//------------------------------// // Arc XXVII Episode VII: Picking For The Truth // Story: Family Begins With You // by Jmaster49 //------------------------------// The next morning, at Keiji’s home… “...So our lead takes us to that guy’s place, huh? Yeah, I was afraid of that,” he muttered as he spoke to someone over his cellphone. “Petty ass bastard deleting someone’s parents because they can’t accept the fact that they’re together. I’d have killed for parents that good in my own life…” On the other end, Adagio did her best to console him. “...Keiji? Are you alright?” The vampboy sniffled and wiped his nose. “...I’m fine. I’m just letting you know what I’ve found before I make any moves. Whatcha think we should do with this info?” “Let her decide what she wants to do,” Adagio replied, “This is her family matter, so allow her to make the final choice. Want me to come with you?” “Nah…” Keiji respectfully declined, “I know the kinda person Jacks is. She doesn’t do well with too many eyes surrounding her when she’s in an emotional state of turmoil. I know because that’s exactly how I get sometimes.” Adagio would respect his wishes with a small, satisfied sigh. “Ah…our little brother has grown to become so emotionally mature and empathetic. It’s wonderful to watch.” “...Yeah, well..thanks I guess,” he muttered under his breath. Keiji still wasn’t exactly used to accepting compliments so he quickly changed the subject. “Anyway, I’m gonna head on over to her place. I’ll let you know if anything major happens or if I need your help, Adagi.” “Alright,” she replied, “My sisters and I are going to have a little chat with Starswirl today since he’s decided to pay our world a visit. I’ll keep you posted.” With their little phone call completed, Keiji headed out for the day and walked down the street to the Apple Family Farm. The vampboy would spot Big MacIntosh first. “Hey, Big Man--you seen your sister around? The older of the two.” “Eeyup,” he replied and pointed to the farmhouse. “Just be careful. She ain’t exactly feelin’ too good.” “Jeez…this has been eating away at her, huh?” Keiji muttered, “I guess she never really moved on from you guys’ parents’ passing and needs the closure.” “...I’d like’ta know too, honestly,” Mac admitted, “But I think it’d be best if she heard it first. Just lemme know when yer absolutely sure who it is. Alright?” “Don’t worry,” Keiji replied as he walked on ahead, “If it were me--and my family was as good as yours--I’d want the same thing done for me. I won’t keep you and Applebloom locked out of the loop, bud.” Big Mac went back to working as Keiji walked up to their home. Applebloom passed him by on the way. “Hey, Kid Drac--how’s it goin’?” “Can you like, not?” he rolled his eyes at such a nickname and continued, “I’m here with news on what lead I have in reference to you guys’ parents. But I wanna explain it to Applejack first so she can decide what she wants to do. “Ah…I getcha,” Applebloom sighed. “...Honestly, I wanna know the truth so I can move on with life, ya know? It hurts me too, but I don’t wanna spend sleepless nights thinkin’ about ‘em like that. It’s not what they woulda wanted.” Keiji nodded and replied sympathetically, “I know. But if this is true, then we can finally bury that hatchet. Just need to get her word first and then I’ll get back to you.” “Got it, buddeh,” Applebloom patted him on the back, “You’ve really shaped up in ways that I didn’t expect.” “I hope that’s a good thing,” Keiji muttered as he went upstairs and knocked on Applejack’s bedroom door. “Yo, Jacks. Got a minute?” “Yeah? I’m here,” she replied from behind her door. “C’mon in.” With her permission, Keiji opened the door and saw Applejack sitting on her bed. The farm girl was flipping through channels on her TV while wearing naught but her daisy dukes and her usual flannel front-tie top. “Alright, so, I’ve got some information you might be interested in,” he handed her a few files held together in a yellow folder. “Apparently the guy that bought the chemical that killed you guys’ parents goes by the name of Barlett--which is a variety of--” “...Pear,” Applejack’s voice groaned in a hoarse state of disbelief. “...I had a sinkin’ feelin’ that somebody from that side of the family had somethin’ta do with it. But I kept tellin’ mahself that believin’ in bad blood would only make things worse.” Keiji paused for a moment to allow her time to absorb the information. A few moments later, he’d speak up again. “Well…I turned this evidence over to the police first and they’re investigating it as we speak,” he explained, “Should they find anything that incriminates this guy, then we’ll have our answer.” Applejack flashed him a soft, yet defeated smile and patted him on the head. “...Yer a good boah, Keiji. Thanks fer doin’ whatcha can. But at this point, I think I’m ready’ta face this issue mahself alongside mah family.” “...Are you gonna be alright?” he turned his head as she walked past him, “I mean, once you have the proper answer I mean. I’m sure Granny is gonna be satisfied too--knowing who killed her son and daughter-in-law in all.” “That she will,” Applejack replied as she slipped into a jean jacket. “But if the cops got the info we need, then we’re gonna head on down there. Care’ta join us, little man?” “Me?” Keiji muttered in confusion, but ultimately accepted her offer. “A chance to hang out with the Apple Fam? I’d be a fool not to. Assuming they’re all free that is.” “Oh don’tchu worry about that, sugarcube,” Applejack continued, now having put on her boots. “I think we’re all ready for this chapter of our lives’ta be over.”