Chapter Preview: AppleStinge · 9:54am Mar 20th, 2021
And the next time they let a relic recklessly demolish an entire classroom, he can do so to Rainbow's. Lord knows the state of hers leaves much to be desired-
"Oh, excuse me."
"No problem sir." Once again, that weird dragon in the hood I bumped into, but paid him no heed as I continued onwards to Sweet Apple Acres, mind still fuming and ranting against that stallion who wrecked MY class. Didn't give a toss what Neighsay believes, it's still somewhere I had contently educated those impressionable students.
Yet regardless of my own passionate disdain for what events transpired in my own 'former' room, I'll have to keep focus on the primary task at hoof. Twilight requested two things from her willing beloved, if not an excuse to simply keep my mind of what occurred at that school I was prohibited from ever teaching at again:
- A basket of apples. Flurry Heart was due another visit with Shining and Cadence, and the lavender alicorn insisted we set a good example for the meal tomorrow by eating healthily. Yeah, good luck with that love.
- Hang out with a particular orange equine. Whilst immensely pleased and gratified by my progress thus far, Twilight wouldn't be completely satiated if I didn't hang out with ALL our best friends. Applejack was of no exception. So, here I was, now that it was the weekend.
Speak of the target, and there she be! Just right next to the gates of the well-working farm, seemingly concentrated in placing some supplies into a wagon, with Big Mac at the helm. With an equal greeted nod towards the big stallion, I then walked around and approached the orange Earth Pony.
Whom, upon spotting my presence from her phepirial vision, huffed as jaded eyes glinted mischievously, body posture shifted to more relaxed. Appleajack drawled then, "Done whinin' about 'your' class now?"
Low blow.
Flinching irritably, I pursed my muzzle before providing a cool nod. "Good morning to you too, Applejack." Eleven, by my estimation, hence my brief yawn and somewhat tired limbs. Last night contained vigorous training by venting out my frustrations. "Actually, Twilight sent me; we need some apples for some visiting relatives. Got any to spare?"
One brow perked, in both relief and jest. "That a trick question?"
"You want it to be?"
Applejack snorted. "Comin' from Stardust Balance, I won't risk it." Better. "Hey Apple Bloom, check that there spare barrel of apples just plucked today, will ya?!" The called yellow filly in the barnyard getting to work, as the orange features turned back to me with a wry smile. "Why do I get the feelin' that's not all? Twilight would normally send Spike for that kind of errend. Everythin' good?"
"Oh, yeah, Spike's fine." I quickly reassured, nodding and then expanded upon the appointed mission. "I was also asked... Well, rather tasked, to hang out with you today, if you're available."
Pinkie, Fluttershy, Rainbow, Rarity. Hell, even Discord got some participation in this mission of rekindling bonds and try vitalizing them. Now, it was the hardworking farm pony's turn, and boy should this one be something exciting.
Varying whether or not it involved - gulp - chores...
"Huh... Mighty kind of ya Stardust. Sure you ain't doin' this of yer own free will?" Applejack winked before I could open my equine mouth. "Just messin'. Well Big Mac and I have got a delivery to make for Saddle Arabia; they're been needin' some barrels of apple juice for their stocks, knowin' the heat over there." Nodding towards the wagon itself, and I tilted my head, considering.
Saddle Arabia... I think Trixie and Starlight went there, just a short while back. The latter was exceptionally detailed regarding the mishap and makeup that occurred back there. Certainly never been there myself, even when pursuing Zagreus. Only one desert town, and it wasn't Saddle Arabia.
...I THINK anyhow...
"Oh, well then... Need a hand, or hoof?" Both Earth Ponies looked to me in pleasant surprise, and I shrugged. "Well I have nothing better to do, and having some extra assistance with your delivery wouldn't hurt, would it?" Plus, this would provide an excellent excuse to spend time together. Heck, maybe I could even make proper friends with the strong silent type there.
Applejack, sharing an approving glance with her older sibling, glanced back with a good nod and wide smile. "Hay, why not? And just because yer now an alicorn don't mean ya'll should be slackin'."
"Eeyup!"
Coming this week.
Better pack so spare soda dusty boy... Something tells ya'll gonna need it.