//------------------------------//
// Arc 9-8: Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Applejack: The Apple Core of La Maresa 
// Story: My Little Pony: One as a Family.  "Life in Canterlot" 
// by SaburoDaimando 
//------------------------------//


	Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Applejack: The Apple Core of La Maresa




The Ponyville Faire was in full bloom as crowds of ponies enjoyed the sights, sounds and aromas that filled the air.  Though there were plenty of fairgoers wandering the place, they looked as if they wanted to take their sweet time savoring every moment, without a care in the world.  For Wanda, Sunset, Abigail and Applejack, they looked around, looking at everything around them.  Sunset’s mouth was beginning to water while Abigail looked around like an innocent child.
“Man,”  Sunset said.  “All that food looks so good, I feel like wanting to buy some.  But I can’t decide what I want to sink my teeth into.”
“You’re telling me,”  Wanda said.  “I can’t seem to decide what I want to eat.  Especially after all those rides we’ve been on, together.”
“That’s the worst part of the fair, sugarcube,”  Applejack said.  “You don’t even know what you want to eat, or drink.  So many options, and it’s a doozy.  Then again, I’ve been there and done that.”
“Do you suppose all our friends had the same problem?”  Wanda asked.  “I mean finding food and stuff to do.”
“See for yourself, Wanda,”  Applejack said as she pointed to a portion of the fair.
Wanda turned around and saw Rainbow Dash and Danged Spell, sitting at a large table with plenty of food.  Ditzy Doo was there drinking some punch while Bow Hothoof and Windy Whistles were cheering the two.  But judging by the looks on their faces, Rainbow Dash and Danged Spell were extremely grump.
“Wow,”  Wanda said.  “I never thought those two would be in a sourpuss mood.”
“Tell me about it,”  Sunset said.  “That’s not like Danged Spell to have too much attention.  It ruins his mood.”
“But they aren’t the only ones who are having a good time,” Applejack said.  “Even if it did get spoiled by Rainbow’s parents.  That being said, I bet you that your friends are also enjoying the moment of their lives.  Like take a look at that clothing booth”
Sunset and Wanda turned to their left to see the clothing boutique where Rarity and Moondancer are stationed.  Rarity was gluing gemstones to a newly-stitched dress while Moondancer was going through the bag and observing each gem she pulled out.  But judging by the look of the dress, it isn’t shaped like a pony.
“Wonder what they’re up to?”  Wanda said as she took one close up look  “That dress they’re making looks nice.  But it doesn’t look like anything a filly would wear.”
“Darling,” Applejack replied.  “That’s something even I don’t know about.”
“I sure didn’t know Moondancer would be into dresses,” Sunset said.  “But I take it that the filly next to her is Rarity, correct?”
“She may have a sense of fashion and shine,” Applejack replied.  “But Rarity is dedicated to her work like my pa is to the apple farm.”
“I wonder how Sunburst, Starlight and Twilight are doing with their friends?”  Sunset said as she looked around.
“See for yourself,”  Applejack said as she pointed in another direction.
Sunset and Wanda looked to their right and saw Fluttershy and Sunburst cheering with Mr Bovine prancing around in his pen.  On top of his back is Baby Spike the dragon, who looked happy and excited as Mr Bovine took him around the pen.  Abigail looked at Spike and looked like she was about to take a few steps forward.
“Oh no you don’t,”  Wanda said as she picked up Abigail.  “The last thing we need is to get in trouble at the fair.”  Abigail just reached out and let out a faint cry.
“At least Spike is having a good time with Sunburst and what I think is Fluttershy,” Sunset said.  “Maybe we can give Abigail her best time.”
“Yeah,”  Wanda said as she rubbed Abigail on the forehead.  She turned to Applejack and said “I’m surprised that the bull is not presenting any danger to those two.”
“Mr Bovine, despite his appearance, is a rather chill character,” Applejack replied.  “Fluttershy’s known her since getting her cutie mark.  And believe it or not, he’s been Fluttershy’s second guardian when her parents have other errands to take care of.  Though if you ask me, I think it’s Fluttershy who looks after Mr Bovine.”
“I’d hate to be in his horseshoes,” Sunset said.  “Despite the fact that he’s a bull.”
“By the way,” Applejack said as she pointed in another direction.  “Get a load of that magic show.”
Sunset and Wanda turned towards another corner to see Trixie on stage performing her routine.  She reached her hoof into her empty hat and pulled out a bouquet of flowers.  She tossed them to a small-time crowd, which included Pinkie Pie, Starlight Glimmer and Twilight Sparkle.  Starlight reached up and was able to catch the bouquet of flowers with her arms.  She placed them right next to her furbob plushie as Pinkie and Twilight gave her a big hug.
“So I assume that the pink one next to Twilight and Starlight is Pinkie Pie,”  Sunset said.  “While the pony on stage is supposed to be Trixie.”
“Correct,” Applejack said.  “Pinkie Pie’s a sweet, energetic filly, and she likes to throw parties to cheer up ponies.  But mess with her friends, and you’ll find yourself on the receiving end of her party cannon.  And to think some ponies call her the reincarnation of Discord.”
“Discord?”  Wanda asked.
“I think it has to do with that statue of that snake-like character in our backyard,”  Sunset said.  “I’ll show you when we get back.”
“As for Trixie,” Applejack said.  “The poor kid ran away from Canterlot after failing the entrance exam for the School for Gifted Unicorns.  Her father Jackpot taught her the basics on how to be a magician.  But she couldn’t catch a break with those three bullies treating her”
“Are you talking about Hoops, Dumbbell and Score?”  Sunset said.
“I sure am,”  Applejack said before pausing.  She then said,  “I take it you saw those creeps.”
“Moondancer caught them picking on Ditzy Doo and her father back in Canterlot, when we all decided to look after her,”  Wanda said.  “She stood up against all three and sent them running.  But not before Ms Cinch scared them.”
“The nerve of those cowards,”  Applejack said as she stomped her hoof on the ground.  “No wonder they were gone for a while like Ditzy was.  They wanted to pick on her even more since she ran away from her own birthday party.  And we owe her a second one to cheer her up.”
:”And to think,” Sunset said.  “We have Golden Lace to put up with.”
“Yeah,”  Wanda said as she sat Abigail down and scratched her ear gently.  “What gives them any right to pick on those who did nothing wrong?”
“The worst part about those three,”  Applejack said.  “Is that they got themselves banned for life from the fair.  And yet, they like to sneak in when everyone least expects it and they steal or vandalize whatever they want from the vendors.  It’s like the lifetime ban didn’t teach them anything.”
“Well at least we don’t have to put up with those morons,”  Sunset said.  “I’d hate to have to come face to face with them after what they did to Ditzy.”
Suddenly, they heard what sounded like a filly screaming “GET OUT OF OUR BOOTH YOU GADFLIES!”  Sunset, Wanda, Abigail and Applejack turned around and they saw Hoops, Dumbbell and Score get kicked out of Rarity’s mini boutique.  Rarity and Moondancer stuck their heads out, furious and enraged.
“This dress is for a special someone you creep,” Rarity yelled.  “IT’S NOT FOR HOODLUMS TO SPRAY MUSTARD ON!”
“AND I’M STILL UPSET AT WHAT YOU THREE DID TO DITZY DOO BACK IN CANTERLOT,” Moondancer yelled.
“NOW GET LOST,” Rarity yelled as she and Moondancer flung rocks right at the trio. 
Watching from a distance, Applejack looked like she was about to pop a vein looking at Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  Wanda and Abigail hid behind Sunset Shimmer, who got a good look at the trio.
“Those are the three goons who picked on Ditzy Doo?”  Sunset asked.
“Yeah,”  Wanda said as Abigail covered her head behind the child.
“Someone’s gotta show these chumps the door,”  Applejack said as she took a hard step.  “And that someone’s gotta be me.”
Applejack marched towards Hoops, Dumbbell and Score, with a lot of scorn in her eyes.  Not once does she take her sight off those three.  The trio got up and saw Applejack marching right towards them.
“You hooligans are gonna wish you never snuck back into the fair,” Applejack said as she took another stomp towards the three.  
Hoops took one good look at Applejack.  Then he let off an arrogant smirk as he, Dumbbell and Score took off into the air.  Applejack just watched as the three bullies zoomed off faster than she could keep up.
“Ahhh horse apples,” Applejack said to herself as she threw her hat onto the ground.

A bit far behind Applejack, Wanda and Abigail hid behind Sunset.  The bright yellow unicorn tried to keep her eyes on the three bullies.  But they zipped off faster than her sight could keep up.  
“Whoever these creeps are,” Sunset said.  “They sure know when to give us the slip.”
Wanda pulled her head out from behind Sunset Shimmer, shaking violently as she slowly got up.
“Are they gone?” Wanda said, still nervous from seeing those three bullies take off.
Suddenly, Dumbbell appeared right behind Wanda and got her in a nelson hold, wrapping his arms around her shoulders.  Before Wanda could yell, Dumbbell flew up, carrying Wanda in tow.  As Sunset turned around, Hoops quickly flew down and grabbed Abigail by the tail.  The kitten screamed loudly as Hoops lifted her into the sky.
“WANDA!”  Sunset yelled.
Dumbbell and Hoops were twenty feet off the ground, holding poor Wanda up and dangling Abigail by the tail.  Wanda tried desperately to break free, but Dumbbell held tightly.  Abigail continued to scream as Hoops held onto her tail.
“LET ME GO YOU BIG BULLY,” Wanda yelled as Dumbbell laughed at her.
“What do you suppose this animal is?” Dumbbell said.
“Must be one of those escaped monsters from Tatarus,” Hoops said as he swung Abigail around.  “Especially this cat.”
“YOU LET GO OF MY SISTER!”  Hoops and Dumbbell looked down to see Sunset Shimmer charging up her horn.  Hoops looked down and gave off a devilish grin.
“Oh please,” Hoops said as he held Abigail up by the tail.  “You wouldn’t want to damage your precious pet….do ya?” 
“Abigail,”  Sunset said as she looked helplessly at the scary kitty cat.
“Here’s the deal, snowflake,”  Hoops said.  “Either you back off, or I shave off one of this cat’s nine lives.”
Sunset’s horn went blank as Applejack ran up to her.  The earth pony looked up to see Hoops with his hoof around Abigail’s tail.  The poor cat was meowing frantically as she dangled helplessly from above.  Next to them, tears flowed from Wanda’s eyes as Dumbbell held her up.
“Dagnabit,” Applejack said.  “That’s the most cowardly trick these goons pulled on us.”
Suddenly, A pair of heavy bags flew right from above and hit both SUnset Shimmer AND Applejack in the face, covering them in flour.  As the two tried to shake off the flour dust from their face, a bucket of water splashed down right on them.  This caused the flour to turn into a doughy substance, leaving both ponies struggling to get this stuff off of their face.
“That was a dirty trick,”  Sunset said as she struggled to get the roux-like substance off her face.
“Where’s pa when you need him?” Applejack said.
Back in the air, Wanda watched helplessly as Sunset and Applejack tried desperately to get the doughy substance off of their faces, all while Hoops and Dumbbell watched on with glee.  Score flew up to the others, holding an empty bucket.  Abigail looked at Score and gave off a threatening growl.
“Now that’s how you make cookie dough with those sour cookies,” Score said as Hoops and Dumbbell laughed.  Wanda turned her head as Dumbbell held her up.
“Hey boss,”  Dumbbell said.  “What do you suppose we do with that cat?”
“I’m glad you asked,” Hoops said.  “What do you say we make a pancake out of this cat?”
Hoops swung Abigail by the tail right back behind him and took a glance at both Sunset and Applejack.   Abigail screamed as Hoops looked like he was ready to throw the kitten.
“Time you joined all those critters you ate in the sky,” Hoops said, looking ready to throw Abigail.
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” Wanda yelled as she watched helplessly.
Suddenly, a lasso darted out of nowhere and wrapped around all three bullies, plus Wanda and Abigail.  This caught all three bullies by surprise as they had no time to react before the rope binded around them.
“Hey what the?” Score said, surprised by the lasso.
But before they could move, the rope pulled all five individuals down until they hit the ground, creating a dust cloud around them.  Wanda coughed in the middle of the dust cloud as she could see a thing.  Abigail, despite struggling in the rope, was able to break free and run up to Wanda.
“Hello,” Wanda coughed.  “Anyone out there?”
Abigail jumped up onto Wanda and licked her face.  Wanda looked and saw the kitten smile on her face.  But as the dust cleared, she saw who was holding the end of the rope.
“Uncle Bright Mac,” Wanda cheered.
“Were these troublemakers giving you a hard time?” Bright Mac said as he loosen the rope slightly so Wanda could slip under, all while Abigail jumped down from Wanda’s foot and walked up to the big stallion.  The moment she got out, she jumped up and gave Bright Mac a hug, letting out a huge cry in the process.
“I was scared,” Wanda said as she cried on Bright Mac’s chest.  “I thought those meanies were going to kill Abigail.”
“It’s alright dear,” Bright Mac said as he turned his attention towards Hoops, Dumbbell and Score.  “At least you and Abigail are safe from those juvenile delinquents.”
“Bright Mac my son, that was my line.”  Wanda and Bright Mac looked on to see an older pony with a light lime green coat, a light semi-yellowish gray mane, and a pie for a cutie mark.
“Who’s that?”  Wanda said, looking at the older pony.
“That’s my ma,” Bright Mac said. “Granny Smith.”
Granny Smith walked up to Hoops, Dumbbell and Score as the trio recovered from the unexpected grab by Bright Mac’s lasso, unable to get out of the rope’s binding.  Her eyes squinted in fury as she took one good look at the three bullies.
“Well horse hockey,” Hoops said as he stared helpless at Granny Smith.
“I know what you three have been doing today,” Granny Smith said with a scowl.  “You harassed Ditzy Doo like you did with her birthday party, you gave Fluttershy a hard time at the petting zoo, you ruined a magic show and now I catch you three trying to cause trauma to Celestia’s daughter.”  
The only thing Hoops, Dumbbell and Score could do was to swallow really hard as both Bright Mac and Granny Smith stared down at those three.
“Last year, you three were banned from the fair for that stunt you pulled involving the cotton candy machine in the amphitheater,” Granny Smith said.
“Now come on,” Hoops said as he could barely move a muscle.  “It was all in good fun.  No need to be triggered about it?”
“Triggered?”  Granny Smith yelled.  “Oh I’m more than triggered about it.  And the fact that you three keep defying the ban by sneaking on in and causing even more trouble.  Ever since your parents died in that horrible fire, you’ve been acting like a bunch of trouble-making misfits.  And don’t give me the excuse that you set the fire for your own amusement.”
“What do you mean by that?” Hoops snapped back before Granny Smith took a hard glance at him, causing him to back off.
“I knew you three when you were younger lads, and your parents used to be proud of ya,” Granny Smith said as she turned her back on the trio.  “You weren’t the monsters you were once until long after that tragic incident that cost the lives of your folks.  You three could have accepted being part of the apple family and earned a new life.  But instead you threw it all away trying to be a pair of tough punks, and rejected my offer of hospitality.”
Granny Smith then turned to Bright Mac and said “You know what to do, my son.  I’ll look after Wanda and the gals.”
“You got it, ma,” Bright Mac said as he sunk his teeth into one end of the rope and began to drag Hoops, Dumbbell and Score away.  The trio could do nothing but cower in fear as they were being dragged off.
“Good riddance to bad rubbish.”  That voice came from Applejack as she and Sunset Shimmer walked by, still covered in the gooey mix of flour and water.   Only now their faces were uncovered and they were able to see again.  The duo walked up to Wanda and Abigail, relieved that no harm had come to ether.
“Thank mommy you’re both alright,” Sunset said.  “I thought those creeps were going to traumatize you.”
“You can thank my son for stepping in to stop those juvenile delinquents.”  Wanda, Sunset and Applejack turned their heads to see Granny Smith approaching them.  Her cold scowl has turned into a warm smile as she walked towards Wanda and Abigail.
“Wanda,” Sunset said.  “May I introduce to you the matriarch of the Apple Family: Granny Smith.”
“Nice to meet you,” Wanda said as she took a curtsy bow to Granny Smith.  Abigail got on her two feet and mimicked the same bow Wanda did.”
Granny Smith only laughed and said “There’s no need for that kind of royal courtesy, my dear.  You may be Princess Celestia’s youngest daughter so far, but you have more the eyes of one who wants to experience the world beyond Canterlot.”
“What do you mean by that?”  Wanda asked, curious by Granny Smith’s statement.
“Bright Mac told me alot about you and your sister,” Granny Smith said as she pointed to SUnset Shimmer.
“Me as well?””  Sunset asked as she took Wanda’s side.
“Oh yes,”  Granny Smith said.  “Even though you both are princesses by adoption, deep on the inside you both dream of wanting to be free from the palace life.  And judging by how your tone has been, Princess Celestia raised you well..
Granny Smith placed her hoof on Wanda’s chest and added “Though for you little lady, you seemed troubled with your own conflicts with the Chancellor and with the Windigo’s Guild.”
“Me?”  Wanda asked.
“Though I did hear that you’re starting to get along better with Chancellor Cinch,” Granny Smith said.  “But at the same time, you do have problems with those no good Banks family.  I’d figure with that kind of chaos, you could use some fresh air and sunshine to get away from the madness.”
“I think this might be why mommy planned the trip to La Maresa,” Sunset whispered to Wanda.
Granny Smith turned tail and said “But I think I better show you why La Maresa is the finest place in this part of Equestria.  Follow me.  I have some friends I want you to meet.”
Wanda’s face beamed with excitement.  She yelled “Yes ma’am.” as she and Abigail ran up behind Granny Smith.
Granny Smith turned to Applejack and said “And I reckoned you and Sunset Shimmer could use a bath.”
“After what those creeps did to us,” Applejack said.  “I could use one big time.”

Later that day, outside a Sweet Apple Acres-themed wagon, Sunset Shimmer and Applejack were splashing around in a wooden tub filled with soapy water.  Abigail was eating some food on a plate while Wanda gently rubbed the kitty cat on the ear.  
“So Applejack, “ Wanda said as she continued to pet Abigail.  “Did you ever experience life outside of La Maresa?”  This caused Applejack and Sunset to pause as they looked at Wanda.
“As a matter of fact I once did,” Applejack replied.  “I once wanted to find my place outside of Sweet Apple Acres.  So with the blessing of Granny Smith, I went to live with the Oranges in Manehattan, hoping I would find my place there.  But boy oh boy.  I felt like a fish out of water.”
“How so?”  Sunset asked as she scrubbed the flour out of her hair.
“It was almost like how you and Wanda were like,” Applejack said.  “Like I was some kind of royalty.  It felt very unrewarding to be in a place like that.  But I felt as if that was my calling in life, even though I was home sick.  But the next morning, as the sun went up, I saw a mythical sonic boom that echoed through the land, like a rainbow.”
“A rainbow?”  Sunset said.  “That was the thing that occurred the day Wanda and I applied for the entrance exam for the School for Gifted Unicorns.”
“No kidding,” Applejack replied.  “But that rainboom pointed the way back to the home I grew up in: La Maresa and Sweet Apple Acres.  So I made my way back and reunited with my folks.  My new passion for the farm gave me my cutie mark.”
“This makes me wonder if we are all connected to the Sonic Rainboom?”  Wanda said. 
“Even if it gives you a migraine?”  Wanda turned her head and saw Granny Smith wearing a saddle bag with a pale, light grayish olive foal with a brilliant amaranth mane tucked in.  
“Granny Smith,” Applejack said.  “And you brought little Apple Bloom with you.”
“Dang tootin I did,” Granny Smith said as she walked up to .  “After all, as a family, we are one together.”
“That sounds like something mommy would say,” Wanda said as she approached Apple Bloom.
“Oh I’ve known your mommy before Bright Mac was born” Granny Smith said.  “And that was back when I was a filly.”
Wanda approached Apple Bloom on the side of Granny Smith, who looked at Wanda curiously.  Wanda reached out with her hand and allowed Apple Bloom to grab it with her hooves.  The little foal giggled in delight as Wanda just stood there with a smile on her face.
“I never saw a foal before,”  Wanda said.  “She’s so cute.”
“You must be proud to have grandkids like Applejack, Big Mac and Apple Bloom,” Sunset said as she observed Granny Smith from the tub.  “Uncle Bright Mac keeps telling us about them and what we saw says a whole lot.”
“Well there is more to the Apple Family than meets the eye,” Granny Smith said as she and Wanda walked up to Sunset Shimmer.  “I heard your mother has had a problem with the Banks family, especially a week ago when they stopped her from punishing Golden Lace for a stunt she pulled on Ditzy Doo.”
“You know about the Banks?” Sunset asked.
“I know someone who’s related to those nasty polecat Banks,” Granny Smith replied.  “And as a matter of fact, I have one of them right now with her husband.”
Granny Smith turned around and placed her hoof on two individuals who were approaching the group.  The stallion had a grayish amber coat with a dark gray, slick mane.  The mare had a pale, grayish coat, with a mane consisting of two shades of moderate magenta and dark heliotrope.  On her back was a saddlebag with a foal sticking her head out.  She had a pale magenta coat with a pale, light grayish violet with white streaks mane.  Wanda took a look at the two older ponies and hid behind Granny Smith.
“Now you don’t have nothing to worry about, mah dear,” Granny Smith said as she put her hoof on Wanda’s shoulder.  “Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich are not as mean-spirited as those despicable Banks.”
“Granny Smith here has a point, young lady,” Filthy Rich said as Wanda barely popped her head out from behind Granny Smith.  “Unlike that cranky Silver Banks, I’m more of a down-to-Equestria kind of business stallion, with a strong partnership with the Apple family to improve La Maresa’s well-being, and I don’t associate myself with strong-arm politics.”
“And I have a lot to say about my sister Gold Banks,” Spoiled Rich said as Wanda slowly stepped out.  
“What...happened between you and your sister?” Wanda asked hesitantly.
“Back when me and my older sister were fillies,” Spoiled Rich replied.  “When I was called ‘Sweet Milk,’ we were more like best friends, and she was more of a pure hearted pony that I could look up to.  We had the fondest of memories during those good old days when we grew up in Baltimare.”
“So what happened between you and Gold Banks?” Sunset Shimmer asked.
“Back when she was once called Gold Milk?” Spoiled Rich replied.  “As we grew older, my sister’s attitude began to change for the worse.  She started treating me as if I was nothing more than unnecessary luggage.  She went from a kind filly to a mean-spirited mare.  I don’t know why, nor could my parents do anything to help me get over it.  Because of that, I changed my name from Sweet Milk to Spoiled Milk.”
Wanda took a few more steps out from behind Granny Smith and slowly approached Filthy and Spoiled Rich before she said “That sounds really horrible.”
Spoiled Rich let out a sigh and said “I never really figured out why she turned on me.  But between that and my parent’s apathy, I didn’t want to stick around in Baltimare. So I moved away and came here to La Maresa to find a new life.  That’s where I met the Apple Family, and especially him.”  She turned her head to Filthy Rich and nodded to him.
“I’ve known her since Filthy Rich took over the family business here,” Granny Smith said.  “And the poor dame looked more broken than a glass window that was smashed by a flying rock.  We all did what we could to look after Spoiled Milk.  Especially Filthy here.  He saw something in that poor soul.”
“While I did inherit the business from my ma and pa,” Filthy Rich said.  “I couldn’t go at it alone.  I had to show her what life was life in La Maresa, what she could accomplish here.  It took some time, but we got married, and now, she has a healthy baby filly.”
“Being a business partner and a parent is something I never thought I would look forward to,” Spoiled Rich said as she turned to her side where her foal daughter was tucked in her saddlebag. “But what Diamond Tiara offers me is a chance to at least start anew, especially after my life with my sister and parents disappeared from me.”
Wanda walked up to baby Diamond Tiara as Sunset picked up baby Apple Bloom with her magic.  Diamond Tiara looked at Wanda with a curious face.
“Hello there,” Wanda said to Diamond Tiara as she held out her hand.  “I’m Wanda.  Nice to meet you.”  The foal looked at Wanda and touched her hand as she let out a tiny giggle.  Wanda giggled as Diamond Tiara kept her hoof on the man-cub’s palm.
“It’s okay,” Spoiled Rich said.  “I’ll let you pick her up.”
“Are you sure?”  Wanda asked.
“You’re Princess Celestia’s adopted daughter,” Filthy Rich said.  “Anyone who’s a daughter of Princess Celestia has our trust.  You and your sister Sunset Shimmer.”
“Go for it, Wanda,” Sunset said as she cradled Apple Bloom in her arms, all while Abigail said right beside the young unicorn filly.
Wanda let out a huge deep breath and slowly pulled Diamond Tiara out from the saddlebag.  She looked down at the filly, who continued to stare at Wanda with delight.
“Seems you’ve made a new friend, Wanda,” Granny Smith said as Filthy and Spoiled Rich laughed.
“She’s cute,” Wanda said as Diamond Tiara stared at her with joy.  
“Then why not look after her for a bit?” Spoiled Rich said.
“Me?”  Wanda said as she looked at Spoiled Rich a bit surprised.
“Why not?”  Sunset said as she held Apple Bloom in her arms.  “Besides, I think she’s fond of you.”  
Wanda looked at Diamond Tiara, who stared at her in the face.  While the foal had no care in the world and saw Wanda with glee, the older man’s cub had a bit of a sense of dread on her face.  “Look after a foal when you’re just a child yourself?” she thought to herself.  “What would I do?”  But at the same time, the look on Diamond Tiara’s face did seem to ease Wanda’s tension, as she rubbed Diamond Tiara’s face with her hand.
“Wanda, Sunset, Applejack.”  Wanda and Sunset Shimmer turned around to see Bright Mac and Buttercup approaching them.  Applejack jumped out of the tub and took a few steps away from the group before shaking all the water off her fur.  
“Ma, Pa,” Applejack said as she approached her parents.
“What’d you do to those meanies?” Wanda asked.
“Don’t you worry,” Bright Mac said.  “They won’t be bothering you again.  Not after what they did.”
Sunset inched her head close to Wanda and said “Sounds like we’ve got nothing to worry about, sis.  And if they come back, I’ll be by your side.” 
“I also see you got to meet the Rich family,” Buttercup said as she noticed Wanda holding Diamond Tiara in her arms.  “Courtesy of Granny Smith.”
“Like I said,” Granny Smith said.  “Anyone who’s an adopted daughter of Princess Celestia is a friend of the Apples.
“Well how about a nice apple fritter prize for your help in the apple fields,” Buttercup said.  “And don’t worry.  This one’s on us.”  This caused Sunset’s mouth to salivate.
“Now that’s my kind of prize,” Sunset said as she walked towards Buttercup and Bright Mac with Apple Bloom in her arms.  She turned to Wanda and yelled “Come on.”
Wanda only stood there as she looked at Diamond Tiara in her arms.  But as she looked at Sunset, Filthy Rich put his hoof on her arm and said “Go on.  You’ll do fine.  Besides, my little pumpkin loves apple fritters.”
“You sure?” Wanda asked.
“The apple family aren’t just the best family of La Maresa,”  Spoiled Rich said.  “They’re also the toughest.  So we trust you as we trust them.”
“Thanks,” Wanda said as she turned towards Sunset Shimmer, who now had Applejack by her side.
“You don’t want to miss out on the Apple Fritters,” Applejack yelled.
Wanda turned to Abigail and said “Come on.  Let’s go get something really good.”
Abigail let out an excited meow as she and Wanda, who still had Diamond Tiara in her arms, walked towards Applejack, Sunset, Apple Bloom, Bright Mac and Buttercup.  But as the children walked away, Granny Smith, Filthy Rich and Spoiled Rich looked on with the eldest of the pony’s face turned from assured to concerned.
“If only she knew what life was like beyond the gates of Canterlot at an earlier age,” Granny Smith said.
“She had it both so easy and so hard,” Spoiled Rich said.  “A lot more back when I grew up.   Here’s hoping those two sisters don’t end up like what happened to me and Gold Banks.”
“Relax,” Filthy Rich said.  “If I know Princess Celestia, she knows how to raise sisters into shining examples of society.”
“That being said,” Granny Smith replied.  “She did tell us that she only did this field trip in hopes of moving Wanda to La Maresa.”
“She’s actually going to do it?”  Filthy Rich said, shocked by Granny Smith’s words.
“That’s right,”  Granny Smith replied.  “She’s beginning to realize that the capitol city may not be appropriate for that little tyke.  In fact, Wanda deserves a community that will treat her more like family, and with less of a threat from mean-spirited elders.  Bright Mac told me alot about what Wanda has gone through, and I’d figure what the Banks did was the last straw.  She deserves a better life than the one she’s going through, and I vow to make sure she gets that.”


	To Be Continued in…


	The Burden of the Elders