Shining Armor turned to James, who in turn looked at him. Neither of them said anything for a moment.
Finally, the stallion broke the silence; "The only one who can call me "brother" is Twilight, and don't you forget it," he said, pointing his hoof in her direction. He didn't sound outraged or particularly angry; he just said it.
James relaxed a little. "Alright. I think we still have a few things to discuss."
"How about a game of chess? You play, don't you?"
At least he's warming up to me. Although he had been caught off guard a little by Shining Armor's suggestion, James nodded. "Yes, I play chess a bit. It will give us something to do as we discuss any outstanding problems."
"Alright then."
James looked at Twilight. "If you have a chess set, may I please borrow it?"
She nodded. "Of course." Then, as James went to sit on the couch (there was a small table on which to set the chess board in front of it), she whispered in his ear, "Be careful. My brother plays this game a lot, so he's dangerous to a new player."
"Good thing I'm not new to this game." James sat down as Twilight walked out of the room, returning a few minutes later with a chess set.
"Aw, lame." Rainbow Dash yawned. "I'm going to go check on the weather." She flew out of the house.
Why does everyone hate on the classics? Before he could remark on that, Shining asked, "Care to pick a side?"
"I'll be..." He thought for a moment. "I'll be White."
They set up the pieces; they were noticably different to any chess pieces James had used before, mostly due to the fact that they were pony-based rather than human-based, but each piece served the same function as would it's human-made counterpart.
After they were done setting up the pieces, James made his first move; 1. e4. It was White's standard move, allowing for the queen and bishop to develop quickly, as well as deploying a pawn towards the center. He remembered that Bobby Fischer had said "1. e4 I win!" It certainly fit in with his swashbuckling, aggressive play.
Shining thought for a moment, then played 1... Nf6. It was an aggressive move, threatening the pawn on e4.
2. Nc3. Protecting the pawn and developing the knight.
As he waited for his opponent to make his next move, James asked, "Does Equestria have any sort of artillery at it's disposal?" He had forgotten to ask this earlier. He knew cannons were known to the ponies (just ask Pinkie Pie and her party cannon), but they might not be weapons of war in this country.
2... e5. "Yes, some old cannons. Not sure how effective they'll be though."
3. Nf3. "Good to hear. If we can get breach-loading cannons, that would be great."
3... Nc6. "Oh, you have cannons that don't require muzzle-loading?"
4. Bc4. "Yep." And we've had them for quite a while. "Also, developing a crossbow with a trigger accessable to ponies should be a priority, and then we can work our way up to guns. I'm not sure how much gunpowder Equestria has, or if it can be made, but the stuff to build crossbows is definitely in supply."
4... g6. Going for the dragon, hmm? James thought, before Shining answered his previous statement; "I suppose you're right, and it might be easier to start out that way."
5. b3. If you're going to fianchetto, then I might as well try it as well. At least it leaves my back row less vulnerable than d4. "Is there anywhere suitable nearby to set up the training camp? We'll have quite a few volunteers, not to mention the draftees and conscripts."
5... Bb4. Attacking the knight. "Actually yeah, there's a space to the north of Ponyville where we can set up the camp."
Drat! The moment of decision. James knew that if he ignored the bishop and kept on with his development, his knight might be taken; in any event it was a threat to his own plans. If he made the move a3, he wouldn't have an effective place to castle his king, and Shining would be able to act accordingly.
He chose to develop the bishop; it would help to protect the knight, although the bishop was worth the same as the piece it was attacking; if Black chose to take it anyway, he could, and both sides would lose three points.
6. Bb2 a6.
7. Qe2. "That sounds good. I hope the materials to build it are either here or on their way."
7... d6. "They're on their way. The Princess told me before we came today."
James took a look at the board. While more of his pieces had developed, he felt cramped. Shining had broken John Nunn's rule of no more than three pawn moves in the first eight, but his pieces had more room.
8. 0-0-0. James usually prefered to kingside castle, he hoped he was gaining an advantage here, as Black's queen would have to spend a few moves to really become a threat to his king.
He could see from Shining's face that he had expected James to castle the other way; however, he moved his own bishop to g4, pining White's knight to the queen.
The game continued for a few more moves without any pieces being taken, but it couldn't last forever, and Shining went on the offensive, leading to a massive clash as both sides tried to get control of the center. Neither side really won out here; James lost both his knights, but kept his bishops while taking a knight and a bishop from the enemy. Both players lost a couple pawns.
The game progressed for a while after this, as James kept trying to gain control of the left side of the board (from his perspective anyway) in an attempt to flank Shining's king, which had castled kingside. This proved excessively difficult, as Shining kept sniping as James' king and he had to send his own forces to counter it. James finally gave up on his idea.
Finally, James gained the upper hand (for him anyway). He managed to capture all of Shining's pieces, but lost everything except one of his pawns due to Black's successful use of his king and James' own lack of caution at this point. The game proceeded to a king-and-pawn-vs.-king endgame. Shining managed to use his king to block James entirely.
One space. That's all that stands between me and a new queen, and ultimately victory! James then made the mistake that cost him the game; Shining's king stood between James' pawn; however, due to White's own king standing behind the pawn, he could not move his king. Stalemate.
Rrrrrrrr... damn it.
To his relief, Shining did not look conceited, just glad that he didn't outright lose. It had been a good game overall. Twilight had followed the game intensely, though Fluttershy had left in the middle of the game to care for some of the animals she was currently nursing.
Shining offered his hoof to James, who shook it. "That was intense," said the stallion.
"Hmm." James nodded. "After I knocked your rook out of the game, I thought I had it in the bag. Good game."
"Good game indeed." Then, grin slipping somewhat, Shining added, "I'm... sorry about how I've been acting towards you."
James bowed his head. "I understand. I'm sure someone in my world would feel and act the same way. Please rest assured that I have no intentions of stepping over my boundaries." Unless I have an idiot commanding me. That didn't seem likely to happen with Shining Armor; he seemed to be a listening type who could take suggestions as long as they were good ones. Someone like Prince Blueblood, though... James shivered on the inside. If he ever takes command, we shall be ruined.
Shining Armor nodded at this. "I know that now." He suddenly looked at James a bit more seriously. "What's the matter?"
"I was just thinking of what kind of disasters Equestria would be in if someone like Prince Blueblood got a major command."
Shining shivered visably. "Yeah. Most ponies who meet him don't typically come off liking him. His name basically says it all; believes in his own superiority down to the core."
"Yes, I saw that when I, er, saw the Grand Galloping Gala. I won't go any further; if you want to know more, ask Rarity."
"Yeah, I heard it from her after the wedding..." His eyes narrowed. "How much of that did you see on that, uh, show of yours?"
"I saw enough to see the opposite of what usually happens in fairy tales; instead of the knight in shining armor saving the princess, the princess had to save the knight in shining armor."
"Hey, my mind had been taken over by that..." He looked harder at James face and noticed the amused smile he was wearing. "You're not as funny as you think you are." However, he relaxed. "You're not all that bad. How about we head over to Applejack's for some cider?
"Alright." James ate apples, of course, but wasn't generally a fan of apple-flavored products. It would have seemed rude to refuse though. He did have a question; "Is it an alcoholic beverage? I never could tell..."
"No, no, nothing like that. Its more like an apple-flavored soda. Equestria doesn't have much of an alcohol industry, and we don't import much of it."
"Oh, ok." James had sworn to God that he would never drink, and that promise had been made in his teenage years.* Sometimes he regretted that promise, but it had seemed worth making at the time; at least he wouldn't be the cause of an alcoholic mishap, and would never have to worry about being busted by the police for drunk driving. "Twilight, do you want to come with us?"
"Oh, yes, I can't pass up a visit to Sweet Apple Acres, especially for some cider."
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Again, Twilight had to lead the way, as James didn't know the way despite his knowledge of the show. Again, all the ponies on the street gawked at him, and he tried to look away whenever this happened; this proved impossible, as ponies were spread in almost every direction, and his face could be seen from at least one direction no matter what he did. He could hear them whispering as he went by, though they oh-so-mysteriously quieted down whenever they noticed he was looking in their direction.
Finally, the farm came into view. James could see the massive red barn in the distance. It was a relief to get out of the town proper, and away from all those stares. Off course, the walk to Applejack's wasn't completely free of distractions regardless; James was trying to think about how he would train the army he was to command, but the sharp clip-clop of Twilight's hooves and the much heavier falls of Shining Armor's rendered this almost impossible.
They walked up the path to the house; James was just thinking of getting something to drink, whether cider or not, when a loud boom went off inside the massive red building.
Uh oh. James had forgotten to fasten his holster, pistol and all, to his waist; he had left it in Twilight's library. That seemed to have been a mistake. He looked to Twilight and Shining Armor, both of whom seemed worried.
James pointed at himself, then to the right side of the door. He then pointed at Shining and gestured to the left side of the door. The white stallion nodded, and they took up their positions. James tried to hear what was going on, but he couldn't hear anything. How ominous. He gestured again, at himself then to the door, indicating he was going inside, then pointing to Shining and then at the door. Again, his fellow officer nodded. James kicked open the door...
"SURPRISE!" The lights came on all at once; a massive table was several yards in front of James, with a large, pink cake on top and several of what appeared to be beverages laid out on either side of it. A large banner was flying several feet above the table, with the words "WELCOME TO PONYVILLE!" written on it. A certain pink pony with a blue party hat on her head jumped seemingly out of nowhere, forehooves in the air.
Uh oh. This time the thought came with a smile; Pinkie. Of course, he should have expected the party pony to do something like this. His smile faded as he thought for a moment. How on Earth did she know where I was going, never mind have the time to put all this together? He shrugged. It was Pinkie Pie being Pinkie Pie, as usual.
Applejack, Rarity, Rainbow Dash, and Fluttershy came out of their hiding places. They were also smiling and wearing party hats. Pinkie, of course, was the one who went into a spastic explaination.
"Hiareyousurprised?Areya?Huh?Huh?Huh?Weweregettingthepartyreadyandsetfortommorow,butIsawyoucominganddecidedtostartitnow!Isn'thisgreat!?"
Well, that explained it. The party had been set up for tomorrow, and when Pinkie had seen them coming, she had chosen to launch the party now rather than later. Plus, their visiting would have ruined the party preparations and the surprise. Whatever the reason, James had to smile again. He looked around, and, although he saw no presents, he did see a smoking, familiar blue cannon. That explains the boom we heard.
Applejack came walking up to him. "Well howdy, sugarcube!" she said in a friendly tone. "What brings ya to Sweet Apple Acres?"
James nodded towards Shining, who had come in behind him and also had a smile on his face (Twilight was behind him, still looking a bit surprised). "After a chess game we had, he suggested that we come here to get a mug of cider, which I said yes to."
The orange pony smiled. "Why shoot, ah think ah still have a few barrels of cider lyin' around somewhere."
"Good." James sat down on one of the chairs at the table. "After that walk, I'm parched." He looked at the cake. Now there's a work of art.
Pinkie walked up beside him. "Aren't you going to cut it?" she asked, smiling.
James smiled too. "It looks too good to cut."
"Oh, that's silly! What's food worth if you're not gonna eat it?"
Got a point there. James cut a slice of cake, put it on a plate, and offered it to Pinkie.
She shook her head. "It's your cake, you should get the first piece."
James shook his own head. "If it's my cake, then I get to decide what to do with it. And I want everyone to get a piece before I get one. It's the least I can do to thank you all for your hospitality."
She looked thoughtful for a second; "Hmm. Put that way, you've got a point. Ok, I'll take it."
James cut a slice for everyone, then took a piece for himself. He dug his spoon into it, then...
Ooooooooooh. His eyes opened wide. That was good. It was chocolate cake with a vanilla-ish-flavored frosting. As perfect a taste as a cake could get on this Earth.
He enjoyed every last bite. On my next birthday, if it's possible, I'll commission a cake from Pinkie Pie. Screw it, I'll commission a party from her.
Still feeling thirsty (Applejack had not found the barrels of cider yet), he, reached for a bottle that appeared to be soda. He poured a glass of red-colored drink and brought it to his lips.
Twilight suddenly gave him a look. "Uh, James, what are you doing?"
She was too late; he emptied the contents of the glass.
Oh.
Oh.
OH! HIS MOUTH WAS ON FIRE!
James stood up, looked for something to drink quickly to quench the heat that was surely melting his tongue; he could swear he head a train whistle. He didn't trust the other bottles, those might contain something worse. He ran outside, looking for a stream. All he saw was a trough filled with water. It would have to do.
He plunged his head into the water, let it rush into his mouth. He felt much better within seconds, but he held his head under the water until he needed to breathe. He lifted his head into the air and gasped for breath.
He could hear laughter as he huffed and puffed, trying to let the air fill his lungs. He turned around and saw Rainbow Dash hovering a few feet behind him, laughing fit to burst and obviously in no hurry to stop.
"Oh my gosh, Did you see the look on his... It was priceless!" She kept on laughing.
"Go on. Laugh. See if I buy YOU a birthday present next year." James felt a little humiliated, but was relieved that no one else seemed to be in similar straights, though Applejack was clearly struggling to keep a straight face and everyone else (With the obvious exception of Rainbow Dash) seemed to be desperately trying to stop themselves from smiling.
He sighed. He supposed he would have laughed too, if only it had happened to someone else.
'N...now, sugarcube," Applejack said, still trying to resist a giggle, "ah found some cider, why don'tcha all come in and have some?"
Everyone went inside, the urge to laugh finally cooling down, though Rainbow was still giving off random giggles. Sure enough, there was a barrel of cider out in the open near the table; apparently Applejack had found it just before James had had drunk a glass full of hot sauce.
Applejack lifted the barrel onto the table and hooked up a device for pouring cider from it. "Everypony line up. Ah'll pour the cider."
James ended up near the end of the line, not that that bothered him. Rainbow went first, after a small argument with Pinkie, and got the first mug full of cider. She drank immediately.
Pinkie went next, then Fluttershy, Twilight, Shining Armor, then finally James. He held out his mug, and seconds later it was full. He held it up to his lips, and took a sip. Shining had been right, it was like an apple-flavored soda. He gulped down half his glass in one great chug, then lowered it and wiped his lips.
"Well..." Applejack looked like she was waiting for his reaction.
"It's pretty good." He sat back down at his chair as Rarity's got her own mug filled. "Excellent quality, certainly."
The farmer pony smiled. "Ah'll bet you saw us run them Flim-Flam brothers off our farm, didn't ya?"
James nodded. "Oh, yes. Good job. Except I thought it was because they panicked and switched off their safeties and made such rotten cider that caused them leave, especially when the townsfolk refused to pay the least bit of money for it." Putting his had to his chin, he thought about it more. "I guess either way, adding your friends to the process made the difference, as without it, those two wouldn't have made such rotten cider and might have won anyway."
Now it was Applejack's turn to nod. "Yep. It's great knowin' yer friends'll still up for ya, through thick an' thin."
"I didn't like how poor Rainbow didn't get the least bit of cider until the end of the episode though, nor how Pinkie just walked away with an excess of it at the beginning."
Her smile disappeared. "Oh, yeah. Ta tell the honest truth, ah didn't really think about that until later."
"Might I suggest making the cider earlier than you did before, so that more is made before the opening of cider season? And it might be prudent to limit everyone to one mug of cider per customer until everyone has had some. You'll still get the same amount of money you would have otherwise, and the customers will be more satisfied."
Applejack perked up. "Those are great suggestions. Ah'll think about em."
"Thanks, that's all I ask for. And I'm sorry for bringing it up."
"Ya don't have to apologise, ah needed a good remindin'.'
James bowed his head, then drank the rest of the cider in the mug. He set it down, and looked around at the party as it continued to unfold. Rainbow went back again and again for cider, while Pinkie just gulped down slice after slice of cake. Fluttershy was talking to Twilight about her animals and how to care for them better, as well as discussing books that might help. Rarity initially was getting more cider, then turned in James' direction and came towards him.
"Please excuse my instrusion, Mr. Lavigne..."
James held up a hand. "James is fine. Sorry for the interruption."
"That's quite alright. I must apologise, but so far I have been able to do very little work on your uniform, as Pinkie Pie came a few minutes after you left and said she was throwing a party for you, and she was..."
"Difficult to resist?"
"Yes, thank you. So it may or may not be done by noon tomorrow. However, I feel I must ask your permission to borrow one or more of the books you have, as I want to get everything on the uniform done right."
"That's fine. I think I have a few days before I have to really get to work anyway."
"Alright. Take care of yourself dear." She walked away.
James decided to get another mug of cider. It seemed like it would be polite, anyway. He got up and headed for the barrel. He found Applejack waiting there.
"Well hi there, James. Need a refill?"
"Yep."
She refilled his mug. However, before he could start drinking she spoke up again. "Ah couldn't help but see that you're not all that excited."
James was quiet for a moment. "I haven't really been to a party with guests willing to actually, well, party, for quite a long time. I'm not all that sure what to do."
"Don'tcha'll get out much?"
"No, not really, and when I do, it's generally with family, not with friends." Then shrugging a bit, he added, "I don't really have all that many to start with."
"Ya don't have many friends?"
"...No. I'm just generally too shy to push a relationship far enough to actually reach that point." He sighed.
Applejack smiled. "Ya got us."
James couldn't help but feel a little better upon hearing this. "Thanks."
"No problem, sugarcube."
"It's funny, but I'm able to talk and open up to other species, whether they are capable of talking or not, more than I am with other humans. I don't know why, but I'm not questioning it." He began to feel embarrassed. He cleared his throat, and tried to think of a different topic to discuss. "I'm glad this" - he lifted the mug - "isn't alcoholic. I was afraid it would be."
"Ya don't have ta worry about that none." She looked a bit curious. "Why's it that much of a bother to ya?"
"I made a promise to God that I wouldn't drink any alcoholic beverage of my own will. I thought it was a good idea at the time, I thought I would be less likely to cause a deadly accident, less likely to get arrested overall, et. cetera."
Applejack looked serious. "You're beliefs are that important to ya?"
"Yes. Some may call me a fool because of that, but I could care less for their opinion in this matter."
She seemed to think for a moment, looking at him intensely. Then she smiled. "An' that's ok. Don't let nopony tell y'all what to believe."
"That's basically what the US Constitution says. And thanks for all your support."
"No problem."
James emptied his mug. Just then, there was a knock at the door. Applejack looked curious. "Come in!" she shouted.
In came Big Macintosh, with a familiar grey pegasus mare with a blond mane and tail.
Well. I wondered when I'd run into her. He didn't even know the proper name to address her by. That would hopefully come soon.
Big Mac said, "Are you that hue-men, James Lav-ig-ney?"
"Ugh." James facepalmed, with an audible slapping noise heard by everyone in the room. That was embarrassing; Big Mac had just mispronounced not just the word for his species but his surname. Can't ANYONE get it right on the first try!?! That was a little unfair, as Rarity had gotten the name down quickly, but James couldn't help it. He looked up, sighing. "Yes, I'm James Lavigne," he said, putting an emphasis on his last name. "What do you need?"
"Excuse me, but I was told to bring you a letter." Ditzy Doo - or Derpy Hooves, whichever it was - spoke, sounding a little nervous. "A small purple dragon told me I could find you here." She gave him a small envelope; sure enough, it was addressed to him.
Spike. A letter from one of the Princesses then. "Thank you, miss, uh...
"Ditzy Doo, but some folks call me Derpy Hooves."
"Are they both alright then?
"Oh yes. By the way, do you have any muffins at this party?"
James looked at the table. "No, sorry, but we do have some cake. Please feel free, both of you, to have some."
"Thanks, but I have to get going. A mailmare's job is never done." She bowed to him, and he responed by bowing his head in a small bow of his own.
"I wish you a fair journey and good luck on your job."
"Thanks!" Looking happier, she turned and flew out of the barn.
James looked down at the envelope, then tore it open and began to read the letter within;
Dear Colonel Lavigne,
I have some good news to report. I've begun to set up the draft system, as per your advice, and I've sent some engineers to Ponyville to begin constructing a camp there. They should arrive tomorrow. I have told them to obey your orders and those of Shining Armor, so they should give you no problems. New recruits should start arriving within a week, if we're lucky.
Also, we've called for some meetings with the Griffons. I will do my best to drag out the negotiations, but I fear I only see one result; that they will (and would in any event) have thrown away anything that we offer them. I don't know how long I can keep it up, but Luna and I will do our best. I may pull Shining Armor out of your training camp to add a little strength and hope that his presence may make the Griffons hesitate before throwing away peace altogether.
With all that said, best wishes on your new job, and hopefully this whole mess will be over quickly and decisively.
Best regards,
Princess Celestia
James handed the letter to Shining Armor. The white stallion read the letter completely. "So.. it's really coming." He said this with a note of wonder, like he hadn't really believed it before.
"Yes." James said that with a note of determination. "Yes, it's coming, and we've got to win it. If we don't, I fail to see how Equestria will be able to avoid either extermination or slavery."
Big Mac looked confused. "We gotta win what, now?"
Applejack trotted up to him, and they whispered to each other for a few seconds.
"WHAT!?! WAR!?!" The big red stallion looked very surprised; his eyes went wide and he reared for a second.
They whispered again for a few seconds. Then Big Mac turned to James. "New recruit Big Macintosh reportin' sir!" he said, saluting.
James returned the salute. "Thank you. We'll need everyone we can get to face not only the Griffons, but also those damned Changlings. However, the camp isn't even set up yet, and you'll have to go through the normal proceedures that a new soldier must, well, go through, before you can be officially accepted as a soldier."
Big Mac didn't look intimidated by this new information in the least. Of course, he's a farmer. He's used to hard work. He should fit in no problem.
Applejack had a determined look on her face. "Ah'll sign up too, whenever y'all get that there camp up an' runnin'."
Uh oh. I forgot, she didn't hear the talk we had at the library. James steeled himself; she wouldn't take this well. "Errr.... I've told the Princess that the Bearers of the Elements of Harmony should stay home during this..."
"What!?! And after all the nice things I said to y'all and about y'all!" She was enraged. I would be, if I were her.
James tried to go on. "it's not..."
"How can ya do this to me? Ah'm brave, and loyal to boot!"
"Yes, but...'
"Why don't ya think we're good enough?"
"IF I COULD CONTINUE UNINTERRUPTED, PLEASE!" James' voice thundered throughout the barn, and even Applejack quailed a bit a the loud noise; Fluttershy gave an "Eeep!" and hid behind some bales of hay.
"I'm sorry for yelling, but as I discussed with the Princess, it's not a matter of loyalty or bravery, but logic and taking caution. The reason for the decision is BECAUSE you are the Bearers of the Elements, and therefore the only ones who can damn well stop Discord if he escapes again."
The orange farmer pony looked down at the ground. "Ah'm... ah'm sorry. Ah didn't think of it that way." Then looking up, she added, "But that's no excuse for bad language."
If that's all you have to criticize me by, we should get along fine from here-on-out. "I'm sorry too, and I accept your apology. I had to think this out, and believe me, I didn't like telling Rainbow Dash that either." The blue pony picked up her ears at the sound of her name, and gave him a slightly irritated look for a few seconds.
James went on, "Come on, we have a party to celebrate before all this happens. And Applejack, I think you challenged me to a bronco buck."
Applejack smiled. "Yep, ah sure did. You want to go right now?"
James smiled too. "Sure, why not?"
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This has got to be either the stupidest thing I've ever done, or the craziest. James couldn't make up his mind; They were all at a small corral, where the bronco buck was to take place. He and Applejack were inside, standing next to each other.
James shook his head. Thinking like that would be distracting. Think only of staying on the pony's back, keep your legs wrapped around he middle, and keep holding on until she wears out.
Applejack turned her head in his direction. "Ya sure you're ready for this?"
No. In fact, I think I was stupid to agree to this. He couldn't say that out loud though, and he wouldn't back down; pride did have a way with him after all. "I'll be fine. Are you sure you can carry me alright?"
"Yup, ah don't think you'll be much heavier than some of the loads ah've had to carry."
"Alirght then, I suppose we should start."
Twilight had agreed to be judge; she asked, "Are you both ready?"
"Yes."
"Yup."
"Ok then, James, you can get on now."
James swung his leg over Applejack's back and sat on it; to his surprise, she showed no signs that she was having trouble holding him.
"Ok, 3... 2... 1... Go!"
For a few seconds Applejack did nothing. Come on, we're wait... She gave a sudden buck, and James barely managed to tighten his legs around her. She bucked again, and his back felt a little out of synce with the rest of his body, but he still held on.
She started running as well as bucking, and kept turning suddenly to throw him off. However, James had been on a bucking horse before, and this wasn't nearly so high up. In addition, he had an advantage over poor Spike; he had long legs, which he could tuck under Applejack's belly to make it difficult for her to buck him off. He also had the presence of mind to get a grip on her neck, not anywhere near so hard as to strangle, but firm enough to hold on to.
She became more and more unpredictable, using every trick in the book against him, and James found it ever more difficult to hold on.
She really wants those bragging rights. May God help me!
James was growing ever more... well not dizzy, but he found it hard to keep up with the here-and-now, and his reactions slowed. However, he could hear Applejack panting, and knew she was getting tired at long last. That fact stiffened his courage. I'm winning, I just need to hold out...
Applejack knew it too, and her tactics became ever more desperate. She would approach the side of the corral, then dash away in a different direction to give him the impression she was going to collide with the fence, and her turning grew more and more frequent. However, she bucked a bit less, growing more tired the longer she kept it up.
Finally, she slowed down and eventually came to a stop. She was huffing and puffing, and James could feel her heavy breathing. However, he felt completely discombobulated, to put it mildly; he felt that if she pulled one more move on him, he would lose, and he was too exhausted himself to go on for much longer anyway.
Applejack unexpectedly fell onto her right side; James fell with her, and his right shoulder slammed into the ground. Ow. He groaned. However, the farmer pony was obviously worn out, and her breathing was excessively heavy. James managed to untuck the leg that was under Applejack's side, then crawled to a fence post; he was too exhausted to stand and walk. He was huffing and puffing as well, legs out straight in front of him as he turned and managed to bring himself to a sitting position.
He began to think more clearly as the minutes passed; he could hear the watching ponies talking; apparently they hadn't expected him to last so long, or even come close to winning. He looked at Applejack. I seriously hope she's not faking it. He remembered the Running of the Leaves, and how she and Rainbow Dash had run for miles without appearing to grow tired.
After several minutes, Applejack rolled over, so she was now facing him. "Ah lost..." She sounded disbelieving. "After all... ah tried, ah still... lost..."
"Believe me, I can... hardly believe it... myself." He was still exhausted.
After a few more minutes, James had the presence of mind to turn to Twilight and ask, "How long... was that?"
The purple pony looked at a stopwatch. "A little more than fifteen minutes."
What!?! You must be kidding, that felt like an hour. He groaned.
Applejack stood up, and walked over to him. "Yall okay, sugarcube?"
"Yes, I think so." He still felt a bit off, but that would pass. "I hope you are also alright."
She smiled. "Oh ah'm fine. Ah must say, ah didn't expect ya to hold on like that."
"Yes, well, I have longer legs than Spike, and more weight, so I think I would be a little more competition than him." Then, he added, "One more good one and you'd have won, I don't think I could have held on for much longer anyways."
"Aw shoot. Ah had nothin' more ta give anyways." She offered her right hoof.
James took it and used it to pick himself up. "I wasn't going to sleep in a cold barn for who-knows-how-many nights."
Applejack looked confused for a moment, then started laughing. "Ya... ya really though ah meant that?" Now she was on her back, unable to speak for a few seconds for laughter. "Ah meant for ya ta sleep in our house right over there." She used a hoof to point to it. "As ya can see, it looks like a barn."
James did look, and saw that she was right; the Apple family house really did look like a barn. "Well that's no reason to mislead me."
Applejack finally managed to recover and pulled herself to her hooves. However, before she could speak again, Rainbow Dash flew into James' face. "Alright, enough talking, it's my turn now!"
James folded his arms. "I'm exhausted as it is after one round. To be fair to myself and Applejack, I would like to have our go tomorrow."
Rainbow folded her forelegs. "Aw, fine." She flew off a little ways. James sighed in relief. One bronco buck had been enough for one day, two would likely be disasterous.
Applejack walked towards the corral door. "Time to introduce y'all to tha Apple family house. Ya comin', James?"
James smiled a little. "Yes. That would be great." The human and eight ponies walked towards the house.