//------------------------------// // The Apples don't Fall Far from the Tree // Story: In Autumn Leaves // by Cryogenii //------------------------------// As the afternoon slowly transitioned into evening, Applebloom was making one last round of conversation in the barn when something struck her. Sugar Belle was engaged in a quiet conversation with Cherilee, but conspicuously absent was her brother, Big Mac. Wondering about his whereabouts, Applebloom scanned the barn before deciding to step outside. Once in the open air, she surveyed the landscape and soon spotted a lone figure sitting under the solitary tree atop a small hillock nearby. Recognizing her brother, she felt a twinge of concern and decided to check on him. Memories from years past flashed in her mind, recalling a day when Big Mac had opened up to her after the Sisterhoofs Social under that same tree. Approaching the lone figure, Applebloom called out to her brother, asking how he was doing. Big Mac gave no reply, his gaze fixed into the distance. Applebloom, familiar with her brother's stoic nature, sensed there was more beneath the surface. Undeterred, she continued upwards until she was stood beneath the branches that were shedding red autumn leaves onto the dry ground beneath. With a caring tone, she asked, "You want to talk about it, big brother?" She received a "nope" from Big Mac, but this time, accompanied by a heavy sigh. After a moment there was a quieter "eyup.” Applebloom settled down beside him, snuggling into her brother's strong shoulder like she did when a filly. In the quiet away from the others, Big Mac began to share his feelings. “I'm feeling… oh ah don't know what I'm feeling. Never got to share the good news that Sugar Belle and ah have with Granny before…” Applebloom listened attentively, offering support as her brother navigated the complex emotions that swirled within him. “Go on, big brother. What was it you wanted to tell her?” “We're having a foal, Applebloom. I don't know what I'm supposed to be feeling, we were so happy when we found out, but now ah don't know. My head feels about ready to burst.” Big Mac looked devastated, tears welling up in his eyes. Applebloom looked at him, seeing for the first time just how the hair around his muzzle was shot through with grey. “Seems to be that y’all trying to carry two things in one bucket,” she said. Big Mac turned around, a look of confusion on his face, “say what now, sis?” “Eyup, you got a bucket's worth of happy and a bucket's worth o’ sad,” explained Applebloom, “that new foal is a true reason to be happy, but all you can carry right now is that big ol’ bucket of sad.” “So what do I do?” asked Big Mac, his broad shoulders slumping even further. “Y’all just carry them one at a time,” smiled Apple Bloom, “y’all gonna be happy for a bit and sad for a bit, and not know which you're getting next. But that's ok, Big Mac. Eventually that bucket of sad won't need to be carried as much, and that foal’s going to have you holding the bucket of happy all the time.” Big Mac looked at his sister, and smiled for what seemed like the first time in ages, “when'd you get something smart Apple Bloom?” “Oh, I've always been smart,” she replied, mock seriously. The two siblings sat together in the softening light of the evening, looking down the hill to where the barn doors remained open, inviting more ponies to join the wake and contribute to the collective embrace of shared memories. The shadows may have grown longer, but within the barn's warmth, the legacy of Granny Smith lived on, interwoven with the laughter, tears, and fond recollections of those who had known and loved her. - The sky outside had grown dark, and Twilight Sparkle had risen the moon several hours before. The once-bustling barn at Sweet Apple Acres had now quieted down. The conversations that had filled the air with reminiscences, laughter, and occasional tears had now faded into silence. The large doors had been pulled closed, shutting out the cool evening breeze, and leaving the barn in a state of solemn tranquillity. Pinkie Pie, ever the tireless party-pony, moved about the barn with quiet efficiency. Engaged in a less celebrated part of her role, she meticulously folded chairs and tables that had been borrowed from the town hall for the evening. With practised ease, she began to collect glasses and plates, her movements surprisingly focused as she tidied up after the day's events. Meanwhile, at the sole table that remained, Applejack sat with Big Mac, Sugar Belle, and Applebloom. The fatigue of the day was evident on their faces, their expressions weary and reflective. In a rare moment of quiet companionship, they shared a bottle of cider, each lost in their own thoughts yet finding solace in the presence of one another. As Rainbow Dash pushed through the barn door, a slight creak echoed through the quiet space. She joined the others at the table, carrying a brown paper package embossed with Rarity's cutie mark. Discreetly, she tucked it under her chair, hoping it would go unnoticed amidst the solemn atmosphere. "Hey, AJ," Rainbow began, pouring herself a mug and settling into her seat, "You okay?" Applejack let out a long sigh, her expression heavy with grief. "Nope, can't say that ah am, Rainbow. Ah know today was s'possed ta give us some kinda closure, but ah’m still feeling like Granny's missing and there's nothing to hold on to." "Eyup," Big Mac agreed quietly, his voice solemn. "I'm sorry, AJ," Rainbow said sympathetically, placing a comforting hoof over Applejack's. "I know this is going to hurt for a while." "It's like she's everywhere and nowhere," Applejack continued, her brow furrowed in frustration. "Like ah'm reaching out but there's nothing of her to hold onto." Applebloom, who had been quietly listening, nodded in agreement. "Yeah, she was Sweet Apple Acres… but she shared everything. Nothing was just hers." As Rainbow Dash shifted uneasily in her chair, her thoughts raced with uncertainty. She knew that what she had planned might not be well received, but she also felt a strong urge to offer some form of comfort to her grieving family. Taking a deep breath, she steeled her courage to speak. "I've got something," she said quietly, her voice barely above a whisper, "something that will help you feel close to her." The Apple siblings all turned to look at Rainbow, their expressions a mixture of concern and confusion. Rainbow swallowed nervously, feeling the weight of their attention, and reached under her chair to retrieve the paper parcel. Applejack, startled by the sudden appearance, jumped slightly, having not noticed Rainbow placing it there moments before. She choked back a gasp, feeling a sense of surprise at the unexpected gesture. "Something from Rarity?" Applejack asked, her brow furrowing in confusion as she recognized the distinctive markings on the package. "How's that going to help?” “Open it,” Rainbow Dash replied, her voice gentle yet insistent as she placed the parcel on the table in front of Applejack. With a mixture of confusion and curiosity, Applejack meticulously unfolded the precisely folded and tucked flaps, revealing a piece of orange fabric adorned with a repeating red apple motif. As she unfolded it further, her hooves trembling slightly, the intricate white lace edging became visible. “But… but.. this looks like…” Applejack stammered, her voice trailing off as she struggled to comprehend what she was seeing. “You had Rarity make a copy?” “No, AJ,” Rainbow replied, a soft smile playing on her lips. “Take a closer look.” As Applejack examined the fabric more closely, she noticed that in a few areas, the fabric had been carefully patched, and the printed apple decoration was actually incredibly finely embroidered appliqué, meticulously crafted to match the original pattern. “Is this…” Applejack's voice caught in her throat, her eyes welling up with tears. “Is this hers?” Rainbow nodded, her own eyes shimmering with emotion. “Yes. That's why Rarity hasn't been around much this last week,” she explained. “I don't understand all of it, but she unstitched the lace, cleaned everything, and then she said she used… er… batik to dye the colours back in. She put it all back together again today.” Applejack gasped, her heart swelling with emotion as she traced her hoof over the beautifully restored fabric. “It looks like new,” she whispered, her voice filled with awe and gratitude. “You like it?” asked Rainbow nervously, her eyes fixed on Applejack, waiting anxiously for her reaction. For a long moment, Applejack sat motionless, the shawl cradled delicately in her hooves. Tears began to well up in her eyes, as they had countless times throughout the day. In barely a whisper, she replied, “Yes, Sugarcube, ah love it. And ah love you too, for making this happen.” Rainbow shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her nerves easing slightly at Applejack's response. “Well, Rarity did most of the work,” she admitted humbly. “I wasn't sure how you'd feel, seeing it looking so… new.” “It may look new,” Applejack responded softly, her voice tinged with emotion, “but it's hers. The genuine article, but fixed up. Rainbow… that's the Apple way.” A sense of relief washed over Rainbow as she realised that her gesture had been well received. She reached out to squeeze Applejack's hoof, her own eyes glistening with tears. In that moment, surrounded by family and enveloped in the warmth of their love, they knew that Granny Smith's legacy would live on, not just in memories, but in the cherished heirlooms and traditions that bound them together as a family. “I kinda think it's ready for the new head of the Apple family to wear,” suggested Rainbow tenderly, her eyes soft with affection as she looked at Applejack. Applejack looked up, her expression a mix of surprise and disbelief. “Ah know there was the moment with the Sisterhood Social, but Big Mac can't wear this!” she protested, shaking her head. “Aw, big sis,” giggled Applebloom, unable to contain her amusement. “You ain't never gonna let him forget that, are you?” Big Mac, ever stoic, simply nodded in agreement, his expression unreadable. “The head of the Apple family can wear it,” insisted Rainbow, gently taking the shawl and wrapping it around Applejack's shoulders. “But, ah’m not the head,” Applejack protested, her voice filled with humility. “he’s my elder kin.” Big Mac took a deep breath to steady himself, his gaze focused on the distance as he addressed the thin air. “You're the heart of our family, Applejack. We all know it, and that's the honest truth,” he said quietly, his words filled with sincerity and love. Applejack tilted up a shiny platter from the tabletop, and found herself gazing at her reflection on the surface. She wasn't one for spending time in front of mirrors, but now she couldn't help but take a long look. The shawl wrapped around her shoulders provided a comforting warmth, and she couldn't deny that it didn't look out of place on her. Taking a closer look, she noticed the lines at the corners of her eyes, evidence of the years she had lived and the experiences she had endured. Her mane wasn't as full as it had once been, and she couldn't help but feel a twinge of nostalgia for the pony she used to be. As she continued to gaze at her reflection, her attention was drawn to Rainbow Dash sitting beside her. In her formal uniform, Rainbow looked grown-up and distinguished, her presence exuding confidence and strength. Applejack couldn't help but feel a swell of pride and affection as she looked at her wife, marvelling at how far they had come together. The bond between them, forged through years of shared experiences, was all that mattered. “Ah guess it might be alright to be the heart instead o’ the head,” Applejack mused, “but ah think we're all just Apples together.” Rainbow held up her mug. “Apples, together,” she toasted. There was a chinking of mugs being brought together and a ragged chorus of “Apples, together!” As they sat in the dim light of the barn, they found comfort in the simple act of being with each other, united in their love for one another.