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// Chapter 43 - The Last Roundup! 
// Story: My Little Pony: Ren's Adventures In Equestria 
// by MaxTV1234 
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“How long till we finished up Mason?” I asked, feeling tired of doing chores.

“Almost done.” Mason answered while washing the dishes. “This punishment serves you both right for leaving the home without letting me know.”

“Come on Mason! We were just helping the Cakes with babysitting the twins’! I mean, they looked really desperate on finding a babysitter to watch over them.” Kaede complained, getting tired of mopping the floors of the dining hall. 

“While I understand your reason, just at least leave a note to let me know where you two went.” Mason said sternly. “Me and Carrie were wondering where you’ve two been all day.”

“More like you were worried about them Mason.” Carrie reminded him, cleaning off the windows. “I was having faith in them and kept telling ya that they were probably alright.”

“W-well…”

“Mason, it’s okay.” I assured with a soft grin. “You were just worried and you were right. We should’ve just told you guys where you’ve been.”

Mason sighed before forming a sad and guilty look before saying “You are right, Ren. I shouldn’t have felt worried. I guess it was just my instinct, that’s all.”

“Well we deserved it in the end, so I see why not.” I chuckled.

“Ren’s right. But it was worth it to watch over the Cakes’ twins. They were cute, but troublesome at the same time.” Kaede stated.

“Yeah, and sure know how to nearly get a dog to go deaf, apparently.” Kodi added, laying in his makeshift bed with Rosy by his side. 

Apparently, it was the day after we decided to play babysitters with Pumpkin and Pound Cake, and Mason was really angry with us leaving without notifying him, and as punishment, we were to do his chores in the morning. Right now, we cleaned every part of the home-ship. Our rooms, the bathrooms, the closets, and even the kitchen and living room. Man, it feels so tiring…But then again, I guess you can say that we sorta deserved it in the end. We should’ve left a note for Mason and Carrie to let us know where we were. But anywho, right now, I’m already finishing up scrubbing the kitchen floors. 

“Alright, we’re done.” Kaede sighed in relief, putting down the mop. 
“Well I hope you both learned your lessons.” Mason said, crossing his arms. 

“Well it’s kinda no fair since Kodiak and Rosy didn’t do them.” I pointed out.

“That’s because they’re animals, and they haven’t done anything wrong but go with you two anywhere you go since you are their owners/friends, correct?”

“Well…the way he says it, he’s not wrong.” Kaede agreed.

“Well alright.” They do have points about this, and I guess I was going too far with this. “Since we’re done…” I brightened up a smile and offered “You guys wanna hang? We got plenty of time now.” 

“I appreciate the offer, but I rather resume my training. Right now, I’m behind with my meditation.” Mason said with a serious expression. 

“Same here, I probably should go and help out Rarity with some more clothes.” Kaede added.

“Well I kinda got nothing to do since it’s the weekend.” Carrie agreed sadly. 
“I-I see…” I sighed with a disappointed look. Man, we’ve been pretty busy this last several months, haven’t we? It’s kinda sad, really. Oh well, I guess I can work on my paintings. Speaking about them, I remember a certain promise back then to one Pegasus…. “Oh well…I guess I’ll work on some paintings. Need to get back in the business right now.”

“That’s a good idea.” Mason shrugged before we heard the door knocked. “I’ll go answer it.”

Mason went over to answered as he opened the door, revealing Twilight and Jamie as the latter greeted them.

“H-hello there guys…” 

“Hey Jamie, Twilight, what’s up?” I greeted them back with a smile.

“We just came by to ask you guys to come over to Ponyville for a little celebration.” Twilight explained, catching the others’ attention.
“Really? On what occasion?” I asked.

“You see, Applejack is about to compete in a rodeo competition over by the next town from Ponyville, and we’re setting up a going away party to celebrate her winning the competition to fix up the mayor’s roof.” 

“Really? It can’t be that bad, right?” Kodi asked curiously.

“T-trust us. W-we’ve seen it and it’s m-much worse.” Jamie stated.

“Well I can help. I mean, I can paint a great portrait for Applejack to enjoy.” I shrugged with a soft smile.

“That’s great to hear!” Twilight smiled. “Come along, we’ve got a lot of work to do.”

Well, it’s beat than staying alone and being bored around here.

“Hold on, I have a job to take care of back at Sweet Apple Acres.” Mason stated.

“Oh, about that…” Jamie glanced away nervously as he said “A-About that…it’s just that…Applejack c-closed up the farm for today due to doing some training for the r-rodeo competition.”

“What?!” Mason asked in surprise.

“Well hey! At least you can take a break at least.” Kaede smiled.

“Don’t worry! You can still work by tomorrow! She’s just training today and doesn’t need some distraction. You can work tomorrow.” Twilight insisted.

“…Alright.” Mason sighed.

“Don’t worry big brother, you’ll get your chance tomorrow.” Carrie assured, holding onto his hand, causing him to smile softly at his sister.

“W-well anyway…should we go now o-or give you more time?” Jamie asked timidly. 

“Don’t worry, we’ll go now. Besides, I need to catch up with Rarity on some new clothesline I thought about working on.” Kaede giggled.

“Kaede, Rarity closed up shop as well, so you can’t work today because she and the others are busy helping out at the mayor’s hall.” Twilight pointed out, shocking Kaede.

“No way!” Kaede gaped. “Is the mayor’s office cracking apart really that serious?”

“Indeed…” Twilight nodded with a sad sigh before smiling brightly and said “But don’t worry! Applejack will surely win the prize money to pay off new additions to the mayor’s office.”

“You seemed pretty sure of yourself.” Kodi pointed out.

“W-well, Applejack is quite an impressive runner due to the many working she does as a farmer like her leg muscles are quite strong and Earth ponies are quite known for their strength and have the ability to easily grow crops…” Jamie muttered loudly, not knowing that we overheard him.

“Makes sense since she is the strongest out of all of us.” Carrie said with a smile. “Well…the second strongest of course.”

“I take it the first strongest is your brother?” I asked with a smirk. Carrie nodded while Mason blushed a bit and replied “K-knock it off, Carrie. I’m not that stronger as her.”

“But you are! I mean, you knock every single apple off a tree whenever you use a high jump kick or karate chop or any cool moves you know!” Carrie pointed out, causing him to feel embarrassed.

“W-well even so…I was just helping out since it is my job to help out the others, not to show off strength.” Mason pointed out.

“Well come on everyone! Let’s go check it out and see what we can do.” I said with a smile as we began heading over to Ponyville. But seriously though, the mayor’s office is in bad shape that involves almost everypony in town, including our friends to pinch in and help out? How bad can it be?



Later

“See, it looks fine to me.” I pointed, seeing the mayor’s hall all nice and tidy.
“Take a look up there.” Twilight pointed her hoof upwards as we looked higher and jaw-dropped upon seeing the top part of the tower had been broken off.

“What? How in the world did this happened?!” Kodi gaped.

“W-we don’t know, but your guess is good as m-mine.” Jamie explained, writing down in his journal. “I’m writing down stuff we need to pay for the renovations of the mayor’s office.”

“You seemed pretty prepare for this, eh Jamie?” Kaede asked.

“I-it was nothing, I-I was just helping out.” Jamie stated. “Besides…it’s t-the least I-I can do…”

“Well I think you’re doing a great job Jamie.” Twilight smiled, causing Jamie to glance away and blush at her compliment.

“Y-yes…thank you for the compliment T-Twilight…” Jamie muttered.

“Well either way, I say this place needs to get spot clean.” I commented before noticing a banner being hung on and it had a sketch of a chibi-like Applejack on it, plus with apple-like insignias’ on them. “Huh, guess we’re having another appreciation day for AJ.”

“Huh? So Applejack had one before?” Kaede asked curiously. I smiled and replied “Yep, it was during the first few weeks I spent here in Equestria, and Applejack saved the town from a stampede of cows. Since then, everypony decided to celebrate and let me tell you…that week was quite something.”

I’m still grimacing on every disaster from what Applejack caused due to her lack of sleep during that Apple-Buck season thing. Ugh, just thinking about that just gives me a headache.

“This town must really trusts her to do this, huh?” Mason thought aloud. “I mean, they’re believing on Applejack winning that rodeo competition. I get it, but don’t you think the civilians are putting too much faith on her?”

“Nonsense Mason, we’re just showing our appreciation to her.” Twilight assured with a soft grin.

“W-well…maybe he has a point.” Jamie couldn’t help but agreed with Mason as he continued “I mean, what if she doesn’t w-wins?”

“Jamie, you gave out a fine description of her great strength due to working on Sweet Apple Acres, so I think she’ll do well. She won’t let us down.” 

“Y-you’re right…sorry.” Jamie apologized with a sad look. “I-I didn’t mean to upset you.”

Twilight sighed before forming a soft grin at him and said “I wasn’t upset Jamie, I was just reminding you what you said. Trust me, after spending time with the gang for all these months, I know Applejack will win it.”

“Well…alright.” Jamie nodded.

“I still think the town is putting too much faith on her, that’s for sure.” Mason said, crossing his arms with a raised brow.

“Don’t worry big brother, I’m gonna believed in her on winning the prize money to help fix the tower.” Carrie assured. Suddenly, we heard some grunting as Rainbow Dash and some grey Pegasus pony with blonde mane and tail coming out of the floor, which we noticed had holes in them. Okay, how did we miss that?

“Sorry.” The grey Pegasus apologized.

“Look! Just stop it! Alright?! Just go over to the other side and do something else.” Rainbow yelled.

“Whoa whoa whoa, what’s the problem?” I asked, stepping up with a curious expression.

“Nothing, just Rainbow Dash yelling at me to leave out of the scene, that’s all.” The grey pony explained.

“And why’s that?” I asked.

“Because she keeps messing up!” Rainbow exclaimed, causing the grey pony to glance away in sadness. 

“But Dash, I’m sure it was an accident. Everybody makes accidents.” I assured until Rainbow gave me a frustrated look and exclaimed “Yeah! But not this pony! Every time Derpy tries to help out like in weather scheduling, moving clouds and other types of stuff, she always screw its up!”

“Derpy?” I turned to the grey Pegasus, who waved at me with a soft grin. 

“Yep, the name’s Derpy Hooves. Mail delivery pony of the Ponyville Mail express!” She introduced herself with a meek smile. It’s sounds like a cruel name now that you think about it. Wait…that name..

“Wait…that name. Isn’t that the name of the Pegasus who accidentally led the geese to go to west instead of north?” I wondered aloud.

“Yep. She’s the one!” Rainbow nodded, causing Derpy to grimace about that.

“Y-you don’t have to remind me of that. It was an accident.” Derpy sighed sadly.

“Hey, don’t take it that far Derpy.” I assured with a soft grin. “I mean, not everypony is perfect. We all make accidents.”

“Some, unlike me.” Rainbow boasted, causing me to give her a deadpan look. Yeah, sure you are.
“Anyway…” I turned back to Derpy with a soft grin and continued “Don’t let Dash get ya down. Just keep on trying and you’ll do great.”
“Thanks Ren!” Derpy smiled, her eyes turning around.

“What the?!” I exclaimed. 

“What?” She tilted her head in confusion.

“Y-your eyes…umm…”

“Oh right…don’t worry, they’re fine. I just like being crossed-eye.” Wait what? So is she saying that she isn’t crossed-eye? “Here, watch!”

She blinked twice, her eyes returning back to normal, which surprised me in awe.

“Whoa…that’s pretty cool!” I commented.

“How on Equestria did she do that?” Kodi whispered to me, which I shrugged.

“Not impressive.” Rainbow rolled her eyes.

“Rainbow Dash, just stop.” Mason said with a stern look, coming to my side. “Just give her a chance and stop being rude. I can name a few stuff that you’ve done for the past several months.”

“Ugh, fine!” Rainbow crossed her hooves in annoyance. 

“Ahh, thanks everypony.” Derpy smiled before blinking twice, returning her eyes back being crossed-eye.

“Whoa…how?” I asked.
“I don’t know. It’s just happens when I was a filly.” Derpy chuckled.

“I see…by the way, how do you know my name?” 

“Oh that’s easy! Everypony in Equestria knows you! You and the weird fella with the red scarf are a part of a new species in Equestria.” Derpy answered.

“Well…that makes sense. Count as defeating Nightmare Moon and Discord, of course.” I chuckled with a smile.

“Yep!” 

“Did…she call me a weird fella?” Mason asked in a dry tone. Before we could answer, we heard a crowd chanting over by the other side of the mayor’s office. 

“Oh! They’re starting already! See ya!” Derpy waved goodbye before flying over to join on the festivities.

“Wow, already? But we just arrived.” Kaede stated.

“W-well, they are hard and fast workers.” Jamie pointed out. “I’ve been studying them for a while after helping Twilight out with her books at the library.”

“Well we don’t wanna miss out on this!” Kodi exclaimed.

“Meow!” Rosy agreed, laying down on Kaede’s left shoulder.

“Yeah! Let’s go big brother!” Carrie grabbed her brother’s hand and began dragging him towards the crowd.

“H-hey! Carrie!” Mason exclaimed as he was dragged along with her.

“Well shall we?” Twilight asked.

“Sure, I see why not.” I nodded as we headed off towards the crowd as they continued to stomp their hooves onto the ground with excited smiles on their faces as they kept chanting “Applejack! Applejack! Applejack! Applejack! Applejack!”
“Wow, the crowd’s really pumped up.” Kaede commented with a surprised look.
“Indeed.” Jamie nodded with a serious expression. “It makes sense due to Applejack’s help around town.”

“Can’t argue with that.” Mason agreed. “I’ve known her for quite a while, but I’ve never knew that ponies here had this much faith with her.” He then turned to me and asked “Were they like this from when you came?”

“Yeah, and they were quite giving for her that they gave her a trophy.” I replied with a smile.

“Hey! We help out too from stuff like a stampede! Why don’t we get awards?” Carrie pouted.

“You know, she’s got us there.” Kodi smirked. You know, I never really thought of that. 

“Everypony! Can I please get your attention? Attention please!” Mayor Mare shouted through the mic, causing everypony to stop chanting. She then cleared her throat before smiling and said “Yes, we are all here to send Applejack to compete in this year’s Equestria Rodeo competiton Canterlot.”

Applejack walked up the stage with a confident smile on her face, causing the crowd to cheer into hysterics.

“And I want to thank Applejack in advance for generously offering up her prize money to fix town hall.” 

“Yeah, Applejack! Woo-hoo!” I heard Derpy cheered for her, which help brought out a smile on her face. 

“Speech! Speech!” Huh? Was that Pinkie Pie? I could’ve sworn that was her.

“Oh, shucks. I’m not much for speeches.” Applejack said, rubbing her head bashfully.

“Alright then, no speech!” I then felt somepony speeding past me, which caught me by surprise. Whoa, I’m really sure that was Pinkie Pie.

“Did anybody feel that?” Kodi asked in surprise.

“I taste t-that.” Jamie commented with a sigh.

“Buuut!” Applejack gave us a happy smile and said “This here is the nicest send off anypony could ask for. You all have been cheering me on in every rodeo since I was a little little pony.” Whoa, so she’s been competing in every rodeo competition since she was a little girl? That’s quite impressive for somepony like her. But then again, it’s Applejack. She always been known for her honesty, great apple-selling prices across Equestria, and her apple-bucking skills. Is there more that she can’t do? “So it seems only fitting to use my winnings to fix up town hall. I promise to make Ponyville proud.”

And with the end of her speech, everypony let out a cry of cheering at Applejack while the rest of us smiled at her.

“And she says that she doesn’t give out speeches.” I nudged Mason, who was rolling his eyes at me and said “Says you.”

“Hey! I give out great speeches!” I yelled out in offensive.

“Ren’s right. He always cheers us on and supports us to no end.” Kaede agreed.

“Y-yeah…he does.” Jamie nodded, glancing away.

“Well…true. But he’s still a little kid, that’s all.” Mason shrugged.

“I’m 15 who’s about to turn 16 in several months!” I retorted.

“Whatever…” Mason rolled his eyes.

“But wait, hasn’t a year past for someone like you?” Jamie asked. “Wouldn’t you be 16 by now?”

“Well…I’ve turned 15 before I somehow got here in Equestria from that pod.” I pointed out. “So I’m still 15 by now.”

“I-I see…sorry.” Jamie sighed.

Though, he has a point. A whole year has passed, but when I arrived to Equestria, I think it was a week after my birthday back in my world. So…ugh, the time here in Equestria is so confusing. But yeah, sure a year has passed, but it hasn’t hit summer yet, it wasn’t even June yet, so technically, I’m still 15…I think.



Later

Well, guess it’s time for AJ to head off towards Canterlot to win that competition for the mayor’s office. We all were standing on the Ponyville Train Station’s platforms, ready to bid farewell to AJ.

“I want you to show all them highfalutin rodeo ponies what a real rodeo pony’s like!” Granny Smith exclaimed, supporting her granddaughter.

“Heh heh…you betcha, Granny Smith.” Applejack replied.

“And bring back all that money!” Mayor Mare added, pushing Granny Smith aside as she gave the farm pony a smile on her face.

“You betcha, Mayor!”

“And have fun!” Pinkie said as she continued “And don’t be nervous. Or if you are, use that nervous energy to do even better than you already would! And eat peanuts and popcorn and taffy gives lots of nervous energy!” 

She pulls out a bag full of taffy candy before stuffing it into her mouth as we gave her confused and blank looks.

“…What is she even saying?” Mason asked.

“I have n-no clue.” Jamie answered. “I’m starting to give up on ever learning about her…”

Well that’s a good start for you at least, Jamie.

“Just do your best, Applejack.” Twilight smiled at her friend, who replied “I’ll do better than my best!”

“Good luck AJ, I know you can do it.” I cheered.

“Yeah, and don’t let them get the better of ya.” Kaede added.

“We’re rooting for ya!” Kodi supported with a happy bark.

“We’ll be cheering for you to the end!” Carrie added.

“Like Twilight said, do your best.” Mason smiled while crossing his arms.

“Heh heh, thanks everypony.” Applejack smiled.

“The train to Canterlot is about to leave! All aboard who’s coming aboard!” We heard the conductor announced.

“Guess that means me.” Applejack said as she began stepping into the train.

“See ya in a week!” Rainbow shouted.

“With lots of new blue ribbons!” Apple Bloom added, smiling at her older sister.

“And lots of money!” Mayor Mare exclaimed in joy. With that, the train began moving as Applejack popped out of the window and waved goodbye to us as she shouted “Darn tooting! See you all in a week, with a big bag full of blue ribbons!”

“See ya AJ!” I waved goodbye as we all began running to catch up to the train before it took its leave straight towards Canterlot. Man, she just left and yet, I’m starting to miss her already. Oh well, wished we came along to her trip to celebrate the competition with her.

“And drink sarsaprarilla!” We all gave Pinkie some deadpanned and confused looks by what she said. “What? It gives you extra sass.”
“No, it doesn’t.” Jamie pointed out.

“Hmm…” Mason gazed where the train last took off, already in deep thought.

“Something wrong Mason?” I asked curiously.

“It’s just that…I can’t help but feel worried about Applejack. She tensed up when everypony kept praising her on winning the rodeo competition.” Mason explained, crossing his arms with a serious look.

“What? She didn’t look that tensed up.” I shrugged.

“Maybe not from your perspective, but from mine.” Mason stated. “I feel worried on her winning the competition, that’s all. What if she doesn’t?”
“Well yeah, you make a good point there.” I couldn’t help but agree with him there. “But all we gotta do is just keep believing in her, right?”

Mason went silent on that before letting out a heavy sigh and said “I see why not. We’ll wait.”

“Come on everypony! Let’s go set up a surprise party for Applejack’s return!” Pinkie yelled.

“Huh? So soon?!” Kaede asked in surprise.

“Well you know Pinkie Pie, she always loves doing this kind of stuff.” Twilight chuckled nervously.

“Well I think that’ll be lovely to do.” Fluttershy insisted.

“Flutters’ right. We should do one for AJ when she comes home.” I agreed with a smile.

“B-but this so soon? A-are we sure about that?” Jamie asked curiously. “I-I mean, why not until the end of the week when she comes back home?”
“Jamie raises a good point.” Rarity agreed with him as she continued “I mean, it would be a waste on setting it up so soon and leave it like that until she comes back from a week.”

“Oh, that won’t be a problem!” Pinkie insisted before looking over…wait, what is she looking at? “Mr. writer sir, do you mind if you timeskip this please? Just this once!”

We all couldn’t help but raised a brow at her, wondering who she’s talking to. Writer? Time-skip? 
Jamie blinked in confusion before asking “Umm…Pinkie Pie. Who are you-”



One Week Later

And so, a week went by apparently fast and we were at the farmhouse preparing for Applejack’s welcome back party. What’s better is that some relatives of Applejack came and joined on the fun, wanting to celebrate Applejack’s win on the rodeo competition. They were pretty nice folks, I gotta say. It makes sense since Applejack did come from a nice family. Anyway, we were busy off setting the place with decorations with the same banner we used on Applejack’s appreciation thing last week when we gave her the send-off to Canterlot. While the week past, I had time to finish up a little ‘something’ for AJ, just as she promised. Anyway, me, Fluttershy, and Rainbow Dash just finished placing on the banner as I finished setting the balloons.

“Oh, I hope Applejack is surprised by this surprise party!” Fluttershy said with a soft but excited grin.

“I know she would Flutters.” I happily agreed on that.

“Well, that is the point.” Rainbow pointed.

“We know...” Fluttershy nodded before catching the the end of the streamer that Rainbow threw to her. “But we hope she isn’t so surprised she’s startled, because whole being surprised can be nice, being startled can be…very startling.” 

“Well true, I sometimes get startled sometimes when someone gives me a surprise.” I chuckled.

“SURPRISE!” GAH! I suddenly lost balance from the ladder and fell down real hard on my back while confetti landed on my body. 

“What the?” I muttered, rubbing my back.

“Oh Ren! Are you alright?” Fluttershy asked, floating down to help me up.

“I think so, but who just shouted ‘SURPRISE!’ like that to me?” Wait, why am I even asking? There’s only one pony who would’ve done that to me and its-

“SURPRISE!” What the?! I looked back to see Pinkie throwing confetti at me and Fluttershy while giving us a tooth-eating grin.

“Oh…it’s just you Pinkie Pie.” I smiled. “You nearly gave me a heart attack.”

“Sorry!” Pinkie apologized. “I was just practicing my ‘surprise!’ for when we surprise Applejack with this super cool party for becoming rodeo champion of Equestria!”

“Rodeo champion of Equestria?” Kodi questioned with a raise brow, putting down a streamer on the ground with his teeth.

“Well yeah! She wins, like, every rodeo competition every year! So of course I would call her that!” Pinkie replied.

“Well you nearly gave us a fright.” Fluttershy commented.

“Sorry! I just really like yelling that word out!” To prove her point, she suddenly disappeared in a flash before we heard a ‘SURPRISE!’ right behind us, finding Pinkie between us and throwing more confetti at us.

“H-hey!” I exclaimed.

“Pinkie Pie!” Jamie yelled, holding onto a clipboard. “You know that the confetti isn’t something you use to play with. We need to save some amount for when we surprise Applejack.”

“Sorry.” Pinkie smiled before walking off.

“Wow…that’s a first.” I commented, confusing Fluttershy.

“What?” Fluttershy asked curiously.

“It’s just that…I’ve never heard Jamie say something without stuttering.” I guess when he’s giving us a lesson from his loud mutterings or tell’s us himself in a loud enough voice, it gives him confidence. That’s nice to hear, but I just wished sometimes he can always feel confident in himself. I just can’t help but have this shaking feeling that Jamie has some trouble being confident and determined…unless it’s something like this.

“I guess you’re right.” Fluttershy agreed. “Seeing Jamie nervous sometimes almost makes me brave.”

“But you are brave Flutters, and don’t ever forget that.” I smiled, causing her to smile back at me.

“Hey, I think I hear somepony coming!” Kaede announced, looking out the door.

“Meow!” Rosy said in alarmed, sitting on Kaede’s shoulder.

“It must be Applejack! Quick everyone! Hide!” Twilight shushed as everypony went out to hide in their hiding spots.

I gave Fluttershy a quick kiss on the cheek before hiding behind a crate with Twilight, Jamie, Kodiak and Rarity.

“Don’t worry Twilight. Got my lips all limbered up.” I took a peek over to see Pinkie Pie making some really odd faces with her lips, which caused me to roll my eyes at her. Oh good old Pinkie Pie…

Soon, everyone began to hide like Fluttershy and Rainbow Dash hide in the nest of hay above the barn, Mason, Carrie, Kaede hid behind the back of the barn while Big Mac, Apple Bloom, and Granny Smith hid behind a table. Somepony then turned off the lights as we all hid behind our choice of surfaces. Once the door opened, the lights immediately turned on and we all revealed ourselves.

“SURPRISE!” We all shouted in joy.

“SURPRISE!” Pinkie Pie, yelled, only to realize that she was a second too late. “Shoot.”

“Wait…what?” Mason asked, seeing who in front of the door. I looked over to see it wasn’t Applejack, but some mail delivery pony, he looked pretty lanky and taller than an average pony, I’ll admit.

“Wow, this is the best surprise ever!” The mail pony exclaimed. “How did you know it was my birthday?”

“Umm…we didn’t. S-sorry sir, but it’s for somepony else we know.” Jamie stated, causing him to feel depressed as he rubbed his hoof on the ground.

“Oh…sorry.” He sighed.

“But why not have some cake along the well? To cheer ya up.” Carrie handed him some cake, causing him to lick his lips and smiled happily.

“Wow! Thanks!” He exclaimed before taking something out of his bag. “Oh yeah, I came by with a special letter from one Applejack.”

“Oh…thank you s-sir.” Jamie softly smiled before receiving the letter and closing the door and I could’ve sworn we heard a ‘Woo-hoo!’ from the mailpony. I guess it came from the mailpony.

“You’re too kind, Carrie.” Mason smiled at his sister, who let out a smile and blush a bit.

“Who’s it from, Jamie? What’s it say?” Apple Bloom asked in excitement.

“It’s from A-Applejack.” Jamie answered before taking it out of the envelope and started to read the letter aloud. “Family and friends, not coming back to Ponyville.” Wait what?!

“Won’t come back?!” I exclaimed in shock.

“You’re kidding, right?” Kaede asked incredulous.

“N-no, it says it right here.” Jamie showed us the letter, feeling nervous due to our outbursts. I narrowed my eyes at the letter and started reading it the last part of them.

“…Don’t worry, will send money soon.” That’s all there is.“ I said with a worried look.

Everypony gasped again in shock.

“Applejack’s…not coming back?” Apple Bloom questioned, feeling sad after hearing that.

“What do you mean Applejack’s not coming back?!” Rainbow Dash exclaimed angrily, lashing it out on Jamie. “She loves Ponyville!”

“And she loves Sweet Apple Acres!” Granny Smith added.

“And she loves her family!” Apple Bloom finished with a sad and depressed look.

“I-I don’t know…” Jamie answered with a scared and worried expression. “S-sorry.”

“Don’t apologize Jamie, it wasn’t your fault.” Twilight assured, patting him on the back, which made him smile a bit.

“I don’t get it, what’s making her not wanna come back to Ponyville?” Kodi asked.

“I don’t know…” I shrugged before wondering “You don’t think something happened in Canterlot that’s preventing her from coming home, right?”

“Oh! It must be Ren!” Rarity gasped. “Oh, something just dreadful must have happened to Applejack to make her not return.”

“Yeah…” Mason agreed, crossing his arms in thought. 

“Maybe she’s hurt, or sad, or scared!” Fluttershy offered, feeling more worried of our friend.

“So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go find her!” Rainbow Dash yelled before flying out of the barn doors.

“W-wait! Already?!” Jamie asked in surprise.

“Yeah! We have to find Applejack and see if she’s alright!” Carrie exclaimed, running out of the barndoor.

“Carrie! Wait!” Mason yelled, chasing after her.

“So what now?” Kodi asked. I thought for a while until I made a determined look on my face and took out my Hacking Gun and said “We’re going to Canterlot and find Applejack and bring her back home.”

Kodi let out a smirk and said “Alright, I’m in!”

“W-well…I-I’ll come too…if you want.” Jamie twiddled his fingers.

“Of course you are! Let’s go!” Kaede grabbed his tie and began dragging him outside.

“H-hey wait! Not the tie! It’s one of a kind!” Jamie yelled in exasperation.

“Don’t worry!” Twilight assured the Apple Family with a determined and serious expression as she continued “We’ll search all of Equestria if we have to. We’ll bring her back.”

“You all are the best!” Apple Bloom smiled, happy to hear that we’ll bring back Applejack back to her home…No, our home.

“Yeah! And we won’t rest till we find her!” I added until I heard a yawn coming out of Kodiak’s mouth, causing me to look at him.

“What? It was just a yawn.” Kodi shrugged.

“Okay…let’s go!” I yelled before we all ran out of the barn and headed to the train station. We have to find out what happened to her and where she went! If something indeed happened to Applejack, then I hope we prepare ourselves on what we might come across.



Later

You know, it’s quite nice to be back in Canterlot, but right now, we got a mission on our hands and/or hooves and its finding Applejack! We soon managed to arrive to the stadium where the rodeo competition is said to be held.

Hmm…So this is the stadium where Applejack said to be competing in, and that’s where we began to search out anyone who could’ve possibly seen her. Before we left, I managed to grab my hover-board with me, just so we can have a faster search.

Me and Fluttershy went over to a pony, who was lazily laying on a roof. 

“Umm, excuse me sir? Have you seen this pony around?” I asked, showing him a photo of Applejack apple-bucking a tree. However, he tipped his hat off and flipped his hoof at us, gesturing us to leave. “Rude as much.”

“Umm…sir? We really need to find our friend as soon as possible!” Fluttershy begged.

He looked away us while tilting his hat to cover his eyes like he wants to take a nap or something. I resist the urge to use my Hacking Gun on him, not wanting to spark out a grudge with him.

“Let’s just leave him Fluttershy, he’s just won’t help.” I sighed, which she nodded before we floated down to the ground, meeting up with Kodiak.

“So, any luck?” Kodi asked. 

“Not one bit.” I shook my head, much to his disappointment.

“I-I see…” Fluttershy walked over and scratched underneath his chin, causing him to pant happily as she said “Don’t worry, we’ll find Applejack, I’m sure of it.”

“She’s right! We can’t give up!” I exclaimed in determination. “Come on you two, let’s go!”

With that, we immediately took off back at the stadium, hopefully the others found out where Applejack could possibly be. As soon as we returned back to the stadium, we saw how deserted the place, seeing nopony was hear except for our friends.

“Hey guys.” I called as me, Fluttershy, and Kodiak walked towards them as I asked “So how the search go?”

“Not good.” Kaede shook her head. “Me, Carrie, and Rainbow Dash asked some pony who was rolling a barrel away, but he said that he haven’t.”

“Me and Rarity asked a couple of ponies, zilch.” Mason shook his head, crossing his arms.

“Well those two were in a hurry, so it makes sense why they never answered.” Rarity said, feeling a bit irritated. “Honestly, those two would’ve at least gave us some respect.”

“Rarity, please calm down.” Mason said, feeling concern for her.

“Me and Jamie asked some janitors, but we got the same results as well.” Twilight sighed.

“And I asked a rodeo clown, and nothing.” Pinkie said sadly.

“I-I don’t get it…has nobody seen her?” Jamie asked.

“It’s nopony!” Rainbow corrected him. “And there has to be one!”

“Though, it is weird nopony remembers seeing her despite competing in the rodeo competition.” Mason said, rubbing his chin in thought.

“Yeah, that is really weird.” Kaede crossed her arms and agreed with me.

“M-maybe she might’ve come back home while we came here?” Jamie suggested meekly.

“Oh come on!” Rainbow complained, glaring at Jamie. “What makes you even say that?! She send us a letter right here!” 

“O-oh…r-right. Sorry about that.” Jamie apologized sadly, feeling intimidated by what she said. “I-I didn’t mean to hurt everyone’s feelings.”

“Rainbow Dash!” Twilight scolded. “Leave Jamie alone! He was trying to suggest something!”

“I was just saying.” Rainbow grumbled.

“She’s right Rainbow Dash.” Fluttershy agreed, giving her a soft but stern look. “Jamie was just trying to help out. I’m sure he was just trying to cheer us all up.”

“O-oh…thank you Twilight and F-Fluttershy.” Jamie said, slumping his head down a bit.

“I just don’t get it. Where could she have gone?” Mason wondered.

“I’m really worried for her big brother.” Carrie said, feeling really worried for her. “I-I want to find Applejack, but nopony knows where she could be!“

“Excuse me, but did you say Applejack?” We turned around to encounter a dark brown pony with peach colored hair and mane wearing a cowboy hat.

“Yeah, have you seen her?” I asked with a hopeful smile.

“Sure have! I’ve seen her just the other day of the competition, and boy! Does she ever know how to ride a rodeo!” She giggled. “After the competition, I saw her go over to Dodge Junction.”

“Dodge Junction?” Kaede asked curiously.

“It’s an old western town located in the middle of the Equestrian desert.” Jamie explained. “By the way, it’s quite amazing how that name is similar to ours because we have a city called Dodge City back in our world’s country.”

“Yep!” Twilight agreed with a smile. “Dodge City is quite famous in your world’s culture for its history as a wild frontier town of the Old West, right?”

“Indeed Twilight!” Jamie agreed with a bright smile.

“Uhh…what?” Kodi asked in confusion. 

“Twilight, how did you know that?” I asked curiously.

“Me and Jamie have been exchanging different cultures for the past two months, and he sure knows a lot about his history.” Twilight explained. “Possibly even you and Mason. No offense.”

“I don’t mind.” Mason shrugged. 

“Yeah, same here.” I rubbed my head bashfully.

“Ugh! Who cares?!” Rainbow exclaimed, causing Jamie and Twilight to give her angry leers as she turned to the cowgirl pony and asked “So tell us, how do we get to Dodge Junction?”

“It’s easy really!” She smiled happily before pointing over our heads and said “It’s just pass that mountain?”

“Wait what?” Kaede asked in surprise before we turned around and jaw-dropped upon seeing that in order to get to Dodge Junction, we need to pass the big mountain. “You’re kidding, right?”

“So does anyone has any good ideas on how we get there faster or?” Kodi turned to us, wishing there was something we can do.

“It’s best if we took the train, more simple than that.” Mason suggested.

“I second that.” I agreed.

“Alright everypony! Next stop! Dodge Junction!” Twilight announced as we all rushed out of the stadium and headed straight to the train station.

“Umm…bye?” The cowgirl pony waved goodbye to us before taking her leave as well. 

You know, it’s really weird for Applejack to go over to that place up on the mountains. I mean, I’m sure she has a good explanation for all of this, right?



Later
Mason’s POV

Hmm…well this train ride has taken its longest to get us to our destination. I was meditating on the train’s seat, trying to ease my mind on the situation that lay before us. I couldn’t stop thinking about what happened to Applejack. If I what I think might be true, then this might be a problem.

“I hope this lead doesn't turn out to be a dead end. I don't wanna go home empty-hooved after promising we'd find her.” Rainbow said, looking out the window.

“I don’t know how we’ll break it to the Apple family.” Fluttershy said in concern, glancing away sadly. Ren noticed her discomfort as he put his arm around her, causing her to feel a bit better.

“I don’t know how we’ll break it to Ponyville!” Twilight added.

“I don’t know how I’ll make it to the next stop!” Pinkie exclaimed, sweating nervously.

“Pinkie Pie, do you need to go to the bathroom or something?” Kaede asked, noticing her holding her forelegs very tight.

“Y-yeah! Very badly!” Pinkie whined, causing me to groan and give her a stern glare and said “Then why haven’t you used it before we left?”

“Because I didn’t feel it yet!” This pink pony is so unbelievably wack sometimes.

“Everypony, calm down.” We all turned to Ren, who gave us a serious yet determined look on his face. “We’re gonna find AJ in no time. I mean, like I said before, we will not rest until we find her!” 

“Yeah! What he said!” Kodi barked in agreement.

“Y-yeah…alright.” Jamie nodded, clenching onto his journal real hard.

“You’re right Ren.” Fluttershy agreed. “We’re all just worried for her.”

“You’re all really put a lot of faith and care for her, don’t ya?” I asked curiously.

“Well of course! Applejack always looks out for us darling.” Rarity explained with a pleasant smile. “She always helps us in many dire situations back then, so we trust her.”

“Pretty much everypony back in Ponyville trusts her and always believes in her!” Rainbow cockily grinned before saying “Of course! I have way many fans than her!”
“Really? Just how many?” I asked in a blank look, causing her to sweat-dropped a little.

“W-well…”

“Let me guess: None?” I raised a brow, causing her to fume.

“W-whatever!” Rainbow exclaimed.

I let out a sigh before saying “Look, I’m worried about Applejack as well. We all are, but we need to calm down for a minute and just hope she’s there. I’m not saying that I don’t believe that we can’t find her, I’m believing in knowing that she’s here in Dodge Junction.”

“Right big brother!” Carrie agreed. “Surely she knows why she hasn’t come back from Ponyville! Maybe she was kidnapped or worse!”

“I sorta doubt that.” Kaede sweat-dropped a little while smirking a bit.

“Hey everypony! Look!” Twilight pointed out the window, seeing how we arrive to our destination: Dodge Junction. “This is Dodge Junction. Applejack is supposed to have come here after the rodeo ended.”

As soon as the train ceased to its stop, we came out with Pinkie rushing out and shouted “PICKLES!” before dashing off.

“A weird way of saying something like that aloud.” Kaede said aloud in surprise and feeling awkward on hearing that.

“You can say that again.” Ren nodded in agreement before turning to us with a determined look and said “Now come on everypony! Who knows where Applejack is as long as we’re-”

“I found her! I found her! I found her! I found her!” Huh? We all saw Pinkie Pie bouncing around us, excitedly.

“Wait? Already?!” Jamie gasped. “How?!”

“Follow me!” Pinkie began bouncing off, causing us to quickly run after her until we arrived aroudn the corner of a building with the pink pony pointing over to a familiar pony we were glad to finally see.

“Oh, Applejack! Thank heavens!” Rarity gasped in delight before we walked over to her. 

“Yeah! We’re so glad to see ya again!” Carrie cheered.

“We’re so glad you’re safe!” Fluttershy added.

“You had us all worried! Thank Celestia we found you!” Kodi wagged his tail happily.

“I found her, I found her, I found her, I found-Oh!” I grabbed Pinkie’s mane and looked at her with a deadpan expression before saying “We know Pinkie. Just relax.”

“…Okay!” Pinkie grinned as I gently put her down.

“So sorry for roughing you up there.” I apologized.

“That’s okay!” Pinkie assured before widening her eyes and said “Be right back!” She immediately ran past Applejack and quickly rushed to the outhouse.

“Uh, hey, everypony.” Applejack greeted us with a somewhat nervous smile. “What’s up?”

Hm? How odd…why is she acting that nervous? That expression she’s giving tells me that she’s hiding something.

“Why didn’t you come back to Ponyville?” Rainbow asked, looking at her with a serious expression.

“Yes, why are you here?” Rarity asked, pointing out the surrounding areas of the town. You know, seeing this place reminds of me of that one town we once went. I think it was Appleloosa. Yeah, that was the name. Been a while since we visited that little countryside town.

“Yeah, we made a party for you when you were gonna come back home to congratulate you on your win on the rodeo competition.” Ren stated with a soft smile while Applejack glanced away sadly upon being mentioned of that. Yep…I knew it.

“Are you okay?” Fluttershy asked.

“Do you have any snacks?” Pinkie asked, catching Jamie by surprise upon seeing her next to his left.

“Gah! W-when did you finish up on the bathroom?!” Jamie asked incredulously.

“Just now.” Pinkie answered, letting her tongue stick out a bit.

“B-but-”

“Applejack.” Jamie stopped upon seeing Carrie looking at Applejack with a worried and concern look as she asked “Are you feeling okay?”

Applejack sweated nervously before smiling nervously and replied “D-Darn tooting Carrie! Never better!” 

She gave Carrie a little noogie while she frowned upon seeing Applejack act like this. Looks like I’m not the only one who feels like something’s up with her.

“Applejack?” Carrie looked at her, feeling more concerned for her friend. Before she could talk to her more, somepony else spoke up.

“Applejack? Are these some of your Ponyville friends?” We turned around to encounter a female earth pony with a very pale yellow coat with two different shades of moderate crimson on her mane and tail while her eyes were light green. Her cutie-mark showed the marking of a cherry. Let me guess, it’s gonna be something relating to a cherry or something? She took noticed of me and the others, letting out a gasp. 

“And…are these those strange ‘hoo-man’ creatures you told me about?” She asked Applejack, who glanced away and hesitated to respond.

“We are.” Jamie answered with a meek smile. “Y-you see, we’re actually called humans, and yes ma’am, we are her friends from Ponyville.”

“And you are?” Rarity questioned with a raised brow.

“Why, I’m Cherry Jubilee.” Called it. “Boss of Cherry Hill Ranch. Hasn’t Applejack told ya? I saw her compete at the Equestria Rodeo. Never saw anypony win so many ribbons in all my life.”

“You don’t say?” I asked, glancing towards the farm pony. Well if she won the ribbons, then…of course. She didn’t win those types of ribbons at the rodeo competition.

“Cherry Jubilee?” Kaede questioned. “As in the homemade pie?”

“Why yes! It’s my favorite kind of pie! How did you know sweetie?” Cherry Jubilee asked.

“Uhh…lucky guess?” Kaede chuckled nervously, sweat-dropping.

“Aw shucks, Miss Jubilee. You don’t have to go into all that.” Applejack said, feeling a bit embarrassed about her compliments. No, it sounded like she was like begging.

“Oh, she’s so modest!” Ms. Jubilee giggled. “Anyway, I can always use a pony with quick hooves and a strong back. So, when I heard Applejack was looking for a change of scenery, I snapped her up as quick as I could and brought her to Dodge Junction.” We all looked at each other with confusion and worried, wondering about why in the world would Applejack agreed with something like this. “Well, I’ll let you catch up with your friends. See you back at the ranch.” Ms. Jubilee took her leave while we turned to Applejack, who gulped and started sweating nervously.

“Change of scenery?” Kodi asked with a raised brow. “What does that mean?”

“That’s what I’m thinking!” Rainbow exclaimed, glaring at the farm pony.

“It’s no big deal, you all.” Applejack assured, giving her a half-lidded eye expression as she started trotting away and continued “I thought cherries would be a nice change from apples, so I took the job and came here. That’s it. End of story.” 

“What?!” Jamie exclaimed, surprising us all. “That’s it?! What do you mean that’s it?! What about your family? Everypony back in Ponyville? Us?!” Jamie looked at her, feeling a bit hurt from her reason of not coming home. “Do you…not care about us?”

“Of course I do!” Applejack replied, giving him a soft grin. “It’s just that…I just…sorry! I have to go! Bye!”

With that, she immediately took off until Rainbow, Kodiak, and Ren stepped in.

“Excuse me, AJ, but we didn’t travel all over Equestria searching for you to come home without you!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“She’s right!” Ren agreed, giving the farm pony a serious look and said “Look, I don’t know what’s up, but I know that the real AJ would never give up on her friends and family.”

“Sorry, but that’s all there is to tell.” Applejack said, giving them a glare. “Thanks for checking on me, but you all can go home now. Tell my family hi, and that I’m doing a-okay.”

“But…we can’t without you.” Carrie gave her a sad look, almost at the verge of tears which nearly made me break my heart upon seeing her like this. “We came all this way for you.”

“And I appreciate that, but I really need to-”

“But AJ, we came all this way for ya!” Kodi barked. “We need you!”

“Look, I really appreciate the concern, but-”

“Enough Applejack!” I yelled, surprising her. “Stop hiding your intentions away from us! Screw your ‘change your scenery’! You’re hiding something and I want to know! We didn’t waste our time coming all this way to go on this wild goose chase!”

“Well I didn’t ask you all to come looking for me in the first place! There is nothing to tell and I am not going back to Ponyville!” Applejack exclaimed in anger, shocking us all. She took a deep breath and sighed before saying “I have to go…sorry you all.”

With that, she took her leave before looking back at us with a sad look before turning back and was gone off a distance. I darkened my face and sighed, feeling such a fool. Why did I let out that outburst? Why am I even asking that question? It’s because I care for my friends, and seeing one of them just leave like that is just…irritating.

“Mason, please calm down.” I looked over to my right to see Rarity putting her hoof over my arm with a slightly soft smile. “We understand, but all that yelling will only make it worse than it already is, darling.”

I sighed before nodding and replied “You’re right…please excuse my outburst, everyone.”

“Don’t beat yourself up, Mason.” Ren said with a smile. “We tried convincing her, but no matter what, she won’t budge.”

“Applejack doesn’t really want to work as a cherry farmer, does she?” Kodi asked in worried.

“It’s a lie! It has to be!” Carrie exclaimed.

“But…Applejack lying? That’s crazy!” Kaede shook her head, not wanting to believe in that.

“True, she’s always s-so honest.” Jamie agreed. “She works so hard everyday and helps us all in our daily lives. Well…more like you guys, but…”

“She wasn’t lying. She was keeping something to herself.” I said, confusing everypony.

“But doesn’t it technically mean she’s lying?” Rainbow raised a brow at me as I shook my head and explained “No, lying is something you’re saying falsely to someone. Keeping a little secret to herself is knowign the fact and not wanting to reveal it. She was saying anything false, she was hiding the truth.”

“Ooh, I get it!” Pinkie grinned happily, causing me to raise a brow.

“You do?”

“Nope! Not a clue.” Then why the heck did you even bother to say that you do?

“So what are we gonna do?” Fluttershy asked in worried. “I don’t want us to keep arguing with Applejack, but we have to know why she won’t come back home. We’re her friends, right? Shouldn’t we tried to understand one another.”

“You’re right Fluttershy.” Twilight nodded in agreement before smiling and said “And we’re gonna find out ourselves.

“Yeah! We gotta get her to spill the beans!” Rainbow exclaimed.

“What?!” Pinkie gasped. “She had beans! Ugh, I told her I was snacky!”

We all face-palmed/hooved ourselves at Pinkie getting that wrong.

“Pinkie Pie, it’s a metaphor.” Rarity said deadpanned.

“Ooh…okay!” I am seriously done speaking to this pink pony for the rest of the day.

“Alright, so what now? We can’t just leave Dodge Junction without Applejack.” Kaede stated.
“You’re right. We need a plan on getting closer to her.” Twilight suggested.

“Yeah, but how?” Ren wondered.

“U-umm…” We turned to Jamie, who meekly raised his hand to us before he flinched upon seeing he gotten our attention. “W-well…I got one idea, but I’m not sure you might like it.”

“Who cares?! As long as we can get closer to AJ to find out what’s up with her!” Ren exclaimed in determination.

“Same here! I ain’t going without one of my best friends as well!” Kodi agreed, sparking up a determined look as well. “She’s one of the best friends I’ve ever made and knows how to make a delicious apple pie, so I ain’t going nowhere!”

“Me too! She’s our friend and friends don’t leave each other!” Carrie agreed.
“Yeah!” Pinkie joined in.

“Well then…shall we?” I smirked, crossing my arms. “I wouldn’t mind going over a crazy plan. We pretty much go through many crazy plans.”
“Well…you’re not wrong there.” Kaede chuckled.

Whether this plan works or not, we need to keep trying and get closer to Applejack on finding out why she keeps denying telling us. Well…I know why she’s acting like this and it has to do to the rodeo competition she entered, and if I’m right…she’s feeling bad that she couldn’t win the prize money. Guess we’re gonna find out for ourselves.



Later

….Seriously? How exactly did we get roped in this? We were waiting of the Cherry Hill ranch, awaiting for our ‘boss’ to let us come in for ‘work’. Seriously, this has to be the worst plan I’ve ever been through. But then again, this is just temporary, so I won’t mind.

“Jamie…are you sure this will work?” Kaede asked, wearing an outfit that shows that she works at a factory.

“I-I’m sorry, this was the best one I could think of. I thought we could get closer to Applejack like this.” Jamie said, feeling a bit embarrassed of this. “Maybe we should just give up…”

“It’s alright Jamie, we can go through with this.” Twilight assured. “Trust me, no matter what crazy plan we go through, this is the only way to get closer to Applejack and find out what happened.”

Should I just speak up and tell them why Applejack won’t try to come back?…No, it’s more better for her to say it to them. It’s best that way.

“Exactly!” I nodded in agreement.

“Well I look okay in this outfit.” Carrie said, putting on her goggles for safety. “But…will Applejack really tell us the truth?”

“She has to Carrie!” Kaede exclaimed. “I mean, she wouldn’t keep something from us, right?”

“Yeah! She always tell us the truth on what’s wrong. I’m sure she’s just having an off-day.” Ren suggested.

“Well, there’s only one to find out. Get ready everypony.” Twilight said as we waited to be called in. Suddenly, we heard our boss yelling “Come on in, boys and girls!”

That’s our cue. We walked into the ranch, encountering Cherry Jubilee and Applejack, who was on a wheel that seemed like a guinea pig, mouse, or hamster could run in. 

“What are you all doing here?” Applejack asked in a irritated tone.

“We’re your cherry sorters.” Twilight answered.

“We thought that maybe you needed some help, that’s all.” Kodi said as we all stood in a firm line on the conveyor belt where we sort the cherries. I can already say that this would be a bad idea, but we’ll go with it. This is just to get Applejack to talk.

“I didn’t ask for your help.” Applejack said, sternly gazing at us.

“Well we thought you needed some.” Ren said. “Besides, after hearing about you wanting a change of scenery, we thought we deserved one too, and what better way than getting jobs as cherry sorters right here in Cherry Hill.”
“Now…shall we get started?” I asked, crossing my arms in a serious manner. Applejack let out a grunt and said “Fine.”

“Haha, alright…” Cherry Jubilee walked over to us and pointed to the bins in front of us. “Red cherries go in one bin…” She pointed to the bin with red cherries. “And yellow cherries go in the other.” She pointed to the other bin with yellow cherries. “Simple as cherry pie. Uh, just one teensy thing to remember…” We all waited for what she got to say as she let out a giggle and said “Have fun!”

With that, she left the ranch with us feeling blasphemy on that last part.

“Really?” I asked myself.

“Well she was having faith in us, that’s all.” Kaede assured.

“Kaede’s right. Just stay focus.” Rarity said. “Although…this outfit is quite itchy and something not in my taste.”

“Don’t worry Rarity, we’ll get out of them once we’re done here.” I whispered to her, which she nodded.

“Hey, where’s Kodiak and Rosy?” Carrie asked curiously, noticing that he wasn’t here.

“Since Kodi and Rosy are animals, they couldn’t be able to get the job.” Ren answered. “So Miss Jubilee offered to let them stay in her home till we finished our works.” 

“I hope he’s okay.” Fluttershy said, feeling concern for him. “You two rarely get separated from each other.”

“I know.” Ren nodded. I bet he’s sulking that he can’t be here with us. I’m not mocking him, just wondering.



Meanwhile

“Here ya go little fellas! Two delicious cherry pie for ya!” Miss Jubilee put down a slice of cherry pie down in front of Kodiak, who wagged his tail happily about getting the chance on eating it.

“Yeah! Thanks!” Kodi barked before taking a bite of it, getting some cherries on his muzzle. “Best day ever…”

“Meow…” Rosy purred, enjoying eating this pie.



Later

“So what are you five doing here?” Applejack questioned, forming an angry expression towards us.

“Well uh, you made working on a cherry orchard sound…so delightful.” Rarity chuckled nervously.

“Uh-huh.” Applejack nodded, not fully believing in our story before saying “Well just remember: No talking about Ponyville.”

“Fine! Why don’t you quit talking and get walking?” Rainbow demanded.

“She’s right, will you please start walking so we can get to work?” I asked, already wanting to get this stupid job already done. This is not suitable for someone of my skills to work for.

“I couldn’t agree more.” Applejack huffed before she began walking on the giant wheel she was in, moving the conveyor belt and its cherries.

“Whoa, that’s amazing.” Carrie said in awe.

“Astounding. The wheel uses as a source of energy to move the conveyor belt judging how fast you go. It’s quite amazing.” Jamie said as we began to do our work by sorting out each cherry. 

“Really? Do they do this on your world?” Twilight asked curiously.

“Not that I know of, but I heard rumors that they do something like this.” Jamie replied.

“Psst!” Rainbow whispered to them, causing them to stop their conversation and turned to the rainbow Pegasus. She raised her head and looked towards Applejack, who remained silent while she walked. Then, she darted her eyes towards Twilight and Jamie and cocked her head to the right. Jamie and Twilight nodded lightly before the latter smiled slyly.

“So…AJ, how was Canterlot?” Twilight asked, causing Applejack to widened her eyes and glare angrily at Twilight, who smiled sheepishly and clarified “Not talking about Ponyville, talking about Canterlot, totally different town.”

Applejack huffed before turning her head away and responded “Canterlot was fine.”

That attitude shows that everything wasn’t fine to me.

“Was the rodeo fun?” Jamie asked.

“Yes.”

“Did you meet some nice ponies there?” Kaede spoke up, also getting into the conversation as well as she, Twilight, and Jamie walked over to Applejack’s wheel. It’s a good thing that we still have enough people to keep the cherries in line.

“Some.”

“Really?” Rainbow Dash flew over to her, removing from her work past as well. “Did you see Wild Bull Hickok? What about Calamity Mane?”

And who in the world came up with this stage names? I hear better stage names back at home than here.

“Yes, I saw them both.” Applejack answered. Rainbow Dash nodded excitedly at Applejack, who only returned an even more annoyed expression. Rainbow Dash noticed this as she crossed her forelegs, returning an upset look.

“Umm…excuse me?” Fluttershy called as more cherries were coming our way. Huh? There weren’t this fast before. Unless…of course, the wheel! Applejack is starting to pick up the pace the more we keep talking to her about the rodeo competition. This could turn out bad.

“And how did you meet Miss Jubilee?” Rarity asked, also walking out on us, leaving me, Ren, Pinkie Pie, Carrie, and Fluttershy alone on this.

“Um, well, Miss Jubilee had a cherry stand at the rodeo. Real good treats.” Applejack started to pick up more pace on the wheel, showing off how upset and irritated she was becoming. “Cherry winks, cherry cheesecake, cherry tarts. We struck up a conversation being orchard folk and all.”

“Boy, that’s a lot of cherry-like desserts.” Ren commented with a nervous smile as we started to get a bit carried off on sorting out these cherries. Man, this isn’t good.

“So you told her about Sweet Apple Acres?” Twilight inquired.

“Yes.” Applejack answered.

“Did you tell her why you weren’t going back?” Kaede questioned in concern while bringing up a hopeful smile. However, Applejack gave her a furious look and replied “No, cause it was none of her business!”

She soon started going faster, causing the conveyor belt to go too fast.

“Ooh…can you please slow down?” Fluttershy begged.

“Yeah! We’re not good at this speed!” Ren exclaimed.

“Is it because I made it rain on you that one time?” Rainbow questioned.

“No!” Applejack yelled.

“Help!” Fluttershy begged.

“Is it because you were insulted when I gave you that book on organized orchards the other day?” Jamie asked with a worried look.

“NO!” Applejack exclaimed angrily.

Soon, the gears soon started to malfunctioned, causing me to grab Carrie and move her away from the conveyor belt as it was about to explode.

“S-Stop this Applejack!” I yelled, glaring at her. “You need to stop this right now and just admit what happened to them! If not, then I’ll-”

Unfortunately, I didn’t have time to finished as the machine immediately explode, everything in the room was covered in a cherry mess while we were covered in it as well.

“Never mind…” I sighed with a deadpan look.

“Applejack…can you tell us?” Ren asked in worried. “We’ll understand.”

“No I won’t! I’m not telling you why!” Applejack screeched before running off, causing us all to sigh. So much for that offer.



Later

After Cherry Jubilee discovered the mess, we volunteered on cleaning up our act. Literally. We all had to clean up every single cherry mush off the ground. Ugh, I knew this was a bad idea. All because they kept bugging her.

“Whoa, what happened here?” We turned to see Kodiak entered the barn, having some cherry stain on his muzzle while stomach almost looked like he had too much to eat. Like seriously, how much did this canine eat? “It looks like an explosion happened here.”

“Something like that, Kodi.” Ren rubbed his cheek in embarrassment. 

“Yeah, we sorta got…Applejack’d.” Kaede added.

“Oh, it didn’t go well , did it?” Kodi asked, his ears lowering down in depression.

“Yeah…” They both sighed.

“It’s no use…she won’t tell us.” Jamie sighed. 

“She has to. I mean, we are her friends, right?” Carrie wondered, putting her hand on her chest. “Doesn’t she care for us?”

“She does.” Ren said with a soft smile. “I just…don’t know why.”

“It’s the competition.” I answered firmly, gaining everyone’s attention. “I think it has something to do after the rodeo competition.”

“Really? What makes you say that?” Rarity asked in confusion.

“I think I know…” I said with a serious expression. “We need to talk to her.”

“But how? She won’t listen to reason with us.” Jamie said sadly. “Maybe we should just go…she doesn’t want us. And if someone says that, we should respect their privacy.”

“But we can’t!” Ren exclaimed, surprising Jamie. “Friends never leave each other Jamie! Friends stick with each other to the end! And that’s why we’re going to do!”

“R-right…sorry.” Jamie apologized.

“Don’t feel bad Jamie, Ren was just stating why we should never leave Applejack’s side.” Fluttershy assured.

“Yeah…sorry for yelling at ya.” Ren apologized.

“I-It’s okay…It was my fault for suggesting that.” Jamie stated.

“Well everypony, we seem to be striking out.” Twilight said, still cleaning some mess with a mop.

“Seems that way.” I shrugged. 

“But why won’t she tell us?” Kodiak asked curiously.

“That’s cause we’re playing too nice.” Rainbow said seriously. Really? Define nice because it looks to me you all were bugging her with too many questions.

“Yes. desperate times do call for desperate measures.” Rarity nodded in agreement.

“Umm…mind telling some of us what are you talking about?” I asked.

“Let’s just say…it’s time to call in the big guns.” Rainbow and the others looked straight at me, causing me to raise a brow until I looked behind and saw Pinkie licking some of the cherry mush on the ground.

She soon noticed us looking at her, causing her to beam in happiness and asked “What?”

“So wait…you want to use Pinkie Pie?” I asked incredulously.

“Well I’m sure she’ll convince Applejack, right?” Ren shrugged with a sheepish smile.

“Of course she can!” Rainbow winked. “Now then-”

“It’s best if I go.” Everyone looked at me in surprise, shocked to hear that as I continued “We’re only gonna keep annoying her till we get her to the breaking point to tell us what’s going on. It’s best if you let someone responsible to let me do it for me.

“A-are you sure?” Kaede asked.

“I’m sure Kaede. Just sit tight and it’ll be quick.” I began leaving the place and went to go look for Applejack, hopefully to get her to talk.

“Big brother!” Carrie called, running to me as she shyly said “I-I want to come too! I-I want to find out why Applejack won’t come.”

“Carrie…” I muttered in surprise before forming a soft grin. “Alright fine, there’s no convincing you. You’re the most stubborn sister I’ve ever got.”

“Says you Mason.” Ren chuckled with a smirk.

“He does have a valid point, darling.” Rarity agreed, giving me a smirk as well. I rolled my eyes at them and muttered “Of course you two brought that up…”

“Good luck you two.” Twilight said. “We’re counting on you.”

“Ooh! And while you at it, ask Applejack if she prefers the name a ‘Cherrychanga’ or a ‘Chimicherry’?” We all looked at Pinkie with weird and deadpanned looks, which she noticed. “What? You guys never heard that before?”

“No, not at all.” Jamie replied with a deadpanned look.

“Well it’s mashed-up cherries wrapped around in a tortilla that’s deep fried. Cherrychanga. Great name, huh?” Pinkie explained before continuing “Oh, but maybe I should call it a chimmicherry.”

And this is my cue to take my leave, bye. I grabbed Carrie’s hand as we both took our leave, not wanting to get involve with her stupidity as I just wanted to talk to Applejack and not want Pinkie babbling about some cherrychanga or what not. It’s quite distracting and no offense to her, pointless. I mean, I don’t think any of us would eat something like that. 

“Chimicherry…Cherrychanga…it’s quite catchy.” Carrie giggled, causing me to roll my eyes in annoyance. Soon, we heard a loud THUMP as we turned to our left, seeing Applejack kicking a cherry tree, making some cherries fall down in a bucket.

“Applejack.” I called, gaining her attention as she gave me and Carrie an annoyed look and asked “What now?”

“We just came by to help you out.” I said, giving her a serious expression.

“Well…fine.” Applejack huffed before asking “You both promise not to ask me any questions?”

“Yeah! We promise Applejack!” Carrie nodded.

“Indeed…” I agreed before crossing my arms and gave her a stern gaze and said 

“Because we don’t have to ask you to know why.”

“Huh?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“What are you talking about big brother?” Carrie asked in confusion.

“I was thinking about for a long while when you send us that letter back at Ponyville, and I realized why. It’s because you couldn’t tell us that you didn’t win the prize money nor those blue ribbons at the rodeo competition, did ya?” I narrowed my eyes at her, causing her to sweat nervously.

“T-that’s just crazy! You don’t know that!” Applejack yelled.

“Then why didn’t you come home then? I highly doubt that you would abandoned your own family!” I yelled with an angry look.

“Yeah! Apple Bloom, Granny Smith, Big Mac, and everypony back home are worried for you!” Carrie added with a sad look. “Please…tell us.”

“B-b-but…!”

“Applejack…stop hiding your feelings from us.” I said, softening my expression. “We’re your friends, so we’ll understand.”

Applejack looked at us for a moment before sighing sadly and said “Alright…it’s true. I…didn’t win the blue ribbons.”

“You really didn’t?” Carrie asked in surprised.

“I only won the green, red, and other types of ribbons, but not any blue ribbon nor the prize money!” Applejack exclaimed.

“I…see.” I crossed my arms with a sorta depressed look. Now I understand her issue. It’s because everypony looked up to her so much that she has a difficult time to tell them that she failed to win that prize money to help rebuild the mayor’s office. I…feel terrible for her. She’s afraid of failure…it’s that feeling I get when I feel like I let someone down.

“How am I gonna tell the folks back home about this? They’ll be disappointed in me…” Applejack wondered, looking away in depression. Carrie soon came over, giving her a hug that caught her by surprise as she said “I’m not disappointed Applejack. I don’t care if ya didn’t win. We just want you back, that’s all.”

“R-really?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“Yes, we all care for you. We all were scared and surprised when we received your letter.” I explained. “Please, Ren and the others will understand if you tell us.”

“….Alright.” Applejack sighed. “I-I’ll try tomorrow at breakfast. Just promise me that you won’t tell them before I do.”

“I promise.” I assured.

“Yeah! It’s a Pinkie promise!” Carrie added with a bright smile. Me and Applejack let out chuckles before doing the ‘Pinkie Promise’ on her’s.

“Cross my eyes, hope to fly, stick a cupcake in my eye.” Me and Applejack said in unison as we done the pinkie promise together.

“Don’t worry. I promise I will tell the whole truth to them at breakfast.” Applejack softly smiled. “Now then, can you both please excuse me for a second? I have one last job to do, if ya will.”

“We don’t mind.” I smiled.

“Yeah! See ya AJ!” Carrie waved goodbye to her. “And we promise not to tell anypony our little secret!”

“Heh heh…I know you won’t.” I heard Applejack muttered in a worried tone. I just hope that she doesn’t try anything stupid that could be lead to a disaster or something too dangerous.



Later

Soon, the sun began descending down with the moon slowly rising up. Ms. Jubilee was quite kind to let us sleep in the guest rooms, which was quite nice of her to allow us to do. Soon after, the others were curious to know how the talk went with Applejack. However, I told them that Applejack will promise to tell us in the morning, and she pinkie promise.

“Wow, just like that.” Ren said in surprise.

“That seems almost too easy, right?” Jamie questioned. “W-well I mean…she just gave herself up that easily, right?”

“True, but hey, at least we finally get to hear what Applejack got to say.” Kodi said, relieved to have Applejack finally talk to us what’s bugging her.

“Yeah, I was almost worried for a second there.” Kaede agreed as she held her stuffed kitty cat in her arms.

“Same here. So glad Applejack is willing to us to tell us.” Twilight sighed in relief.

“I just hope she won’t deny anything from us.” Fluttershy said, glancing down sadly. “She looked really upset when we kept asking so many questions.”

“True, but Applejack would never lie or keep something from us.” Rarity waved it off. “She’s our friend, and friends listened what others say and understand each other.”

“Yeah! No way she would leave us like that!” Ren agreed with a smile. 

“Yeah! She even pinkie promised!” Pinkie nodded in agreement with a bright smile.

“Okay but…what if she breaks that pinkie promise?” I asked curiously as she still remained in her bright smile before she patted me on the head and said “Oh silly Masey! Nopony ever breaks a pinkie promise!”

“Okay?” She seems really confident about that. I mean, Applejack wouldn’t break something like that right? Oh well, only one way to find out when we go to bed.

Rarity soon let out a yawn and said “All this talking has let me all tuckered out. It’s best if we gotten our beauty sleep, everypony.”

“Y-yeah…it is getting late.” Jamie nodded.

“Alright, goodnight everypony.” Ren let out a yawn as we slept on our soft beds, and began to drifting to sleep. Applejack…please don’t try anything stupid that you’ll regret.



Meanwhile

Applejack was seen in her room, sleeping in her own room. Soon, she began showing signs of fear while shifting nervously around her bed before immediately letting out a gasp and wiped a sweat away.

“O-oh…it was just a nightmare…nothing more…” Applejack muttered, rubbing her aching head.

“Is it now my dear Applejack?” Applejack widened her eyes upon hearing that dark voice before turning around to see a figure walking out the brink of darkness, crossing his arms as his left eye shined darkly.

“W-who are you?” Applejack asked in fear.

“I am sorry, but I am afraid I cannot reveal my identity. Although…I am disappointed in you.” The figure chuckled.

“W-what are you talking about?”

“You call yourself the bearer of the Element of Honesty and yet you cannot reveal your feelings to them. How pathetic.” Applejack felt angry at the figure messing around with her as she exclaimed “H-hey! You butt out of that!…Wait, how did you know that I was the bearer of the Element of Honesty?”

The figure let out a dark chuckle as his expression darkened, his red eye shining brightly as he replied “I know everything about you and your friends. Even your human companions. Besides, can you really be sure that they can handle the truth? They’ll just laugh at you.”

“N-now you stop that! I trust them and-” Applejack was cut-off as the figure grabbed her by the mane and glared at her angrily as he shouted “Really?! After you conceal the truth from them that you think that they’ll accept you?! You call yourself the bearer of the Element of Honesty and yet you had to hide those stupid feelings away?! Hmph, it just shows how your disappointing. Why would it chose you if you never always gonna tell the truth.”

Applejack’s expression went pale, taking everything was he said before he tossed her back on the bed.

“Now that’s over…I should take my leave. If I were you, I would leave too and never see your so-called ‘friends’ ever again.” The figure stated before disappearing through the darkness. Applejack remained silent before silently crying with a guilty look on her face.



The Next Day

“I’m glad we’re finally gonna get some answers from Applejack.”

“Y-yeah, I’m just as relieved as you, Twilight.” Jamie smiled towards the purple unicorn. Well you two need to calm down if ya want us to wait for Applejack to tell us when we’re eating breakfast.

“Yeah, maybe.” Rainbow agreed, feeling a bit unsure about this.

“Don’t worry, Rainbow!” Pinkie assured, bouncing merrily with a cheery smile. “She’s gotta fess up after making a Pinkie promise.”

“Well let’s go wake her up and eat some breakfast. I’m starving.” Kodi said, rubbing his stomach.

“Didn’t you like eat like how many cherry pies yesterday?” Kaede asked incredulous.

“Kodi would eat anything Kay. Trust me, I know this for a fact.” Ren rolled his eyes with a smirk.

“Alright, alright, everypony. Let’s calm down and meet up with her.” I said, finally arriving to her room door. I knocked on her door, only to find out slowly opening by itself. “What?” Okay, that’s weird.

“Good morning, Applejack!” Pinkie greeted, peeking out of the door. “You ready for br-” She paused upon seeing no one was in the room.

“S-she’s gone?!” Kaede exclaimed in shock.

“Meow?!” Rosy gasped.

“A-Applejack…?” Carrie became shocked and heartbroken that she just…took off. No…Applejack…how could you?

“AH!” Pinkie jaw-dropped upon finding out Applejack literally just…left us. I-I don’t understand, she promised us. Why? She wouldn’t lie to us! Just what’s going on? Is the pain in her heart really that wounded for her to speak out the truth? 

“Uhh…Pinkie Pie?” Kodi called, causing me to turn to her and widened my eyes upon seeing her face slowly turning red and somehow, steam coming out of her ears.

“NOPONY BREAKS A PINKIE PROMISE!”

She immediately dashes off, leaving us all speechless and bewildered on what just occurred.

“…I’m starting to see why nopony would break a pinkie promise.” Ren muttered.

“…Let’s just follow her and make sure she won’t do anything too drastic.” I suggested.
“Couldn’t agree more, big brother.” Carrie agreed with widened eyes, still shocked by Pinkie breaking out of character. I’ve never seen her act that angry before since she was always energetic and annoying with her jokes, but always knew how to cheer us up. Seeing her like this was quite…bewildering. Let’s just go and find out where she went.

We soon immediately ran out of Ms. Jubilee’s ranch home as we rushed into town, catching up with Pinkie Pie as she held a serious and angry look on her face. We soon noticed our little farm pony friend awaiting on the train station, feeling impatient for the train to arrive.

“Applejack!” Pinkie yelled, gaining her attention as she returned the deadly and ferocious expression as she yelled “YOU PINKIE PROMISED CARRIE! HOW DARE YOU BREAK A PINKIE PROMISE TO A LITTLE GIRL?!”

Applejack widened her eyes and yelped in surprise before running away from us, making us run faster. Well I was more athletic than them, so I was going more faster than usual.

“Applejack! Come back here!” Ren yelled as we saw her jump into a carriage that was being pulled by four stallions as she told them “Giddy up fellas! I gotta get the heck out of Dodge!”

She grabbed the rope that was tied to the carriage and whipped them, causing them to run.

“Wait, they seriously have those carriages here?!” Jamie exclaimed in shock.

“This is no time to write your stuff in that journal Jamie!” Pinkie yelled, catching me off-guard a bit to see how serious she was taking this. “We have to stop Applejack!”

“Well we’re not gonna make it!” Kaede yelled.

“Oh yes we are!” Twilight said in full confidence before pointing over to a nearby wagon. “Look girls!”

“Oh! That’s very convenient!” Carrie commented.

“Quick! Let’s go!” Rainbow yelled before she and Fluttershy wrapped themselves in the chains as we immediately got on and allowed them to carry us to chase after them.

“Are you sure you can handle this Flutters?” Ren asked in concern.

“I-I’ll try at least!” Fluttershy responded as we began catching up to her.

“Follow that stagecoach!” Pinkie yelled as we kept our gazes towards the runaway carriage. We passed right through several surprised and startled ponies until we began catching up to her. “Oh, we have you now!”

“Don’t worry! I got this!” Ren grabbed his Hacking Gun and set the dial before aiming for the carriage. “Break!”

Before he could shoot, the cart immediately stopped and caused it to go adrift, causing some of us to fall out of it. 

“What the heck was that about?!” Kaede exclaimed, landing on her back.

“Ugh…” Ren was on the ground, apparently landing on his stomach with a dizzy look on his eyes. “I missed…”

“I am so sorry Ren! There was a rabbit on the road and I had to stop!” Fluttershy flew towards him in a rush and looked over to see if he had any injuries on him. She sighed in relief before looking over to see a dark gray bunny sniffing at him curiously before hopping away.

“Well…I can’t blame ya if that poor bunny was hurt.” Carrie said in worried, who was lucky on still being in the cart.

“Yeah, good call but next time, please give us a heads up.” I said, getting up from the floor before we got back up to the carriage. 

“Y-yeah…don’t worry Flutters, I’m a-okay.” Ren winked, causing her to sigh in relief before noticing Rainbow Dash narrowing her eyes at her before rolling them, causing her to frown before she took off, catching Fluttershy by surprise when she began without her. I grabbed Ren’s hand and pulled him into the cart before we took off as we began our run-and-chase scene.

“You alright?” Kodi asked in worried.

“I told ya Kodi, I’m a-okay.” Ren assured before wincing in pain when he touched his right arm. “Ahh man…”

“Your arm…it’s bruised.” I pointed out, which surprised the others. 

“I told ya guys that I’m fine.” Ren winced again. “Never mind…”

I looked over his arm and saw that it wasn’t that bad, but it needed its rest. “Your arm doesn’t looked like it’s that bad, but you’re gonna need it to rest.”

“But how am I gonna fire my Hacking Gun?” Ren asked in worried until Kaede grabbed it, much to our surprise.

“Don’t worry, I’ll try to aim for it.” Kaede said with a confident look.

“A-Are you sure about that?” Jamie asked in concern.

“Yeah! I once learned how good I was by practicing some bowing arrows, so I can use this fine.”

“You know…how to shoot an arrow?” Jamie blinked in surprise as the rest of us answered “It’s a long story.”

“Hey guys! I seen her up ahead!” Rainbow shouted, seeing the run away carriage in front of us.

“She’s not getting away this time!” Twilight assured. We soon started getting closer before we managed to get next to them as our cart slammed against hers, catching her by surprise.

“Whoa! What the hay?!” Applejack turned around and became shocked to see us here.

“Pull over!” Rainbow demanded.

“We don’t have to do this you know!” Ren added before we slammed into her cart again, catching her carriage off balance. 

“Whoa!” Applejack exclaimed, getting hit again before glaring at us. “Cut that out! Whoa!”

“Applejack! Please stop this!” Carrie begged. Applejack looked at her eyes, feeling a bit scared before turning to the coach ponies and said “I’ll pay you double to outrun them.”

“What?!” Jamie exclaimed. “You can’t do that!” 

“W-we’ll pay you triple to slow down!” Twilight offered, much to the coachponies joy as they smirked at each other before began doing what they asked. Okay, I just feel like these guys are only interested in the money than any of this conversation.

“I’ll pay you quadruple to leave them in the dust!” Applejack offered, managing to get to obliged to that offer as they literally left us in the dust. We all coughed from the dirt before feeling irritated that she would do something like that.

“That was rude!” Rarity commented.

“Tell me about it.” I scoffed.

“Come on!” Pinkie demanded. “Get them! GET THEM!”

“Whoa! I never seen Pinkie Pie act like this before!” Kaede exclaimed in surprise.

“R-remind me to never make her mad, p-please?” Jamie pleaded, hiding behind Twilight in fear.

“Yeah. Just what happened to her?” Kodi asked in surprise.

“It’s because Applejack broke my pinkie promise.” Carrie said sadly. I ruffled her hair a bit, causing her to smile softly as I said “Don’t worry Carrie, we’ll get her to stop and tell us what happened.”

“Totally!” Ren agreed, accidentally raising his right arm, causing him to wince in pain. “Oww…”

“Come on! Pick up the pace, Fluttershy!” Rainbow yelled, which Fluttershy nodded before they started increasing their speed. We soon began catching up to the carriage again, which Applejack noticed as she began increasing the coachponies’ speed.

“Hyah! Come on, you all! Go, go!” Applejack shouted. However, we managed to catch up as we looked at Applejack while I shouted “Applejack! Stop this right now!”
“I won’t!”

“I thought we agreed that you will tell everypony the truth at breakfast?” 

“W-well…” Applejack hesitated as I raised both my brows, seeing fear in her eyes. She’s afraid…not annoyed, but afraid. But she wasn’t like this before, so what’s up with her now?

“That’s enough!” We immediately turned to see Pinkie Pie hopping over to the other side of the cart, glaring angrily at Pinkie Pie while we all gaped upon seeing her doing that.

“Whoa…” Kodi muttered.

“Meow…” Rosy nodded in agreement.

“Dang, who knew Pinkie Pie would do something that daring.” Ren commented before realizing something about that. “Actually, she always does anything daring like Rainbow Dash.”

“Applejack! You broke your pinkie promise to Carrie! Apologize to her!” Pinkie exclaimed, narrowing her eyes at her.

“P-Pinkie Pie! It’s okay!” Carrie assured, but the two ponies ignored her as Applejack retorted “Pinkie, I did not break her promise!”

“What?”

“If Mason and Carrie told ya about yesterday’s conversation, I told them that I would tell you all everything at breakfast. But I didn’t come to breakfast. I couldn’t come to that breakfast, not if it meant telling you all what happened.”

“That’s…actually pretty much make sense.” Jamie said, causing us to give him deadpanned looks. “W-what? I’m just saying!”

“W-well…I…I…” Pinkie stuttered, unable to retort something back at her.

“I’m sorry Pinkie, but I can’t tell you all the truth! I just can’t!” We all looked at each other, seeing how afraid Applejack was. She was really honest on telling us this morning, but now…she’s acting weird. 

“Well I heard a ‘sorry’ in there, so that’ll have to do for now.” Pinkie said, turning away from Applejack as she continued “I’ll get a real apology later. Rarity, catch me.”
Wait what? Pinkie instantly jumped backwards, expecting Rarity to catch her.

“What? Pinkie-AHHH!” Rarity screamed as Pinkie was about to crash into her until I caught her by the mane. “Oh…” Rarity let out a sigh of relief upon seeing me catch Pinkie and prevented her from getting hurt. “Thank you Mason darling.”

“Anytime milady.” I bowed before settling Pinkie down. Rarity blushed at that compliment, feeling embarrassed by what I said.

“Oh my. T-thank you for such high praise, M-Mason.” Rarity smiled.

“No time for mushy stuff Rarity! We got a carriage to catch!” Rainbow yelled, causing her to pout while I shrugged. Though, she’s right. We gotta focus on the task. 

“Hang on! I think I got it!” Kaede said, raising the Hacking Gun at the carriage. “If I can just aim right…”

She closed her left eye and instantly aimed at the carriage holder as she yelled “Take that!”

As she pressed the button, a yellow electric beam aimed at the coachponies, causing them to freeze and be paralyzed. We all stopped and sweat-dropped upon seeing that.

“Uhh…oops.” Kaede chuckled nervously.

“You accidentally set it on Paralyze, Kay.” Ren said before noticing Applejack getting out of the carriage and zooming off. “Look out! She’s getting away!”

“Oh no she won’t!” Kodi yelled before jumping out of the catch and running up to catch up to Applejack. He managed to bite on her tail, causing her to halt and dropped her bag.

“N-no! Let go of me Kodiak!” Applejack begged.

“The jig is up Applejack!” Rainbow exclaimed as we all got off the carriage and confronted her. 

“Applejack…please relax and tell us the truth.” I begged. “Please…at least for Carrie.”
Applejack looked over at Carrie, seeing the sad look on my little sister.

“Please Applejack…don’t run away anymore.” Carrie pleaded, which made Applejack show a guilty look on her face.

“Alright fine…you all want to know the truth?” She pointed over to her saddlebag as Jamie walked over and picked it up, opening the bag and showing us what was inside. It was a bunch of ribbons that she must’ve won back at the rodeo competition. “So now you know…”

“Know what?” Jamie questioned. “You have a g-good collection of ribbons you won from the rodeo, right?”

“Jamie’s right, I don’t see what’s wrong with that.” Twilight agreed with a smile.

“Don’t you get it?!” Applejack asked irritably as Kodi let go of her tail as she walked over and grabbed a medal with a red strap. “There’s every color of ribbon down there. Every color…but…blue.” She dropped it on the ground and started letting out tears. “I came in fourth, third, even second, but I didn’t win one first prize, and I certainly didn’t wan any prize money.”

“But the telegram said you were gonna send money.” Kaede stated.

“That’s why I came here. I wanted to earn some money. After that big old send off Ponyville gave me, I just didn’t have the nerve to come back empty-hooved.” Applejack explained, wiping away her tears. “I couldn’t come home a failure…”

“I see now…” I muttered, darkening my face a bit before forming a small smile. “Applejack, you can’t let that weight get the better of you.”

“Huh?” Applejack looked at me with confusion as I continued “I know what it feels like weighing down with failure if you messed something up, but you aren’t a failure. I understand that the town put too much faith in ya, but that’s because they believe in you.”

“Yeah! Big brother’s right!” Carrie agreed before adding “You’re the most amazing pony and the best friend we ever had!”

“And we’re your friends. We’ll totally understand your issues.” Ren added with a grin. “I mean, just because you didn’t win, doesn’t mean you can’t go back home without the money. I’m sure we can think of ways on how to fix the mayor’s rooftop without it. We just want you to come back home.”
“Yeah, we miss you.” Kodi whimpered.

“And we’re your friends!” Rainbow added, patting Applejack on the back. “We don’t care if you came in fiftieth place! You’re still number one in our books!”

Applejack looked at us in shock before asking “So…you’re not upset, or disappointed…?”

“Of course not. We’re just glad we finally got you to understand, that’s all.” Kaede stated with a sweet smile.

“But…if you don’t come back, we’ll never be able to fix the hole in our hearts.” Fluttershy said, putting her hoof over her chest. Applejack felt heart-warmed by that as she came over and hugged us, forming into a group hug.

“Thanks ya all. Oh and Mason, Carrie…” Applejack turned to me and my sister as she apologized “Sorry for everything. For running off like a coward.”

“It’s okay Applejack! We’re glad to finally got you to calm down.” Carrie chuckled with a smile.

“My sis’s right. I understand why you would be afraid of telling us the truth.” I nodded with a soft grin. “I mean, I saw some signs of fear when you kept refusing to stop. It was…sorta unlike you, you know.”

“Yeah…all because of what he said that it might’ve end my friendship with you all.” Huh? Wait what? He?

“He? Who are you talking about?” Ren asked in confusion.

“…Well, there was somepony in my room last night. I didn’t know who he was or what he was, but he told me about telling you guys might’ve broken off our friendship. I started to grew fearful, and it made me feel scared of losing you guys forever. He even suggested that I never show my face to you all ever again by grabbing my mane and telling me that up close to his face.” We all looked at each other in shock, learning about this. Someone broke into her room last night and gave her some incentive to leave? 

“That’s so…cruel!” Kaede said, shocked to hear this. “Why would someone do something like that to you?”

“Yeah! Did you get that guy’s name or something?” Rainbow questioned, feeling upset someone would attack her.

“No…but…he knew what Element of I was.” Applejack answered, looking at us with a serious and scared expression. “He knew who I was, all of us, even Ren, Mason, Jamie, Carrie, and Kaede.”

“What? Even us?” Ren asked in surprise.

“Well it makes sense since we are now famous in this world.” I pointed out. “But still…this lone figure, whatever happened to him?”
“H-he…disappeared through the known darkness.” Applejack replied.

“Into the darkness? Like literally?” Jamie questioned, which she nodded. “N-no way, can a pony even do that?”

“Well of course, but to disappear like that…that’s has to be like high level dark magic wizard to do that.” Twilight explained.

“Yeah but…when I first looked at him…” Applejack turned to me and the others non-ponies creatures as she stated “This figure was human-like…”

“Huh? Seriously?!” Kaede gaped.

“So wait, is he another human?” Kodi asked in shock.

“That’s really weird. I’m not sure if he’s even human at all!” Ren exclaimed. “I-I mean, you did say that he disappeared through the darkness, right? I’ve seen tons of villains pull that off, but not outta real life.”

“Well either way, I know what I saw.” Applejack shivered as Fluttershy and Twilight came over and patted her on the back, cheering her up. “Sorry for making ya all worried like that.”

“It’s okay AJ, we’re pretty much used by this stuff by now.” Ren smiled. 

“He’s right.” Fluttershy agreed. 

“Of course! Now what we doing here? Let’s go home.” Rainbow exclaimed, eager to go back home.

“Indeed but…” Rarity looked behind us, causing us to turn around as we saw the coachponies knocked out, probably from the ‘Paralyze’ effects. “What about them?”

“W-well…we can leave them, right?” Jamie asked.

“Guess we’re gonna have to carry them back.” Ren shrugged.

“Good point.” Twilight nodded. “Come on everypony, let’s get to it.”

Some of the girls sighed while some of us went on to go and help out those coachponies. Still though, I can’t wrap my head on everything Applejack told us. There was a figure in a room who made Applejack run away from us like that, and he looked like a human? This doesn’t make any sense at all…if he was another human, wouldn’t another pod in the ship have appeared?



Later

We all were soon riding on the train back home as our adventures in Dodge Junction had finally come to an end. Now it’s time to go back to Ponyville and enjoy some rest.

“Oh yeah…” I glanced over to see Kaede returning the Hacking Gun back to Ren, whose arm was starting to completely heal itself. “Here, I think this belongs to you Ren.”

“Oh thanks Kay.” Ren thanked. “You really have a good aim for stuff like that, huh?”

“Yeah, except that I was trying to destroy the carriage holder instead of electrocuting them.” Kaede sweat-dropped with a nervous grin before Ren shook his head with a smile on his face as he said “Well even so, you’re good. It’s like you knew how to shoot in the first place.”

“Yeah, it was like I was sowing stuff and concentrating on getting the thread into the sowing needle, you know?” Kaede chuckled.

“Well either way, thanks.” Ren smiled.

“Yeah! You’re a real pal, Kay!” Kodi barked happily, causing her to blush a bit with a smile.

“Thanks you two.” Kaede chuckled. “But you know, sometimes I really wished I have my own weapon.”

“Well…why not we search one next time? Surely it has to be something like shooting, right?” Ren suggested.

“Yeah…maybe so.” Kaede agreed. “Alright, next time it is.”

I couldn’t help but smile at those two, seeing them get along like that until I noticed at the corner at my eye that Jamie was glancing at them in a sad state before sighing. Hmm…he must have something in his mind. Is he feeling lonely or something?

“Hey Applejack…” Twilight called, turning to her friend as she asked “You wanna send a letter to the princess to tell her what you learned today?”

“Sure do Twilight.” Applejack grinned.

“Excellent, Jamie?” Twilight called, but he gave out no response. “Jamie!”

“H-huh?!” Jamie soon finally gotten his attention as he flinched and looked at Twilight with a surprised look. “O-oh! Sorry Twilight! Y-yeah, I’ll get right on it.”

“Thanks Jamie.” Twilight smiled as Jamie took out his notebook and began writing down what Applejack was describing about what she learned so far.

“Dear Princess Celestia,

It’s a tad easier to be proud when you come in first than it is when you finish further back. But there’s no reason to hide when you don’t do as well as you hoped. You can’t run away from your problems. Better to run to your friends and family.“ 

“That’s pretty insightful of you, Applejack.” I said as I held my meditating position on the seat. “I’m glad you had learned your lesson.”

“Thanks Mason.” Applejack chuckled.

“Oh yeah…” Ren took out something from his backpack that he happened to bring along, as he took it out, revealing to be a portrait of Applejack riding a bull.

“W-what? Ren…did you make this for me?” Applejack asked in surprise.

“Well yeah. This was a gift I happened to make for you when you were gonna come home from the rodeo until…well you know.” Ren smirked.

“Yeah…I know.” Applejack received the portrait before forming a grin. “Thanks Ren.”

“Anytime AJ!” Ren chuckled.

“You know, you’re getting good in this painter job, Ren.” Carrie pointed out, causing him to rub his head bashfully as he replied “Well yeah. I do a lot of fanart when I some free time or when I’m bored.”

“I didn’t know you do fanart, Ren.” Kaede said in surprised.

“Yeah…how else did I learn how to sketch, draw, paint, and such?” Ren chuckled.

“Well I think that you’re a talented painter, Ren.” Fluttershy smiled, causing Ren to blush.

“O-oh…thanks Flutter.” Ren chuckled. I couldn’t help but smile at him, glad to finally have him acknowledged Fluttershy like that. Now that’s the reaction I was expecting for him to have when Fluttershy compliments him. Glad to see he’s finally now getting used to this love stuff by now.

“Hey wait! What about me?!” Rainbow exclaimed, looking at Ren with an angry look. “Where’s my art?!”

“Oh right…don’t worry Dash, I forgot about that. I promise that I’ll get right on it.” Ren rubbed his cheek with an embarrassed smile while I chuckled silently. He never fails to surprise me…

“Mason darling…” I turned to see Rarity walking towards with a soft smile and said “I-I want to say thank you again for saving me from Pinkie falling onto me.”

“I was just protecting you. I would never let one of that happened to my friends.” I shrugged before smiling and said “Besides, not even you.”

“And I thank you for that.” Rarity giggled. “But you know, you’re always there for us. I’m glad for that.”

“I’ve been trained to protect my mistress and my little sister back in our world, so it feels like to do that.” I answered. “So of course I have to protect you all.”

Rarity couldn’t help but kissing on my cheek, leaving a lipsticks on my right cheek, catching my off-guard. “W-what?”

“That’s for saving my life. I’m really grateful of that, Mason darling.” Rarity chuckled before returning back to her seat while I blinked in surprise and touched the lipstick, feeling shocked by that. That was quite generous of her to do that, but…my heart belongs to Elena, so…how?

“Tee-hee…looks like my big brother has a crush on Rarity.” Carrie chuckled, catching my off-guard.

“W-what?! Don’t be ridiculous! We’re just friends!” I exclaimed as my sister made a sly grin and said “But why else did she kiss you on the cheek?”

“She has a point.” Kodi nodded, along with the others who had amused looks on their faces.

“W-whatever…” I scoffed, looking out the window and tried to ignore them. Whatever, it was just a kiss…besides, her generosity reminds me of Elena as she would sacrifice anything to protect her people, even me and Carrie. But…can I really hold up that responsibility? I already have my heart for Elena and we started dating a year ago, so…how?



Meanwhile

“How disappointing…” The dark figure gazes over at the train Ren and co. were riding as it heads back to Ponyville as he scoffs “What a pathetic pony she is. Everyone in this new world are just the same as humans. Spineless, greedy, fools who only cares about themselves and never show any type of friendship to others.”

The figure rubbed the lower part of his mask like he was rubbing his chin in thought.

“I was so close too…if my shadows weren’t all destroyed back at that Nightmare Night celebration, then I would’ve had a chance. Besides, the rest were are all somewhere hidden in this world, unlike the one I found back in Tatarus. Hmm…if I find all the remaining shards, then I can be able to revive my powers and create any shadows I want. For now, I only have three more to find.”

The figure took out mulitple dark-like shards out of his baboon cloak-like outfit before shuffling them a bit. 

“Now then Ren Loodan and friends…be ready for the future…because there won’t be one of the hopes you all are imagining. Mhmhmhmhmhmhmh…AHAHAHAHAHAHAH!”



Later

Soon, we finally arrived back to Ponyville as Applejack was ready to tell them the truth.

“Alright…let’s do this.” Applejack muttered before walking outside and exiting out of the train. As soon as she got off the train, she was tackled by her dog, Winona and started licking her. We then saw everypony cheering and happily be excited to see her again. Big Mac ran up and tackled her sister in a dog pile, joined along by Granny Smith and Apple Bloom.

“They’re sure glad to see her again, huh?” Kaede asked as we all stepped out of the train with warm smiles on our faces.

“Yeah…” Jame softly smiled and nodded in agreement.

Soon, Applejack managed to get out of the dog while with a bright smile on her face until she faced Mayor Mare.

“Applejack! We’re so glad to finally see you again!” Mayor Mare exclaimed in joy. “So…did ya win it?”

“Well…see…I don’t have the prize money. I didn’t win first prize for you all…sorry.” Applejack sighed. However, instead of looking disappointed or shock, she returned a warm smile as she put a hoof on Applejack’s shoulder and said “That’s alright…you did your best, but everypony always can’t win anything. I guess we’re gonna have to find another way to get the roof fixing.”

“Why not a fundraiser?” Ren offered. “Surely we could try that.”

“An excellent suggestion, Mr. Loodan. We’ll get on with it.” Mayor Mare chuckled.

“Hey, happy to hear.” Ren shrugged.

With that, everypony said their goodbyes and left, including the Apple family. Applejack couldn’t help but smile softly to see that they didn’t panic or felt disappointed by their lost.

“Heh, here I was…worried for nothing.” Applejack chuckled before turning to us with a warm smile and said “Thanks you all, really.”

“Don’t mention it Applejack.” Twilight smiled.

“Hey! Why not we all have an exciting party to celebrate?!” Pinkie suggested, bouncing around merrily.

“R-really? So soon?” Jamie asked incredulous.

“That’s sound like a good idea Pinkie!” Carrie agreed.

“Yeah! Same here!” Kodi agreed.

“Alright alright, let’s go back to the home-ship. We can go and celebrate our party there.” I suggested.

“Yay!” Carrie, Pinkie, Kodi, and Rosy became joyed to hear.

“Well let’s go then!” Ren exclaimed with a joyful look on his face.

“Couldn’t agree more.” Fluttershy nodded as we began walking back to the home-ship, ready to have another relaxing day after that mission we had. Oh well, I’m already interested in cooking some goods for my friends. We deserved it and it’ll take our minds off for today…



Ren’s P.O.V.

“Man, I’m so hungry…” Kodi groaned.

“Seriously?” Rainbow gaped. “You and Rosy ate like a ton of cherry pies yesterday! How are you not full?”

“He has a bottomless pit for a stomach.” I commented.

“Almost like Pinkie Pie.” Twilight added.

“What can I say? I’m a very hungry hungry dog.” Kodi laughed.

“Ain’t that the truth?” Fluttershy giggled as we were almost there to the home-ship.

“Man, it’s been a while, hasn’t it?” Kaede muttered.

“Well we were out of Ponyville for about a day and half, so I wouldn’t say for a while.” Jamie pointed out.

“Well either way, I’m so hungry. Haven’t had breakfast for a while.” Kaede groaned.

“Me too…” Carrie rubbed her aching stomach, causing Mason to let out a chuckle.

“Just hang on you guys, we’ll get you all something to eat while we celebrate at least.” Mason shrugged as he was about to open the door until we heard a crashing sound echoing inside, causing us all to freeze.

“D-did…anypony hear that?” Fluttershy asked fearfully.

“It sounded like it was coming inside.” Twilight pointed out.

“Yeah…what the heck was that?” Ren wondered. Suddenly, we began to hear voices echoing inside as well.

“Jeez, you can’t catch a break for a fat guy.”

“I ain’t fat you little piece of crap! I’m husky!”

“What?” Mason asked himself before immediately kicking the door opened and took out his bamboo pole as we all gazed upon the scene. What?! Two…other people are in here?! Apparently, we all saw two new humans. 

One was a pale skin man wearing a worn-out white fedora with curly brown hair and had olive eyes, along with a pencil thin-out goatee, just a beard but with no mustache, his attire was a white striped sweater that has a chain accessory pinned to it, with baggy, purple sarouel pants, and black slippers. His sweater had a big red star symbol on it, making it look like it was a setting sun, along with a red tie that has various swords with skulls attached to it as they crossed like an X on top, middle, and low. 

The other guy had an olive skin tone with a short and messy Justin light blonde hair-like style with hazel colored eyes, wearing a short collared white long overcoat, which seems to looks like a motorcycle biker gang member would wear. The back of his coat held a skull symbol on it. He also wore a white tank top  that seems to cover his entire gut. He even had baggy white pants with an enormous dark chain attached to the left side of his huge baggy brown pants with a men’s cotton belt wrapped around it. Apparently this guy…was quite intimidating with his obese figure. His gut was really large, almost to as a sumo wrestler, and his face was quite chubby. He had to be like 320 pounds or something.

Soon, the biker man grabbed the pale man by the tie with an furious look on his face. 

“You little bastard! You better tell me where the heck am I or else!” He demanded, causing the pale boy to give the biker a smug look while he rolled his eyes and said 

“Do I look like I know about this place? I barely know about this situation. Besides, I don’t even know how I even got here except arriving in some white bod. Besides, I saw you woke up in that pod as well, so let’s think about, okay?”

He let out a snicker and said “Unless of course you even have a brain in there?”

“The heck you say?!” He exclaimed, ready to punch him.

“Hey! Stop that!” Kaede shouted, gaining both of their attention as the larger biker dropped the pale man on the ground as he walked towards us with a snarl.

“Who are you to tell me who to stop? You all kidnapped me in this crazy apartment?!” He exclaimed in anger, causing Carrie to hide behind me in fear while Mason while he looked at him with narrow eyes.

“We didn’t kidnap you! So stop!” Kaede exclaimed.

“She’s right!” Ren agreed. He snarled at them before noticing Twilight and the others as he formed a confused look and asked “What the heck is up with the colorful ponies? What? You painted those animals of yours?”

“Hey! We belong to no one!” Rainbow exclaimed, flying up to his face.

“And the correct term is ponies.” Twilight corrected him.

“W-what the heck?! Is this prank?!” He yelled.

“P-please calm down.” Fluttershy begged.

“Shut up or else I’ll beat ya!” He exclaimed, showing off his angry expression, causing her to yelp in fear before hiding behind Ren, who grabbed the handle of the Hacking Gun.

“W-wait! You can’t punch her! S-She’s a girl and it’s not right to punch a-a girl!” Jamie said, stepping up to the biker with a worried look. The biker gave him a smug look before putting his hand on Jamie’s shoulder and said “Listen you, I don’t take orders from a fool! Especially someone who kidnapped me in this place!”

Jamie widened his eyes and spat out some of his spit as the biker knee’d him in the stomach.

“Jamie!” Twilight exclaimed as she, Kaede, Rainbow Dash and Applejack came to his side to try and help him out. Twilight then glared at the biker and exclaimed “Why in Equestria would you do that?!”

“Enough with these games! I want an explanation on knowing how the heck to get out of here!” The big guy demanded, causing me to glare at him as I stepped up and exclaimed “Calm down! You don’t have to be rude and kick my friend in the gut like that! He can’t defend himself!”

“What? You giving me lectures?! Are you my frigging dad or something?!” He exclaimed in anger.

“W-what? No I-”

“Shut up!” He raised his fist in the air and prepared to punch me directly in the face. Well I didn’t anticipate this! As I closed my eyes, I didn’t feel the punch at all. Huh? Now what? As soon as I opened my eyes, I saw Mason blocking the biker’s punch by grabbing his hand as he gave him a dark glare and said “Don’t you dare hurt my friend at all!”

“W-what the? Who the heck are you?!” The biker demanded, glaring angrily at him as Mason pushed him away and said “Someone who you shouldn’t messed with. Now calm down.”

“Mason’s right.” Rarity agreed, glaring at the big guy. “You’re acting like a brute!”

“Shut up! I didn’t need your opinion you pampour pony!” He scoffed, causing Rarity to squawk at the guy.

“Everyone, please calm down.” We turned to the man wearing the fedora hat as he calmly said “I see how this is going and I like to say that you’re starting to annoy me, even with the crowd.”

“Okay?” Twilight raised a brow at him. 

“And who the hay are you?” Rainbow questioned.

“Sorry, can’t reveal my name to a bunch of strangers. Especially to brutes.” He commented, ignoring the growl coming from the biker. “But I would say kindly let me leave and I’ll be happily on my way.”

“W-what?” Applejack questioned. “Now hold up! You can’t just leave without telling who you are!”

“Yeah I can. I’m a grown adult, so please kindly leave little pony.” He said with an annoyed glance at us.

“Not until I want answers! Tell me where the heck I am you bastard!” The big guy demanded, ready to pounce and beat this guy senselessly. I really want to stop this right now, but it’ll only lead to more problems.

“If you’re gonna attack me…well in your for some big trouble, big guy.” The man snickered, causing him to form a confused look.

“What?” The big guy asked.

“Let’s just say I have a secret weapon, so…bye-bye.” He said, taking it out of his pockets and aiming the weapon at him.

“No! Look out!” I yelled, running to the big guy and taking the shot myself. “AHHHH!”

Apparently, the weapon the man took out was a tazer, and I was being electrocuted right while everyone became shocked and surprised upon seeing this while the man looked slightly surprised by what just happened. 

“W-what…?” The big guy asked in surprise.

“U-ugh…” I muttered before slowly closing my eyes and fell to the ground before hearing muffling sounds.

“Ren!” Fluttershy…Mason…everypony…I’m so sorry. Why did I save this guy? Who are these two? Am I…gonna wake up from this?

To Be Continued