"So you're going off training again at Sweet Apple Acres, big brother?"
"Of course. The Apple family won't mind me training over at their farm. As long as I help them out."
"Alright! Besides, it'll be fun playing with Apple Bloom!"
It's been a month since we celebrated our Christmas and Hearth's Warming Eve with everypony in town. Even though Diamond Tiara gotten a present from Santa due to understanding Silver Spoon's feelings and finally accepting that he exists, she's still treats us like she's superior than us. Though, I still don't mind her messing around with me because I got my friends and I'll always be with them. So anyway, me and my big brother, Mason, were heading over to Sweet Apple Acres because he wants to keep training while helping out the Apple family with their business. Oh well, while he's busy, I can play around with Apple Bloom and possibly go look for our talents.
We soon arrived to the farm, only to see a bunch of clouds coming around and let out a cackle of lightning onto them, much to our shock.
"What in the world?!" Mason exclaimed before we looked at each other in worried and ran inside of the farm as we entered the fields, only to see the leaves turning into a violet color as we saw the bolt of lightning from earlier dancing around across many trees, causing more leaves to change color.
"Whoa, what's happening?" I wondered.
"I don't know." Mason replied, narrowing his eyes a bit.
"Woo-wee!" Oh hey, it's Applejack! We looked over to see Applejack and Big Macintosh racing down the hill and into the fields with grins on their faces. "There's the zap apple leaves! Right on schedule!"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac nodded with a grin.
"Applejack?" Mason called, gaining the Apple siblings' attention.
"Hey Mason! Hi Carrie!" Applejack smiled upon seeing us as she and her big brother walked over to us as she asked "What brings you partners over to the farm?"
"I was coming over here for some training while Carrie was going to play with Apple Bloom." Mason explained before gazing around the trees. "What's going on here?"
"And why are the leaves turning violet?" I asked curiously.
"Oh that? The zap apples are coming!" Me and Mason looked at each other in confusion, not familiar with that name.
"What? Zap apples?" Mason questioned.
"Zap Apples are the best fruit you could have. It's been appearing every year in Sweet Apple Acres." Applejack explained. "Our Granny Smith's been making Zap Apple Jam as long as she remembers, ain't that right Big Mac?"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac nodded.
"Zap Apple Jam?" I asked, feeling like my hunger is raising upon hearing that." That sounds so delicious! Can I try some?"
"Sure thing, but you have to wait until the fifth sign appears. That way, the Zap Apples will fully appear and we'll be able to harvest the Zap Apples."
"I see...well if you're busy, then I guess we'll take our leave." Mason sighed.
"Ahh...but I want to play with Apple Bloom!" I whined.
"Well...I guess I can leave with her." Mason suggested.
"Or maybe you both could help out. I won't mind some more help with the Zap Apples." Applejack offered. "Ain't that right Big Mac?"
"Eeyup!" Big Mac nodded with a grin.
"Really?" Mason asked, feeling intrigued. "Well, I guess this could help out in my training. What do I have to do?"
"It's simple. Just unload these jars and placed them beneath all these trees." Applejack explained, pointing to the cart of empty jars that Big Mac was carrying. "Shouldn't be hard for a bodyguard, right?"
"Well...yes indeed." Mason smiled before turning to me and said "Carrie, you can go and play with Apple Bloom."
"Yay! Alright!" I nodded before asking Applejack "So where is she?"
"She should be at the farmhouse with Granny Smith." Applejack answered. "I bet that filly is preparing to sing to the water."
"Sing...to the water?" I tilted my head in confusion.
"See, it's tradition for fillies to wear bunny suits and sing the ABC's to the water. They may say it could give you good luck." Applejack smiled, much to my joy.
"I guess I can try! See ya big brother! Applejack! And Big Mac!" I waved goodbye to them before taking my leave as I headed to the farmhouse to go and play with my friend. As soon as I arrived, I saw my friend, Granny Smith, and two ponies around the farmhouse. I instantly knew that one of them was Diamond Tiara while the other I didn't know who it was. It must be a relative of hers. Maybe her dad? Though I saw Apple Bloom and Granny Smith wearing two bunny suits, causing me to grin at her. Ahh, they look funny...but adorable at the same time. Hmm...I think that would be something Kaede would say.
"Well howdy-doo there, Filthy Rich!" Filthy Rich? Tee-hee! That sounds like a silly name for a pony.
"Hello, Mrs. Smith. Did I hear right there that there's a zap apple harvest coming in a few days?" Filthy Rich asked curiously.
"Four days, to be exact!" Granny Smith answered.
"Excellent news, and as usual, I get your first hundred jars?" Whoa, one hundred jars? That's a lot to eat. To buy all that...he must really be filthy rich!
"Course, Filthy!" Granny Smith smiled.
"Uh, I prefer Rich." He suggested, feeling a bit embarrassed for her using the first part of his name. I guess I can see why he prefers being called 'Rich' instead of 'Filthy'.
"Oh, and how is your pappy doing?" Granny Smith asked curiously. Soon, I noticed Apple Bloom and Diamond Tiara talking as I overheard what they were talking about.
"Oh, you poor, poor, thing, having to make all that zap apple jam with Granny Smith." Diamond Tiara said in a mocking tone.
"Actually, I been looking forward to making zap apple jam for years!" Apple Bloom said with a smile.
"I'm not talking about the jam." Diamond Tiara clarified, much to Apple Bloom's confusion. "I'm talking about Granny Smith! You must be sooo embarrassed."
Where is this conversation going? I then noticed Granny Smith getting her head stuck in a cooking pot. How did I not noticed that by now?
"Uhh...what do you mean?" Apple Bloom asked.
"You know...with all her silly ways, how she forgets things, and makes you wear these ridiculous costumes?" Diamond Tiara said with a smug look.
"But, Granny said that the water needs-"
"Thank goodness you're here on the farm and not in town where everypony could see you." Diamond Tiara smirked before muttering something in her ear, causing Apple Bloom to feel sadden. I glared at Diamond Tiara as she zoomed off somewhere while Apple Bloom felt...unsure of herself.
"Silly ways?" Apple Bloom wondered. I then heard a banging sound as I turned to my right and saw Filthy Rich banging the cooking pot, causing it to shake and Granny Smith to feel dizzy from the hit since her head is still stuck in there. I think he was trying to get it out of here, but it didn't work.
"U-uh, t-thank y-you k-kindly, F-Filthy!" Granny Smith said, walking backwards as the shaking continued. Well I guess I can just go out and talk with Apple Bloom after hearing all what Diamond Tiara said about being embarrassed around Granny Smith.
"Hi Apple Bloom!" I greeted, gaining her attention as she sheepishly smiled and said "O-Oh hi there Carrie! How its going?"
"Everything is going alright. I came over to play with ya until Applejack told me about the Zap Apple Jam and my big brother is already helping out. So I came over here and wanted to hang out with ya." I explained with a smile before examining her suit. "So what's up with the bunny suit? Is this about singing to the water or something?"
"Well...yeah." Apple Bloom nodded. "But...it's quite fun really."
"Well can I try?" I asked with a smile.
"S-sure...I see why not." Is Apple Bloom still feeling embarrassed and scared when Diamond Tiara mocked her about Granny Smith?
"By the way, who's that?" I pointed at the brown stallion with the slicked mane.
"Oh that's Filthy Rich. He's been a business partner with the Apple Family for a long while and...Diamond Tiara's father..."
"Oh..." I said, feeling surprised about him being the school bully's father. "Well he's more of a nice pony than Diamond Tiara."
"Tell me about it." Apple Bloom rolled her eyes. "But I'm glad to see ya Carrie. I'm actually pretty excited for the Zap Apple Jam. I always wanted to do this, but I couldn't because I wasn't old enough."
"Well my big brother is ready to help out and such, and I'm ready to help out too! So what can I do?" I asked curiously.
"Don't ask me, ask my...Granny Smith." Apple Bloom sighed.
"Well...you can start by helping us by the groceries." Granny Smith came over and put a bonnet on Apple Bloom's head. "We're going to the market place."
"Huh? Oh hi Granny Smith." I greeted her before she put on the bonnet on her head.
"Hi there dearie. What brings ya here?" Granny Smith smiled.
"My big brother came over for some more training and now is helping out Applejack and Big Mac with the Zap Apple Jam. I came over to play with Apple Bloom, but now I wanna help out on the Zap Apple Jam." I said with a determined look. "So can I help?"
"Didn't I say so just now? Help us with buying some groceries. Now come on." Granny Smith said, tying a bonnet head on my head.
"Okay Granny Smith!" I nodded with a smile before we began heading out towards the Ponyville market. I still felt bad for Apple Bloom getting told by Diamond Tiara about being embarrassed around Granny Smith. I think she's a funny old lady of a pony, I like her and everypony likes her, right?
"Shake a leg there, slowpokes! We got a gaggle's worth of goods to gather before the harvest, you two! Come on!"
"Coming Granny Smith!" I nodded before seeing her began dancing and skipping around, causing some ponies to look over with confused and weirded out looks.
"Ugh..." Apple Bloom muttered, trying to cover her face with her bonnet.
"Don't worry Apple Bloom. Just try to get used to it." I assured with a soft grin, causing Apple Bloom to smile before making out way to a shop filled with pots and pans.
"Hmm..." Granny Smith examined them, narrowing her eyes a bit. "They don't make them like they used to."
"Really? What makes you say that?" I asked curiously.
"Because they don't have the same materials they made for it, little missy." Granny Smith replied before testing one of them out by biting into it with her teeth.
"Hey! You bite it, you buy it!" The store owner exclaimed. Granny Smith stopped biting and walked off, but not noticing that her teeth were still stuck on the pot.
"Oh! She forgotten her teeth!" I said, grabbing them and saw how much saliva were on it. "Eww..."
"Yep, shouldn't have touched it." Apple Bloom gagged.
"Agreed." I nodded before we began following Granny Smith over to the next shop as I carried her teeth. Wow, I never touched something like this and I don't think I'll ever again. Huh? I noticed a little bee on my nose, causing me to chuckle. "Why hello there little guy."
The bee buzzed away as I waved goodbye to the little fella. Ahh, he's so cute.
"AAH!" Apple Bloom gasped before I looked over and gasped in shock upon seeing Granny Smith holding a beehive while the bees stuck around her face, almost like a beard.
"Whoo! Why hello there, Bea, Beatrice, Beecher! Ooh, you've all been busy little bees, haven't you?" Granny Smith giggled before pouring some honey into one of the jars. Huh, that's quite amazing. I think my big brother can do that since he loves animals.
"Granny, isn't there a less...silly way to get the honey?" Apple Bloom pleaded before gasping as I turned around and saw Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon walking by as Apple Bloom hid behind a bee hive, hoping that they don't noticed her. I wouldn't mind as my big brother would always stand against meanies like them.
Granny Smith came over and picked Apple Bloom up as she said "Oh, isn't this just precious?"
"Pleases stop!" Apple Bloom pleaded, but Granny Smith didn't hear her as she continued "And it is perfect for making our zap apple jam!"
"Shh! Stop it, Granny!" Apple Bloom shouted, gaining the two fillies' attention before they laughed at her. I glared at them, angry at them mocking Apple Bloom and her own grandfather.
"Granny, please! Those ponies over there are watching me!" Apple Bloom pointed out.
"What? Are those fillies your friends?" Granny Smith asked curiously before waving at them and said "Hello, Half-pint's friends!"
"Hiii, Granny Smith! Hiii Half-pint!" Silver Spoon said in a mocking tone before she and Diamond Tiara laughed more loud, causing Apple Bloom to feel more embarrassed. I looked at her, feeling sad that they're mocking her before I glared at the bullies and shouted "Hey! Don't you girls have something else to do?!"
"Whatever. I don't see the point. Bye bye hairless freak and half-pint! AH AHA HA!" Diamond Tiara laughed before she and Silver Spoon took their leave.
"What dolls. Why, when I was little, ponies didn't come that purdy." Granny Smith commented.
"Purdy?" I asked, not familiar with that word.
"Are we done shopping, Granny? Cause I'd like to get back to the farm, fast!" Apple Bloom insisted, not wanting to be more embarrassed than she already is.
"All done, smellybellies!" Granny Smith nodded as she began skipping around merrily as she sang "Got my honey, gooey-ooh! Got my honey, iddley-hoo!"
Apple Bloom covered her face with her bonnet before turning to me and said "Thanks for at least trying to stand up for me, Carrie."
"Anytime Apple Bloom." I nodded. Though, I wished Diamond Tiara wouldn't have said that because now, Apple Bloom isn't feeling happy with being around Granny Smith than she usually do. I only wished-
W-what? Where am I? I then saw a vision of myself, having a machine on my head as I closed my eyes, and my expression looked like it was in deep thought.
"I...I want to stay loyal with my big brother and my new friends. Even if our memories are gone, we will...keep our promise to the people..."
What? What am I talking about?
"Ooh..." I muttered, rubbing my aching forehead.
"Carrie? What's wrong?" Apple Bloom asked, feeling concern for me as she peeked through her bonnet with a concerned look.
"O-oh! I'm fine. Just nothing." I assured but I knew that there was something wrong. Because that vision I saw...what was it? What did I say? Something about a promise? But to what?
"Hey look, sonny! We're back!" Granny Smith pointed out, seeing that we're back to Sweet Apple Acres already. What?! But how? How long did I have that vision just now?
As soon as we entered and headed back to the farmhouse, we encountered the two older Apple siblings and my big brother.
"Carrie! There you are!" Mason said, running towards my side before bending down and hugging me before looking at me with a stern look. "Where have you been young lady?"
"Oh I was with Apple Bloom and Granny Smith at the market place buying some stuff for the zap apple jam." I answered.
"The young lady is right!" Granny Smith nodded with a smile. "She and my little Half-pint were on their best behavior!"
"Y-yeah..." Apple Bloom nodded before taking off her bonnet and said "I have to go. Bye."
With that, she immediately took her leave and went out of the farmhouse, leaving us all, except Granny Smith, confused by her behavior.
"Wonder what was up with Apple Bloom?" Applejack questioned.
"Probably tired out. She's probably gonna need her rest if she wants to go and get ready for the zap apple jam." Granny Smith suggested. "Well, I best go and prepare for the next sign of the zap apple jam. Good luck."
With that, Granny Smith took her leave as Applejack asked "Carrie, did you know what's wrong with Apple Bloom?"
"Well...it's what Diamond Tiara told her." I explained, much to their worried. "Apparently, she made Apple Bloom have doubts and is feeling embarrassed of being around her grandmother."
"That little..." Mason growled before sighing and patting me on the head and said "Well I guess its understandable why she's embarrassed, but Granny Smith is a part of her family. So I'm sure this will blow all over."
"Eeyup!" Big Mac nodded.
"You really think so?" I asked curiously.
"I'm sure. Now we better get home and wake up early for the zap apple jam and for another day of your school." Mason said, pointing at the sun settling down.
"Yeah...see ya Applejack, Big Mac. Tell Apple Bloom goodnight." I said with a grin, which the two siblings nodded as Applejack said "You got it Carrie. See ya tomorrow."
With that, me and big brother took our leave and headed back to the home-ship. I just hope Apple Bloom doesn't take this too far, but then again...we take things too hard when we're trying to look for a talent.
"Well that wasn't much of a good work, but at least it was worth it." Mason sighed, stretching his back a little.
"Yeah, but at least we had fun for the day." I chuckled before frowning a bit. "Well...half of the day."
"Something upsetting you, sis?" Mason asked.
"W-well...it's about Apple Bloom." I sighed. "She was feeling okay and happy with her grandmother, but now after Diamond Tiara teased her about being around her, she's feeling sad and miserable..."
"That filly always loves messing around other ponies." Mason said, making a stern look as he continued "Seems like she hasn't learned a lesson after all."
"But still...you don't think Granny Smith is...weird, right?" I asked in concern. "I mean, I like her and she's really funny, but I'm just worried..."
"Carrie, don't listen what she says. Besides, I'm sure Apple Bloom will realize the right choice and will try to accept who she and her grandmother is."
"Yeah...you're right!" I grinned happily as I saw our little squirrel friends waking up from their nap as they exited out of my big brother's scarf and jumped onto his head, gaining his attention.
"Well where have you two been?" Mason chuckled before he heard their stomachs rumbling. "Well don't worry you two, we're almost home."
"Yep! I promise that we'll give ya some acorns to enjoy!" I added with a grin as the two squirrels were overjoyed to eat some delicious snacks. You know, I can't be worried about this, I know that Apple Bloom will learn to accept Granny Smith. I mean, what could go wrong?
The Next Day
It was another day for me to go to the Ponyville School. Big brother headed back to Sweet Apple Acres to continue his help with the Apple family. Ren and Kodiak went over to Fluttershy's cottage to hang out with his special somepony, Kaede and her pet cat, Rosy, headed over to Carousel Boutique to prepare more fashion clothesline with Rarity while Jamie went over to another study session with Twilight and Spike.
Everyone is already enjoying their time, even me. Well...almost.
"And, by capturing the whole sale market, purchasing in bulk and slashing all prices, we undermine every other gift market in town, and that's how Rich's Barnyard Bargains became the cornerstone of retail in Ponyville." Filthy Rich finished with his explanation of his family's ancestry as I clapped for him for that story, along with Diamond Tiara. Guess she's too proud and respects her father like how I respect my older brother.
My other classmates, including my friends, were either asleep or bored by the story.
"Why thank you Mr. Filthy-" Ms. Cheerilee stopped upon seeing the glare she gotten from Filthy Rich. "I-I mean, Mr. Rich. What a wonderful day of sharing! And thank you for being a part of Family Appreciation Day!"
Filthy Rich nodded before taking his graph and left the classroom as Mr. Cheerilee walked over to her desk and grabbed her check-list. "Now let's see, who will be bringing a family member for next Monday's Family Appreciation day. Um...Oh! Apple Bloom! Carrie Hunter!"
"Oh don't worry Ms. Cheerilee! My big brother will gladly come to Family Appreciation Day!" I said with a grin.
"That's quite nice of you, Carrie. I'm sure your older brother will be joyed to come over to Family Appreciation Day." Ms. Cheerilee smiled.
"But Miss Cheerilee" Apple Bloom called. "Next Monday is zap apple harvest day, and Applejack and Big Macintosh will be too busy to come and speak."
"Well, is there anypony else in your family that could come?" Ms. Cheerilee asked.
"But Apple Bloom, you could always ask Granny Smith. She isn't harvesting the zap apple jams." I pointed out, only to receive a glare from her.
"Why that's a great idea Carrie!" Diamond Tiara snickered wickedly. "We should all meet her next Monday, don't you agree Ms. Cheerilee?"
"An excellent suggestion, Carrie and Diamond Tiara." Ms. Cheerilee nodded in agreement. "Apple Bloom, you shall bring in Granny Smith on Monday!"
"B-but-" Before Apple Bloom could protest, the school bell rang, meaning that class was over for the weekend.
"Have a great weekend, everypony!" Ms. Cheerilee stated as everypony began taking their leave. I then noticed Diamond Tiara giving me a sly and evil look before taking her leave. Did I say something wrong?
"Are you kidding Carrie?!" Apple Bloom exclaimed. "Granny Smith for Family Appreciation Day?! I'll be the laughingstock of Ponyville!"
She slammed her head onto desk, causing me to look at her with worried and confusion.
"But Apple Bloom...I thought you cared about Granny Smith?" I asked.
"I do, but after what Diamond Tiara told me yesterday about everything describing Granny Smith, she was right. I'm just gonna be humiliated..." Apple Bloom sighed while I looked at her shock. Doesn't...she care about who she is?
"But Apple Bloom! She's your grandmother! If she heard something like that, do you how heartbroken she would be!" I exclaimed, causing Apple Bloom to realize that.
"You're right...I have to get either Applejack and Big Mac to come to Family Appreciation Day!" Apple Bloom exclaimed before she got out of her desk, along with me as we exited the class.
"But you do realize that they're busy!" Carrie exclaimed.
"So is your brother." Apple Bloom pointed out.
"But even without him, he'll totally make it! I know he can!" I assured with a grin. "I mean, even without him, Applejack and Big Mac can handle it. They are the strongest ponies I know so far!"
"Good point." Apple Bloom chuckled with a smile. "Well either way, I still think about asking them. Surely they'll agree to do it."
I guess we'll find out.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but I told ya we can't take a break from the harvest come to your school."
Well at least we gave it a try.
After school, me and Apple Bloom came over back to Sweet Apple Acres, where we saw Applejack, Big Mac, and Mason already watering the zap apple trees, with the trees full of violet colored leaves.
"And I'll come to your little show and tell, Carrie." Mason smiled.
"Thanks big brother." Carrie smiled.
"But you have to come!" Apple Bloom pleaded with her sister, who retorted "I'm sorry Apple Bloom, but you know what'll happen when the zap apple appears after the fifth day?"
"I know...after the fifth day, the zap apples disappear..." Apple Bloom sighed sadly.
"They'll disappear?" Mason questioned.
"Yeah, they're sure are a mystery not even I can figure out. Ain't that Big Mac?"
"Eeyup." Big Macintosh nodded in agreement. Suddenly, the wind started blowing hard as we saw the clouds forming together in a big dark cloud and soon, thousands of crows soon appeared and began flying around the trees while they cawed and flapped around.
"Look! The third sign!" We turned around to see Granny Smith pulling Applejack and Apple Bloom in for a hug as she exclaimed "Right on time, hot diggity!"
The zap apples trees soon started crackling with electricity like before as they started to bloom in a beautiful electric blue blossoms as the clouds started to part.
"Wow!" We all shouted, marveled by that. That was so cool!
"Huh...I'll admit, that was quite impressive." Mason smiled.
"Alright, you lazy daisies, move yer caboose!" Granny Smith exclaimed, pushing the two girls as the others began fixing up with the zap apple harvest.
"I'm sorry, Apple Bloom, but don't you fret. Granny Smith's got no shortage of entertaining stories to tell." Applejack assured with a grin before taking her leave.
"She's right. Just believe in your grandmother." Mason assured with a soft grin before he and the others took their leave, leaving me and Apple Bloom alone.
"I know. That's what I'm worried about..." Apple Bloom sighed while I looked at her in concern. Apple Bloom...please drop all this worrying and accept Granny Smith. I know she won't THAT bad.
Later
Okay, maybe she is taking this too far. Soon, she called a Cutie-Mark Crusaders meeting and soon, the girls learned about Apple Bloom's problem.
"I'll be embarrassed..." Apple Bloom ranted, pacing back and forth around the clubhouse as she continued "Shamed, disgraced, mortified, humilate-"
Sweetie Belle stopped her by putting a hoof on her mouth while Scootaloo commented "What are you, a dictionary?"
"I think she's more of a thesaurus base on everything she's describing of her current situation." I suggested.
"Ignore them." Sweetie Belle assisted as she turned to Apple Bloom with a soft smile and said "We're gonna help you!"
"After all, we are the Cutie-Mark Crusaders." Scootaloo assured.
"They're right!" I nodded with a smile. "We'll figure out a way! We always do like Ren and the others! Maybe if we-"
"But how? Ugh! All this worrying is making me sick!" Apple Bloom sighed, cutting me off.
"Sick?" Sweetie Belle wondered. At that moment, Scootaloo hopped and accidentally bumped her head onto a hanging lamp, somehow turning it on and giving her that 'idea effect' that I've seen on cartoons before. "That's it! Come on!"
"W-wha?!" Apple Bloom gasped before being dragged off by her friends. I only watched and sighed sadly before following after them. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
I soon walked out of the clubhouse and headed back to the farmhouse since the girls seemed to be heading there. As I walked in, I formed a confused look upon seeing...a weird scene.
"A-ten-hut!" Granny Smith shouted, glaring at the empty jars like she was a general or something. She even had a general's hat on her head just to prove that. "Now listen here, troops! Now I don't want no whining or crying or cracking pressure! Do I make myself clear?!"
Suddenly, she accidentally knocked one over and dropped on the floor, breaking it into pieces. However, she wasn't bothered by it.
"Court-martialed!" Granny Smith screeched before picking the pieces up in a dustpan she found over by the corner and throwing them away in a nearby trash can.
"Tee-hee!" I giggled, attracting Granny Smith's attention. "Oh sorry for eavesdropping, Granny Smith!"
"That's okay dearie! I got plenty of more where that came from!" Granny Smith assured, ruffling my hair a bit.
I laughed at her playing with my hair as I said "Alright! Ah ha! Stop that! That tickles!"
"Sorry about that." Granny Smith apologized with a light chuckle. "So what brings ya here?"
"Well..." Before I could say anything else, we heard something coming upstairs, much to our confusion.
"Now what in the hayseeds is going in there?" Granny Smith wondered before walking upstairs with me following after her. As soon as we arrived to Apple Bloom's room, we came and saw her on the bed, but the weirdest and strangest part was that her face was green and had a thermometer on her mouth, which showed it was like...off the charts. What are they trying to pull now?
"Oh...Granny Smith. We were just about to come to get you." Scootaloo said with a nervous smile.
"Apple Bloom's sick!" Sweetie Belle added. "Looks like she might have to stay home all week!"
I raised a brow at them before realizing that they must've planned this. They must've faked Apple Bloom getting sick so that she won't be able to go to the Family Appreciation Day with Granny Smith.
Granny Smith walked over and took the thermometer out of Apple Bloom's mouth as Sweetie Belle pulled off a mischevious smile and Scootaloo smirked.
Granny Smith then touched Apple Bloom's forehead before smiling and said "Ooh! Perfect as a Piccadilly pear!"
With that, she took her leave while I looked at them with concern, seeing how they were trying to pull this off.
"Now what?" Apple Bloom wondered with a sadden look, covering her face with her blanket.
"Maybe you should just let Granny Smith go to the Family Appreciation Day?" I suggested with a smile.
"No! I can't! Then I'll be the laughing stock of the school, Carrie!" Apple Bloom yelled, causing me to frown.
"B-but still-"
"I'm sorry Carrie, but I can't!" Apple Bloom shouted. "I love Granny Smith, but I just can't do it! Come on Crusaders, let's head back to the clubhouse."
"You girls go on without me...I need some time to think..." I sighed before walking out of her room and outside of the farmhouse as I continued to walk around the place till I arrived to the fields, where I saw the blue electric blossoms from before. I sighed heavily and wonder on what can I do to help out Apple Bloom? I mean, she should be happy with her grandmother speaking out in class. All thanks to Diamond Tiara...why can I do?
"Carrie?" Huh? I turned around to see my big brother coming over, with his sweater off and showing off wearing his grey undershirt and has some good muscles. "What are you doing here?"
"Oh hi big brother...just thinking about things..." I sighed, looking over at one of the zap apple trees.
"Come on, it's me. You can tell me." Mason put his hand on my shoulder with an assuring smile.
"Well...it's Apple Bloom. Apparently, she's more worried about Granny Smith attending the Family Appreciation Day thing, but she won't allow it because it'll embarrass due to her...silly ways."
"So that's why she kept begging Applejack and Big Mac to come with her." Mason said, realizing it now. "Though, I understand if Granny Smith is...kooky. But she's family to her and she should respect her for who she is."
"Yeah...if only she would understand it." I sighed before my big brother ruffled my hair up, causing me to laugh and looked at him with a smile as he grinned back at me.
Soon, we noticed something in the sky falling down as we saw...
"Shooting stars!" I gasped in awe as many shooting stars came falling down as the blossoms from the zap apple trees began bursting into blue petals, revealing the trees to now be covered in gray apples.
"This must be the fourth sign." Mason said in surprise. "I should hurry and tell Applejack and Big Mac about this. You should head back home and get ready for bed. I'll be back home." He kissed me on the forehead, causing me to giggle before we parted ways. Oh well, I'll at least try to find a way to get her to allow Granny Smith to come to the school for Family Appreciation Day. Although....
"AHHHH!" I looked at the sky to see some familiar friends of mine being launched into the sky and landing somewhere in the farmhouse. I immediately rushed over to the scene and saw the Crusaders in a pig pen, covered in mud.
"What happened?" I asked.
"Uhh...nothing?" Sweetie Belle answered with a sheepish smile before I noticed her mane frazzled.
"Ummm...did you tried picking those zap apples the moment they appeared?" I asked with a raised brow.
"Uhh...maybe?" Scootaloo shrugged, causing me to sigh.
"Can't you girls at least try to allow Granny Smith to come with ya, please?" I begged, but Apple Bloom shook her head and said "No thank you Carrie! I cannot be humiliated by the other ponies!"
"So is not being humiliated more important than friends and family?" I asked, feeling heartbroken.
"N-no! That's not what I meant Carrie!" Apple Bloom insisted.
"It is! I...I just don't understand why are you having doubts with her. I think Granny Smith is a great pony and I wished you understand that." With that, I took my leave as my friends were left, stunned in shock upon seeing me acting up like this. I wished Apple Bloom would've ignored what Diamond Tiara said and won't try anymore with these crazy attempts. If only there was a way I can make her stop doing this...
The Next Day
"Carrie, it's time to wake up." Ugh....Huh? Oh it's Sunday already? Time sure flies really by. I soon got up from bed and saw my big brother up and wearing his clothes. "Come on, we're going back to Sweet Apple Acres for the zap apple jam."
"Okay..." I let out a yawn before I got up and got out of my Pajamas before putting on my regular clothing. We soon descended downstairs and encountered everyone else down there with Kaede and Ren making breakfast. Kaede seemed to be making some omelettes while Ren was making some pancakes.
"Oh hey guys, what's up?" Ren greeted us. "Morning!"
"Good morning, you guys." Mason smiled.
"Hi!" I greeted them with a wave.
"We're almost done with breakfast, so it shouldn't take long." Kaede added with a smile before finishing up her omelette up and placing it on one of the paper plates. Ren and Kaede soon placed down our breakfast down while the former placed pancakes onto Kodi's bowl, much to his joy.
"Thanks Ren!" Kodi barked.
"Anytime boy." Ren winked before petting him on the head.
"Thank you for making breakfast for us." Mason said before we sat down on the dining table. "Say thank you Carrie."
"Oh!...Thank you." I nodded with a soft smile.
"Don't mention it. We thought we could make breakfast. Well most of me since Ren doesn't know how to make anything else except pancakes." Kaede sighed.
"Hey!" Ren shouted in offense. "I don't know how to else any dishes like you and Mason!
"Hmm...fair point." Kaede shrugged.
"Maybe next time, I can teach you how to cook Ren." Mason offered, much to Ren's delight.
"Oh thanks dude." Ren smiled.
"More please!" Kodi called, already finishing his bowl, much to Ren's surprise.
"Already?!" Ren exclaimed.
I giggled upon seeing Kodi still getting hungry again before I noticed that we're missing one person else.
"Hey, where's Jamie?" I asked curiously.
"Oh, he's resting up at Twilight's home. He was reading books too late and past out from being restless." Kaede answered.
"Oh..." I said before taking a bite of my pancake, seeing how good it taste. "Mmm...so good. You made this Ren?"
"Well my mom taught me how to cook, along with my sister." Ren explained with a light chuckle. "Ahh, good times..."
"Yeah...I wonder how's everyone else is doing back home." I sighed while Mason was in some deep thought, which I noticed. "Something the matter big brother?"
"Oh...nothing. Just thinking home, that's all." Mason assured with a light chuckle, but I knew he couldn't fool me. He's probably thinking of Elena, and I think he's extremely worried about not being there for her, but just hiding it deep in his heart. "Well anyway, its best if I get going."
"Back to Sweet Apple Acres?" Ren asked curiously.
"Yeah, the four signs already appeared over the weekend, so I think the fifth and last sign should come today." Mason explained.
"You know, you've been going there a lot." Kaede stated.
"Well of course, for training that is." Mason replied.
"Well why not work there?" Kodi suggested, much to Mason's surprise. "You seemed to pretty much going there."
"What? That's ridiculous...Well I mean...umm..."
"Why not big brother?" I asked curiously. "I mean, Ren and Kaede have jobs here in Equestria, so why not work at the farm? It might help you in your training at least."
Mason looked at me for a while before sighing and shaking his head. "Well...seems like all of you are voting against me. Alright, I guess I'll ask Applejack next time. Right now, let's go over to Sweet Apple Acres for the zap apple jam. I'm planning on buying some when the zap apple appears and when we make it."
"Bring some back to us, please." Ren insisted. "I do want to see what's so good about it."
"Whatever." Mason shrugged before turning to me and said "Carrie, let's go."
"Oh, okay." I nodded before we headed out and said our goodbyes to our friends before heading back to the farm.
As we continued to walk along the path, I sighed as I remember what I told Apple Bloom yesterday...I just hope I didn't hurt her or the others' feelings...
"Something in your mind, sis?" I looked over at my brother, who gazed at me with a curious look.
"Well..."
"Let me guess: Apple Bloom, eh?" Well, at least he figured that one out. "Sis, it's okay. Apple Bloom is just going through...a phase."
"But...she won't let Granny Smith come to school tomorrow. I'm just worried that if Granny Smith found out about how Apple Bloom feels about her now, she might ending up getting her feelings hurt." I said with a sad look.
"It's true...but I'm sure she won't try anything too hard. I mean, how can three fillies cause any trouble?" Mason shrugged.
"But...you do realize that Apple Bloom once gotten the Cutie Pox?" I pointed out, which made Mason widened his eyes upon remembering that.
"Right...." Mason sighed before face-palming himself and said "Oh my god, I'm just now realizing this."
It's alright big brother, I don't blame you. As soon as we walked in, we accidentally bumped into somepony.
"OOF!" We said in unison as we fell down on the ground. I rubbed my aching head before looking up to see who we bumped into.
"Ms. Cheerilee?" I asked in confusion as she slowly got up before Mason helped her get back on her own four hooves.
"Oh hi Carrie, I didn't see you nor your brother here." Ms. Cheerilee said before turning to my brother and said "Thank you."
"Anytime." Mason nodded before asking "So what brings you here? If you're here for the zap apple jam, then you're quite early."
"Oh no, I was called in by Apple Bloom." Me and Mason looked at each other in confusion as we turned back to Ms. Cheerilee as my big brother asked "Apple Bloom called you?"
“Why yes, she came to me early today and said that Granny Smith needed to talk to me and it was very important. But when I got there, I saw her through the window and…it was a weird sight.”
“What do you mean a ‘weird sight’? Isn’t Granny Smith always weird in her own ways?” I nudged my brother, feeling a little upset that he would call her weird.
“Well true, but for some reason, she told me she couldn’t come to Family Appreciation Day tomorrow. I understood why and decided to take my leave until I bumped into her again, and as I told her we could reschedule, she seemed to have forgotten about our conversation and said that she’ll be able to come on Monday. I just don’t know what was up with that.”
“Yeah…” Mason nodded before rubbing his chin in thought. “Well…I gotta go help my friends with the zap apple jam. I’ll see you tomorrow on Family Appreciation Day.” Mason smiled before saying “I’m actually looking forward to it.”
“Why thank you Mason.” Ms. Cheerilee nodded. “Well anyway, I better get going. See ya you two.”
“Bye!” We waved goodbye to her as she was out of sight as Mason made a serious and stern look and said “Carrie…please go inside of the farmhouse and wait for me.”
I froze upon seeing him like this. The only time I ever seen like this is when someone did something too far.
“O-Okay big brother!” I nodded with a smile before immediately running towards the farmhouse and waited out for him to finish with my friends. Oh, are they in trouble…
Mason’s POV
Oh that filly really is gonna be in a lot of trouble. As I searched frantically for her, I looked over at the clubhouse and saw the crusaders with Scootaloo dressing up like a telegram deliverer.
“I sure hope this works…!” Apple Bloom said as I narrowed my eyes through the clubhouse’s window and said “Hope what works if I might ask?”
The crusaders froze before slowly turning towards me as I gave them a stern look, much to their shock.
“Oh…hey there Mason.” Apple Bloom giggled nervously. “We were just preparing…for a play! Yeah!”
I continued to glare at her angrily as she saw that I wasn’t falling for it.
“Farmhouse. Now.” I said, narrowing my eyes angrily at her before she gulped and nodded as she immediately walked out of the clubhouse and walked over to the farmhouse, ready to take on any punishment I’m about to dish out on her.
As soon as I brought her inside, we found Carrie sitting down on the rocking chair as Apple Bloom sighed heavily and said “You told him, didn’t you?”
“Yeah, but for your own good.” Carrie said.
“Now then…” I turned to Apple Bloom with a stern gaze and said “Do you mind telling me why do you keep trying to make Granny Smith not want to go to the Family Appreciation Day?”
“W-well…” Apple Bloom glanced away nervously as sweat began to form around her body until she sighed and decided to talk. “The truth is…It’s about what Diamond Tiara said about me. She told me that my grandmother is an embarrassment to everypony in town due to how she forget things, how weird she is, and such. It made me…feel doubtful of her. I didn’t want to hurt her feelings but I also didn’t want to be the laughing stock of the school, or even Ponyville.”
“Apple Bloom…” I shook my head and said “Is being popular more important than your own family? You’re lucky to have a family that is so caring, loving, and supportive to you. You even have a wonderful grandmother who is still around with ya. See, me and Carrie were abandoned by our parents when they left each other and us as well.”
Apple Bloom looked at me in shock before turning to Carrie, who silently nodded before glancing away sadly.
“I met my grandmother a few times in my life, but she past away from old age. Carrie never gotten the chance to meet her.” I said, feeling a bit sadden. “Carrie was so happy to make friends with you and the other crusaders in this world. She’s even more happy that you have such a wonderful family and sometimes envies you for having such a wonderful grandmother.”
Apple Bloom felt stumped upon hearing that as she turned to Carrie, who didn’t bother to gaze at her as she said “I-Is…that true Carrie?”
“…Yeah. Whenever I see you hanging out with either Applejack, Big Mac, or Granny Smith, it makes me feel glad that I have Mason, but not any other family members.” Carrie said with a sad smile. “I never knew much about my parents, my grandparents or any relatives of mine. Mason was the only family I had left until we were brought in by Elena and her family, and I thought of them as family. I just...when I saw you kept scheming on not letting Granny Smith going over to the Family Appreciation Day, I felt so upset you wouldn't let her come all because of what Diamond Tiara told ya.”
Apple Bloom became shocked, feeling guilty that she didn't understand her feelings at all.
"I-I'm so sorry Carrie!" Apple Bloom apologized. "I...I was just...I was just trying not to be embarrassed. But instead, I ended up making myself a fool."
"Apple Bloom..." I bent down and hugged her and my sister. "No matter how embarrassed, sad, or angry by something, you'll always have your family and they'll always be by your side."
Apple Bloom smiled brightly at me before hugging me and said "Thanks Mason!"
"Anytime." I nodded as Apple Bloom turned to Carrie and said "And I'm sorry for not listening and taking your suggestion about letting Granny Smith come to school tomorrow."
Carrie chuckled with a smile before replying "It's okay, and sorry if I told Mason about your schemes."
"Heh heh...it's okay." Apple Bloom assured with a grin.
"So Apple Bloom..." I looked at her with a soft smile. "Are you gonna let Granny Smith go to school tomorrow for Family Appreciation Day or not?"
Apple Bloom thought for a while before forming a grin and replied "Yep! I'll do it! Besides, I'll have my friends and family with me!"
Me and Carrie looked at each other and smiled happily to see her accept that.
"That's what I want to hear!" Carrie said happily. Suddenly, we felt the wind breeze through the farmhouse as we immediately raced outside and saw the dark clouds coming around again and soon revealed itself into a bright rainbow.
"Ooh!" Carrie and Apple Bloom said in amazement while I smiled at their awe expressions. Soon, the zap apple trees once again crackled with electricity and the zap apples streaked into rainbows of color as rainbow beams bridged between each and every tree, turning every single zap apple into beautiful rainbow color.
"Impressive..." I smiled, feeling awed by that. You know, I can see why these Zap Apple Jams are quite great.
"The zap apple harvest has begun!" Applejack came racing down through the fields, joyed to see them come on.
"And tomorrow we will be making up some zap apple jam!" Granny Smith added, coming out of the barn with Big Mac. Apple Bloom looked at her grandmother with a frown before forming a grin. Seems like she's ready for tomorrow. Trust me, I know that Granny Smith won't embarrassed her...or less.
The Next Day
"Come on big brother! We're gonna be late!"
"I-I'm coming Carrie! Don't need to pull me by the scarf!"
Seriously, she gets way too excited for this! Today was Family Appreciation Day as we saw the school off a distance. Like Applejack stated, she and her brother have to stay behind to harvest the zap apples before they disappear for good. I'm glad that Apple Bloom finally accepts to listen what her grandmother is ready to say whatever she's about to say to her classmates.
We soon arrived to the school, seeing everypony except for Apple Bloom and Granny Smith.
"Carrie! You're here!" Scootaloo greeted with a smile.
"Hi Mason!" Sweetie Belle waved at me.
"Hey there you two." I waved at her with a soft smile. Soon, the other fillies looked at me in amazement, probably because they never saw me up close as a tall human. I know that they met Carrie, but never a human this tall.
"So glad that you're here Mason." Ms. Cheerilee walked into the classroom, happy to see my big brother here. "Class is almost about to begin, so its best if you prepare for your introduction."
"Why yes Ms. Cheerilee." I nodded with a smile. "By the way, if I might ask, where is Apple Bloom? I was hoping she would be here with her grandmother."
"Yes, so was I. I wonder where that filly went." Ms. Cheerilee wondered.
"Maybe she decided to skip out because of her Granny Smith?" Diamond Tiara suggested, snickering at that thought. Carrie glared at her, like she was almost ready to pounce at her until I looked at her and said "Please calm down Carrie and don't let her get in the way. Just relax..."
"Y-yeah...big brother." Carrie nodded, smiling sheepishly at me.
"We're here!" Well, it's about time. Apple Bloom soon came in, along with her grandmother.
"Howdy, y'all! I'm as happy as a pig in a fresh mudpile to be here!" Granny Smith greeted with a friendly smile.
"Hi Granny Smith!" Carrie waved at her happily before turning to Apple Bloom and said "Wow! I knew you could bring her here Apple Bloom!"
"Heh heh, thanks Carrie. After all, I wouldn't break a promise." Apple Bloom winked.
"Well either way, we're glad that you showed up." Mason smiled.
"Yeah, we sure are!" Diamond Tiara snickered, along with Silver Spoon but they immediately shut up upon seeing my darkened glare.
"Anyway..." I turned back to them with a soft smile and said "We're so glad to finally meet you. If you want, you can go first."
"Nonsense, you should." Granny Smith assured. "So why not go ahead while I try to get ready? My hips weren't what they used to be."
"Understand." I bowed with a smile.
"No need to bow, I ain't royalty!"
"But even so, I have to respectful towards the elderly. That's what I was taught back then." I said.
"Well I'll be tooting!" Granny Smith chuckled before turning to her granddaughter and said "Well I'll be Apple Bloom, you sure made friends with a gentle-pony."
"Heh heh, thanks Granny Smith." Apple Bloom chuckled with a soft smile, not showing any signs of embarrassment it seems. I'm proud of her.
"Now then, shall we prepared to tell us your stories?" Ms. Cheerilee asked curiously as she sat down on her desk as I nodded and stepped forward as both Apple Bloom and Carrie sat down on their respective seats while Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon looked at them with mischevious smiles while I shook my head and sighed before clearing my throat as I was about to tell my story. I won't tell them much about me and Carrie's childhood on when we were abandoned, just the good parts. That way, the class won't feel bad for us.
"Hello everyone, I am Mason Hunter, Carrie Hunter's older sibling." I formerly greeted them. "You see, you already know about our kind, but you never knew much about our past. See, me and Carrie belong to a rich family back in our world. They're known as the Ortega Family, a nice and caring wealthy family who always help so many innocent people in their kingdom."
Everyone felt excited upon hearing that as they all glanced at Carrie, probably because Carrie never told them about it, which is understandable.
"Me and Carrie live with them for several years. Carrie was taught a lot by our family's tutors, maids, butlers, and our own adoptive parents from her entire life before coming here to your school."
"So...Carrie is royalty?" One of the fillies asked curiously.
"Well yes." I nodded with a smile.
"But what about you?" Another one asked me.
"Well...you may say I was raised by royalty, but you see, I was trained to become a bodyguard." I explained, causing the class to look at me in shock, even Ms. Cheerilee. "You see, I was trained for it in order to become a personal bodyguard for Miss Elena Ortega. She was our foster mom and dad's daughter."
"What was she like?" Sweetie Belle asked curiously. I blushed a bit and hid my smile with my scarf as I replied "Well...she was kind, smart, beautiful, and...well...."
"She was also my big brother's lover!" Carrie answered, much to the class's awe.
"C-Carrie!" I exclaimed, blushing madly.
"Well it's the truth!" Carrie smiled. "Besides, you don't have to be embarrassed about telling everyone about it."
Speaks for yourself.
"Anyway..." I cleared my throat before turning to the class and continued on with my story. "It's true that I've dated a royal heir to the throne, but I am simply just a normal boy. Nothing much..."
"Nothing much?! But you're a part of the royal family in your world and dating a princess?! Is that putting that you're a normal boy?!" Scootaloo exclaimed, which the others murmured in agreement.
"Well...You're right about that, I guess." I sighed before forming a smile. "But still, I rather be treated like a normal person, even Elena wishes to be normal as well because she wishes to explore more of the outside world. Although, I promised her that I'll always guide people to the right path, like she has to me and my little sister. I've been protecting them for quite a long time and I'm glad to see my sister so happy and made so many friends."
Soon, everypony began clapping their hooves, excited to hear the end of the story.
"A well deserved presentation Mr. Hunter." Ms. Cheerilee smiled. "That was a beautiful story."
"Thank you." I bowed with a soft smile.
"Hey wait, I heard you mention 'adoptive parents'." Silver Spoon pointed out. "How were you and Carrie adopted by a bunch of royals?"
"That's...another time." I assured with a grin. "Trust me, you'll find out someday." I assured with a grin.
"Ahh..." Everypony sighed while Carrie continued to clap for me and smiled happily at me.
"Good story big brother!" Carrie cheered, causing me to smile softly at her.
"Thanks sis." I nodded.
"Pfft! Whatever! He's absolutely lying!" Diamond Tiara accused. "He probably made that up to impress us all."
"Really? You want proof?" I asked before taking my locket off my neck and opened it up to them, revealing the picture. "This locket was given to me from our last anniversary. We've been together for such a long time, and we've been so...close with each other."
Soon, my two animals friends, Nate and Maddy came out of my scarf and nuzzled my cheeks, causing me to grin at them. "Thanks you two." I petted them on the head, which made everypony let out an 'Aww' at my romance with Elena while Diamond Tiara simply scoffed at me. Oh grow up...
"Now then..." Ms. Cheerilee cleared her throat before I walked out of the way and leaned against the wall, allowing Granny Smith to take the stand. "Ms. Granny Smith? Are you ready to tell them your story?"
"Why yes! Thank you!" Granny Smith nodded with a smile.
"I can't wait to hear Granny Smith's presentation." Diamond Tiara made a mischievous smile and turned to Apple Bloom and whispered "If she can remember any of it."
Diamond Tiara and Silver Spoon giggled while Apple Bloom and Carrie looked at each other and rolled their eyes at them. Looks like Apple Bloom has full confidence on this one on the bag.
Soon, Granny Smith cleared her throat before taking out a map, which showed the entire continent of Equestria.
"Long ago, when I was a little pony, things were very different here in Ponyville. Cause there was no Ponyville! That's right, my little ponies. Me and my family were pilgrim pony folk, back when I was a little filly. Oh, we ventured far and wide, collecting new seeds and sellin' the old. But my pa was the finest seed collector in all of Equestria. Then, one day, the Smith family found themselves in the most brilliant, most grand, most magnificent of all cities. A place called... Canterlot. Well, I bet your hooves to hindquarters I had never seen anything like it before nor since. And as if the beauty of that city wasn't enough, suddenly, she appeared. Princess Celestia, the most regal of all ponies. When lo and behold, she stopped to look at my pa's seed collection. Then Princess Celestia saw that we were plumb-tuckered and hankerin' to find our forever home. And bein' a royal Princess and all, she knew exactly the place for us to lay down our stakes. My pa gave the Princess a mighty thanks. We quickly found that land near the Everfree Forest, and we built our first home. Next, we planted our first orchards. But an orchard don't grow overnight, and we were getting mighty short on food. Now mind you, we were cautioned about the forest, and we knew that it was not fit to enter."
"But I knew there was critters livin' there. There must be somethin' to eat. It was dark and musty, and I won't lie, it was scary. But every inch was covered in plant life, and before I knew it, wasn't I standin' in front of the most incredible apple trees! I had never seen anything that bore this kind of colorful fruit! Oh I started picking apples quick as a whip!"
" I turned, and there before me stood the timberwolves! I've never run so fast in my life. I did the only thing I could think of. My pa and I planted those special apple seeds, and before our eyes they grew like wildfire. Why, we had full grown trees faster than you could say 'lickety split'. Then each year, I paid close attention to the signs of the zap apples' special harvesting times. How the weather affects the Everfree Forest, how the timberwolves howl when the zap apples first start growing, and how they zapped away if you didn't pick 'em all in one day! And the fruits of our labor were the best fruit we ever tasted. Soon enough I was mixing up batches of zap apple jam. Just like harvestin' the zap apples had its special rules, so did makin' zap apple jam. I learned that you gotta be extra friendly with the bees, otherwise their honey won't taste rightly sweet to mix in with the zap apples. Who'd'a thought that glass jars needed talkin' to? Or that zap apples like pink polka dots? But magic is as magic does. Just funny that way. Then ponies started comin' to our farm from far and wide just to get a taste of my zap apple jam. Some of them decided to stay, like Stinkin' Rich, Diamond Tiara's great grandfather. Matter of fact, the first thing he ever sold was my zap apple jam."
"And before we knew it, we had ourselves a nice little town, bustling with all kinds of ponies. And that is how Ponyville was founded."
.....What...the...actual...heck?
"So wait...does that mean?" Carrie looked at Granny Smith in shock as she exclaimed "You discovered Ponyville?!"
"And apparently, one of its founders." I added, showing off my surprised expression. I cannot believe it! When she was gonna give off a presentation about her family, I did not anticipate for this! Just how old is this mare?!
"Well...yes. I did say that, didn't I?" Granny Smith questioned and soon enough, all the foals in the room started clapping, overjoyed upon hearing that story. "Oh, thank you kindly, little ponies. Oh, now now, let's settle down."
"So if it weren't for you and the zap apples, Ponyville wouldn't even exist?!" Scootaloo exclaimed.
"Darn tooting, little filly!" Granny Smith nodded with a small smug grin.
"And..." Apple Bloom turned to Diamond Tiara with a smile and said "If it weren't for my Granny Smith, your daddy wouldn't have Barnyard Bargains!"
Everyone nodded in agreement, realizing that part was right too.
"It's true." Carrie nodded.
"B-but!" Diamond Tiara sputtered in shock before I noticed Granny Smith licking the chalk board, not caring at all. Well, she's a little kooky, but a great old mare. "But she's just a...kooky old lady!"
Everypony gasped as I glared at her and was about to say something until Apple Bloom and Carrie stepped in with the former shouting "She is not a kooky old lady! She is the most amazing pony in all of Ponyville!"
"And a great grandmother to my friend, Apple Bloom! You should be thankful of her! Without her and her family, she wouldn't have discovered those zap apples and gave them to your great grandfather in the first place, meaning that you wouldn't been born at all!" Carrie pointed out, causing me to smirk at her.
"B-but! GRRR!" Diamond Tiara growled angrily.
"I have a feeling that your father won't like when he discovers about what he said to his business partner, right?" I questioned with a raised brow, with Ms. Cheerilee nodded in agreement as she sternly gaze at Diamond Tiara and said "Absolutely! I'll be sure to visit Mr. Rich later today about what she said about Granny Smith."
Diamond Tiara jaw-dropped in shock, unable to process what just happened.
"Ahh, thanks you dearies." Granny Smith smiled, hugging both Apple Bloom and Carrie.
"Hey, anything for a friend." Carrie smiled. "And I'm glad that Apple Bloom lives with a great family."
"Same here, Carrie. Same here." Apple Bloom smiled, hugging her grandmother tight. I walked over with a smile and said "I gotta say Granny Smith, I...wasn't expecting to hear all that. If I may ask, how old are you?"
"That's a secret I'll never tell." Granny Smith winked. "Besides, it's very rude to ask an old mare of their age."
"R-right...sorry." I apologized with a sweat-drop. "But you know, it's quite amazing that your one of the founders of Equestria."
"Yep! I'll always remember it by heart. I even have a photo from the day back when Ponyville was starting out as a little village. See?" Granny Smith pulled out a small photo, which revealed to be a photo that has been really outdated due to some scratch marks on the photo, but the whole picture was quite good and it showed Granny Smith in her younger days, along with some ponies that seems to be her family. Hmm...I bet she really misses them, but I know that they'll always still be watching her from the heart.
"You fellas can take it if ya want?" Granny Smith said, surprising both me and Carrie.
"Are you sure?" I asked incredulous.
"Yes, I'll always remember my family in my small beating heart." Granny Smith assured. She then gave me the photo as I looked upon it before forming a grin and said "Oh...thank you."
"Anytime young man." Granny Smith smiled. "Now move your caboose! I gotta go and check up on the zap apple jam."
"Why yes, thank you and goodbye." I bid farewell to her before she took her leave out of the class while I held onto the photo of her. I'll keep it as a souvenir, just to remember that story. Besides, it was quite fun to hear and learn much more about Ponyville. At least we learned about the past and how Ponyville was discovered.
"I'm quite glad Granny Smith came." Apple Bloom spoke up. "I was so embarrassed for nothing. Heh, guess I shouldn't have listened to Diamond Tiara."
"True, but at least you allowed her to come to Family Appreciation Day." Carrie assured, hugging her best friend as she hugged her back as well. It's nice to see Carrie encouraging them, and I know she'll always be there to support them to the end.
Later
"Oh man! These zap apple jams taste so good!" Ren exclaimed, taking a bite of the zap apple jam when he placed them on a toast.
"They sure are!" Kaede agreed, eating a zap apple cupcake.
"Indeed they are." I nodded in agreement before eating some zap apple cake. After our presentation at the Family Appreciation Day, I brought Ren, Kaede, Jamie, Kodiak, and Rosy to come over to Sweet Apple Acres for the zap apple jam. Soon after, I managed to become the second customer to buy two packages of zap apple jam by using Ren's money.
"Man! These are so good! I love it!" Kodi exclaimed, licking through the jar of zap apple jam and sharing some with Rosy as he stuck some on her nose.
"Meow!" Rosy smiled, licking it off her nose.
"Hmm...they taste very good like sweet apples. I'll save them for Twilight." Jamie said, putting them down in his small brown bag and writing about the zap apples history on his notebook. "So you're telling me that Granny Smith is one of the founders of Ponyville?"
"Yes." I nodded.
"That's quite amazing. How old is she?" Jamie asked, but my only reply was a shrug since I didn't know that as well. "Oh well...maybe I'll find out myself."
"Good luck with that." I rolled my eyes at that.
"Enjoying them?" Applejack asked, walking towards us with a smirk. "I told ya that the zap apple jams taste so delicious. Thanks for harvesting them yesterday Mason."
"Anytime." I grinned before remembering something. "Hey listen...there's something I want to ask you..." Applejack and the others looked at me in confusion as I took a deep breath and said "Would you let me work here at Sweet Apple Acres?"
"Wait what?" Ren asked in confusion.
"See, I've been coming here to Sweet Apple Acres for training while helping you out with your chores. The others has jobs and been helping out others, but I want to help out with the Apple family. So if you won't mind...can I work here?" I asked politely. Applejack blinked for a few seconds before letting out some laughter.
"Well of course!" Huh? Applejack patted me on the back and said "You've been a big help for a while with the zap apple jam! Besides, you're more strong as Big Mac! And I had a feeling you would ask something like that."
"Oh...thanks, I guess." I shrugged.
"Yep! Just remember coming tomorrow when you bring Carrie to school." Applejack said before walking off and said "Now if ya excuse me, I got some zap apple jams to sell to our customers."
"Bye that, you mean all the ponies in Ponyville?" Ren pointed out, seeing the long line that started all the way at the town.
"Well zap apple jam is a traditional special jam that has been selling for hundreds of years." Jamie said, continuing to write down his notes.
"Well whatever. I'm gonna go and check up on Carrie. Don't eat all the jam please." I said before I began walking off.
"Oh and Mason! Congratulations on getting the job!" Ren shouted, causing me to smirk as I continued my way. That Ren Loodan...he always knows how to make us feel better. Soon, I arrived at the farmhouse, seeing Granny Smith, Scootaloo, Sweetie Belle, Carrie and some fillies hopping around like crazy. Didn't Applejack say something about praising the water while singing your ABC's will allow you to have good luck? That's completely ridiculous...
"Diamond Tiara!" Huh? I turned around to see Diamond Tiara being pushed by her father, who had a disappointed and stern look at her.
"But daddy!" Diamond Tiara pleaded, but her father ignored her as he pushed her towards the group and had no choice to join them. I couldn't help but chuckle at her misfortune. Guess it's her fault for calling Granny Smith 'kooky'. Though, who would've thought that Granny Smith would live that long back then. I know she's old, but not THAT old. Oh well, at least I got this photo to keep hold.
I took out the photo from my sweater pockets and smiled at seeing how happy and excited Granny Smith was, along with the other settler ponies. It's nice to see them how excited and happy they are for discovering Ponyville. I guess anypony who would've heard this story would thank her and their ancestors for discovering this place....Hm? What the?
I narrowed my eyes as I took a closer look on the photo, seeing something in the background. It was something dark and grey at the background covered in vines and such. Wait, have I seen something like that before? Yeah...it almost looks like....
"Ah!" I gasped, clutching on the photo real hard upon seeing what it was. "It can't be...right?" This photo...was does it have the...home-ship in the background? I don't understand...but that's impossible! This photo was taken a very long time ago, possibly a century! So does that mean...that the home-ship's been here this long? So...how long have we've been in there?
To Be Continued