Welcome To Canterlot High
Short Stories!
7.Home On The Acres:
Home On The Acers:
Now that the Steam Team were staying in Canterlot, they also needed a place to sleep. While talking with Toby, Applejack asked if he and his friends could come work on her family's farm, the Sweet Apple Acres. She even offered to let them all stay during hers and Toby's trip to the Juice Bar Applejack worked. Toby agreed, despite some slight doubts on whether his friends would be just as eager to do farm work. But because working and staying busy does make him and the others feel really useful, perhaps this was just the type of thing they could do to pass the time while not keeping an eye out for Lady or doing other recreational activities with their new Canterlot High friends.
James waited impatiently outside the Carousal Boutique for Applejack to pick him up and take him and his friends to her house. He had his arms crossed and back against the wall, still a little cross from his argument with Rarity. Finally, with a horn honk catching James' attention, Big McIntosh pulled up in front of the Boutique in his old but classic heavy-duty pickup truck. Percy, Edward, Toby and Gordon were seated in the back trunk while Applejack sat in the front passenger seat with Big Mac at the wheel.
"Hop on in, James!" Edward said. "Applejack says we need to hurry before the sun goes down."
"Why, Edward? What's the rush?" James asked.
"Toby says we'll be working on her family's farm!" Percy said, excitedly.
"And we'll need to get started as soon as we can," Edward said.
"Oh, well if that's all," After a second of silence, James' eyes shot open. "A FARM?! You mean, w-we'll be doing mucky, grungy old work, with mud?!"
"And dirt," Toby added, cheerfully.
"Dirt!"
"And farm animals!" Percy added also.
"Not filthy farm animals!" James exclaimed. "All that grit and grind won't look good for my outfit at all!"
"Is he gettin' in or what?" Applejack asked.
"Come on, James," Edward said. "A little farm work won't be so bad. I'm quite looking forward to it myself, actually."
"Maybe all of you will be doing silly farm chores," Gordon boasted. "But, I will do no such thing."
"First, we need to pick up Henry before heading over to Applejacks," Toby said.
James looked at everyone in disbelief. Already dreading the rest of the afternoon, James went over and climbed into the back with his friends. Everyone settled in as Big Mac drove off to pick up Henry next.
Applejack, Big Mac, and the Engines all arrived at Sweet Apple Acres. But before getting started on work, Applejack, accompanied by Toby, went inside her house to find Granny Smith, Applejack's grandmother and owner of their ranch. The two catch Granny Smith just leaving the kitchen and followed her to the living room.
"Howdy doo there, Applejack!" Granny Smith said. "Have a good day at school?"
"Sure did, Granny. Say, you wouldn't mind if ah had a couple of friends stay over fer a bit, would yah?"
"Not at all, sugar pine! Yer little friends from school are always welcomed on our farm."
"Actually, these aren't mah regular group of friends. They're from out of town. They've even offered to work around the farm if allowed to sleep over fer a few nights."
Granny Smith quickly glanced back at Toby sheepishly waving before whispering to Applejack.
"We don't have to pay them, do we?"
"I assure you, ma'am, it's no trouble for us at all," Toby said.
"Is it now?"
Toby nodded. "We're all very able workers."
"And Toby here is as strong as an ox," Applejack chimed in. "Isn't that right?"
"Oh. Uh, yup. Strong as an ox."
Reaching the living room, Granny Smith takes a seat on a rocking chair. She takes a half-finished straw hat and a handful of dried up stalks of grain.
"Well then o' course you can sleep here! Hunker down fer as long as you need even!" Granny than began weaving her nearly complete straw hat. "Just don't go makin' a mess o' things like the last whipper snappers who tried shapin' up this ranch."
Applejack and Toby smiled then left to meet the others outside.
Everyone gathered near the gates to the storage garage. The tools and everything they needed where locked up inside. Applejack explained what they'll be doing and where they'll be sleeping while going over to open the gates.
"While there ain't exactly enough room in the house to hold the lot of yah fer however long you plan on stayin', our old shed here is plum perfect fer yer living quarters needs."
The Engines coughed from the cloud of dust that blew out as she opens the door to reveal the inside. The Garage was cluttered with dusty old crates, boxes, empty containers, and random repair tools as well as rakes and brooms. Mounds of hay and dust laid everywhere and cobwebs stuck to almost every corner of the celling and stained-glass window. A wooden ladder led up to a loft area with more boxes and junk stacked on top. The Engines dared not picture what mess could be lying up there.
"It, uh, might need a little dustin' though." Applejack then turned to the Engines, "Now, normally I wouldn't have guest go through all the trouble of lendin' a hand around the farm, but because Toby said ya'll like hard work as much as the next, uh, engine, then what better place to soak in your sweat then on Sweet Apple Acres!"
Percy, Edward and even Henry seemed intrigued enough. Gordon and James, however, did not.
"Toby?" James asked, disgruntled. "Why did tell Applejack that we would work on her farm?"
Toby rubbed the back of his head then explained.
"Oh, well. Since we'll be here for a while, I told Applejack that we wouldn't mind helping out with some chores."
"Well we do mind, Toby!" Gordon said. "And I certainly hope you're not expecting me to sleep in this dirty old shed."
"Why, yes ah do," Applejack said, firmly crossing her arms. "There a problem with that?"
"It simply will not do," He complained. "This shed is far too old, cramped, and dusty."
"Sorry to rain on your parade there, Gordon, but this here's where you'll be sleepin' till Lady's back on her Railroad."
"I agree with Gordon," James said. "This place is covered in too much dirt. And sleeping in all that mess will ruin my red coat."
"But, James," Percy imputed while snickering. "You're not wearing paint anymore. You're wearing clothes!"
James moaned. "Must you keep reminding me? It's bad enough my entire body hurts from just standing around, now I'll look drowsy and filthy if I'm stuck doing farm work."
"Ah thought yer friends enjoyed doin' hard work, Toby?" Applejack said.
"They do," He explained. "Some are just a bit more particular."
Gordon and James were not happy about the idea. Percy and Edward seemed on board while Henry was off to the sides, thinking to himself about the promise he made Fluttershy. Applejack had been patient with the two engines up until this point. She had quite enough of Gordon and James' pompous attitudes. Toby stepped in before things got out of hand.
"Come on, everyone. I already told Applejack that we'd stay and work on the farm."
"Since when does Toby speak for any of us?" Gordon continued.
"Yeah," James said. "We never agreed to work on a smelly farm."
"I told you they wouldn't like this," Toby whispered to Applejack. "Why don't you let me handle them."
Applejack scoffed. "Oooh, ah don't think so!"
Big Mac and the other Engines became nervous. Applejack stormed up to Gordon, cuts off his rambling, and leaned in close to him while everyone simply watched.
"Now listen here; We don't how long ya'll are gonna be stayin' for. But until it's high time to return yer keisters back to yer own world, the least you can do is kindly lend a hand with some chores while takin' up shelter on my family's sacred ranch."
Gordon scoffed. "Out of the question!"
"There ain't no question," Applejack argued. "Only facts."
"Well the fact is, Applejack, I was never meant to do smelly farming chores. It's beneath me."
"No chore on Sweet Apple Acres is beneath anyone. So, if ah were you, ah'd quit lookin' a gift horse in the mouth and get yer britches bustlin' before I bustle up yer britches myself!"
Gordon was petrified. He didn't know how to respond. But one thing's for sure, he quickly obliged to Applejack's demands. Everyone else went silent for a moment until Toby spoke after rubbing the back of his head.
"Maybe I should've let you all know about this in the first place."
"I don't mind doing farm work all that much, Toby," Percy said. "At least we'll have somewhere to sleep."
Edward agreed. "And it'll surely keep us busy while we wait for Lady's memories to return."
Meanwhile, Henry was still having a hard time putting his promise into full fruition. Everyone looked to him for any complaints or to confirm if he was also on board. Henry simply gestured a thumbs up in agreement while coyly grinning. Applejack's left leg crosses the other while her hands rest on her hips.
"Looks like it's settled then," Applejack smiled, proudly.
James crossed his arms while Gordon moaned.
"Oohhh, the indignity."
"Don't worry, everyone," Edward said. "I'm sure once we get this shed cleaned up, it'll be much cozier for us to sleep in."
"Exactly! And that's the kind of can-do spirit we need at Sweet Apple Acers," Applejack said.
"Yeup!" Big Mac said.
"I just hope we can mange some of the jobs," Percy said. "We're still not exactly used to being people yet."
"Now don't you fret about that. Ah'll be around to coach ya'll on how to approach a certain task, just as ah promised Toby ah would."
"Hah!" Gordon chuckled. "And what exactly do you hope to have Toby do, then? He's so feeble that I heard he can barely pull Henrietta out of Knapford Junction anymore."
"Where did you hear that nonsense, Gordon?" Edward asked.
"Oh, just around. You hear a lot of gossip while waiting to take off with the Express."
Toby blushed with embarrassment. He was equally worried about Applejack thinking he was weak now after hearing Gordon's comment, even though it was more exaggerated than true. However, Applejack stuck up for Toby and glared at Gordon.
"Really, now? 'Cause as ah recall, Toby had to push you up yer own hill that one time, didn't he?"
Gordon stuttered as his face turned red. Percy, Edward, Big Mac, even James and Henry snickered quietly to themselves. Gordon then glared at Toby trying to hide own his amused grin. Applejack simply crossed her arms and exchanged smirks with Toby. It was safe to say that Toby didn't have to worry about Applejack finding out the truth about him.
Meanwhile back inside the house, Granny Smith was nearly finished with her straw hat when Apple Bloom, along with Mystic Sprinkles, entered and stood between the entrance to the living room. Apple Bloom's arms hid behind her back while she teetered on her heels.
"Hey, Granny, would it be alright if one of my friends sleeps over fer a bit?"
"Ah thought Ah already said they could?"
"You did?" Both girls say before sharing perplexed looks.
"Well o'course, Ah did! Er… At least Ah think so."
"Am I forgetting something again?" Mystic asked.
"It ain't that, Mystic," Apple Bloom said. "Are you sure we're talking about the same friends?"
Granny Smith shrugged. "In any case, yer little friends from out of town are welcomed to stay fer as long as need be, Apple Bloom."
"Well uh, thanks, Granny! C'mon, Mystic, we've got some serious crusading to do!"
Apple Bloom grabbed Mystics hand and took her outside.
"Have fun with yer friends, Sweet pea!" Granny chuckled while continuing to weave her hat, "Crazy rascals; Thinkin' ah didn't already say they could stay awhile. Ah'd have to be a crazy old kook to make such a mishap."
While Applejack's home had its standard hen houses, garden, and a barn shed, the family's famous apple orchid and other crops they produced were located elsewhere. After being given their assigned job, some of the engines climbed into the back of Big Mac's pickup truck and took off down the street. The suburban neighborhood came to an end as they drove further past a woodsy road. Passing by Sweet Apple Acre's tall apple trees, the Engines arrived at their destination at a large, open field with rows of different crops. Some were tall, some were short, some had corn sticking out and rows of green carrot tops and plants with grapes hanging off took up other portions of the land. Big Mac steered onto a dirt road that took them farther within the field. Behind the white picket fence along the road were crops of corn, grapes, carrots, and other produce. Though not as large as the apple orchid, they still had plenty of produce that were fully grown and ready for harvesting.
Big Mac parked in a more open field of grass. The Engines got out and inspected the site. They were amazed at how large these fields were. There were a couple of metal fenced pens that held different kinds of animals. There were pigs, cows, and sheep with different and unique looking skin patterns and wool. Each enclosure had enough open space for livestock to walk around and shelters, sties, and other housing dens to keep them warm in case of poor weather. And with that, through out the rest of the afternoon, the Engines were put to work on Sweet Apple Acres.
Applejack traveled around the Acre to check up on the Engines and see how they were doing. She first payed a visit to James, who was given the job of harvesting corn from the corn field. However, she found James pouting by the gates to the corn field with his arms crossed. Applejack approached him and sternly crossed her arms while glaring at him. James noticed this but didn't react back. She then opened the gate, grabbed a red wheelbarrow, and beckoned him to take it and head inside with her. James rolled his eyes and followed while guiding the wheelbarrow. Instead of disparaging James for not doing his Job, Applejack showed him how to easily pick corn from the stalk and peel off it's maize. Although he didn't like this job, the more she went over it, the more James seemed interested. The job didn't appear nearly as messy as he thought, saved for all the moist dirt they stood in. As Applejack encouraged him to give it a try, James hesitantly picked a corn stick and did everything she instructed. Then the two toss their corn into the wheelbarrow. James was amazed. Despite a few strings of silk tassel sticking to their clothes, it wasn't difficult or that messy at all. The two of them exchanged smiles upon realizing this and James continued on without Applejack's aid, already filling up the wheelbarrow almost half way to the brim.
Back at her house, Applejack assigned herself the task of cleaning the inside of the barn shed. She had dusted up a lot of dirt and cleared enough space for Gordon to do his job, which involved crushing grapes with his feet to make grape juice. The way he was given to do so was with an old vat trough. The oak barrel was wide, open, deep, and round with a flat bottom. It had a wooden step ladder for climbing inside a large pile of purple grapes. Gordon, however, refused to step in. Irritated at first, Applejack paused her cleaning, went over to Gordon, and instructed him to take off his shoes, but he refused to still. Then Applejack leered in a way that implied she'd take his shoes off for him if he didn't get into the trough. Groaning to himself, Gordon took off his shoes and stepped into the oak vat, already dreading the mushy grapes pressed against his bare feet. Applejack took off her own boots and jumped in with him. She instructed the proper way to crush grapes and began demonstrating. Hesitant at first, Gordon slowly began stomping his feet against the grapes. Gradually, he began stamping his feet much faster until both were stomping in sync. Gordon was mashing grapes so much that he slipped on a rogue grape and found himself tripping over onto his rear. The entire back of his clothing was stained with grape juice. Applejack couldn't help but laugh until she found herself smeared with grape fruit after Gordon chunked a hand full at her face. Irritated by his pompous smirk, Applejack then grabbed two handfuls and began throwing grapes at Gordon as well. He does the same, as the two end up tossing and throwing grapes at each other, laughing all the while as they tried smearing each other with grape fruit. Although neither would admit it, they were both having a grand time.
Applejack made her way over to the backyard where a chicken coop was set up. She went to check up on Henry who was given the job of feeding the chickens. As she found him by the coop, Henry was shivering with fright. The bucket of seeds hanging over his arm and rattled along to his quivering body. Applejack surveyed the chickens clucking and randomly pecking at the ground. He didn't want to go anywhere near the chickens. It wasn't so much from any fear of chickens themselves, it was what he discovered earlier that day which made Henry nervous to go anywhere near animals in general. Applejack didn't know this, however, but still stepped in to help him out. Rolling her eyes and smirking, she took the bucket of seeds from Henry and led him towards the chickens. Growing more nervous, Henry's legs remained stiff and the heels of his feet dragged against the soil as Applejack seamlessly pushes him closer to the chickens. She took a handful of seeds, sprinkled them randomly over the ground, then instructed Henry to do the same. Henry only quivered the more some chickens paused their eating to stare back at him. He then held a hand to his ear and listened in on their clucking. Suddenly, he felt more relaxed and even perked up a little, much to Applejack's perplexed but pleased reaction. Now confident and bolder, he takes back the bucket and happily sprinkles a handful of seeds on the ground near the chickens.
Percy was excited to be given the job of repainting the garage shed with a fresher coat of red paint. He first had to paint the surface of each wall with white primer before painting it red. While Percy managed to cover most of the shed, he could only reach surfaces that were at his height level. There were still some spots above him that needed to be coated up too. Applejack finished supervising Toby and Gordon working inside the shed itself and walked back out to give Percy a long ladder to use. She then spotted him hopping up and down while trying to use a paint wheel to reach for the higher surfaces above. But no matter how many times he tried, Percy just couldn't reach any of the surfaces. Eventually giving up, Percy hunched forward in defeat, feeling silly and not really useful all together. Suddenly, he found himself hoisted off the ground and perched on top of Applejack's right bicep. A little startled at first, Percy then saw how much higher he was. He could now paint most of the other spots of the wall. Looking back at Applejack grinning with assurance, a grateful Percy does the same and went on to paint the rest of the shed. Although Applejack did bring a ladder to reach some of the much higher spots, seeing Percy happily painting away cheered up the both of them. Since her geode crystal gave Applejack super strength, it was barely a chore to keep Percy seated on her arm.
Seeing how the other engines were having trouble with their jobs, Applejack half expected to find Edward going through his own difficulties with herding sheep into their pens. However, as she traveled out to one of the open fields close to her house, Applejack was surprised by what she saw upon arriving to the sheep's den. Instead of finding sheep running rampant and causing havoc, Edward was calmly and collectively guiding them all in a single file towards the gate. Each sheep trotted back into their pen without any fuss. Edward then shuts the gate behind the last sheep and locked it up. Winona, Applejack's pet dog, sat off to the sides and laid down to have a rest. She wasn't really needed to get all the sheep in line and organized this time. It wasn't until the job was done and seeing Applejack did Winona get up and happily barked and wagged her tail. Applejack was speechless. After brushing off his hands and leaving to find other work, Edward notices Applejack standing with her legs and arms crossed and baring a curious face, wondering just how he managed to gather all the sheep into their pen without much hassle. Edward simply smiled and shrugged his shoulders.
While Applejack was out helping his friends, Toby was left to clean the shed in her place. He didn't have any trouble doing so, and even managed to clear and clean enough space for him and the other engines to sleep in properly for tonight. The job was tiring, but Toby didn't mind much. He felt really useful to have the entire shed nearly in proper shape again. The only thing left to do was gather all the hay laying around, which Applejack soon came along to help out with. She taught him how to make a hay bale by placing each straw in a rectangular pile than wrapping it all together with strong ropes of string. Toby caught on pretty quick but still needed a reminder when losing track. By the time Toby got the hang of it, they had made enough hay bales to store them else where for the time being. Applejack seamlessly carried four bales and went to take them outside. Toby only held two in each hand, much to her confusion. She excepted to see him carry at least two more like she was. Noticing this, Toby grinned sheepishly and went back to get more. After placing her bales outside by the garage gate, Applejack went back inside only to find Toby, who was unaware of her watching him try and struggle to lift two extra hay bales. He strained and teetered, but couldn't bring himself to lift anymore. Toby could barely carry the two he had in hand separately, how could he mange two more? Applejack stepped in, took two of hay bales, and tossed them up onto the loft above them with ease. Not wanting to say anything about what she just saw, Toby quickly hurried outside with his two bales, placed them off to the side and ran off to find another job. He was too embarrassed to face her.
Applejack scratched her head. Why was Toby having a hard time lifting hay bales if he claimed to be one of the strongest engines back where he came from? The more she thought about it, the sooner she remembered the trouble he had lifting a single box while they were unpacking Mr. Cranky Doodle's belongings earlier that afternoon. She then realized what was really going on and walked off while looking down the direction Toby ran with suspicion.
That night, Applejack invited all the Engines to a small bonfire she had set up in her backyard. The outdoor fire pit was built around concrete pavers in a circular structure with gravel and other small rocks in the center. The fire burnt well off the blocks of wood. Flames crackled and brightened up the area amongst the murky night. The Engines, Applejack and Big Mac all sat on their own seats by the fire, taking in its warmth. It was then that the Engines began sharing what each of them did today prior to meeting up at Sweet Apple Acres; everyone, except Henry, who kept quite and avoided making eye contact with his friends.
During their conversations, Applejack left to fetch more fire wood and something else from the house. Gordon and James wore different attire than the clothes they wore earlier because they were stained and dirty from all the hard work. Gordon wore a green, long hooded jacket with a beige woollen sweater, and beige trousers. James had on an old, buttoned up cream shirt with jean overalls and brown boots. Both felt indignant and not very splendid. Percy chuckled at them, unable to contain his amusement.
"I like the new clothes, you two. Now you're both properly dressed for the farm life."
Big Mac and some of the Engines chuckled a bit. Gordon and James grumbled.
"My clothes got all muddy and stringy from picking corn," James said, crossing his arms.
"And my clothes were stained with grape juice," Gordon said.
"Seems like you both had a very productive day then," Toby said, cheekily.
James rolled his eyes. "Yeah. I guess it was alright. I would do it again if not for all the dirt."
"That's just part of the job, James. But, I'm glad to hear the farm life if warming up to yah."
James didn't want to admit it, but Toby was somewhat right. He didn't mind it all that much. It was hard work and it kept them really busy. But given how this was their first day as people, it was especially difficult to work while adapting to their new forms. But with Applejack's guidance, the Engines managed to still put in a productive day's work. Edward, noticing Henry looking glum, spoke to him next.
"Everything alright, Henry?" He asked. "You hardly said a word since we got here."
Henry glanced around at everyone staring him. Some with concern and perplexedly.
"Not really," he finally admitted. "I have an issue with something, and it's something I've been meaning to tell you all about."
"We already know you're afraid of chickens, Henry," James teased.
"Is it to do with that park forest getting torn down?" Edward asked.
Henry nervously tipped his fingers, "It is a big deal, but that's not the only reason I'm upset."
"Oh, dear," Percy said. "What else is making you upset, Henry?"
A moment of silence lingered as Henry tried finding the courage to tell what's really going on. He was too nervous to admit the secret he's kept from his friends all day. What if they stopped being his friends afterwards? How would they react? All these worries kept Henry from revealing his secret the more he thought about the many possible outcomes. However, his promise to Fluttershy began circling his thoughts now. Ultimately, he talked himself into finally revealing what he's been going through.
Looking back at all his friends, a quivering Henry swallowed a huge gulp, then spouted out his issue.
"I can talk to animals now!"
His eyes closed and his teeth girt in preparation for what the others might do or say. Big Mac and the Engine's simply stared perplexedly at Henry. After a few seconds of silence, everyone broke out into laughter. Edward and Toby only chuckled slightly. A red-faced Henry opened his to see everyone still laughing until James spoke up.
"Well, Henry, you've been quite all day and now you can talk to animals?" James teased. "We've only been here a day and it looks like Fluttershy's already rubbed off on you."
"Silly, Henry," Gordon said. "Whatever nonsense will you think of next?"
"But it's true. Her magic necklace let's me talk to animals just like she can."
"You mean the ones they were all carrying around their necks?" Percy specified.
"They must be the magic source each of the Girls mentioned having," Toby said.
James chimed in. "You're right, Toby. I remember seeing Rainbow Dash taking hers off when she and Gordon were about to race. That must mean she has super speed."
"Still," Gordon said. "They can only work with the Girls. Why would a magic rock suddenly grant one of us powers too? Even someone like Henry of all engines?"
A dejected Henry hung his head. Big Mac had no idea what was going on, and felt a little weirded out for a bit, but he went along with it regardless.
"Now hold on, Gordon," Edward said. "Let's see if we can try and figure this out."
"I agree," Toby said. "Maybe some of us have powers from their rocks as well."
"That is ridiculous," Gordon boomed. "We can't possibly have magic powers."
"What if being a person in this work means we also get magical abilities?" Percy guessed.
"Don't be silly, Percy," James said. "It's bad enough we're stuck as people, now we half to have freaky powers to go with it?"
Percy pondered for a second then retracted his theory.
"Maybe you're right. I wouldn't even know what to do if I had magic powers."
"Which is why I highly doubt Henry here can actually speak to animals," Gordon went on. "Not only would he not have any idea either, but it's just not the proper thing for an engine like him to posses."
This was not looking good from Henry's perspective. Just as he feared, the Engines didn't seem to be so accepting of this revelation. He quickly thought up of an excuse to back track his statement and laughed nervously.
"Yeah! That's-that's right. You all got me. I was only… teasing."
"Hah!" Gordon said. "I knew he couldn't actually speak to animals. What a silly engine you are, Henry."
"You really almost had us there," Percy said.
"Even me for a second," James said.
"Heh-heh. Yup, that's me; Silly Henry!"
"Are you sure you're just making it up, Henry?" Edward said. "Because it almost sounds like you really can speak to animals."
"Nope. It's all pretend."
"But why were you acting so nervous and distant all day if it wasn't?" Toby pointed out. "More than usual at least."
"Anyone up fer some fresh apple ciders?!"
Applejack returned with nice cold mugs of apple cider to top off their bonfire gathering. She handed each of the Engines a cup and everyone happily drank their ciders as the fire grew brighter and higher.
"Henry," Toby said. "You know you can tell us anything, right?"
"Cause even though some of us might tease you," Edward said. "We'll still be there to help out if you ever need any."
Trying not to whimper a sound or shiver a limb, Henry grinned and simply nodded. Edward and Toby looked at each other, still unsure if Henry was telling the truth or simply covering up to avoid any further teasing.
Then, to James' and Gordon's surprise, Applejack tossed them a clear plastic bag with pieces of clothing inside. Gordon opened the plastic bag and takes out a slimming blue letterman jacket, a blue shirt and blue jeans.
"What's this?" Gordon said.
James opened his plastic bag to find his red, leather sweater jacket with a black hood, a red t-shirt, red pants, and black running shoes. All their outfits were spick and span with not an inch of dirt or mark left.
"You washed our clothes?" James said.
"Even after all the trouble we gave you?"
Applejack sat next to Toby. "Ah, shucks. That trouble was nothin'. And even though the both of you really get mah gears grindin', that don't mean I shouldn't treat yah as a way of sayin' thanks fer helpin' out."
"How did you get the stains out of Gordon's clothes?" Toby asked.
"Same way I get stains off mine; used our very own remover remedy special fer washing out tough stains," Applejack chuckled. "Works like a charm every time, don't it Big Mac?"
"Yeup," He agreed.
The two engines were speechless, especially Gordon, who now began to feel sorry for acting so rude earlier. He almost felt shamed to speak up, like he didn't deserve to.
"I-I don't know what to say," He said.
"Nothin' to it, Gordon. Besides, a friend of Thomas is a friend of mine, no matter how full of themselves they are. Ah'm just happy to help at least one of them out."
Gordon smiled. "Thank you, Applejack."
"Don't mention it, Sugarcube." Applejack winked.
While Gordon admittedly felt appreciative, James didn't know what to feel. He was just in a fiddle over generosity with Rarity earlier, and now Applejack has kindly washed his clothes after showing nothing but ungratefulness the whole time him and his friends were there. Her views on the matter seemed to follow him everywhere.
Applejack, Big Mac, and the Engines all spent the rest of the night by the fire, drinking their ciders and speculating how long they might be living in this world for. Percy looked around then spoke up.
"Um, Applejack," he said. "Didn't you say you had a little sister? Why hasn't she joined us yet?"
"Guess Apple Bloom decided to hunker down fer the night."
"Looks like we weren't the only ones to have a busy day," Edward commented before yawning. "Maybe we should do the same."
Everyone agreed and went to get ready for sleep.
Meanwhile, Apple Bloom's bedroom still had its light on. Her, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, and Mystic Sprinkles were dressed in their pajamas and laid on the ground talking and laughing with each other. Apple Bloom had invited her friends over to help Mystic feel more comfortable. Mystic was glad that they were all here. She hadn't left the school that much upon her arrival and was so used to staying the night there that sleeping over at Apple Bloom's house almost felt strange in a way. Even wearing the spare pair of PJ's, consisting of a silk, purple, long sleeved top and pants with gold lace trims, felt odd to have on as apposed to her dress.
"Thank you for letting me stay, Apple Bloom," Mystic said. "It's already much more comfy being inside a house."
"Sure thing, Mystic," She said. "I wasn't about to let you spend another night at the school."
"Especially in the dark," Scootaloo asked. "How could you even sleep in all that?"
"I might've had a light on me at one point to keep things bright, I think?
"You rememberin' somethin', Mystic?" Apple Bloom asked.
"Well, I definitely remember seeing the hallways lit up during my stay."
Mystic looked at her friends, all looking at her and waiting for any significant revelation. The more she tried remembering, the more it pained her not only mentally, but emotionally too. It made her upset to not know anything about herself. So, she changed the subject before they could ask anymore questions.
"Anyways, these pillows and sheets are really comfortable."
Apple Bloom jumped up onto her bed with arms hid behind her head and her knee resting on top of the other.
"Good thing we had plenty. As soon as we find out where you belong, I'm more then happy to have you stayin' over."
Mystic pressed her back against Apple Blooms bed and sighed dejectedly.
"Yeah."
"What's wrong, Mystic?" Sweetie Belle asked. "I'd thought you would've liked sleeping in an actual house over an empty school."
"I am. Especially now. But, that's not it."
"Then what is?" Scootaloo asked.
Before she wouldn't dare talk about what she was going through. But now felt different. Now what she was welcomed into Apple Blooms home and seeing the girls still concerned over her reassured Mystic that they really were here for her. And because of this, Mystic felt comfortable in speaking her mind.
"I just wish I knew why I'm so forgetful, or why I don't live in my own house like you do, or why I don't know anything about my past. Any hint at all would be real helpful."
"But that kinda defeats the purpose of having memory problem, don't it?" Apple Bloom said.
Mystic locked her knees under her arms. "I wish it did."
"Don't worry, Mystic," Sweetie Belle assured. "A lot of people remember things easy by doing stuff they like. We just need to figure out what it is you're good at and go from there."
"I really do appreciate everything you girls have done today. I haven't even forgotten anything once this whole time since meeting you. Maybe we are getting close to figuring out who I really am."
"We've still got plenty of ideas to go though," Scootaloo beamed. "There'll be more then enough stuff we can try, and find your place in this world."
Mystic smiled, gratefully. "I don't know were I'd be if I hadn't met you."
"You'd still be at the school, of course," Sweetie Belle commented, cheekily.
"I guess I would be, huh?" She snickered, along with the CMC. "And now that I'm here, I almost don't wanna go back to the school."
"You and me both," Scootaloo got up with a pillow in hand. "Alright, enough talk. It's time to really kick off this slumber party."
"Oh?" Mystic said. "How so, Scootaloo?"
"Pillow fight!"
She then whacked Apple Bloom with a pillow, which set them all off into an all-out pillow fight. Mystic didn't know what they were doing at first and thought they were in an actual fight, until hearing them laugh as they whacked each other with pillows. After getting hit herself by Apple Bloom, a stunned Mystic felt a rush of energy flow through her. Grinning, she takes a pillow and joins in on the fun. The girls spent all night having fun until eventually wearing themselves out to the point where they each felt a sleep on one another in a collective pile of pillows.
[Thursday night: Sweet Apple Acres]
The next night, the CMC all slept over at Sweet Apple Acres again and did the same activities as their last sleep over. They had a pillow fight, sung karaoke, watched some videos online, made shadow puppets, and shared some snacks they snuck into Apple Bloom's room. Mystic didn't understand the internet at all and was amused by the shadow puppets. She enjoyed singing and sharing treats with her friends. They tried doing a bunch of other small things in hopes of cheering up Mystic and seeing if anything would resonate with her at all. While she was having more fun then she thought, none of what they did triggered anything in Mystic. How alone was she exactly, if sleeping over at a friend's house and doing all this was never something she partook in? Regardless, the four girls were still having loads of fun, even forgetting for a slight period that they were supposed to be helping Mystic with her identity. The CMC continued valiantly to find out who Mystic really is, it just so happened to involve lounging around, playing fun games, and doing other stuff in the process.
However, after getting a little to rowdy, they all had to pack it in for the night to avoid getting in trouble. The CMC said their good nights, and shut off the lights. Apple Bloom slept in her bed while Scootaloo and Sweetie Belle slept next to Mystic in their sleeping bags. Mystic laid in her sleeping bag and stared out the window. The bright, beaming moon shined through the window and onto Mystic. She didn't mind the brightness that much. It illuminated Apple Blooms room in a way that invoked a welcoming and calm atmosphere. Mystic had more fun sleeping at Apple Blooms than she ever would've imagined. Though, she still didin't know who she was or what she used to be prior, a small part of her didn't care that much. If she enjoyed spending time with her new friends. Perhaps this was something she did in deed used to do before her amnesia, which involved being with good friends. Still, Mystic was still lenient and hopeful that she'll discover her place in the worldm, and that the CMC will still be with her when she does. Staring at the moon still, wondering how it must be feeling now, Mystic's eyes slowly gave ways, and closed completely as she fell happily to sleep.
In the living room of the Apple Family house, the lights and electronics were all switched off. Suddenly, the Television turns on and statics rippled the screen. A faint voice could be heard from the wavering, radiated electromagnetic noise. Finally, as the static rippled and cleared, and the screen displays a person with long, light amber hair and pink skin. They wore a copper colored, industrial full-face mask with round, darkened lens that glowed in an eerie, cyan light and a mouth piece designed to resemble a 6200 respirator facepiece; minus the round filters on the sides. As they spoke, the mask allowed them to talk in a deep, unnerving, distorted voice to disguise their regular tone.
"Attention good citizens of Canterlot. Professor Honey Rays here with an important announcement. As I begin the process of slowly draining whatever free will you think you had left in your sad little existence, I feel it's imperative to share the goal of my intentions. By now, you're probably wondering why this is the only broadcast showing up on any of your devices. Unfortunately, however, your questions will have to remain unanswered. By the end of this transmission, your will, shall be mine to command!"
More to Come Soon!
Agents of S.M.I.L.E: Otherworldly Recruits - Now Available to Read!