//------------------------------// // Chapter 3 // Story: Canterlot Wondercolts // by risingdusk //------------------------------// It was a sweltering day that left the Apples hot and sticky as they finished up their harvest. As Applejack and Big Macintosh carried the last of their fruits to the bed of the pickup the farm girl felt immensely satisfied of their hard work. Applebucking was finished with still a week left before school starts. "Hoo wee, great job y'all," Applejack said, closing the truck bed and readjusting her hat. Apple Bloom skipped over to her sister's side and tried to scramble in the back, but she was much too short. With a chuckle, Applejack scooped her sister up and plopped her over the gate just next to the bushel of apples. "We did it, sis! Does this mean we can start making cider early?" "Eeyup," Big Macintosh answered. "Along with all our other apple goods, lil sis. I reckon we're gonna have a nice start for the fall sales if we play our cards right." "Hey, sis, ain't that Twilight's car?" At the mention, Applejack looked over and sure enough, a small purple car was heading over in their direction. It came to a stop next to the truck, and a moment later, out popped Twilight Sparkle, wearing what looked almost like a school uniform, had it not been for the black blouse over the royal blue skirt. She waved a greeting, fixing her glasses so that they were no longer falling off the bridge of her nose. "Howdy, Twi," Applejack greeted, walking over to hug her friend. "What brings you out here?" "I came to check on you," Twilight answered with a smile. "I still remember how you tried to take on all of Sweet Apple Acres all by yourself last year, and I haven't seen you all vacation, so I got worried. How's the harvest?" "All done now." Spreading one arm out in the direction of the trees, Applejack displayed all of their hard work with pride. "Applebucking is over, and we're ready to start our fall sales!" "That's great to hear, A.J.," Twilight beamed. Looking past Applejack she seemed to notice the others present for the first time. "Hey, Apple Bloom, Big Mac. How was your first Applebucking, Apple Bloom?" "It was great, Twilight. It was hard work, but I had a lot of fun, and I can't wait until we can make apple cider! Are you gonna help us this year like you did last year?" "If you guys want me to, of course I'll help," Twilight laughed, ruffling the young one's hair, but mindful of the big red bow. "Are you excited for school to start?" "No. Well, yes. I can't wait to see my friends more, but I don't wanna do the work." The child gave a petulant expression that made both Twilight Sparkle and Applejack shake their heads, trying to hide a smile. "I thought you liked working, silly." "I like farm work, but school work ain't fun. And I don't know my teacher yet. I think it's Ms. Cherilee. Do you think she's scary?" "Ms. Cherilee? Why, she's the nicest teacher around!" Twilight tried to reassure Apple Bloom by putting extra enthusiasm in her voice, though Applejack and her exchanged a small glance. Cherilee was a relatively new teacher, so they didn't know anything about her. "You'll be just fine, isn't that right?" "Eeyup," answered Big Macintosh which surprised Applejack. She shot a look in his direction and he simply shrugged and turned away. She swore there was a blush forming on her brother's cheeks that had nothing to do with the heat of the day. Twilight also appeared slightly confused, but she kept her focus on Apple Bloom who just said, "But she's a new teacher. And what if she don't like me. I ain't never had a teacher who didn't like me." "You'll be just fine, Apple Bloom. Sweetie Belle also has Ms. Cherilee this year, if that makes you feel any better. Rarity told me so." "Oh boy!" Apple Bloom exclaimed, beaming brightly. "I sure hope Scootaloo does to, and then maybe it won't be so bad." "As long as you still do good in school," Applejack warned, raising an eyebrow. "Else I'll boot you to the Everfree Forest and let the timberwolves eat you." "You wouldn't do that, I'm your lil sis!" "You start messing up school, and see if I won't." "You ain't." Once again Apple Bloom pouted, this time crossing her arms against her chest. "Cause I'll sick a timberwolf on you instead!" Applejack just laughed, which made everyone else laugh as well. When they stopped, Applejack looked over to Big Macintosh and said, "Why don't you take Apple Bloom back to the house? Tell Granny Smith I'll be over before supper." With a nod, he caught the keys that Applejack tossed at him and turned to leave. Apple Bloom waved eagerly as the truck started. "Bye, Twilight! Y'all come around again, won't y'all?" "Of course," Twilight Sparkle answered, waving back. "Good bye, Apple Bloom." When the truck was out of sight, Applejack dug her hands into her pockets and started walking along the dirt path that crossed the orchard. She didn't have to look to know that Twilight would join her, but she did anyways, peering from beneath the brim of her hat. "So, what really brings you here, Twi? Ain't seen you all summer, and I ain't buying your excuse. Something's bothering you, I can see it on your face." "I can't hide anything from you, can I?" Twilight laughed, trying to match Applejack's long strides. She was shorter than the other by a couple of inches, but she always tried to keep the same length walk. When the farm girl noticed, she purposely shortened her stride as she did now, but always in a subtle manner so the other couldn't tell. "You're just like Fluttershy." "Maybe, but unlike Shy, I ain't gonna let you pull a fast one and change the subject. 'Swrong?" Twilight didn't answer immediately so they walked on a little more, kicking up small bits of dust on the path and reminding Applejack that it had been a long time since the last rain. It was no wonder the heat was almost unbearable from time to time and left any poor victim outside for more than a moments sweating like a horse. Applejack could only imagine how Twilight felt right now; dark skirt, black shirt, and long purple and pink hair, it was like she was trying to attract all of the heat. "It's this party," she started at last, and the words came tumbling out afterward. "And Flash. And school. And Spike. And college. I'm just so worried, because I'm the president of our class this year, and I'm also the head of the Honours Society, and I've got to make amazing grades or colleges won't even look at me, and if I don't make it to college then what else am I supposed to do, and before I even make it to college, I have to graduate! What if I don't graduate and I just end up working some dead end job for the rest of my days regretting everything?" "Twi, I think you're the last person that has to worry about graduating," Applejack assured, shaking her head with a slight chuckle. "You're the top of the class, smartest kid in the school, you ain't got nothing to worry your pretty little head about." "But what if I do, A.J?" Twilight insisted, her eyes widening. It was clear she was about to enter one of her panic episodes, since her step faltered, and she gripped herself in a tight embrace. "What if I fail because I don't take my studies seriously? And then I get knocked back a grade, or worse have to go all the way back to Freshman year! And then I won't be able to walk with my friends, and I'll be the laughing stock of Canterlot High, and Principal Celestia will be so disapointed in me, she probably would transfer me to a whole other high school because she would hate me!" "Whoa there, nelly," Applejack interrupted, stopping in place and taking hold of Twilight's shoulder. "You're working yourself up again. You ain't got nothing to worry about, and you sure as heck ain't gonna be transferred. Listen to me, Twi, you ain't listening." Twilight looked up, blinked for a moment, and then sighed. "That's the idea, take another deep breath. Easy does it, sugarcube." After a few more moments, Twilight smiled and started walking again, indicating that she was okay once more. "Sorry, I just get so anxious. It's senior year, our last chance to make things right in high school." "Well you ain't got nothing to worry about, 'cause you ain't done nothing wrong," Applejack said, giving a confident smile. They had walked far enough that the path was beginning to disappear, making way for the thicker trees of Sweet Apple Acres. This area was generally avoided because of the fruit bats, but since it was still a couple of hours until night time, she figured it was safe. "Why'd you mention Spike?" "He's starting high school this year," Twilight replied, and Applejack could judge though she was worried, she wasn't quite so worked about this. "I just hope he'll be okay. And that Sunset Shimmer doesn't give him a hard time for being my cousin." "Well, I'll wallop her real good if she messes with Spike," Applejack promised, rolling her eyes. Sunset Shimmer was Twilight's rival, and had been so since the pair of them met. Sunset Shimmer always wanted to be the leader, number one, most recognised by all teachers, and because she was Celestia's daughter, she often got her way. However, since Twilight was a natural leader, her friend often stole the spotlight from Sunset Shimmer without even trying. Sunset Shimmer was also known as a bully to all high school students, and no one dared fought back because of her mother; well no one but Twilight and her friends. It was no wonder she was worried about Spike. "Violence isn't the answer, A.J," Twilight chided, though her amused expression betrayed her. "We'll just have to keep an eye on Spike. I'm sure Shining Armour won't allow her to be mean, and he'll make it a personal mission to watch our cousin." "Good thing to have your brother as a dean of students, huh?" Twilight only nodded so Applejack continued. "Now what's this about Flash? He done something?" Another silence, and immediately Applejack tensed up. With a concerned look, she waited patiently for Twilight to start. "Not really. It's just...school's starting again." "Well, ain't that a good thing? You like school, and y'all will probably see each other more, right?" "Not really," Twilight answered, biting her lip nervously. "You remember last semester, how we got into big fights and stuff?" Applejack nodded. During the finals week, Twilight and Flash Sentry got into many quarrels thanks to Twilight's studious habits, and Flash Sentry's misunderstanding. "Well, he didn't like that I wasn't spending any time with him," Twilight continued, echoing Applejack's thoughts. "He just didn't understand that I have to do well in school. And I'm worried that this year, because I'm going to be so focused on graduating, that he'll think I'm just trying to blow him off again. But I don't know how to make him understand that I absolutely have to study and work hard so that I can graduate!" "Then tell him," Applejack replied with a shrug. "And if he ain't gonna listen, then it ain't gonna work out. You know how I feel about y'all." "I don't know why you don't like him, A.J," Twilight countered, giving a slight scowl. "He's a nice guy, and a good friend." "I ain't disputing that," Applejack argued back, before Twilight could continue. "I like Flash as a friend, and I don't mind his company, but he ain't right for you. If y'all don't even get along about something that is you, Twi, then how can y'all even think about a long term commitment?" The farm girl's rebuke was enough to stop Twilight in place, so she turned and saw that the worry in those bright purple eyes were about to spill over onto her cheeks. With a resigned exhale, Applejack pulled her friend into a hug, wincing slightly as the frame of Twilight's glasses caught skin. Nothing was said for a little while until Twilight finally pulled from Applejack's embrace. "Listen, sugarcube," Applejack started. "I ain't trying to make you sad, I just think this ain't a healthy relationship for you. Y'all make better friends, 'cause Flash is a nice guy that needs a lot of attention, and you're a smart girl that needs a healthy dose of space. But if y'all really do want to make this work, then y'all each gonna have to give a little." "You're right." Twilight took a deep breath and finally turned her lips into a smile. "Thanks, Applejack. I knew I could rely on you." "Awh, shucks, sugarcube, all I done is make you sad. What are you going on about?" "You did make me feel better. And I think I'll talk to Flash tomorrow before Pinkie's party. Are you coming?" "I think I can spare the time," Applejack said with a shrug. "Applebucking is done, and ain't no practice so why not?" "That's great. It's getting late, so I think I should head back home. Want me to take you back home?" "If you gonna do that, might as well stay for supper," Applejack insisted. With a laugh, Twilight said, "Okay, well I'd better call my parents. Lead the way, and I'll do that. I don't really know Sweet Apple Acres as well as you do." "Alright, sugarcube."