Applejack was pacing round the front room, whilst the two fillies sat on the couch, Granny Smith was asleep in her rocking chair, and Big Mac was blocking the door so his sister couldn't get out. “AJ, if he said he'd bring her back, then he'll bring her back. Jus' give 'im a little more time.”
“But what if he don't Mac, what then? What if he's too late?” The door to the farm house opened and she nearly bowled him over in her haste to get to the door. “Applebloom, is that you?” The two ponies who greeted her made her features drop.
“Sorry AJ, I was asked to head into town and get Doctor Stable. I thought Applebloom would be back by now.”
“What do you mean Twi?”
“Well, I left him halfway back through the Everfree Forest. He said Applebloom would need a check up as soon as possible and to go get a medical professional to meet us here.” They were pushed to the side by the other stallion inside.
“You can set up in there, Ah'll go and find them.”
“Mac, you can't! You're sick, and if anything happens to you whilst out there... ” He cut Twilight off with a quick kiss.
“That's mah sister out there. Not even a royal order would stop me, princess.” With that he turned and strode out the door, heading in the direction of the fillies clubhouse. Twilight led Dr Stable in and helped him set up, before herding Applejack to the kitchen and pouring her a mug of cider.
“AJ, she'll be fine, I trust him. Especially after what I saw out there.” She poured herself a mug of cider and downed half of it in one go.
“What was it?”
“More of what ever he is, but they were savages. They were planning on... eating us.”
“And he stopped them?”
“They are now a smoking hole in Ghastly Gorge. He killed them AJ. Not just males, but females... and children as well. All to save us. What do I do?”
“Ah... don't know Twi, but for now let's jus' wait for Mac to come back.” They finished their drinks and went back in to the main room. They didn't expect to see four more mares waiting for them. “Howdy girls, what're y'all doing here?”
“We came as soon as we heard an explosion, darling, it seemed to be above your farm. And we just over heard your conversation. Do we really want to keep a killer in our midst?”
“Rarity.” She turned to look at her yellow coated friend sitting next to her. “Do you remember Shining Armour's wedding? What we were forced to do? We killed Changelings. We didn't have any choice in the matter, because if we didn't, we may not have managed to help him and Cadence perform the spell in time.”
“Yes, but did we kill any children?”
“Well... um, no, we didn't, because it's not right.” A strained voice from the doorway startled them.
“No, it's not... but it had to be done.” They all turned to see him and Big Mac standing there. Applebloom was asleep on Mac's back, and he was leaning against the stallion. Fluttershy was instantly at his side.
“Oh my! You're bleeding, let me take care of that!” Before she could do anything, he bent down and wiped the blood away.
“It's not mine. I'll be fine.” The leg carried on bleeding, and Fluttershy jabbed it with a hoof, watching as he winced.
“It is yours, and its still bleeding!”
“Oh. Must have been the wolves.” He then fell to the floor. Dr Stable had removed Applebloom and was giving her a check up whilst Fluttershy borrowed some supplies, getting to work on stopping the bleed and bandaging the wound. Twilight looked over the process, making sure her guest was taken care off.
“How come you just didn't heal yourself? You've done it three times that I know of.”
“And all three times I don't remember. I guess it's when my powers are active, and I've got them off at the moment. Natural healing is sometimes better.”
“I agree. Now Twilight, could you give my patient some space? He needs to rest.” She backed away as Fluttershy finished up. “There, now don't put any pressure on it, and you should be fine. I also suggest that you don't do anything for at least a week. Is that understood?”
“Yes Sarah, now stop nagging!”
“Um... who's Sarah?” His eyes shot open, going wide when he saw Fluttershy there instead. He started rubbing the ring attached to his chain.
“She's... uh...”
“It's okay, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to. I know we haven't been introduced properly yet, my name is Fluttershy, and it's a pleasure to meet you.”
“You too Miss Shy, my name is Alec.”
“Uh, hate to break up the moment, but I don't have a spare room on the ground floor, and my stairs are too steep for him to even walk up. I'm not sure where I can put him.” A pony behind them cleared her throat.
“I... have a empty room on my ground floor, darling. He could stay with me. All I ask is that he does not interfere with my business.”
“Don't worry, I hate fashion.”
“Well, we'll change that in a few days!”
“But Daaassssh! I wanted to go with Sweetie Belle!” The orange filly kept protesting as they made their way home. It hadn't been five minutes since she had said goodbye to her friend, and there was only one reason Scootaloo would willing go to Carousel Boutique, but he needed his rest.
“Sorry squirt, but mom and dad are expecting us for dinner. Plus Spitfire is here, don't you want help learning to fly from three Wonderbolts?”
“Three Wonderbolts? Who else has come along?”
“Well, there's her coltfriend, Rapidfire. And Soarin's tagging along. Not sure why, but mom said he had a reason.”
“Maybe it's to ask you out on a date? I've seen that poster in your closet, the one that says Playmare on the bottom.” She suddenly found her mouth full of blue hoof.
“Do not repeat that. Ever. Especially not in front of him!” Scootaloo nodded and they carried on, arriving outside a three story house on the outskirts of Ponyville. They tried to slip in unnoticed, but a yellowish orange blur darted at them and pulled them into a tight hug.
“There's my two little sisters! Oh, it's been ages since I've seen you, how have you been?” Rainbow managed to pull herself out of Spitfire's grasp.
“Fine, Cap. Been an interesting few days here.”
“Dash, I told you to stop calling me that outside of work. I know I'm harsh there, but I can't be seen to have my favourites. Now, come on, we're all hungry from flying from the academy.” They followed her over to the dinner table, where their favourite, sit fry, was set out. Scootaloo hopped up between Firefly and Bifrost, Spitfire sat down next to Rapidfire, leaving just one chair for Dash. Unfortunately for her, it was right next to Soarin, and that picture was still fresh in her mind.
She slowly climbed up next to him, not meeting his gaze. “Hey there LT, been a while.”
“Sure has Dash. And drop the rank will ya? It makes me fell old!” They proceeded to eat whilst discussing life, the Wonderbolts, and the strange new visitor. “So that's what that was in the sky the other night.”
“So... Mr Soarin?”
“Yes, little filly?”
“Have you ever done any modelling?”
“I may have done... some. Why do you ask?”
“Oh... no reason.”
“I... uh, I'll do the dishes tonight.” All of the pegasi stared opened mouthed as Dash collected the dirty plates and trotted off to the kitchen. She never willingly did them. They all made their way in to the sitting room, Spitfire slyly noticing that Soarin had gone the other way.
“So... modelling. You ever thought about doing some, Dash?” There was a smashing sound as she dropped one of the plates to the floor. She cursed under her breath and got out a dustpan and brush, starting to sweep up the mess.
“I... did some for my friend Rarity a couple of years ago. Not really my thing.”
“Oh, a shame that. We're always looking for beautiful mares to be our poster girls. So, have you got any of me?” Rainbow turned away from the sink to look at him, leaving the hot tap running.
“I... may have one or two.”
“Was it... something like this?” Rainbow's wings shot out with an audible 'pomf' as Soarin stood on his hind legs, placing his fore hooves on the well and slowly stretching his wings out. The steam from the sink framed his body, and his eyes followed Dash's as they made their way from his face, past his wings, and down to his well toned flanks. There was more crashing as she dropped the rest of the plates. Soarin trotted over and swept them up, turning the tap off whilst she just stood absolutely still, barely even breathing.
He put his muzzle close to her ear and whispered to her. “So... why don't we make things more... private?” Her face went pink as she saw her entire family watching from the doorway...
“Hey AJ!” She whipped her head up to see one of the occasional farm hands trotting towards the barn. “I just thought I'd let you know that the northern field is completely finished, and all the apples have been moved into the cellar. I'll be back tomorrow to do the eastern one.”
“Okay, Caramel, Ah'll see ya in the morning.” He waved at her and trotted off, heading into town. AJ turned round and bumped into the massive chest of her brother. “An' jus' what do you want, Mac?”
“Ah was wonderin' when you were going to tell him.”
“Ah don't know what yer yammering about, now get back in bed, before I get Twilight out here to see to ya!”
“Ah wouldn't mind that.”
“Get back in the house ya filthy stallion! Ah'm heading in t' town fer a bit, don't know when Ah'll be home, so make sure Applebloom eats her supper and gets a good night's rest, ya hear?”
“Eeyup.” He trotted back inside, and AJ headed towards Ponyville proper, a specific destination in mind. Along the way she saw a set of light gold hooves keeping step with her. She snapped her head up to see a stallion wearing a matching Stetson to her own, his lighter green eyes matching the cheery grin on his muzzle.
“Well howdy, cuz! Where y'all off to?” It took a few minutes for AJ's brain to catch up.
“Oh, howdy Braeburn, Ah forgot you were coming to visit for a few days. It's been a few strange days round these parts. Ah'm headin' to t' local watering hole. Care t' join me?”
“Ah would love to AJ. Is it still run by the same stallion?”
“Yeah, Caramel still owns it. Not sure how he manages to open after a full days work on the farm, but by Celestia, he does it somehow.” The trotted along for another ten minutes, before stopping outside a large, single story building. There was a sign with three blue horseshoes hanging of one of the lamp posts, the sign underneath simply saying 'Caramel's'. Adorning the wall was another sign, 'Welcome to Caramel's, the first tavern to sell Sweet Apple Cider!' Something about seeing that always gave Applejack a warm feeling.
“Well then cuz, I guess the first rounds on me, being the stallion an' all.”
“Actually Brae, the first rounds on t' house, it being mah brew after all. Now, let's get to drinkin'” They made their way inside, seeing it half full already. Caramel was busy behind the bar, whilst Fluttershy was moving from table to table, delivering plates of food and removing used items. It had come to a shock when the girls found out she was a barmaid part time here, having taken the job in winter when all the animals were hibernating. She had done it so well that Caramel asked her to stay on through the summer, working whenever she could.
AJ caught movement out of the corner of her eye, turning to see Caramel waving at her. “Hey AJ! Didn't expect to see you so soon. The usual?”
“Eeyup, and one fer mah cousin as well, if ya don't mind.” He pulled down two mugs and proceeded to fill them.
“Not a problem, as it's your brew. So, anything new happening out in Appleloosa, Braeburn?”
“Oh boy, let me tell ya! We gonna have our first pony buffalo wedding soon! Little Strongheart found herself a young stallion in town, and they've never left each others side since! It all started when...” For the next few hours the trio swapped stories of what had happened since they had last been together. They heard the clock strike nine, and AJ knew what that meant. She didn't realise it had already started a bit earlier.
“Braeburn, we need to go now!”
“But why cuz? We're having a wonderful time, it'd be a right shame to stop now.”
“Braeburn, trust me, you don't want to be here fer this!” The sound of somepony singing finally hit her ears as they trailed off on the last verse.
“So I'm saving all my love
Yes, I'm saving all my love
Yes, I'm saving all my love for you...”
“Oh Celestia, Ah'm too late!” Knowing what kind of songs came on after nine, she ordered another three ciders for herself as the applauding started.
“Um... thank you everypony. There's been a, um, slight change of plans, as somepony special has come in tonight, and I'd like to, um, do something nice for them. I'll be back in a few minutes.” Fluttershy slipped off the stage, and into the dressing room at the back. Caramel came out to see if she was okay. “Where is it? For buck sake it was right here!” She nosed around in the closet a little longer.
“Uh... Shy, are you all right?”
“Ah ha, there it is!” Caramel jumped back at the mare's ecstatic shout as she pulled out of the closet, a dress hanging over her back. “Oh Caramel, I didn't see you there. Could you put track number thirty seven on please?”
“Are... you sure about that?”
“Yes I am, and I'll give you the usual signal to show I'm ready.”
“Okay, if you really want to.” He made his way back to the bar and selected the track, pausing just before it started. “Okay mares and stallions! If any of you are here with your partners, or don't want to be caught, then it's time to leave!” A third of the bar emptied and he saw the left most part of the curtain twitch, then hit play on the karaoke machine. “May Luna have mercy upon my soul...”
Every single male head turned to the stage as the singing started, and some of the mares did too, including Applejack's. She still couldn't believe this was her timid friend.
“I love myself; I want you to love me
When I feel down; I want you above me
I search myself; I want you to find me
I forget myself; I want you to remind me...”
The curtain twitched in the middle, and Fluttershy stepped through in her outfit, instantly gaining cheers from all those watching. Her wings slowly unfurled as she carried on singing.
“I don't want anypony else
When I think about you I touch myself
Ooh I don't want anypony else Oh no, oh no, oh no...
You're the one who makes me come runnin'
You're the sun who makes me shine
When you're around I'm always laughin'
I want to make you mine...”
She hopped down from the stage, brushing her tail against random stallion's, and some mare's legs. They were powerless to stop the power of raunchiness that had taken over a mare of pure innocence, horns glowing and wings extending.
“I close my eyes and see you before me
Think I would die if you were to ignore me
A foal could see just how much I adore you
I'd get down on my knees; I'd do anything for you
I don't want anypony else
When I think about you I touch myself
ahh ohh I don't want anypony else
oh no oh on oh no yeah...”
She made her way though the tables to the bar, standing on her hind legs and bending, so that her flanks were pressed tightly to her dress. She brushed her wing tips across the muzzles of the stallions sat there, staring at her with mouths open. She leant over in such a way that everypony could see she was, in fact, wearing fishnet stockings and not tights.
“I love myself; I want you to love me
When I feel down; I want you above me
I search myself; I want you to find me
I forget myself; I want you to remind me
I don't want anypony else
When I think about you I touch myself
ahh ohh I don't want anypony else
oh no oh no oh no...”
She moved away, going further down the bar, closer to the stage. She stopped once more at a stallion. One sat right next to Applejack. Braeburn. She place her fore hooves on the bar to either side of him, brushing his flanks with her wings.
“I want you
I don't want anypony else
and when I think about you; i touch myself
ooh ooOoh ooOoh aaaaahhhh...
I don't want anypony else
When I think about you I touch myself
Ooh I don't want anypony else
When I think about you I touch myself...”
She slowly started to lean closer. Braeburn, for all intents and purposes, was shot. Broken. He could do nothing but stare back into those deep, entrancing, cyan eyes.
“I touch myself
I touch myself
I touch myself
I touch myself
I touch myself
I touch myself
I honestly do
I touch myself
I touch myself...”
For a brief second, Braeburn thought he'd died and gone to paradise as he felt her soft lips brush against his own, before she puled away, knocking his hat off with a flick of her tail, and walking backstage with her hips swinging, all eyes on them. Applejack promptly ordered another three mugs and downed them all, finally hearing something from her inebriated and entranced cousin.
“Well... howdy Miss Fluttershy...”
