//------------------------------// // 1. A Day To Say Thanks // Story: The Apple Doesn't Fall Far // by KholdstareV //------------------------------// _________________________________________________________________________________________ Chapter 1: A Day To Say Thanks _________________________________________________________________________________________ Applejack looked around and smiled. Volunteering to host Ponyville's first annual Parents' Day Festival had been a bold move, one that she was skeptical whether or not she could pull off. When she observed the transformation that Sweet Apple Acres had undergone, however, she couldn't help but swell up with pride. A 10-acre plot of currently unused farmland now housed a plethora of carnival-style games and events, including a dunk tank, a shooting gallery, and even a Ferris wheel. Various vendors were already beginning to set up their booths to sell their wide assortment of products, including all manner of fruits and vegetables, snacks, candy, arts and crafts, clothes, and toys. The barn, too, had been cleared out to make room for a bandstand and spacious dance floor. Even though the festival wouldn't officially begin for another few hours, the atmosphere of unadulterated fun could already be felt. While standing at the farm's entrance, Applejack saw one vendor passing by holding a bundle of white T-shirts that read "I RAISED MY DAUGHTER FROM FILLY TO MARE AND ALL SHE GOT ME WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT!" She got an image in her head of several mothers and fathers walking around the festival with their children, playing, laughing, appreciating each others' company, all while wearing those very T-shirts. She couldn't help but laugh to herself. "Ugh, puh-leeze! Those T-shirts are SO low class," huffed Rarity, who stood beside Applejack, pulling a cart of her own merchandise. "Why, if I were going to be selling those shirts at MY booth, the stitching on the letters would be MUCH finer!" "Uh-huh, sure, I can totally picture you sellin' a ton of cheap T-shirts with vulgar jokes on 'em like that!" Applejack said with a laugh. "Hmph! I was speaking hypothetically. The clothes I'll be selling at MY booth have been made with passion and inspiration, not bottom-of-the-barrel supplies and jokes!" "I know, I know. I'm just yankin' your tail, sweetheart," Applejack replied, still wearing a big grin on her face. "Say, I could use some help here. Scratch my back and I'll scratch yours?" "I beg your pardon?" Rarity asked, glancing at Applejack's unwashed back with a grimace. Applejack rolled her eyes. "Do me a favor and I'll do you one?" "Oh! Of course," Rarity said with an embarrassed giggle. "What do you need?" Applejack motioned to a large white banner lying on the grass. "Just need some help raisin' this here banner. Once it's up, my work here'll be all done." She grabbed one end of the attached rope in her teeth, and handed the other end to Rarity. "Just go ahead and pull this rope while I pull mine." Rarity looked at the rope and frowned. "Eww, it's been on the ground! I'm not putting that in my mouth!" "Aw, fine, Miss Queen o' Clean! Just pull it with your magic then!" "Ah, yes! I forgot about that..." Rarity said with a blush. She used her horn magic to levitate her end of the rope. With that, both ponies began to pull in opposite directions, hoisting the banner off the ground and up in front of the Sweet Apple Acres entrance sign. Once it was up and spread out, it could clearly be read: HAPPY PARENTS' DAY! For All Of Your Love, Your Support, And Your Spanks We Give In Return A Day To Say 'Thanks' Rarity studied the banner. "Oh, what a darling little rhyme!" She then put on a polite smile. "But, umm… Is the 'spanks' bit really necessary?" "Well, c'mon now, go on and tell me how many parenting-like words you can think of that rhyme with 'thanks'!" Applejack retorted, busily tying both ends of the rope down. "Besides, my ma always said discipline was key to raisin' youngin's. Used to say 'spanking hurts us both, but if I don't do it now, it'll hurt much more later'. Couldn't understand what she meant back then for a hill o' beans. But now that I'm older, it makes perfect sense. Doesn't it? Or am I just crazy as a fox in a henhouse?" Rarity raised an eyebrow. "Umm… do I have to answer that?" Applejack just laughed again. "Naw, rhetorical question. Anyway, thanks for the help. As payback, I'll lend you a hoof settin' up your booth, alrighty?" "I would appreciate that. Thank you," Rarity replied. Applejack proceeded to take a large bundle of plastic-wrapped dresses from Rarity's cart and flung them onto her back. She groaned under the weight, but managed to start walking behind Rarity. "I know I brought a pretty excessive supply," Rarity admitted, "but it's a holiday, so I expect to sell a MOUNTAIN of clothes tonight!" "Well, your ma and pa are comin' to the festival to see you, aren't they?" Applejack asked. "I'm sure they'll account for at least a couple o' sales!" Rarity chuckled unpleasantly. "Heh heh… Oh, that's doubtful. Knowing them, they'll probably buy some of those gag T-shirts and then nag to me that I should be selling those instead." "Really? YOUR parents would do that?" Applejack asked, ready to laugh for when Rarity said she was just kidding. "I would think they were all hoity-toity and fashion-conscious like you!" "Oh, heavens no!" Rarity responded as they approached her booth. The two began to unload their cargo. "You haven't met my parents yet, Applejack, but trust me, I'm about as different from them as a child could possibly be from her parents. And thankfully so." "Oh my…" Applejack said, taken aback by the harsh comment. "What do they do that makes you so sour about 'em?" "Let's just say it's what they DON'T do and what they DON'T understand," Rarity replied bitterly. "In fact, I would be against the idea of you meeting them tonight, but I know you're going to go out of your way to no matter what…" "Of course," Applejack said, undaunted. "Why wouldn't I? I've been looking so forward to meeting everypony's parents. Twilight's, Fluttershy's, Rainbow Dash's, Pinkie Pie's… Haven't met any of 'em, and I've been dyin' to. So yes, I'll be makin' the effort to get to know all my best friends' folks personally. Including yours." "Very well, do what you will," Rarity said flatly. She didn't even look at Applejack as she spoke. "Just don't expect me to be around when you do. I'll be minding the store all night. I do have a CAREER to build, after all. I can't just go wasting my time having mindless fun, or talking about settling down, or fake-flirting with every suitor you shove in my face and…" Applejack's face twisted in confusion. "Uhh… You still talkin' to me, sugar cube?" "Huh?" Rarity appeared to snap out of a trance. "Oh, I beg your pardon! I got lost in some… memories for a second there. Anyway, like I said, I'll be busy here all night, so have fun chatting with my mother and father if you happen to see them." "Oh, come off it, you big ol' Drama Queen! Your folks can't be THAT bad. And even if they are, it's Parents' Day! They deserve some of your time. I'm sure you can think of SOMEthin' you can be grateful to 'em for…" "Not off the top of my head, no," Rarity said without missing a beat. Applejack was about to protest, but quickly realized that trying to reason with Rarity at that moment was fruitless. Clearly, the topic of her parents was a touchy one. Could they really be as horrible as Rarity was making them sound? It made Applejack wonder if she really did want to meet them… Applejack then shook her head. It was crazy of her to question that. Of course she wanted to meet them. How awful could they be? They had raised Rarity, didn't they? The most creative, career-driven, generous pony in Ponyville. One of Applejack's very own best friends. They had to be tolerable, at the very least. Rarity must have just been exaggerating, as she tended to do… Even so, Applejack didn't want to argue about it. In response to Rarity's last comment, she only said, "Well, maybe I'll find something' to like about 'em for myself, then." "Mm-hmm. Good luck with that, dearie," Rarity said unenthusiastically. Applejack finished hanging up the last dress from the cart. Rarity's booth was now complete, a true miniature version of the Carousel Boutique. Rarity sighed in contentment and sat herself at the small counter. She put on her work glasses, pulled up some accounting paperwork, and began to sift through it. Applejack saw this as her cue to leave Rarity alone. "Alrighty then, glad to be of service. I better get back to the house now. Gotta chat with Big Mac n’ Apple Bloom about our own family plans tonight.” "Yes, you do that. I'll be here…" Rarity said, not looking up. Applejack took a step to leave, but felt a strong desire to say one last thing. "And hey, Rarity, for what it's worth… At least your parents will be here." At that moment, Rarity stopped sifting through her papers. She sat for a short while in ponderous silence, staring blankly across the horizon. She then let out a heavy sigh and turned to face her friend. "Oh, Applejack, darling. I didn't mean to-" But Applejack was already gone. ~~~ The late afternoon sun was beginning to settle behind the western hills, casting Sweet Apple Acres and the surrounding countryside in a fiery orange glow that seemed at once powerful and tranquil. Applejack stood at the main gate, greeting the families that were just starting to arrive. She decided to do away with the her usual attire, including her ten-gallon hat, in favor of something a little nicer – she had put her mane up in a stylish bun, accented by a necklace and earrings of turquoise pearls, and to top it all off, a lovely white summer dress that perfectly balanced the line between casual and chic. The dress had been a gift from her mother, and it was extremely rare for her to even consider wearing it. However, she felt a special occasion like the first ever Parents’ Day Festival called for this special look. From her vantage point, Applejack could see the festivities sparking to life. She heard a splash from the dunk tank, and looked to see a grandfather who had just been dunked by his middle-aged son. He himself appeared to be dripping wet, too, likely dunked earlier by the filly standing next to him. The grandfather poked his head out of the water and splashed the other two. All three were laughing and having a great time. The sight alone was enough to make Applejack smile warmly to herself. "Umm, hi Applejack..." That soft, introverted voice... Fluttershy! Applejack whirled around and saw Fluttershy standing there, looking sheepish as always. "Well howdy, amiga! Glad you could make it!" Applejack pulled Fluttershy in for a hug faster than she was ready for. After a slight hesitation, she hugged back. "Been a little while," Applejack said, releasing her. "How's life been treatin' ya?" "Good, I guess..." Fluttershy practically muttered. Her eyes seemed to be darting back and forth between Applejack's face and the scene of the festival behind her, as though she was looking for something out there. Or someone. Applejack noticed right away that Fluttershy seemed more nervous than usual. She chose to ignore it right then, however. "That's good to hear. So hey, check it out!" She motioned toward the fairgrounds. "Welcome to the first ever annual Parents' Day Festival! Courtesy of the Apple Family! I know there ain't much of a crowd here yet, but still, ain't it a doozy of a sight?" Fluttershy gazed out among the many fun activities and stands. In spite of the fun atmosphere, she only managed a half-hearted smile. "It looks... fun," was all she said, with no hint of excitement. It was much more obvious to Applejack now that something was amiss. On top of that, it just then dawned on her that Fluttershy was alone. "Say darlin', speakin' of Parents' Day, where are yours? Ain't your ma and pa gonna join you tonight?" Fluttershy looked at the ground. "Well... My dad is supposed to..." "Really? That's great! How about your mom?" Fluttershy was silent for several moments, scraping at the dirt with her hoof. "Umm... You mean... my stepmom, right?" "Oh!" Applejack gasped. She realized she had just stepped into very sensitive territory. "Yes, of course. Your STEPmom. I'm sorry. You said her name was… Softheart, right?" "Yes..." "Right. So, is she coming too?" "No. She's staying home." "Aww, I'm sorry to hear that." "It's OK. After all, like my dad says, this is Parents' Day. And Softheart isn't my real... You know... So, yeah... Umm..." Her voice trailed off. Applejack merely gave a respectful nod. She considered questioning further, but decided it was not the time. "Understood. So hey, speakin' of your dad, when's he supposed to be here? Soon, I hope!" "Umm, actually... He should be here already..." "Huh?!" Applejack raised an eyebrow. She turned to the fairgrounds and scanned them from afar. No more than two dozen ponies had entered at that point. If Fluttershy was right, one of them must have been her father. "You don't know what he looks like, do you?" Fluttershy asked softly. "You probably wouldn't guess he was my father offhand. He's very big, and kind of mean-looking, and... If you saw his Cutie Mark..." A suspicion then hit Applejack like a hoof to the forehead. About an hour earlier, she recalled, she had greeted a single stallion as he walked through the gate. He had said nothing back, only shooting her a brief glance that might have been either complete indifference or complete annoyance. He was huge, standing at least three inches taller than Big Macintosh. His coat was similar in color to Fluttershy's, but his mane and trimmed facial hair were both jet black. His face bore the wrinkles of many years of scowls and frowns. This may have had some relation to his Cutie Mark, Applejack thought, which she vaguely remembered being a police badge. Was this rough and tough-looking stallion really the meek and timid Fluttershy's father? "...His Cutie Mark..." Fluttershy continued, "It's a police badge with a nightstick behind it... Did you see him come through here?" That was all the proof Applejack needed. She gave a nod and a smile. "Why, I sure did. By golly, I had no idea that big ol' stallion was your pop! Ain't that funny?" Fluttershy, however, seemed to sink upon hearing the news. "Oh... He DID come after all. Oh no..." Applejack noticed Fluttershy's sudden fearful change. "What's the matter, honey pie? Don't you wanna see your pa? I can help you find him if you want. I think I remember him headin' into the barn." She pointed to the barn, which was mere yards away. Fluttershy immediately began to shake and perspire all over. "Oh no... Oh no..." she repeated between heavy breaths. "He's actually here... Oooh, I shouldn't have come... Why did I come...?" "Shouldn't have come?! Nonsense! He's your pa, and it's Parents' Day! And like my banner up there says, it's a day to give thanks for all the love, support, and spanks!" Fluttershy seemed to wince at the word "spanks". She continued to stand where she was, quivering and sweating. "Come on now, that's enough of that!" Applejack insisted. She walked around behind Fluttershy and began to push her by the rump along the grass, towards the barn. "I dunno what's got you so worked up like a cat on hot coals, but your pa is in there, and you're gonna spend time with him. And you're gonna introduce me. And we're all gonna be hunky-dory about it!" Fluttershy made no real effort to fight back, but continued to cower and shiver as they neared the barn doors. When at last they reached them, Applejack forced her through. The sound of the live country music filled the interior. However, apart from the band, there was only one other stallion in the barn at the time. He sat on a bale of hay with a plate full of apple-based appetizers, facing the band, away from the two girls. Even from the back, Applejack immediately recognized him as the stallion from earlier; Fluttershy's father. Fluttershy clearly recognized him too, for once she saw him, she squealed and hurriedly tried to make her escape back out the barn doors. Applejack blocked her path, and with a disapproving look at her frantic friend, called gleefully out over the sound of the music, "Oh Mr. Fluttershy's Daddy, sir! Your daughter's arrived!" The gruff-looking stallion swiftly whirled around, an annoyed look on his face. The instant he saw Fluttershy, however, his brow lowered and his teeth clenched, transforming his face into something truly terrifying. Although Applejack had merely been trying to help, she immediately regretted opening her mouth. "FLUTTERSHY!" The deep, grating, authoritative voice resonated so strongly within the barn that the band immediately fell silent. Fluttershy froze, her eyes wide with panic. Applejack froze, too. The stallion's outburst had made her heart stop for a good few seconds. "Fluttershy, turn and look at me!" He was now standing tall with his chest puffed out. With a heavy gulp, Fluttershy obeyed. She slowly turned to look into the scowling, angry face that she knew all too well. "Y-y-yes, daddy?" "Come over here! Now!" Fluttershy hesitantly nodded, and began to trot over to him almost in slow motion. As she did, Applejack felt a guilt so heavy it stressed her already pounding heart. As much as she tried to voice an apology, she couldn't get the words out. She lamentably let Fluttershy go on her own. At last, Fluttershy stood before her father. She looked at the ground, unable to turn her gaze up into his eyes. He towered above her, simply staring down at her, silent, but radiating anger and power. Next to him, she appeared to be no bigger than an ant. An ant that could be completely crushed at any moment, that would have no choice but to accept its fate. After what seemed to be two forevers, Fluttershy's father slowly lowered his head, putting his mouth right near her left ear. She squeezed her eyes shut, afraid of what was coming next. "Follow me outside," he whispered through gritted teeth. "We need to talk." With that, he turned his bulky frame and began to head for the rear exit of the barn. Fluttershy hurriedly followed closely behind him. She didn't look up. She didn't turn back to look at Applejack. She obediently trailed her father until both of them were outside. A few seconds later, he poked his head back into the barn. "So, where'd the music go?!" he asked forcefully. The members of the band stood still, looking at one another, twiddling nervously with their instruments. "WELL?!" All the band members shrieked and jumped. The music commenced immediately. Fluttershy's father nodded and grabbed the exit door to close it. Before that, though, he stole a brief, piercing glance at Applejack. He then slammed the door shut. What happened beyond those doors after that instant, Applejack could only imagine. All she knew for sure was that she owed Fluttershy a major apology the next time she saw her. "That is, IF I ever see her again," she told herself. While Applejack was lost in her thoughts, she heard a familiar voice call out her name over the sound of the music. She recognized it as Big Mac. "Applejack!" he called. "Twilight, Rainbow Dash, and Pinkie Pie are lookin' for ya!" "Oh!" Applejack called back, "They're here?!" "Ee-yup!" "Oh, uh... A-alright. I'll be right out!" Applejack hesitated for a moment before running to the main barn doors, eager to greet her friends and their parents outside. However, she gave one last forlorn look at the rear exit doors before exiting and closing the main doors behind her…