Play Time
Co-Author: The “Special” Pegasus
The sun was peeking over the mountains, signalling the roosters to start their morning routine, which in turn, signalled the start of the Apple family’s morning routine. Applejack was the third pony in the house to wake up, with Apple Bloom and their newly adopted baby brother still cuddled up against each other, holding onto each other like they were each other’s favorite plushies.
She walked over to her stetson, placed it on her head and walked back over to the bed to wake up her siblings. As she got closer, she noticed a familiar, but no less bearable, odor emanating from the infant. “Ugh... Rarity sure wasn’t kiddin’ about the smell... come on, let’s go an’ get ya changed.” She then pried the child out of the grip of her little sister, with far more difficulty than one would expect from an equine toddler, and carried him into the bathroom.
Applejack placed the baby on the counter and reached for a new diaper. She undressed him, undid the diaper and cleaned him up. She was just about to put the new diaper under him , but then Apple Bloom drowsily walked into the bathroom. “Howdy, Applejack... good mornin’.” she said whilst rubbing her eye.
Applejack immediately threw her forelegs over the bottom half of the infant. “A-apple Bloom! What in tarnation are ya doin’ in here!?” she yelled in the midst of her panic.
“I was just goin’ ta the bathroom and uhh... uhm, AJ, why’re ya coverin’ ‘im like that?” she asked, waking up a little bit more in direct proportion to every passing moment.
“O-oh uhh...” The orange mare’s out of shape poker face took over as she rapidly fumbled over one excuse after another. “I-I’m... keepin’ ‘im warm! That’s it, keepin’ ‘im warm. He was feeling a bit chilly an’ this was the fastest way ta warm ‘im up.”
“Oh... well in that case, can I help!?”
“NO!” Apple Bloom shrunk at her sister’s response, “I-I mean, no thanks, sugarcube, don’t wanna crush ‘im now. Uh, Apple Bloom, can you go and use the downstairs bathroom so that we can get done up here?”
“Okay.” Apple Bloom turned for the door and left. Applejack let out a sigh and looked back at the baby, “This is gonna be a regular thing, ain’t it?” The child’s only response was a look that spoke clear as day. What are you asking me for? Applejack got off of him and started putting the diaper back on.
“Hey, Applejack! Granny Smith was already downstairs an-”
Once again the elder sister threw her forelegs over the bottom half of the baby, “Consarnit, Apple Bloom!”
* * *
After a much needed lecture about knocking first and getting the infant some milk, Applejack was on her way to Carousel Boutique. After explaining to Big Mac that Rarity had made some new clothes for the little one, he left her to it and resumed ploughing the fields. It wasn’t above the stallion to send a well meaning “Don’t be late, sis.” as she trotted off to town, her destination already in mind.
With the basket on her back, she set off toward Ponyville.
* * *
Rarity had once again invited Fluttershy for tea, “I’m so sorry about yesterday dear, however necessary it was.” she said after in between sips of her homemade tea.
“It’s okay, I really appreciate it. Actually, I was going to come here either way, there’s... something I need to talk about. I mean, that is, if you, umm... if you don’t mind.” Said the ever so timid guest.
“It’s quite alright, darling. I’m all ears, so to speak.” the unicorn replied. “After all, what reason is there to deny a good friend’s request?” She took another sip of tea as the pegasus responded, a bit more hesitant than usual.
“Well, uh, I-I’m really worried about Angel. He doesn’t get any less grumpy no matter what I do! I was hoping you could give me some advice, since well, Opalescence doesn’t seem to give you any trouble.” This was worth paying heed to, since usually the animal caretaker was so bashful she always had trouble asking others’ assistance. This was a new record.
“Now, don’t get ahead of yourself, dear. I too, have my skirmishes with dear Opal. But I shan’t let that stop me from reaching out to you. Let’s see...” having noticed some subtle changes in her pet’s demeanor before, as she is want to do, she posed a question, hoping she was on the right track. “Has he been feeling under the weather, perhaps?” After a matter of moments, the seamstress smiled as she saw the telltale signs of an epiphany manifest in her friend.
“Oh my goodness, that’s it! Oh, the poor thing, no wonder he doesn’t get along with the other bunnies. He wants a friend! I never thought he would be that lonely. Well, do you think Opalescence would like to... o-oh, that’s right, umm, sorry.” As fragmented as her message was, Rarity knew exactly what Fluttershy was thinking. So with that, they spent the better part of five minutes brainstorming over the solution to Angel’s predicament until a knock on the door told them to save it for later. “Oh, that must be Applejack. This won’t take long, I assure you.”
Sure enough, standing outside the door was Applejack, with the expected basket delicately perched on her back. “You’re just in time, Applejack. Come in, come in! You’re going to absolutely love what I have in store for the little fellow!” Her curiosity piqued, Fluttershy decided to tag along to see just what the fashionista has concocted this time. They were eventually led to the workroom where she provides the final touches and details. Rarity proceeded to open a nearby cupboard and levitated a strange costume of sorts. That would be the case if one didn’t know who it was for. As Applejack put the basket on the floor and opened it, Rarity let the baby have a look at his newest clothes.
It was a good fit for the little guy. It was elegant, or rather, as elegant as an alien infant could get. It had its own pockets, its limbs had length and width adjustment and it even had extra space for wearing diapers underneath, something that any baby clothing ought to have. As Rarity gave it to the earth pony, she noticed the baby and stopped.
If one were to listen closely, they would hear the nearly silent clinking of multiple gears, grinding themselves together as if a puzzle piece was being aggressively shoved in the right space at just a slightly off angle. Mere moments before the orange mare could question the designer’s actions, or rather, lack thereof, said designer suddenly sang out a loud, high pitched “Idea!” startling not only the pegasus, but the earth pony as well. “I’ve got just the thing for little Angel! Fluttershy? You simply must hear this!” Having just now noticed the caution the timid pony was displaying in the face of her revelation, she immediately adopted an apologetic tone to coax her friend back out from her hidey hole in the cupboard.
“I do apologize, Fluttershy, but as I said; I’ve got just the thing for Angel’s problem. Come on out and I’ll tell you. Oh, and Applejack?”
The mare in question faced the unicorn with an expression that she couldn’t be blamed for having, considering she didn’t have a sense of context at the situation beforehoof. “Uh, yeah? Ya’ll mind tellin’ me what just happened? An’ what’s this ‘bout Angel?”
“Oh, yes, well... perhaps Fluttershy should be the one to inform you, hmm? Fluttershy, do you remember our prior conversation?” she received a nod in response. “Well, I do believe I have found a solution.” As she spoke, she walked toward the infant in the basket and gestured to him. The eyes of the other two mares widened slightly at the revelation, the farmer having to take more time than the pegasus.
“Oh, Rarity, that’s a fantastic idea! Thank you so much!” In her gratitude, Fluttershy gave her friend a ‘tight’ hug and then, spoke to the earth pony. “Umm, well, you see Applejack, Angel has been a bit lonely lately and um, if it’s not too much trouble, I mean if there’s no trouble at all, heh, I would love it if the baby could come to visit and cheer him right up! Uh, that is, if you don’t mind.”
The farmer’s face lit up in realization and she responded. “Oohhh, ya’ll mean like a play date? Well, sure, that oughta be good fer ‘em. How’s right now sound?”
“That sounds wonderful! Thank you, Applejack!” At this point, the happier than ever pegasus was bouncing in place in a manner that was comparable to a certain hyperactive baker. “Now what are we standing here for!? The sooner Angel feels better, I’ll feel better! Let’s go, quick!” Chuckling quietly, the farmer snagged the new clothes, put them in the baby’s waiting arms, closed the basket, put it on her back and followed her yellow friend.
* * *
Applejack and Fluttershy finally arrived at her cottage near the edge of the Everfree Forest. A multitude of animals gathered and greeted them as they arrived at the pegasus’ residence. Fluttershy smiled in return and said, “Hello everyone, I brought a new friend for Angel today. Do any of you know where he is?” The mass of animals pointed to the door.
She nodded her thanks and went inside with her friend close behind, only to be greeted by a carrot flying into her face. “Ow... now Angel, you know that that isn’t nice. Now say you’re sorry.” Angel simply crossed his arms and shook his head, “Oh, okay then.” Fluttershy looked down and traced abstract shapes across the floor with her hoof, until she remembered why Applejack was here and she looked back up at Angel, “Angel♪,” she sang, “I brought over a new friend for you to play with.” Applejack set the basket down on the floor and took the infant out. Their eyes met, one with innocent curiosity, the other with nothing but shock, scorn and hatred.
“I think they’ll be havin’ fun in no time, Fluttershy. How ‘bout we go someplace else an’ leave ‘em to it, huh?” Fluttershy nodded in agreement and they left the two babies to their play time. Once they exited the room, Angel turned his gaze to his foe, while said ‘foe’ still looked at the small bunny with playful curiosity. The child started to crawl toward the little bunny rabbit.
* * *
The giant started to charge at Angel! He threw his massive hand toward the small warrior in order to squeeze him to death, but Angel was fast on his feet and hopped out of the way. He hopped over to where his caretaker placed his food. The bunny sharpened a few carrots with his teeth, took them in his paws and threw them at his enemy.
* * *
Angel threw his carrots at the infant and hit him in the chest. The child fumbled a bit to pick up one of the carrots before trying to chew on it.
* * *
The little warrior was mortified. Not only did his spears just bounce off, but this giant creature was eating them! Only Angel could eat those! Now, the monster was gonna get it, big time! He hopped as fast as he could over to his opponent and started to climb it. The beast moved into action. It started to rise to its highest, creating some difficulty for the bunny attempting to scale it.
The giant clumsily reached behind him to grab the bunny, but Angel used this to his advantage and jumped over, grabbing hold of his arm. As the giant moved his arm back in front of him to look at his foe, Angel started to hop up his arm and jumped atop his head.
As Angel finished his ascent, he felt a soft spot under his feet. This was most likely the beast’s only weak spot. Angel held the last of his spears in his paws and took aim.
At the last possible moment, Angel heard a vile laughter from below, his toes started shaking with fear at the giant’s anticipation. He was forced to grab on for dear life, as the colossal beast started swinging and shaking its arms and head frantically, doing everything in its power to render the little hero’s efforts null and void. There was nothing to do but close his eyes and grab onto the little fur there was on the summit of his nemesis, hoping against hope that he wouldn’t be tossed off like a ragdoll and reduced to a pile of broken bones and blood-coated fur.
But it wasn’t enough. Angel was now face to face with the great terror he was perched on top of not a moment ago. As he gazed into those hideous eyes, he could sense the sadistic joy that he was being regarded with. The behemoth batted him off its nose after a second’s delay, sending Angel up into the air and knocking his weapon out of his grip. Right then, the bunny was gifted with one final dose of adrenaline, one that he swore to use wisely. He entered the peak of his ascent, the upward momentum coming to an end. He took a diving position and aimed right for the creature’s head, determined to emerge victorious for his efforts.
Success! Angel had once again reached his destination. After a few seconds of heavy breathing, the valiant warrior started quickly searching for the weak spot in its cranium before it could shake him off again. Finally, he found it! He fumbled for his spear, but in his fright, he hadn’t realised he lost it. With no hope of conquering the threat, he started cursing himself for his weakness. Well, he wouldn’t just go down so easily! Not without fighting to his last breath! His determination rekindled, Angel dished out all that he had to fight with, his strong hind legs stomping vigorously, his front paws tearing mercilessly at the beast’s fur, but to no avail. As he prepared to use his teeth for the potentially killing blow, he heard something. Something he thought he would never have to hear again as long as he lived.
“AWWWWW!”
* * *
Fluttershy and Applejack walked in and saw Angel on top of the child’s head. As a result, they couldn’t help but express their unprecedented delight at the cuteness of the scene before them.
“Are you two having fun?” Fluttershy asked.
“They sure look like they are.” Applejack said, “See Fluttershy, nothin’ ta worry about, Angel made a friend an’ I’m sure he won’t be lonely anymore.”
Fluttershy nodded, “I’m sure that he’ll be much happier now, isn’t that right Angel?”
Angel’s eyes simply twitched has a response.
The earth pony walked over to the pair and said, “Well I guess we should head on home, don’t wanna make Apple Bloom worry again.”
“Oh, how is she liking him, by the way?” Fluttershy asked.
Applejack laughed a little, “Oh, she’s lovin’ ‘im, ‘Shy! Honestly, I ain’t ever seen her this happy since... well, y’know.” she ended on a sad note.
Fluttershy covered her mouth with a forehoof, “Oh Applejack, I-I didn’t mean to-”
The farmer looked back at her friend and cut her off, “It’s alright, Fluttershy... I’ve gotten over it fer the most part.” Suddenly she felt something wrap around her. She turned her head to look and saw that the baby was on his hind legs, giving her a hug. “Aww, thank ya, sugarcube.” she whispered and wrapped her foreleg around the child.
She let go, “Well, we’d best be headin’ out, lemme find that basket.” She was about to turn around and walk out of the room, but she saw Fluttershy’s eyes grow and her mouth drop. “What’s wrong, ‘Shy?” Applejack turned her head and saw that the baby was starting to wobble toward her on its hind legs. “Uh, Fluttershy... how’s he doin’ that?”
“I-I have no idea... normally creatures that stand on their hind legs have a tail to balance themselves out. The only other creature I can think that walks like that are monkeys and such, but even they slouch a bit.” They were silent until the baby fell on its rump. “Applejack... I’m starting to think that this creature is a lot more advanced than we give him credit for.”
The earth pony raised a brow, “Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout, ‘Shy? Look at ‘im, no claws, small eyes, he can’t run, he’s just a big ol’ squishy ball. Everythin’ about him says that he’s the easiest prey a hunter could wish for.”
Fluttershy looked down, “Well... what if his species doesn’t even need any of those things? What if they found better ways to defend themselves? Oh, just thinking about it is starting to scare me.”
The farmer smiled, “Oh, c’mon, Fluttershy, how can you be scared of somethin’ like that?” She pointed a hoof at the baby who was looking at the two mares, sucking his thumb with Angel still on his head, now chewing on a carrot.
The pegasus slowly calmed down, “I’m sorry, Applejack, I don’t know what came over me. I guess I just... I don’t know. I still feel nervous around him. I’m so sorry.” she started cowering behind her mane, the way she always does.
“T’ain’t nothin’ ta worry ‘bout, Fluttershy.” Applejack tipped her hat. She found the basket again after a few moments and started packing. With that out of the way, she placed the baby into the basket, bid her goodbyes to Fluttershy and Angel before heading to the farm.
* * *
Back at Sweet Apple Acres, Applejack was making her way to the farmhouse when she heard someone yell, “LOOK OUT BELOW!!!” she quickly galloped out of the way, knowing exactly what was about to happen. Just missing them, Rainbow crashed into the ground, making a cloud of dust and dirt.
After the dust settled, the farmer walked over to the pegasus and helped her up. Once she got her on her hooves she asked, “Are ya’ll okay, Rainbow?”
“You ask me that after you help me up?” she challenged.
“Well this does happen a lot, Rainbow.” the farmer shot back. Rainbow just shrugged. “So why’re ya’ll here anyway?” The apple farmer asked.
“What? I can’t come here to take a nap?”
“It’s that time already? Huh, must’ve lost track of time at Fluttershy’s.”
Dash raised a brow, “Why were you at Fluttershy’s?”
“Oh, well I went to Rarity’s to pick up the clothes she made for the little guy and Fluttershy was there. She asked if he could come over an’ play with Angel.”
Dash nodded, “Cool, cool, uhm... is he with you now?”
“Yep! Just a sec.” she reached behind her, grabbed the basket in her teeth, set it on the ground and removed the cover. What they discovered however was that the baby had his eyes closed and was calmly breathing.
“Ha, now this guy knows when it’s a good time for a nap!” Rainbow smiled. Then she had a thought, “Hey AJ, can I watch him for a bit?”
“Why would you want to do a thing like that?”
“What, are you saying I can’t handle it?”
“I didn’t say that Rainbow... I was just askin’ why is all.”
“Well he is sleeping already, so how hard can it be? Plus... I kinda wanna help out. You know, I was the one who found him in the first place, after all.”
Applejack scratched her chin, “Well... alright. Just make sure to never, ever leave ‘im outta yer sights, Rainbow. He may not look it, but the little guy can disappear on ya in a second.” she warned.
“Oh please, how hard can it be?” She took the basket in her teeth and flew off.
Applejack watched as her friend flew deeper into the orchard, “I hope ya know what yer doin, Rainbow.” she shook her head and continued on her way to the house.
* * *
Rainbow Dash flew through the trees, trying to keep the basket as still as possible. After a while, she found her favourite napping tree and set the infant down. She proceeded to lie next to him. “You know,” she started “you didn’t scare me the first time I saw you! I was just... surprised is all! Yeah, surprised.”
She looked at his sleeping face for a few moments, before a smile grew on her muzzle. “Y’know, you’re not so bad. Sure you’re loud like Tartarus, not to mention you look weird. Don’t tell the others but, I admit you’re pretty cute when you’re quiet. Like, baby cute, I mean.
The baby yawned and turned over.
Rainbow smiled further, “Yeah, you’re right! No more of this stupid stuff, time for that nap.” She curled up, closing her eyes and waiting for sleep to take over.
* * *
As Rainbow began to wake up, she slowly opened her eyes and let out a yawn, “How long was I out?” She looked around and saw a basket next to her, “Huh? Why is this here?” She stared at the empty basket for a minute longer and her eyes slowly grew as she remembered what was supposed to be in there.
“Oh, Celestia! The baby is gone!”
AN: Now I know what you’re thinking... and yes, I am a little bit of a douche. I always hated it when I’m reading a story and the author leaves it on a cliffhanger... but it’s sooo much fun to be on the other side of that, lol.
There’s really only one thing I think I need to explain this chapter and that’s Angel’s parts.
Mostly for the fun of it really. I wanted to do something different with him, throw a monkey wrench into the gears, so to speak. Hopefully that part didn’t throw you guys threw a loop and killed the story for you. The Angel parts won’t happen too often, but they will appear throughout the story. Or not if guys don’t like it, I want this to be a community story, so if you guys don’t want that type of thing in the story then there won't be anymore.
One more thing, there will be voting next chapter, yay!
And now I think I’ll let the Co Author say some stuff if he wants to. Yeah, Co Author, pretty sure you guys can tell what parts he wrote. Anyway, ‘till next time readers... enjoy the torture of not knowing about what happened to the baby for a week.
C-AN: Just so you know, you’re not the only ones who hate the ending. Anyway, it seems I have been promoted. Huh. Well, I like the way I did the end of the Angel part, but I know the context could be tons better. I just had to mention that idea, didn’t I? Oh, well. The laughs we had will not be forgotten. I still don’t know the answers to all the questions you will have, though, but I can still answer some things. I am well aware that this chapter wasn’t as long or as... I dunno, good as you might have hoped? Still, this isn’t even close to the end. So, hang in there, baby!