//------------------------------// // Apple Family News // Story: CMC Going Away // by PonyJoel //------------------------------// Its been days since the Apple Family has conducted their search for Apple Bloom and her friends. They search far and wide in different areas where the Apple's may run off too. Babs Seed and her team meet up with a squadron of Royal Guards at Haysead Swamps. They informed the family that Apple Bloom isn't around the area. They sigh and continue their search. It's another day in Sweet Apple Acres. Applejack and Big Mac continue to work themselves tirelessly. Their thoughts of how they treated Apple Bloom continues to haunt them. The two buck trees left and right harder and in anger. Big Mac pants heavily, reliving the moments of telling Apple Bloom and her friends to go away. Big Mac bucks so hard the tree snaps and collapses startling Applejack. "Big Mac, you alright?" Applejack asks. "No, Applejack. I'm not alright. I haven't been alright since Apple Bloom ran away from home. Ran away from us since I told her to go away," Big Mac responds sadly. "I know, Big Mac. We have to hope that our friends and family will find them soon." Big Mac and Applejack continue to buck trees and plant seeds in the fields. After hours of working, they decided to call it a day. The two slowly walk back to the Apple house with their heads hung low. Granny Smith is on her rocking chair, seeing her grandkids coming by. "Hey Applejack, Big Mac. How are you two doing?" "Okay, I guess, Granny." Big Mac couldn't respond. He's too sad to look at Granny in the eyes. "I know yer two are sad. So am I." "I messed up, Granny," Big Mac said. "If only I listened. If only I took the time to talk to Apple Bloom of Gabby Gums. I don't think I'll ever sleep soundly ever again." "Me too, Big Mac. I pray to Celestia that Apple Bloom and her friends are safe and sound." "That's all we can do, Applejack. Hope for the best. Not the worst," Granny reassuringly said. Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith enter the house. Silence reign in the Apple house for hours. The sadness of Apple Bloom's disappearance has taken a toll on the family. It is now 7:30 at night. The Apple Family search team is returning to Sweet Apple Acres with important news. They knock and enter the Apple House. Applejack, Big Mac, and Granny Smith gather around with the rest of the family. "Hey, cousin Applejack," Braeburn said. "Howdy, Braeburn. What's the story?" "It's been nearly a week and a half of searching cuz. We as a family have decided to call off the search." "Wha-What?!" Applejack angrily yells. "Ease up, Applejack. No need to get angry," Granny calmingly said. Braeburn sighs. "I'm sorry, cuz. It's just. We looked throughout all known areas of Equestria. We've met up with your friends and several Royal Guard squadrons. They were unable to find Apple Bloom and her friends. We double-checked the areas and found no trace. We, like you, can't leave our farms unattended any longer." "We tried day and night searching, Applejack," Apple Fritter said. "Also, we received word from the Princesses that they are concluding their search tomorrow." "Tomorrow?! Why tomorrow?!" Applejack asks. She starts panting. "They have their duties to attend to, Applejack. They are unable to delay any further. We tried our best. All we can do is try another time or move on." Applejack snaps and lunges herself to the door. Big Mac and the others hold Applejack in place. "Let me go! Let me go! I have to find my sister!!" Applejack pants heavily. Her fear of losing Apple Bloom is becoming a reality. The fear of Apple Bloom gone forever is taking over her mind. "APPLE BLOOM!!" She yells as tears start streaming down for the first time. An hour passes as Applejack finally calms down. Big Mac and the others release their grip on Applejack, allowing her to run to her room. Applejack gets on her bed and puts a pillow over her head. She wishes that all of this is a long twisted nightmare and, she's finally ready to wake up. Big Mac thanks everyone for using their time to search for Apple Bloom. The Apple Family decides to sleepover for a few days to help Applejack more. Big Mac knocks on Applejack's door and enters the room. "Applejack?" Big Mac asks in concern. "What Big Mac?" Applejack sternly replies. "Our entire Apple Family will be staying with us for a few days." "All except Apple Bloom," Applejack emotionlessly said. "Ugh," Big Mac sighs. "As Granny said, we can only pray for the better of Apple Bloom. Not the worst. We'll find our sister someday." "Or never." "Why are you having these doubts, Applejack?" "I'm accepting the reality, Big Mac. She's gone. She's never coming back," Tears swell up. "It's my fault.., It's my fault.., I failed her as an older sister." Big Mac sits next to Applejack. "It's more my fault than yours, Applejack. My words encourage them to go away in anger. I...I hate myself. I feel like a monster, Applejack," Big Mac takes a deep breath. "Someday, we'll find Apple Bloom. She'll be okay. She'll be better than okay. We'll be united as a family soon." "If you say so, Big Mac." Big Mac and Applejack hug each other. They imagine Apple Bloom being in the middle of the hug. "Get some sleep, Applejack. I'll do the same as well." "Alright, Big Mac." Big Mac smiles weakly and leaves Applejack's room. Applejack leaves her room, enter Apple Bloom's room to snag one of the bows she left behind. She goes back to her room and attaches the bow to the pillow, imagining the pillow as Apple Bloom. "Night, Apple Bloom. Your big sis will protect you, love you, and listen to you," Applejack said as she drifts to sleep.