A young Applejack, excited to finally help out in her family's business, meets a friend who will change her life forever. Follow Applejack's journey, as she meets her friends, grows up, and becomes the mare she was meant to be.
In the Apple family, there comes a time when a filly or colt is granted more responsibility in their family business. When Applejack reaches this age, she couldn't be more ecstatic. She has always dreamed of helping out, to grow up. She is given the responsibility of running the Sweet Apple Acres stand on market day. While running the stand, she meets a friend who will change her life forever. Follow Applejack as she meets her friends, grows up, and becomes the mare she was destined to be.
The serene, dewy April sunlight shone on the sleepy town, illuminating it with an embrace of warmth. The uncharacteristically warm day welcomed the ponies of Ponyville into a preview of a summer day, and the mares and stallions of the town rubbed the sleep out of their eyes and stood to accept the sun's embrace.
The day provided a rare opportunity to enjoy the early sunlight, and the town began to stir and hum. Market day was upon them, and those who woke early rushed to set up their booths, and awaited the hordes of customers.
Applejack sat up in bed, after hearing the rooster crow. The eager filly hadn't slept a wink, in anticipation of her first time running the Apple family's stall. She glanced outside, to the sunrise peeking over the mountains, a watercolor painting in her window frame. The orange filly yawned, stretched, and bounded out of bed. She stopped by the door to plunk a too-big Stetson on her head, then bolted out of her bedroom.
"Mornin' Granny, Big Mac, Applebloom," she whispered. The butter-yellow foal in her grandmother's arms lay sleeping, and she didn't want to wake her up.
Granny Smith looked up at her. "Mornin' Applejack. You sure you're ready for such a big job?" She asked.
"Yes sirree. Ah've been waitin' for this long as ah can remember." She glanced down at her flank and smiled. Standing out boldly on her coat were three ruby colored apples, a gift from destiny she had received not too long ago. "Doncha' think, Big Macintosh?"
The rich red colt sat in a corner of the room. Always a pony of few words, his simple response was "Eeyup."
"Alrighty. Let's getta move on then." She adjusted the Stetson, which had fallen over her eyes, hugged her granny goodbye, and ran outside.
"C'mon, Big Macintosh! We can't be late now!" she called, running down the path. She glanced back at him, pulling the cart of Apple family wares. "Oh. Alrighty," she mumbled, remembering how heavy it was. She fell into step alongside her brother.
"Wha' was yer first day runnin' the stand like?" she asked.
"Busy. Fun, I s'pose." Big Macintosh adjusted the stalk of wheat in his mouth and continued his steady plod down the dirt road.
Applejack glanced at him, a little bit shocked. He rarely said anything besides "Eeyup" or "Nope."
"Well, I guess it wasn' a yes or no question," she thought to herself. They walked in silence for a while. Just before another question escaped Applejack's lips, they came upon Ponyville. Though Applejack came to school here, she didn't really spend time with the town fillies. Mostly, she stuck with Carrot Top, who worked on a farm outside of town, like her.
She saw her friend coming into town with her parents. "Hiya, Carrot Top!" she called to the orange-maned filly. Carrot Top waved, and returned the greeting. Applejack ran to catch up with Big Macintosh, who had begun to pull the cart to its designated spot. Excitedly, she began to pull the goods off the cart and set up the stand.
A few minutes later, the stand was set up. Applejack released a happy sigh at the sight of the Sweet Apple Acres sign. It was finally about to happen. "You gonna do the shoppin'?" she called after her brother.
He turned to face her. "Eeyup," he replied showing her the list in his hoof.
"Seeya, Big Mac!" She turned to face the market and grinned. Her dream was about to begin.
The mid morning rush was coming in tidal waves. Residents of the town, who hadn't needed to get up early, were swarming the market, getting their groceries and swarming like bees in a hive. Applejack had fallen into a rhythm; Greet, assist, check out, remind to come again. Like clockwork. Applejack was sitting down, taking a much-needed rest, when a pastel yellow pegasus filly about her own age approached her.
"Um... I-I'd like to buy some apples, if you don't mind," she whispered, so quietly it was barely audible.
Applejack looked up. "Howdy! Thank ya' very much for choosin' us. What kinda' apples wouldja like today? Anythin' in partic'lar?"
The filly squeaked and hid behind her soft pink mane. "I-I'd like some... Um, R-red delicious, if thats ok. And two apple fritters, please."
Applejack gave her a concerned look. The poor thing was shivering. "Sure thing. The name's Applejack. Don't worry, I don't bite." She gave a reassuring smile.
A round, sea green eye appeared from behind the mane. "I-I'm F-Fluttershy." She gave a small, nervous smile.
"Nice to meetcha, Fluttershy." Quickly, she put together Fluttershy's order and helped put it in her saddlebag. "Anythin' else I can help y'all with?"
"Um... Yes, there is one thing," She whispered. "I'm new here. I moved from Cloudsdale." Fluttershy rustled her wings slightly. "I don't know anypony, and I don't know my way around much. You're the first friend I've made. C-could you help me?"
"O'course, Sugarcube. Where are you livin'?" Applejack inquired.
"Out by the forest. With my animals." She gestured slightly to the cutie mark adorning her flank. A trio of pink and green butterflies graced her yellow coat. "I take care of them. That's how I got this."
Applejack glanced at the clock. It was nearing noon, time for her lunch break. "Tell y'all what. Let's go grab some lunch, then I'll show y'all around a bit."
Now both eyes emerged, and a real smile appeared on Fluttershy's lips. "Okay. I'd like that."
Applejack changed the sign on the stall to CLOSED, and the two new friends left the market and trotted down the road. They talked and laughed, setting the foundation for a wonderful friendship that would last a lifetime.
The two friends took their seats at the restaurant, sitting outdoors in the glorious noon sunshine. The fillies were enjoying a lighthearted conversation, talking and laughing. Fluttershy even seemed to be coming out of her shell a bit, no longer hiding behind her mane, and a twinkle was inhabiting her eyes.
A white-coated waiter approached them, their bill in his hooves. "May I take that away, Madame?" he asked. Applejack looked down at her plate, which was inhabited by a barely nibbled sandwich and a half-eaten portion of hay fries.
"Well shucks. Looks like ah was too caught up in talkin' to put somethin' in ma belly. Oh well." she handed her plate to the waiter, who bowed slightly and whisked both her and Fluttershy's plates away. A few moments later, he returned with her check. She put the bits on the table, thanked the waiter, and the two companions left the restaurant.
"Well, that's the bakery," Applejack announced, pointing a hoof at the colorful building to their left. "The Cakes run it."
Fluttershy nodded. Applejack continued,"This is our lendin' library, where y'all can check out books n' such."
"I do like a good book," Fluttershy whispered softly. "Especially about animals."
"Well, tha's mighty fine. Y'all can get a library card anytime. Miss Cherilee, the librarian, would be pleased as punch to help y'all. She's a'tryin' to get her teachin' certificate."
The yellow filly smiled. "I'm sure she would be a wonderful teacher. She sounds quite nice."
"Indeed she is, Sugarcube." the two fillies continued their steady stroll, passing landmarks along the way, which Applejack pointed out.
The orange filly's ears picked up a slight whistling sound. Was it just her, or did it sound like it was coming closer...?
"LOOK OOOUUUT!" called a fearful voice behind them. Applejack grabbed Fluttershy and jumped out of the way, just in time to see a cyan and rainbow blur shoot past her eyes. The blur, en route to the ground, plowed large furrows in the earth next to them.
The blur stood up, slightly dazed. She was a pegasus filly, like Fluttershy, with a cyan-colored coat and a choppy rainbow mane. On her flank was a cloud, with a curved rainbow lightning bolt coming from it. Her disoriented rose-colored eyes spun for a moment, then returned to their normal state.
"Oh, Rainbow Dash... You scared me..." mumbled the yellow filly, who's heart was racing.
"Hiya Fluttershy. How's Ponyville?" Rainbow Dash, the cyan filly, asked.
"G-good. How's Cloudsdale and flight school?"
"Same old, same old." The cyan filly turned her attention to Applejack. "Sorry about that. I was practicing."
Applejack raised an eyebrow. "Fer what?"
"Y'know, the Wonderbolts. Gotta be the best of the best." She flexed her wings. "And I will be, when I'm grown up and they let me join."
"I bet ya' will be. The name's Applejack." She stuck out a hoof.
She gave it a vigorous shake. "Rainbow Dash. So you know Fluttershy? We were in flight school together, until she came here."
"Yeah, we had lunch and ah was showin' her 'round. Yer welcome ta join us."
"Sorry, I gotta keep practicing. We can hang some other time. Seeya!" she shot off, once more a prismatic blur of colors.
"Well, that was... Exciting," mumbled Fluttershy, still slightly dazed from her scare. She brushed her mane away from her face, and the two continued walking.
The sun started to lower. Applejack glanced up at the sky. "Geez, ah can't believe the time. I gotta skedaddle on back to the stand now. I'll come find ye tomorrow, then? There's still a lotta Ponyville for ya to see."
Fluttershy gave a nod. "I'll see you in school too." She gave Applejack a quick, grateful hug. "Thank you so much."
"Any time, Sugarcube. See y'all tomorrow!" A merry grin glowed on her features.
"I have to go tend to my animals. See you then." Fluttershy gave a timid smile, waved, and trotted towards the woods. Applejack began to walk slowly back towards the stand, smiling unconsciously.
The sun, now resting towards the edge of the horizon, signaled the end of market day. She began to pack up what remained of the stand, and Big Mac returned with full saddlebags. The two began to load the cart, with the remaining goods and the box full of bits. The load was considerably lighter, making things easier for Big Macintosh and signaling a good day's sales to Applejack. The siblings began to walk along the path, back towards their home.
"Ah made some new friends today. Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash. They're pegasi," Applejack said. "Ah showed Fluttershy around town, and we ate lunch and stuff."
Big Mac nodded and adjusted his stalk of wheat. He was glad Applejack was making friends with the town fillies and colts. He was always too shy.
The two ponies walked side by side, in a peaceful silence, each preoccupied with their own thoughts. Time seemed to speed up, and they were soon at their door. Big Macintosh pulled the cart around and began unloading, and applejack raced in.
"Granny, Granny, ya won' believe what happened-"
"Shhh." Granny Smith sat in a rocking chair, slowly rocking back and forth. "Yer sisters asleep. Come tell me about your day, sweetheart."
Applejack sat next to her grandmother. "Ah met a filly named Fluttershy, and another filly named Rainbow Dash. They're mah new friends. Ah showed Fluttershy around town and stuff. Oh, and I ran the stand real well." She puffed out her chest with pride.
"That's great, hon. I'm real proud of you." She gave Applejack a hug, and continued. "Its time for little fillies to go to sleep, though. You've had a long day. There's some dinner for you and your brother in the kitchen."
Applejack walked into the kitchen. Sitting on a plate was a slice of apple pie. Her stomach rumbled, remembering her barely eaten lunch. She dug in, wiped her mouth, and placed her dish in the sink. She ran back into the living room.
"G'night, Granny. Love ya!" she gave her grandmother a big hug.
"G'night, sweetheart. Sweet dreams."
Applejack tiptoed up the stairs, remembering her sleeping sister only a room away. She stepped into her room, hung her Stetson on a hook by the door. Only then did she realize how exhausted she was. Yawning, she flopped down on her bed and closed her eyes. She fell into an instant peaceful sleep.
An hour later, Granny Smith came up the stairs and peeked into Applejack's room. The deeply sleeping filly lay curled up, her blankets strewn every which way. She tiptoed in and fixed the covers around the filly, tucking her in. She Gave her grandfilly a kiss on the forehead, smiled, then left her to sleep the best sleep of her life.
A week had passed, and Applejack and Fluttershy had spent much of the time in each other's company. The two had explored Ponyville top to bottom together, having a series of childhood misadventures, and becoming closer. Fluttershy had come to Sweet Apple Acres a few times, and was no longer as shy around Applejack's family. The two loved being able to run around, and Rainbow Dash even visited a few times.
There was one thing that Applejack found peculiar. Fluttershy never mentioned her family, or who she lived with. She had never even been to Fluttershy's cottage. It worried her, but she never brought it up.
The two fillies were in an orchard, playing tag in the rows of trees. They had just finished lunch, and were excitedly running unending patterns in the rows of plants.
Applejack stopped, out of breath. Fluttershy snuck up behind her. "Tag," she whispered, "You're it."
"Ya got me. I'm just a lil' bit outta breath." Applejack sat down. Her friend sat next to her. "What's your place like?"
Fluttershy looked a little startled from the sudden question, but quickly recovered. "Oh, very small. It's a quiet little place where I can take care of my animals. We all live there together."
"Who's 'we'?" Applejack inquired giving her a concerned glance.
"Me and my animals. Its very nice." Fluttershy put a hoof over her mouth, having realized her slip-up. Her eyes shut tightly.
"Fluttershy. We're friends. Can you be honest with me?" Applejack asked, in a serious tone.
She nodded unable to speak. Tears had begun to form in her eyes.
"Are you livin' all alone in tha' cottage?" Applejack asked, putting a concerned hoof around the yellow filly's distraught shoulders.
A dam broke in Fluttershy's heart, and the tears spilled forth from her unendingly. "Y-yes, I am."
"Oh, Sugarcube, I'm so sorry. Don't you worry a bit. Ah won't tell nopony. Trust me." Applejack wrapped her best friend in a tight hug. "Wha' happened?"
"My mama... She was sick. We didn't know what happened. One day she was teaching her class at the kindergarten, the next she couldn't move. We tried everything, took her to so many different doctors. None of them knew what was wrong. One mentioned a faraway city, with cures and doctors like nowhere else. My papa flew off to there, hoping to save Mama. She-" a sob escaped Fluttershy's throat, and she continued, "She didn't make it. I was there, holding her hoof. She told me she loved me more than anything, that I was going to be a beautiful mare someday. Then... Then... She left. I didn't know what to do, where to go. She had always been the best thing in my life. I was so lost. I didn't know what to do. But I did know one thing. She would want me to get an education. She was a teacher."
Applejack nodded. She had lost her parents too, Not too long ago. The pain wasn't nearly as fresh as Fluttershy's, but she understood. A tear trickled out of the corner of her eye.
Fluttershy continued, "I went to flight school, after the funeral. My papa still hadn't returned, and I feared the worst. But I stayed in school, like Mama would have wanted. I couldn't fly nearly as good as the other fillies and colts. I'm... Scared of heights. Weeks passed, and Papa didn't return. I cried and cried, having lost both Mama and Papa. One day, some colts were teasing me, cuz I couldn't fly real well. That's when I met Rainbow Dash. She stood up for me. They raced her, and I fell off a cloud. Some butterflies broke my fall. I fell in love with the ground, and the animals. I got my cutie mark, and I knew I was meant to stay. I found my cottage, empty, abandoned, and moved my stuff here. And then I met you." Fluttershy grinned a tearful smile.
"Oh, Fluttershy," Applejack whispered. The two friends wept as one, locked in a tight embrace. "I lost my parents too. It'll be ok."
Summer was almost upon them, but school still remained. Fluttershy's grief was no longer as strong, and she decided it was time for her to return to school, a mixed school of unicorns, pegasi, and earth ponies, where she wouldn't be teased because of her flying. Applejack decided to walk her. After all, it was her first day.
The orange filly met her friend at her cottage, near the edge of the woods. Fluttershy ran out to meet her. She looked very pulled together and neat, with her schoolbooks carefully tucked in freshly ironed saddlebags. In an effort to be a little more brave, she had pinned her mane back with a barrette. Though she appeared composed, she was still a grieving, falling apart filly on the inside. She was shivering, much like when the pair had first met.
"It's okay, Sugarcube. No need to be so scared, now. It's just school 's'all," Applejack reminded her trembling friend. "School starts in fifteen minutes. We should hurry."
Fluttershy nodded. The pair began their trot down the lane, towards the school. "Were you scared on your first day?" Fluttershy said softly.
"I was a tad bit fright'n'd, but ah new that ah would make some friends. Don' worry, ya will too."
The two walked into the school courtyard. Fluttershy caught curious eyes staring at her. Many of the ponies had stopped, and were fascinated with the sudden appearance of the new pony. She whimpered and took out her barrette, causing her soft pink hair to cascade in front of her eyes. She seemed to shrink, and kept her eyes to the ground.
They walked into the schoolhouse, and went up to Mrs. Sunny Smiles, Cherilee's mother and the teacher. She was a kind, light pink earth pony with a white mane that had bright raspberry colored streaks. Her cutie mark was a sun with a big smile.
She wore a smile on her face, that matched the one on her flank. "Ah, you must be Fluttershy. Applejack here told me about you. I hear you moved from Cloudsdale."
Fluttershy nodded. "Yes Mrs. Smiles. Applejack told me about your daughter, Miss Cherilee. I met her and she was very nice. She gave me a library card."
Mrs. Smiles gave a good-natured chuckle. "Ah, yes. Like mother, like daughter. Anyways, Fluttershy, this is your desk," she said kindly. She patted the timeworn wooden desk affectionately. She pointed a hoof at a honeycomb like wall of compartments. "That one in the corner is yours. You can put your books there. I'm sure you'll get along with the other fillies just fine."
Fluttershy smiled. She already liked the teacher.
"Alright, my little ponies, it's time for recess!" Mrs. Smiles was almost run over by the tidal wave of children that followed. "I'll ring the bell when it's time to come in!" she called after them.
The pair of fillies walked into the uncharted territory of the schoolyard. Openly staring faces bored into her soul, and Fluttershy kept her face hidden. So many unfamiliar fillies and colts she didn't know. Keeping her eyes to the ground, she trudged next to Applejack.
Her hooves tangled, and the next thing she knew, she was in the dirt, on her face. Her cheeks glowed a cherry red as she stood up.
A couple of unicorn colts approached them. "Hey look, it's Klutzershy!"
No... Not Klutzershy.... Anything but Klutzershy...
Immediately she was launched into a flashback, back when Hoops and his goons teased her. Now ponies were laughing at her, pointing, chanting.... Klutzershy.
"Hey! Stop it ya hooligans! Didn't yer ma's teach ya any manners?! Leave here alone!" Applejack shouted. She put a hoof down. She tried her best to look intimidating.
The colts just laughed. "Ha, now the hick's defending her!" their ringleader yelled. Applejack was also red, but with anger, not embarrassment. Fluttershy was weeping silently behind her mane.
"I do say! Such barbarism! Treating ponies in such a manner is just... Just... UNCOUTH! How dare you insult this poor filly with your crude insults?! I am ashamed to share a species with you... You... BARBARIANS!" A snow white unicorn filly stomped right up to the lead unicorn colt. She flipped back her elegant, curled royal purple mane and gave him a look so fierce it could rip a soul in half. "You're lucky I don't tell your mother, Silver Spell. Wouldn't she be ashamed?"
Silver Spell's eyes were wide with shock. The trio of colts backed up, slowly, cursing their stupidity.
"Darling, are you alright?" the filly asked brushing Fluttershy's hair away from her face. Seeing her tears, she whispered, "Oh, no!" She flipped back her mane once more and wrapped Fluttershy in a hug.
She pulled away. "I'm Rarity. And you're Fluttershy? Welcome to our not-so-welcoming institution of learning." she rolled her eyes. Applejack noticed a trio of diamonds sparkling on her flank.
Fluttershy nodded. "H-hi."
Applejack walked up to Rarity. "That was amazin', Rarity. Thank ya."
"Applejack, you are most certainly NOT a hick. Accents are in this season." Rarity gave a warm smile, gave them both quick hugs, then strolled off.
Silver Spell still sat silently cursing himself. It was a well-known fact the half the colts in their grade had a crush on the beauty that was Rarity.
Mrs. Smiles came out and rang the bell. Applejack put an arm around her friend and smiled. "Come on," she said, "let's go in."
The end of the school year was approaching rapidly, making way for a warm summer. The fillies and colts in the schoolhouse were becoming restless. The days warmed more and more, and many of them were reluctant to go back in the school when the bell rang. They had begun to approach Fluttershy, apologizing for their initial rudeness and offering friendship. Even Silver Spell had mumbled an awkward apology.
Applejack smiled. She was happy to see the shy pegasus getting along with the other fillies so well. Of course, she was still her best friend, but she had made some new friends as well.
They saw Rarity often, for she often came over to spend time with them. She always wore some frou-frou hat creation atop her head, one she said she designed herself. She was quite nice, and was very sweet with Fluttershy. She shared her lunch with her when she had forgotten one, or gave advice on her mane. The two seemed to be getting closer and closer.
"Darling, I would be absolutely thrilled if you would accompany me to the spa. I'm sure we would just have a marvelous time!" Rarity proposed. She turned to Applejack. "And Applejack, it would be lovely if you joined us."
"Er... I'm not one for the pamperin' and beautifyin'. But I bet y'all with have tons of fun. Thanks for the invite, though, Rares," she replied.
"Oh, that would be very nice. When will we go, Rarity?" the shy pegasus whispered.
"Hmm... Let me think." Rarity paused for a moment. "Tomorrow, after school, I would say. It is Friday tomorrow, I believe. I'll accompany you to the spa straight from school."
She smiled. "Okay. I'd like that."
The school day ticked by, and within what felt like only minutes the ivory filly and her shy companion exited the schoolhouse as the last bell rang. The pair walked towards the town, occupied with friendly chatter.
The orange filly followed slightly behind, then veered away from town and headed towards her home. Applejack's hooves idly thudded on the winding dirt path as she began her slow meander towards the farm.
She let out a melancholy sigh. It was strange and lonely to not walk Fluttershy home. "It'll be a real party all here by myself," she mumbled, sarcasm embroidered into her words.
"DID SOMEPONY SAY PARTY?!" A pink, fluffy, cupcake scented mass suddenly materialized in front of Applejack. Suddenly, there was a loud boom, and confetti and balloons in multitudes of colors interwove themselves with the blurry flashes of rose and magenta. Music blared from nowhere, and Applejack found herself confused, disoriented, and sprawled every which way on the ground.
As Applejack recovered from her shock, the first thing she was aware of was the absence of her Stetson. She began searching frantically, and spotted it high up on a tree branch. She scrambled up on her hooves and began to climb the tree's rough bark, just as her brother had taught her. Hesitantly, she shimmied along the branch towards the hat. She grabbed it and plopped it on her head.
From high in the tree, Applejack had a better view of the pink blur, which revealed itself to be a young pink earth pony filly, not much younger than herself. The pony's softer pink coat stood in contrast to her puffy, curly, shockingly magenta mane, which made the orange filly think hungrily of cotton candy. A trio of blue and yellow balloons glowed on her flank, no doubt representing a talent to do with parties. Near the partying filly stood a metal cannon, the same color as the filly's coat. It seemed an odd thing to have at a party.
"The blast..." Applejack murmured. She slowly shimmied down the tree.
The strange pony noticed her at last. "Hi there! I'm Pinkie Pie!" she grabbed Applejack's hoof and shook it so enthusiastically she found herself swinging up and down in the air. "I live at Sugarcube Corner. Mrs. Cake said that you came by not too long ago and suggested I come by to meet you, but I couldn't possibly wait just one teensy weensy minute, so I hopped in this bush so I wouldn't have to walk all the way to your house. Then, my hooves started a-tapping, which means my Pinkie Sense was telling me the one I was 'sposed to meet was on their way! Then I saw you and your cutie mark, and knew it had to be you! I heard you say party, and those are my specialties, so I launched my party cannon. Doyoulikeitdoyoulikeitdoyoulikeit?!" Pinkie Pie smiled, not the tiniest bit out of breath from her long ramble. The infinite confetti continued to fall around them, as if it were raining from the clouds above them.
"Party cannon... So that explains that..." Applejack murmured as she gestured weakly towards the cannon. She snapped back to reality. "Pleased to meetcha. The name's Applejack Apple, but y'all can jus' call me Applejack."
"It was very nice to meet you, AJ! Can I call you AJ? Anyways, I go to your school now, so I'll see you there. I have to go home and put some cupcakes in the oven. Seeya later, alligator! Ooh, I've always wanted an alligator! But it couldn't have teeth..." Pinkie began to wonder out loud.
Applejack began to trek down the path after saying goodbye, leaving Pinkie Pie to discuss all the details of alligator ownership by herself.
"Well, that was certainly eventful," Applejack mumbled to herself as she walked down the meandering path. "She seems like a sweet pony, her heart is in the right place." The orange filly adjusted her Stetson as her lone shadow stretched and warped on the rocky ground as she walked towards a good night's sleep.