to tell because of the bandaging. He honestly didn’t know how she would take it. “I’m….I’m not what?” Twilight looked at him, obviously worried. Big Mac just looked at the floor of the hospital. “Big Mac, whatever it is, I can take it.” She assured him. What could be so bad? But the moment she thought this, the possibilities flooded in. Was she missing a leg? She new she could mend scars with her magic easily, but an entire leg? Or what if her horn had come out? She couldn’t do magic without a horn! Big Mac looked up. “Your blind in your right eye.” Twilight’s one free eye grew wide. “….oh.” So that was it. Never in history had there been a spell to restore a damaged eye. How badly would this affect her vision? She knew that everypony had two eyes so they could see three dimensional images, so that was obviously going to be a change for her. But what if she somehow lost the quality of color? She loved seeing her purple mane, and the beautiful blue and yellow of the spring flowers. She looked at Big Mac. She loved Big Macs beautiful orange mane, and his short red fur. She looked him over. He was still as wonderful as ever, and at the moment that was all that mattered. Big Mac looked worried. She seemed to be taking it pretty hard from his point of view. But all of his worry was shattered by Twilight’s next words. “I love you.” She said. Big Mac grinned in relief. “I love you too, Twi.” ***A few minutes back…*** Applejack awoke. She had had the strangest dream that a dragon had attacked Twilight and Big Mac and herself. Then she opened her eyes to see a white room. Where was she? A hospital, maybe? Its appeared so. And then it clicked. The dream, wasn’t a dream. They really had been attacked by a dragon! She played the event over in her mind, and suddenly grew worried when she remembered the last part when Twilight had saved her. Twilight! Where was she? What if she….hadn’t made it? The thought made Applejack shiver with terror. She would never forgive herself if Twilight had died to save her, never! Especially after how she had treated the unicorn! She was so worked up that she actually almost started crying again when suddenly… “Eep!” A familiar voice from somepony in the bed next to hers. “Twilight!” Another familiar male voice came. Applejack raised her head just enough to see Big Mac rushing over to the pony next to her. It was Twilight! Thank Celestia! Applejack thought. So Twilight wasn’t dead. But she didn’t look to good. Her entire body was wrapped in casts, her muzzle was burned and she had almost no fur left on what remained visible. Only her muzzle and her left eye were not bandaged. “Am I going to die?!” Twilight asked Big Mac urgently. “No, Twilight. You were out for four days. You will be out of here in about four months. You will even be able to walk in about a month.” Applejack couldn’t tell for sure because his back was facing her, but it appeared Big Mac smiled as he said this.But Applejack saw a large change in his demeanor suddenly. “But, Twilight…you…well…you’re not…” He silenced.Oh no. Applejack had never heard Big Mac sound so….worried. What was wrong? “I’m…I’m not what?” The unicorn asked nervously. Big Mac didn’t say anything. Spit it out! What’s wrong with Twilight! Applejack pleaded in her mind. “Big Mac, whatever it is, I can take it.” Twilight promised. Big Mac looked Twilight straight in her face. “You’re blind in your right eye.” What? Twilight was blind in one eye? Applejack was horrified. It was all her fault, and she knew it. If she hadn’t gone to the Everfree Forest then the dragon probably wouldn’t have attacked in the first place then neither of them would be hurt. And Twilight would still have both eyes. There was a pause, and then Twilight broke the silence. “I love you.” “I love you too, Twi.” Big Mac smiled. He leaned down and kissed Twilight full on the lips. After a second of this, he backed off and smiled. Twilight smiled back. “Awwwwww!” Applejack suddenly teased, feeling somewhat relieved because her friend was taking it so well. Both Twilight’s and Big Mac’s heads flew to Applejack, who had a smirk on her face. Twilight and Big Mac both blushed (although you could barely tell so on Big Mac) and grinned sheepishly. “You’re not mad at me anymore?” Twilight asked hopefully. “Of course not! I was on my way to apologize when we were attacked. And how could I be mad at you after you saved my life?” Applejack said. Twilight looked relieved. It was good to have her best friend back. Suddenly a familiar face limped in through the door at the far end of the hospital room. “Hey guys!” Rainbow Dash said, favoring her bandaged torso and broken leg. “Rainbow! It’s great to see your okay!” Twilight said. “Wish I could say the same for you…” Rainbow Dash exclaimed as she examined the damage done to Twilight. “Are you going to recover completely?” “Well, I’m blind in one eye,” Twilight said. Rainbow Dash looked shocked. “Oh Twilight! That’s awful!” Twilight smiled. “its fine, Rainbow, as long as I have all my friends.” And as if on queue Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy and Spike all walked through the doorway. “You most certainly do.” Rarity said. Now seems like a good time Twilight thought. She might as well get it over with. “Big Mac? Do you think it’s time?” Twilight asked him. He nodded. As her friends looked at her and Big Mac curiously, Twilight began. “Everypony, I have an announcement. Big Mac and I are dating.” A moment of surprised silence ensued. All were quiet except for Pinkie and Spike who high-fived, giggling. They already had known of course. Rainbow Dash was the first to reply. “That’s awesome!” The others quickly grinned and nodded their agreement. Suddenly Granny Smith walked through the door as well. “Big Machintosh, the Zap Apples are bloomin’! You and Applebloom need to go harvest them!” She said urgently. Big Mac looked between his sister and Twilight for a second, and then, he painfully agreed and left. Applejack and Twilight smiled at each other. It was worth losing my eye to get this friendship back. Twilight thought happily. > Walking Again > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- A month had passed since the dragon attack. The Cutie Mark Crusaders confessed to everything, how they had followed Big Mac and Twilight into the Everfree Forest for the fun of it. How they got sidetracked by a cave in a large hill on the trail the couple had taken. How they had gone into the cave and accidently awoken the dragon, who quickly attacked them. Twilight had heard the attack and ran to find out what was going on, only to find the Crusaders running for their lives out of the cave with the dragon following closely. The dragon noticed Twilight and in the end Twilight found herself running side by side with the terrified Crusaders. An then there was the story of how Princess Celestia herself had shown up and stopped the dragon, who was furious at having been thrown to the ground. Princess Celestia had apparently used her magic so powerfully that the dragon had been thrown almost to the other side of Equestria. And then in turn Zecora had also heard the commotion of the dragon attack and had rushed to Ponyville only to find Twilight about to bleed out from her nearly lethal injuries. Zecora had poored a concoction on Twilight that help her blood in so she could survive. And then how Big Mac and carried Twilight and Applejack all the way to the hospital, which was at least two miles away in only about five minutes, a record time. Twilight, despite her terrible pain and lack of the ability to move, had enjoyed being in the hospital. She had gotten to talk to Applejack, and they had truly overcome the incident between them. Big Mac had come to visit every day after they had harvested the Zap Apples, which Applebloom and Granny Smith had eagerly turned into one of their best batches of jam ever. But now, today was the day. The day Twilight could finally get the stiff casts off and walk. She would still have to have cloth bandages, of course, but she would get to walk! To move! It was going to be wonderful! “You ready?” Applejack asked. She was now only wearing a bandage around her stomach, and she would be out in two weeks. “Very, very much.” Twilight replied as she used her magic to give Applejack back her hat. Twilight had used her magic to patch up what little remained of the farmers beloved headwear. Applejack stood up. She still loved being back on her hoofs, since she hadn’t been allowed to walk for the first week either. It wasn’t until after the week that she really appreciated the simple things in life like that. Finally the nursepony came in. “Ready, Ms. Twilight?” “Definitely.” About a half hour later, Twilight was out of her plaster prison and her burnt flesh finally exposed to air. She winced as she say where skin graph after skin graph had been done and where the smaller wounds were beginning to mend. She wished she had the strength to use a healing spell so she could get out of the hospital, but she was just happy she was going to be fine. There was one part Twilight was nervous about, however. Today was the day she was going to take off the bandage over her eye. What was she going to look like? Would she even be able to recognize herself? She glanced uneasily at the small mirror she would look in and see what remained after the bandage was removed. “Alright, Ms. Twilight, I’m going to take the bandage off your face now.” The nursepony announced. “Okay.” Twilight said nervously. Twilight closed her one good eye. The bandage came off. Applejack gasped. For an instant there was a flash of white and blue, and then…it was gone. Carefully Twilight opened her bad eye. Nothing. It was dark. Her bad eye saw….nothing. Twilight swallowed hard at this, and opened her good eye just in time to see the nursepony hold the mirror to her face. The sight Twilight saw was unbelievable. In the mirror, she saw that only small patches of her purple fur remained. She had bald patches all through her mane, and several burns running down the side of her face. Scars were forming all over her. But that all could be fixed with her magic. What couldn’t be fixed, was her grey right eye. She swallowed again as she looked into her lifeless, useless right eye and thought it ironic when a tear came from it. Twilight, you saw this coming. Pull it together. She thought to herself. “Could be worse.” She told her friend. “Twilight I know you. It’s okay to be scared.” Applejack comforted her friend. “I-I know.” Twilight sighed. “What if I start getting funny looks? I really don’t want that.” “Then I will beat up whoever hurts you.” Big Mac said from the doorway. Twilight smiled in surprise. “Hey honey!” Big Mac waved, smiling his sympathy. “Okay, now are you ready to walk?” The nursepony said kindly, setting down the mirror. Twilight sighed again. “Yes.” Slowly she rolled right side up. One cloth bandaged leg after another, she stepped onto the cold plate floor. She stumbled a bit. As she found out, a pony really can lose the ability to walk. She stumbled several times, but every time she regained her balance. It didn’t bother her that she was so clumsy, she could walk again! And though it hurt a bit because the cloth rubbed her stitches, she was still able to flex her muscles and move! It was wonderful! As Applejack watched her friend’s joy at walking, she noticed Big Mac’s eyes. She saw a sight she had never seen in them, a true love. Not a family love, but a true, honoring, adoring love. She saw this and smiled. But at the same time, it confused her. Big Mac and Twilight were complete opposites! How could they be so…perfect for each other? She walked past Twilight to Big Mac. She wanted to hear his opinion on this. “Big Mac, can I talk to you for a minute?” Applejack asked. “Sure thing, sis.” He said. They walked into the hall and Applejack explained her confusion. “I don’t see how you two are so perfect for each other, I mean she’s so bookish and you can barely read!” Big Mac smiled. “Well first of all, sis, I can read very well, thank you. But as to your confusion, look at it like this.” He pulled a jar of the Zap Apple Jam from his saddlebag. “We are like Zap Apple Jam, me and Twilight. Zap apples on their own have too much static electricity on the inside to eat. The other ingredients in the Jam are…well, disgusting without the Zap apples. Twilight is the Zap apples, and I’m the ingredients. Twilight is so wonderful on the inside, but without some help she can’t show the true wonders of her personality. She’s scared and self conscious. As for me, I would still be that failure of a stallion I was two months ago. If I hadn’t had Twilight to help me, I would still be just plain ol’ sugar and stuff. Without me, Twilight would never show her true potential. Together, when we mix, we create a wonderful bond that helps us both be our true selves. We become something worth knowing about. I know that sounds prideful, but Twilight has truly changed my life. We truly are like the ingredients and the Zap apples. In an odd way, we really are Zap Apple Jam.”He finished with a happy grin. “huh.” Applejack said. “That’s something I hope to have one day. If I find a stallion that treats me half as good as you treat Twilight, I will have found a great pony.” She nudged him. “Now, I think it’s about time you answer something for me.” Big Mac said. “How did Twilight know where you were in the Everfree forest?” Applejack smiled. “Do you remember when Twilight and I first really started getting close?” Big Mac nodded. “Well, if you remember, we typically would disappear for hours at a time on the weekends. We discovered that place, while we were being stupid one day and taking a dare from Pinkie Pie to spend an entire three hours in the Everfree. Obviously we did, and we found that beautiful clearing with its pond and stream and spent most of the three hours there. It was a blast! After that it became a spot for us, where we would go quite often. Our friendship grew there as we talked and hung out. The secrets we told there….well…let’s just say they are staying there. It was there that we really became best friends.” Applejack smiled. “We always will be best friends. Which is why I will kill you if you break her heart.” Big Mac smiled. “I certainly won’t be the one to end it if it ever ends, but I somehow doubt it will.” They were interrupted as Twilight stumbled out of the room. I feel like this is a whole new beginning for all three of us. Applejack and Big Mac looked at each other for a second, and then Big back looked over to Twilight. “Yeeeup.” > Epilogue > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Epilogue Twilight looked nervously into the mirror. Rarity really had done an amazing job. Twilight looked great even with her grey eye! Rarity had dabbed some makeup on her and. But the real work was the white dress she wore. It was long, and it waved in just the right areas to make it quite majestic. Rarity had taken a Fire Ruby and smashed it into hundreds of bits, which she refined and mounted all over the dress. The tiny gems were just the right size, making Twilight live up to the Sparkle in her name. she looked…well…like a better Twilight. Today is the day. Twilight thought, sighing in anxiety. After another few seconds of Twilight being lost in thought the door to the small, blue walled room she was in opened. “Hey Sugarcube!” Applejack grinned. For once, Applejack didn’t seem to mind being in a dress. Not that she looked thrilled about it, but she wasn’t complaining. “Hey Applejack.” Twilight said with a happy sigh. “Your dad is just outside, ready to take you when its time.” Applejack assured. She closed the door. “What’s going on in that head of yours?” Twilight looked at her friend in the mirror. “I’m so happy, Applejack! Nervous, but happy!” she grinned a large grin. “Well you certainly look ready for it! I never saw a prettier wedding dress in my life, and you know how I am about dresses…” Applejack sighed slightly at the last part. The door opens again. One by one, the other girls walk in. Rarity, Pinkie, Fluttershy (Who was panicked about being in front of a crowd) and Rainbow Dash. They all smiled, nodding their approval of Rarity’s work. “Wow, Twilight! You look awesome!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed. “Yes you do!” Fluttershy said, still a bit more pale than usual. “Thanks girls.” Twilight said, a grin stuck to her face. They talked for a few minutes, but all of them were mostly just excited for Twilight. After all, she was marrying Big Mac today. Suddenly Cherilee walked in. “It’s time!” They all started to walk out, but Twilight stopped Applejack. “I need to tell you something.” Applejack looked at Twilight with a raised eyebrow. “It must be something important to hold up your wedding!” “It is.” Twilight said. “I wanted to tell you that I appreciate you being my Maid of Honor.” Applejack blushed slightly. “Well you are my best friend…” “But you still believed me two years ago when I lost my eye. You still fought for our friendship. And to be honest, I had been worried that Big Mac would come between us, but I’ve never felt closer to you, A.J. You’re my best friend, and it means a lot.” Twilight smiled. Applejack smiled and nodded. “I’m glad I trusted you back then. This is a moment I wouldn’t have missed for the world.” And with that Cherilee came in and looked at them impatiently. “I’m a teacher, not a wedding planner! Would you two come before my delicate schedule shatters?” And so, they left the room. First the Bridesmaids walked in. Applejack was leading the way and Fluttershy was trying her hardest not to cower. Twilight’s dad walked her down the Aisle, almost crying every step. He delivered her to a very breath taken Big Mac, who was nicely groomed and in a tuxedo. He smiled at her, trying not to show how nervous he was. The ceremony was short, and Twilight kept glancing over to see Shining Armor and her parents smiling, obviously struggling not to cry. This was not helping Twilight keep her cool, so she turned her complete focus back to those deep, loving eyes she saw every time she looked at Big Mac, the love of her life. Finally, the question was asked: “Big Macintosh, Do you take Twilight Sparkle to be your lovingly wedded wife?” Big Mac gulped and grinned the largest smile he ever made. “I do.” “Twilight Sparkle, Do you take Big Macintosh to be your lovingly wedded husband?” Twilight sighed happily, her very presence radiating her surprised joy. “I do.” WRITERS NOTE: Thank you all SO MUCH for the support on my first MLP Fanfic! I was very sad when I finished this, but all good things come to an end as someone pointed out to me earlier in this story. I enjoyed writing this and hearing your critiques, and I hope you will join me on my other fanfics I will soon be writing! Thanks again! ~TheBronyRun > Regarding sequels > -------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hey guys! Quick note. I am writing a sequel of Zap Apple Jam called Sparkling Apple. This story is about Twilight’s and Big Mac’s daughter who is just entering marehood and finds love in a stallion she had known for years but took little notice of in any way. I will be releasing the first chapter or two quite soon, so be ready! While it does focus on the daughter, Sparkling Apples (Spark for short) It doesn’t forget the romance between Twilight and Big Mac. They will be continuely developed along side the romance of there daughter and the friendship between Applejack and Twilight will also be kept. Thanks again! -TheBronyRun UPDATE: Sparkling Apple has been released! Link: http://www.fimfiction.net/story/65596/Sparkling-Apple