Cadance and Storm had made it back to the castle as along the way, the boy was thinking about what the girl talked to him about. They entered the front gates as the girl gave a respectful bow to the Jedi Knight as she left. The boy now began to explore the palace as he was looking for someone. He passed by a small room as he saw something that caught his eye. The person inside was none other than Twilight as the girl was at a desk.
Seems the princess was having some beakers and other chemistry stuff as she turned on a switch. Steam and whistles could be heard as the boy was approaching his partner.
"Oh, Storm. I was looking for you when the meeting ended, but I couldn't find you."
"Yeah, well, Cadance wanted to speak with me, so we went into town."
"Oh, what did she ask you?"
"Uh, nothing much, Spa... Twilight," said Storm as he stopped himself and remembered his promise.
"It's alright, my father's not here. I've got used to you calling me that name, it feels awkward not to hear you say it every now and then," said Twilight as she looked at her partner.
"But... I..."
"Hey," said the girl as she now grabbed the boy's hand. It got him to look at it before looking at the girl and seeing her face. "It's fine. Don't worry."
"Alright, Sparky."
"That's the partner I'm used to," smiled the princess before releasing his hand from hers. She then turned back to the table as she turned some more dials.
"What are you doing?" asked Storm as he appeared behind the girl.
"I told you, we do research with different types of things to create some potions, elixirs, all kinds of stuff. And based on the frog that we found, I was able to use some of its spit to improve this formula I've been working on," said Twilight as she looked at the notes in her personal notebook. "And I think I've finally got it."
The girl now turned up the heat as the liquid then entered a twirly line as it sent off other things. It then created a sound as a single drop fell into a liquid flask. Nothing happened until a rumbling sound was heard.
"Uh, Sparky?" said the boy as he and the girl were backing up.
"Hit the deck!" shouted the girl.
An explosion went off as anybody could see a small explosion from outside of the castle of the window the pair was in. Inside the room, magical sparks were arcing outwards, before it suddenly burst, bathing the entire room in a brilliant white light, knocking Twilight backward, causing her to collide with Storm, who had closed his eyes and covered his ears in preparation for a loud sound or bright light. The two of them flew backward, sandwiching him between Sparky and the bookcase he'd been standing in front of.
-----
Twilight opened her eyes, only to have to blink away the spots in her vision. Her head was pounding slightly, though it was debatable if it was from either the impact or the explosion of the experiment.
She leaned back slightly, feeling exhausted. Rather than the somewhat cool feeling of the wall that she'd been expecting, she found herself leaning into something warm. She adjusted herself, searching for a more comfortable spot to rest, and ended up pressing the side of her face against the warm surface, when she heard something.
*BA-DUMP* *BA-DUMP*
She smiled slightly, finding the strange, but constant sound of the beat rather comforting.
*BA-DUMP* *BA-DUMP* *BA-DUMP*
Huh. That's odd. It kinda sounds like a heartbeat.
"You comfortable there, Sparky?" came an amused voice from just above her, just as a sudden draft passed over her ear, sending almost pleasant shivers down her spine.
Her eyes shot open, before she slowly, almost agonizingly, looked upwards.
And amethyst met hazel.
She couldn't help but stare for a moment, finding those deep browns almost entrancing. They were so deep, so vast, like the endless sky. She felt a small spark ignite within her as she stared, and she found herself searching hungrily for the answer.
Storm was... amused.
It seemed that the princess was a little distracted by something, and was busy staring at him like a particularly interesting new book. And yet, there was something else residing in those eyes of hers. They shined with unrestrained awe, peering deep into his soul, desperately, and almost reverently, searching for something. Glowing with an almost timid power, he could practically see the tidal wave of magic coursing through this girl's very being. But what struck him the most, was the unrestrained joy floating in those bright eyes.
As if she'd found something that made her happy.
And, yet, he found himself feeling... unsettled.
"You can get off of me, ya know!!!?" shouted the boy.
Twilight blinked, slowly coming to her own senses. Once her brain finally began working once more, she turned red and promptly shoved herself away from the Jedi Knight, feeling absolutely mortified.
That was soo embarrassing!
Now Storm probably thought she was some creep, or even worse! A little love-struck girl who couldn't stop staring into someone's eyes!
Oh, she really hoped she hadn't screwed up the friendship she'd managed with him!
"Well... I think it worked," said Twilight as she saw the flask filled with liquid as it was clear. The girl had just finished adding the last drop from another vial as it made contact with the other substances and let out a tiny explosion of cloud.
"So, what's in this stuff?" asked Storm as he picked up the flask.
"Careful. It might be dangerous," said Twilight as she took the test tube out of Storm's hand.
"How? Does it turn you into a monster?"
"No," replied Twilight.
"Does it make you invisible?"
"No."
"Does it transform you into a hydra?" asked Isaac.
"Technically, that's a monster. So, no," responded Twilight.
Storm then blinked at Twilight as he stared at her as a thought occurred in his mind. "Okay, I'm almost afraid to ask, but... is it a love potion?"
"No!" shouted Twilight in a quick response as she had some red on her cheeks. "It's none of those things!"
"Then why is it dangerous?" asked the boy.
"Because..." said Twilight until she stopped herself. "I don't really know what it is."
"Woah, hold up. Rewind. You don't know what it is, and you made it?" said the Jedi Knight.
"Yes, I did," said Twilight with some pride in her voice.
"But if you don't know what it is, then how do we know it's dangerous?"
"I don't," said Twilight as she had her hands out.
"But... you made... it," said Storm as he was at a loss for words.
Twilight just rolled her eyes. "Look, Storm. In theory, it's supposed to be a talent enhancer. It should increase someone's natural abilities by a significant amount. That's what I was telling you back at the meadow."
"So, what would happen if I drank this 'supposed talent enhancer'?" asked the boy doing air quotes with his fingers.
"Well... in theory, your dexterity would increase as well as your physical strength and visual aptitude," stated Twilight as she was examined the physique of her partner while making some predictions. Storm just looked at the princess when she said that. "In other words..."
"I understood what you said." stated the teen. "Seems after all the time I spent with you, I can understand what you say when you go into full nerd mode."
"Don't call me that!" pouted the princess.
Twilight then took the flask and put it in the cupboard as she stored it.
"Well, that's enough experimenting for tonight. Come on, there's one last thing I want to show you. Follow me," gestured Twilight as she led Storm out of the room.
They were walking along a hallway as they came to a door to which the girl opened. They were welcome to a flight of stairs that swirled as the Jedi Knight began to climb them. They climbed in a swirl as they were a few open windows as they ascended the tower. They came to the top as it was open. The girl present the view to her partner as the pair was now seeing the entire castle, and over the walls was the town as it lit up beautifully with lights. Along with the night sky, and stars, it gave off a wonderful feeling.
"Wow, the night makes it so... quiet. And soothing," said Storm as he leaned against the edge of the tower as he looked forward. "No wonder, Luna likes it so much."
"When I was still living here, I would sometimes sneak out of my room, past my bedtime, and come up here. It gave me a nice distraction from the things I went as on a daily basis," said Twilight.
"Hold on, you disobeyed rules." snickered Storm.
"Okay, I get it. I wasn't always the perfect rule-abiding person."
"Could have fooled me?" said Storm as Twilight just playfully punched her partner in his arm as they laughed.
The girl then brought her two fingers to her mouth as she did a whistling sound. It was heard for a few seconds as nothing happened. Then another sound was heard as it hooted. A creature appeared as it flew coming at the teens as it flapped its wings and then landed on Twilight's wrist as the girl smiled.
"Nice to see you, after all this time, old friend," giggled the princess as she used her other finger to give the small bird a tummy rub as it hooted. "Storm, meet my friend and loyal companion, Owlowiscious!"
It was an average-sized tawny owl, with very light brown feathers coating its body, with its wings and a few scarce feathers on its head being a much, much darker shade. Its beak and talons were a pale orange, and its eyes were, perhaps a few shades lighter than its wings.
Owlowiscious let out a soft 'hoo".
"I think we make a good pair, don't you?" asked the girl for his opinion.
"Indeed," Storm agreed, his voice containing a hint of restrained laughter, "The scholar has an owl for a pet. That's a new one," he teased, but with no malice in his voice. Twilight stuck her tongue out at him.
"He's not just a pet," the girl insisted, "He's my assistant!"
"Still though, why did you name him, Owlowiscious? It sounds like you're gonna eat the little thing."
"Well, he is rather plump," stated Twilight as she touched the bird's tummy.
"I feel bad for the poor thing being called that name you gave him. His pride must be hurt."
The owl gave another hoo sound as it flew from Twilight's wrist to Storm as the small bird was now looking at the Jedi Knight. He turned his head completely sideways as it got the boy to be a bit frightened at seeing the creature do that. Especially, staring into his beady eyes. The bird then rubbed itself against Storm's cheek before landing on top of his head as it perched and sat.
"I think he likes you," giggled Twilight while covering her mouth.
"He better not shit on me!" said the boy as he was now concerned if the small bird thought that was what he was to the owl.
"Hoo"
"You know it just occurred to me. If you're a princess, does that mean you're rich?" asked Storm.
"What does that have to with anything?!!!" shouted Twilight turning away to avoid letting her partner see just how red she was turning.
"So you are rich," said the Jedi Knight as Twilight's silence confirmed it.
"Well, it's getting late. We need to get to our rooms, before the guards or my dad finds us."
"Trust me, I've dealt with him once today, and I don't want to experience it a second time," stated the boy.
The pair now descended back down the stairwell as Owlowiscious was still on Storm's head as he enjoyed the ride. The pair came to the hallway that separated the two as the bird flew from the boy's head onto Twilight's as he wanted to go with his master.
"See you in the morning, partner."
"You as well, Sparky."
The teens waved goodbye as they headed down different paths and soon reached their room. While the two teens were in the tower looking at the place during the night, at the same time, there was another pair awake.
"Honey, everything alright?" asked Velvet as she was in their room in her nightgown as her husband was pacing back and forth.
"Yes, dear."
"Night Light, you know me better. Ever since we were kids and hung out, I could tell when something was on your mind. So, what's troubling you, honey?"
"It's about that boy," said Night Light as he stopped in place.
"Oh, you mean Twilight's partner, Storm. Yes, he's a rather unique person to be paired up with our daughter. But perhaps that's what she needs in her life," said Velvet with a smile.
"Velvet, I'm being serious here," stated the King to his wife as he sat down on the edge of the bed and let out a sigh. "It's been what, over a decade since our daughter left to begin her studies as a Jedi. We didn't have any doubt that she wouldn't fail. And look at her now, a Jedi Knight. Fighting on the front lines of the war she's participating in. All of that, I'm fine with. Even if, she were to fall on the battlefield or something, at least we would know she died with courage and honor. But... what I didn't expect, was for there to be a boy in her life."
"Yes, Twilight has always been asocial, even when she began to read her first book. I still remember the beautiful moment," said Velvet as she thought back to when her daughter was able to read and write at a young age. "And now look at her, she's growing up and is starting to make friends. Something we couldn't do, but yet, Storm was able to get her to open up. Now she has people who she can depend on."
"And there lies the problem, the boy himself," stated Night Light to his wife.
"Are you really being overprotective of your daughter, honey?"
"A father has to watch out for his little princess. But it's not that, it's the relationship he has with her. The friendship between him and our little Twily. I feel as if, it's a distraction of sorts. That he's keeping Twilight from fulfilling her duty. As the princess, she must be wed to someone of nobility to help both sides thrive."
"I understand, honey. But why do you see it as a distraction? Are you afraid that she might develop feelings for the boy, and that might complicate things?" asked Velvet.
"The boy is a Jedi. And as the rules state, they are forbidden from falling in love. He knows the consequences of what would happen if he tried to make a move on our daughter and how it would affect him among the eyes of the other Jedi. He knows it, so he won't risk."
"But... Twilight is the exception to the rule. And what happens if they do develop something, and should they decide to settle down. With Twilight being the exception, then by marrying her, he would bypass that rule, would he not?"
"It's not that simple, Velvet. And like I said, he's not a concern. The boy's eyes tell his story. He has nothing to call his own, the only thing he would have to offer Twilight is his honor, tolerance for pain, and a top-notch brain. Yet, those things, aren't enough to help our lineage to thrive. So it's imperative that Twilight must be wedded to a noble. Now I've given her time for her to settle into that rule, I'm allowing her to let things go at her own pace. I care for her, and I would not pressure her into making a rash decision if she didn't feel like she didn't have a secondary option. She does, should she obtain the rank of Jedi Master before her 18th birthday, then she need not worry about getting married so quickly."
"Exactly," said Velvet as she appeared behind her husband and put her head on his shoulder. "She had a choice, did I have a choice when I married you? No. Why? Cause I knew which boy I wanted to spend the rest of my life with." stated the Queen as she leaned in and gave her husband a quick peck on the lips.
"As we got older, we started to see each other in a different light. More than just friends, especially when it came to you trying to do insane acts to get my attention."
"I only bungee jumped one time," said Night Light.
"Really, cause if I recall, you did so much more than that, as well as other heart-racing things to impress me," smirked Velvet.
"No, I didn't," said Night Light looking away trying to save face.
"Please, when a guy does something stupid once. Well, it's because he's a guy. When he does the same stupid stuff twice or more, it's usually to impress some girl." stated Velvet as she was making her point.
"I still deny anything you're trying to prove," said the King as he was now acting like they were when they were teenagers.
Velvet couldn't help but giggle at her husband as she placed her head on his shoulder with her arms wrapped around him.
"I love you, dear."
"And I love you, honey."
The King turned his head to kiss his wife as it lasted for a bit longer before parting.
"Try not to be so strict with Storm. He's been assigned as Twilight's personal knight. So we can trust him to keep her safe. Besides, it seems they already have a cute friendship with each other. He's given her a nickname."
"I have no faith the boy will do his job. But that's all I want him to do, I don't mind him spending time with our daughter. She's his friend, and no doubt, based on the story his eyes told me, it seems he's grateful to have someone who cares for him in his life. But what I will not tolerate is if he distracts Twilight from the duty she has been given." said Night Light as he held his wife's cheek.
"Do you know what the gossip mongers refer to Twilight? They are out there, at this moment, whispering among themselves... that she is the heir to a throne of nothing. Nothing but failure. That she's more concerned with being a Jedi rather than her birthright. That she decided to be a Jedi to neglect and get away from her responsibilities. It is woven into her destiny that she prove them wrong. Our daughter is no failure, we've been proud of her since the moment she was born. Just like our other children. This is why I need Twilight to understand. The weight of the crown rests on her shoulders."
"And she knows this. She's just... trying to make sure that the decisions she makes, she will not only be satisfied. But that it's worth her time she spent preparing for it." stated Velvet to her husband. "Trust that when the time comes, she will be ready. She'll have her friends by her side, no matter what."
"I guess... did I mention how lucky I am to have you?" asked the King in a soothing tone while stroking Velvet's cheek.
"Yes, several times," responded the Queen with a slight seductiveness in her tone as she stroked his cheek.
"Did I mention how much I love you?"
"Nearly every second since we got engaged," replied the girl.
"And I mean every word of it," responded Night Light as he put his lips to his wife.
It was a more passionate one as the pair added a bit more to it as they let out small moans in each other's mouths. They separated after they ran out of breath with a small trail of saliva still connecting their lips as they stared into each other eyes. Night Light stroked Velvet's hair as the girl leaned into his touch as it had control over her. They then were brought in for another kiss as the pair now fell on their bed. For the rest of the night, they held each other as they made out until both passed out from exhaustion and snuggled their spouse closely.
The morning arrived as everyone was up. The grand festival was now one day closer as the servants began to prep for it as there would be a grand ball to be held in the castle for all the townspeople to attend. Then for the final thing, the King and Queen would launch floating paper lanterns into the sky with all of the people that made theirs and watch them as the festival signaled the summer solstice for this planet.
The royal family all awoke as the King and Queen began to make preparations for the grand event. They all entered the dining room, as well as Cadance, the servants brought them their meals. After a few minutes, the doors opened again as Storm was now present. The girls and Spike noticed the Jedi Knight as Night Light glanced at the boy and then went back to his meal. He recalled the moment, he had with his wife the night prior about the teen.
Storm sat down as he was brought a meal by none other than Fleur who winked at the boy. She did so, in front of Twilight, as the girl couldn't help but be a bit offended by it. She didn't know why, but she just did. She quickly got rid of it as she went back to eating. Storm said thanks to the maid as he began to pick up his utensils.
"So, Storm... Twilight says you're a talented Jedi?" spoke Night Light while taking a sip of his glass.
"Yes, your highness. I don't mean to be boastful or anything, but I've trained with some of the best Jedi to improve my skills."
"Good, then... I shall like to see your swordsmanship myself."
"What?" said Storm.
"Huh?" said Twilight.
The pair said that at the same time before they looked at each other and then back at the King.
"I want to see your skills myself. To see how much of a warrior you are when it comes to the field of battle. I want you to impress me." said Night Light.
"If your highness, requests it. Then I shall grant it," stated Storm.
"Very well, we'll discuss the details later," stated the King.
"Well, me and Storm need to leave. We're heading to Sweet Apple Acres to check up on the food preparations from the Apple family. If you'll excuse us, mom and dad?"
"Go ahead, sweetie," stated Velvet with a smile.
"Come on, Storm."
"Right behind you, Spark..." Storm quickly looked at the King as he was making a face at what he was about to say. "I mean, yes, princess."
The pair left as the girls saw the teens leave while Night Light was still thinking about the friendship Storm had with his daughter. The two teens made it to the stables as the stable boy began to prep their rides. Both then got on their horses as the doors opened, and the two made their creatures race forward. They zoomed away from the castle as they entered the town square. Both had smiles as they raced with Storm slightly in the lead.
The ride wasn't long as soon the Jedi Knights were trotting along the dirt path. The sounds of hooves clopping on the floor were heard as nearby some birds, and other small woodland critters made noises. Eventually, they came to the end of the dirt path as they stood on top of a small hill. They looked before as they took in the sight. The sight of apples that filled the orchard for miles and miles went on. There was a red barn shown as well as other animals that could be faintly seen from up on the hill. Twilight then made her horse move forward as Storm followed suit.
They soon came to the entrance of the barn as they stopped for Storm to read the sign.
"Welcome to Sweet Apple Acres. Home of Equis' most delicious, tasty apples and apple-related products."
The pair then entered past the gates as they trotted on in. The boy saw the animals up close as they all made sounds when they looked at the Jedi. They soon arrived at the holding post where they docked their rides to which they neighed and began to drink from the watering hold in front of them.
"So, where is the country gal?" asked Storm as he walked with Twilight.
"She's probably in the barn," stated Twilight as they approached the building.
"Well, best to let her know--"
Storm didn't finish his sentence as when he opened the barn doors, he took a few steps forward and soon lost his balance. He tripped on a bar of soap that lay on the floor as he now began to slide forward. He let out a scream as he went flying and crashed into something as a cartoonish sound was heard. Everything went dark as the boy blinked to gain his vision.
"Storm, you okay?" called out Twilight from the door.
"Yeah, Sparky. In fact, I feel great. It's funny, I landed on something... soft... huh?" said the Jedi Knight to himself. He touched what he felt as it let out a boing sound.
BOING
That boing sound was quite familiar as the teen knew what it meant. He then took a good long look at how he was positioned as it turns out he was on top of something. He then trailed upwards as he was felt with a set of melons and past that, were the familiar moderate sap green eyes and hair that was pale, light grayish olive. However, the dead giveaway was the Stenson hat that rested on the person's head. With that, Storm now realized what position he was in and what his face was buried in.
"Oh, shit."
"Pervert!" shouted Applejack as she didn't like that the boy had his face in her bosom while he accidentally touched one to produce the boing sound. Safe to say, she was turning all sorts of red for reasons.
"This better not be a recurring thing!" stated Storm before a fist came into the field of vision.
After getting punched in the face by the cowgirl, the pair were now gathered by some haystacks.
"I didn't do it on purpose, Applejack! I just... fell... into... your... b-b-breasts," said Storm as he couldn't find a logical justification.
"Or you just trying to sneak one in?!" said the girl as she wasn't buying what the Jedi Knight was selling.
"I would never do that!" shouted the boy.
"Alright, it was nothing more than an accident. Aj, let it go, please. Besides, he already apologized," stated Twilight as she didn't want her friends to fight.
"Besides, we're here to help with the preparation for the festival. So, do you want us to stay or not!" shouted Storm.
"Fine, follow me, y'all." gestured Aj as she tighten her small vest and led the Jedi out of the barn.
The three teens now began to get to work. Aj introduced Storm to the rest of her family. One of them was a smaller girl who had brilliant gamboge eyes that complimented her brilliant amaranth hair. Her skin was pale, light grayish olive as in her hair was a cute, adorable pink bow. The other family member had moderate sap green eyes like Aj. His hair was brilliant orange and his skin was brilliant orange. The last person was an elder woman who had light brilliant orange eyes. Her hair was light gray and her skin was light lime green as well as wrinkling.
"Storm, this is mah kin. Applebloom, Big McIntosh, and Granny Smith."
"Hey," waved the Jedi Knight.
"Good to see you all," said Twilight.
"Nice to see you as well, Princess," said Applebloom as she approached Twilight and showed her respect.
"Applebloom, you don't need to call me that. We're friends, just call me by my name. I insist," said Twilight as she didn't like it when people she was close with called her by her royal title.
"Anyways, Twilight and her friend are here to help us get the food ready for the festival."
"We're right on schedule, your highness," stated Granny Smith as she was rocking in her chair.
"Glad to hear that," spoke Twilight.
"Then let's get to work, y'all." said the country gal.
With that, everybody began to do their part. Big Mac began to load up the barn and wagons filled with products as AJ and Twilight were tasked with labeling and stocking the products in the right place so that they could be sent off to the proper place. The country girl even had Twilight do some royal taste testing and evaluations as the princess was making sure that everything that was to be sent to the castle was up to par.
That left Storm to head towards the orchard as Applebloom had immediately volunteered to go with the teen as she smiled the biggest ever. The boy was walking through the trees as behind him was the small girl who was carrying a huge basket over her head. It was a bit heavy as the small kid fell. The Jedi looked at the girl to see if she was okay to which she gave a thumbs up while face-planted. She lifted her face off the ground as she got up and dusted her attire. Applebloom bent down to the basket when it started to float. The girl gasped as she looked at Storm who had his hand out as he was using the Force. He told the girl he would carry it for her as he continued to walk as the basket floated behind him.
The girl now followed the boy as she skipped along his side while they made the last leg of their journey. They arrived at their destination as the boy dropped the basket in front of the tree.
"Alright, we're here. So... now what?" asked Storm.
"We got pick them apples and put them in here," said Applebloom as she pointed at the basket.
"You do this every day?" asked Storm.
"Well, not the picking part. Since I'm still a kid, but I hold the basket for my siblings," stated the small girl.
"Well, neither of them are here. So, just tell me what to do?"
"Just got to climb the tree."
"Alright then," said the Jedi as he prepared to do that.
"No offense, mister. But can't you just use your Force powers to pick the fruit and float them down?" asked Applebloom.
"Yeah, that's one idea. But... if I do that, I would abuse them. See, I can't just use my Jedi Powers for meaningless everyday tasks. One cause it's a poor excuse, two it means that I'm relying on them too much. And three, cause it goes against the responsibility I have for having it."
"But... nobody's here. And it's not meaningless if it saves us time. Besides, we still got a whole section to take care of," said Applebloom as she directed to the other trees nearby filled with the red fruit.
"Yeah, that's... more than I was expecting," stated the Jedi as he took in his surroundings as he underestimated how much they had to do. "If only..."
"Please?" asked Applebloom.
"No."
"Please?"
"Listen, kid."
"Please?" stated Applebloom as he now had the puppy dog eyes as she stared at Storm.
"No, don't do that shit," mumbled Storm to himself.
He hated that the small girl had those sad eyes as she was trying to convince him. And the scary part was that it was working. The longer he looked at the small country girl, the more she was making him feel sorry about himself.
"Don't give in. Don't give in to temptation," whispered the boy to himself.
He cast one last look at the girl as that was the final straw.
"Ugg, stop it! Fine!" said the boy as the cuteness was too much to bear.
"You'll use your powers?" asked Applebloom.
"Yeah, just... please, please, don't say a word about me using them to pick fruit. I got a reputation to uphold, alright. Plus, if Sparky found out, she would make fun of me. So, just keep this between the two of us."
"Don't worry, I won't tell our secret," smiled Applebloom as Storm gave her a quick rubbed through her hair, making sure to not mess the bow.
"Okay, here we go," stated the Jedi as he began to stand in front of the tree.
He closed his eyes as he lifted his hand. Applebloom was sat on the ground as she wanted to see what the Jedi Knight could do. She was eager to see his power but for the first few seconds, nothing happen. All she was Storm standing in place with his eyes shut. She was starting to think that the Jedi weren't all that powerful when she looked up and her eyes went wide. The tree began to shake as one by one, the apples that were on its branches lifted into the air. They soon all gathered in the air as Applebloom had her mind blown away. The fruits then traveled downwards as they piled up into the basket next to her. Storm put his hand down and opened his eyes.
"That was... Amazing!!" shouted the girl as she couldn't believe what she saw.
"It's was nothing, really," stated Storm as he didn't even use a tenth of his Jedi Powers to fetch the fruit. If anything, it was the equivalent of someone sneezing.
"I mean, I know Princess Twilight is a Jedi. And I've heard all about how powerful you are from mah big sister when you saved her. But seeing it up close, all of it. Amazing!!!" shouted Applebloom, giddying like a kid getting presents for their birthday.
Storm then took a step forward as he was immediately hugged by the small girl who had her arms around his lower half. The girl was snuggling the teen as he looked at her. Safe to say, even the Force couldn't be as powerful as the precious small girl who was embracing him.
"You're amazing," said Applebloom looking up at Storm before she back to hugging him.
"Yeah, it's no big deal," stated the boy as he lifted his hand. He brought it down on her head as he began to rub her hair as it felt soft.
God damn it. For something so small, she's really cute.
"Come on, let's get the next one!" shouted the girl as she released her hold of the Jedi and went to go grab another basket. Storm couldn't help but laugh at her energy.
For the next few hours, Storm and Applebloom were now picking apples in record time. Granted with the boy's powers, they were cutting their time massively in half. It got to the point where Storm didn't have to concentrate much as he simply snapped his fingers to apply the Force to the fruit and bring them into the basket from above. Once the baskets were filled, the pair now brought them back to the entrance of the orchid as Big Mac would take them away.
The pair had finished their last tree as Storm got the last bit of fruit to pile neatly into the basket.
"That's the last of them," said Applebloom as she put the basket down. "And with time to spare."
"Yeah, hey, I don't want to sound mean. But I mean it. Don't tell anybody that I used my powers to..."
"Ah promise. Ah can keep a secret," stated Applebloom as she zipped her lips to show the Jedi he could trust her.
"Thanks, kid." smiled Storm. "Well, let's head back."
"Actually, I was thinkin' of something. Since we're way ahead of schedule. Why don't we have fun?" asked Applebloom.
"Fun?"
"Yeah, like, play a game."
"A game?" stated Storm with a raised eyebrow.
"How about hide and seek?" suggested the girl.
"What's that?"
"You've never played hide and seek?"
"No," replied the Jedi Knight bluntly. "I don't even know what that is."
"It's simple. You close your eyes and count to ten. Meanwhile, I run and hide somewhere in the orchard. Once you reach ten, you open your eyes and come find me. Do that, and you win."
"That's it?"
"Simple, so... want to play?" asked Applebloom putting on the puppy dog eyes.
"If it gets you to stop using that," gestured the boy to her face, "Then I'll do it."
"Alright then," stated Applebloom as she turned to run.
"One, two, three..." said Storm as he shut his eyes as the girl went into the orchard to hide. "Eight, nine, ten! Ready or not, here I come." stated the boy with an unenthusiastic tone as he ventured past some trees.
The Jedi Knight was taking a stroll as he had his hands in his pants. All the while he was looking at his surroundings as he was trying to find the small girl. Applebloom was hiding in a bush when she peeked through it and saw the boy. She wondered if he found her too as he kept on walking in a different direction.
"He'll never find me in here," whispered the girl to herself as she felt proud of herself.
"Found you," said Storm as not a second later, the boy pulled back the bush to expose the girl.
"What?!" stated the kid as she couldn't believe it. One second she saw him walking away, and now he found her.
"So, I win?" asked the boy.
"That doesn't count! Do over! Close your eyes, and I'll go hide again!" shouted Applebloom as she took off.
"Whatever," said the Jedi as he shrugged his shoulders. "One, two, three..."
"He got lucky, he ain't gonna find me this time," said Applebloom as she ran.
Safe to say, the game was pretty one-sided for the most part. It seemed that Storm had no trouble locating the girl as he knew exactly where she was hiding every single time. He even gave her a headstart, and he still found her. He counted to a hundred, and he still found her. Over and over, Applenloom was determined to win just one game against the Jedi. But in the end, he still found her. Even one game where he had his eyes closed.
"How?" asked Applebloom as the pair were sitting on the ground a few meters apart. "How did you keep finding me? Were you using your powers?"
"Was I not supposed to?" asked Storm.
"I thought you said Jedi can't abuse their powers for personal gain!" shouted Applebloom.
"I mean, you were hiding. And I didn't know where you were, so if you were in danger, I wouldn't know where you were located. Plus, hiding is sort of like scouting and tracking. Whenever I need to locate something or follow a trail, I use the Force to pinpoint where my target is. I just assumed that the game was like that."
"Well, yes. But... I didn't say you could use yer powers, now, did I? But still!"
"To be honest, I still would have found you without my powers. Cause of your scent."
"Mah scent?"
"Your hair, it smells nice. Along with the apple-related fragrance that I picked up the moment we met. That and the pink bow you wear sticks out like a sore thumb." stated Storm.
"I... see yer point," said Applebloom as she put her head down in disappointment.
"Hey, cheer up, kid. I'm not discrediting you. I... sort of had fun."
"You're just tryin' to make me feel better," sighed AB.
"I'm being genuine. I had fun with you. It was a nice game to play."
"Really?"
"Yup."
Applebloom smiled as she couldn't help but run to Storm and hug the teen. With him sitting down, the girl was able to wrap her arms around his neck as she nuzzled her head into his chest. The boy just put an arm over the girl's back as he couldn't help but smile. He brought his other hand to her head as he rubbed her hair once more, to which Applebloom enjoyed it.
She really is a cute little thing.
Once she let go of him, Storm stood up as the pair decided to head back as the sun was starting to go down. The Jedi bent down and offered to carry the girl on his shoulders as Applebloom smiled. She did that as he stood up to which she couldn't help but laugh at how high she was. It seemed she enjoyed being taller like there was a whole new world waiting for her when she got older. Storm then used the Force to pick up the basket as it floated next to him as they were heading back home.
The walk lasted a good amount as Applebloom was having the time of her life. She was smiling as they made it back to the entrance. Storm then put the basket down with his powers before he bent down for the girl to get off the ride.
"Alright, the ride's over, unfortunately," said the Jedi Knight as he was still bent down to her level.
"Thanks, Storm. I had fun with you," smiled the girl as she leaned in to kiss his cheek as the Jedi smiled.
"Applebloom, don't you know you got to wait till you're older to start kissing boys!" stated Aj as she appeared in front of the pair with her arms crossed.
"It's not like that, Applejack."
"Uh-huh. Get going, you're almost late for your last bit of chores before dinner is finished."
"Fine," groaned Applebloom as she grabbed the basket in her arms and left towards the barn.
"She's a troublemaker that little one."
"I can tell. Still, she has a big heart," replied Storm.
"Yeah, she does. That's why I love her. Hey, thanks for taking care of her while she was with you," said the country gal as she tipped her hat with the sunset gleaming behind her.
"No worries, Aj," stated Storm.
He didn't notice that the country girl leaned in as she gave him a quick peck on his cheek as he immediately jumped back a few feet.
"Don't do that shit!!" stated Storm as he pointed at the girl who was his age.
"Why not?!" laughed Applejack at how the boy was acting.
"Cause it's embarrassing!"
"You didn't mind mah sister kissing you?"
"She's just a kid. That's different. You're... my age. So if you kiss me, it's... it's unmanly, that's what it is," said Storm with hesitation in his voice as he was stumbling over his words to justify himself. "Not to mention, you're asking me to die!"
"Sugar?" laughed Aj.
"I mean it!" stumbled Storm as he was waring of the forbidden rule he had to follow and uphold.
"Well, if me giving you a small kiss means death. Then maybe you should kiss me," snickered the girl.
"I'm not falling for that trick, cowgirl!" said Storm as he walked around, keeping his distance from Aj. He wanted to make sure she didn't try anything as he now left towards the barn.
"I'm just messing with you, city slicker!" shouted Applejack with a smile. "Besides, you think I forgot what you did this morning. Trying to feel me up a second time?"
"That was an accident! Let it go for fuck's sakes!!" shouted Storm as the scene panned upwards to see the moon and the sun in the sky at once.