//------------------------------// // the only chapter // Story: Cinnamon's Story // by cherryfeather101 //------------------------------// Cinnamon[applejack and caramel] Cinnamon has orange fur and a dark brown mane and tail. However, she has emerald green eyes that always sparkle, and she wears her mane and tail the same way as her mom. Here is her tragic backstory. Everypony knew that Applejack was dating Caramel, that she had been for a long, long time. But this... she couldn’t tell them. Her friends would despise her. After all, it wasn’t princess-like, or lady-like, to do what she had did. Even now, as Applejack stood in front of her mirror, she could see the slight bulge in her stomach. Caramel would be thrilled. A foal would definitely make him happy, happy that he was soon going to be a father. Her family... well, Applejack wasn’t sure how they would react. But soon they would notice. She might as well tell her family she was pregnant with Caramel’s foal. So she took a deep breath and headed downstairs, going to dinner. Once seated, Applebloom started the usual dinner chat; what had happened that day. Luckily, Applejack went last. But it soon came to her turn, and three pairs of eyes looked at her to see if anything was going on. ” I can’t work on the farm anymore. Not for a year.” She started. ” What?” Applebloom and Big Macintosh asked at the same time. ” Why not? You aren’t leaving again, right?” Big Macintosh asked. ” And you’re not sick?” Applebloom added. Applejack smiled at her little sister.” I’m alright. In fact, I’m better then ever before. But, for now on... I’m going to be eating for two.” There was an awkward moment of silence while her family tried to decipher her words. ” What does that mean?” Applebloom asked. ” It means I’m pregnant, Applebloom. I’m going to have a foal.” Applebloom gasped. In fact, they all gasped. ” Oh Applejack!” Her little sister exclaimed. Applejack met Granny Smith’s eyes. ” Well now, youngin, you need to tell your colt-friend about this.” ” I know Granny Smith. On my way.” ” You shouldn’t be moving around much in your condition. I can take you.” Applejack rolled her eyes. ” I’m not that big, Big Macintosh. Besides, a walk would be nice. Especially since I’m going to be stuck in bed for awhile soon.” She replied, getting up from her chair. ” Be careful Applejack.” ” I will, Applebloom.” Applejack said sweetly, ruffling her younger sister’s mane before exiting the barn on a walk to Ponyville. She trotted along, taking in the scenery. ” I sure am going to miss all of this.” She murmured, closing her eyes for a minute. She felt a swoosh besides her. ” Hey AJ. What’s up?” Rainbow Dash asked, landing next to her. Applejack opened her eyes.” Hey Rainbow. Just sad. Soon I won’t be able to see all of this.” The minute the words came out of her mouth, she regretted it. The pegasus looked confused. ” What do you mean? What the hay is going on Applejack?” Applejack took a deep breath, then sighed.” Okay Rainbow, you have to promise never to tell any other pony until I say so.” She said, looking into her rose coloured eyes. Rainbow nodded. ” I’m pregnant.” Rainbow jumped up.” WHAT!” Applejack motioned for her to be quiet. ”What!” Rainbow whispered. ” I’m on my way to tell Caramel. But please Rainbow, don’t tell our friends.” Applejack looked down embarassedly. Rainbow put her hoof around her friend’s shoulders. ” I understand. Good luck to you, and the baby.” She flew off. Applejack continued on her way, until she finally reached Ponyville. She pushed her way into Caramel’s shop, a small bell ringing. Caramel turned. ” How may I help- Hey Applejack!” he ran over to her and nuzzled her affectionately. ” Hey Caramel. Guess what?” Caramel took her hoof, which she moved to her stomach. ” Yeah?” ”You’re going to be a father.” Caramel got this wide eyed look of shock that turned to joy in seconds. ” Y-You’re pregnant? That’s great news!” Applejack tucked her head into his chest, letting him hold her. ” You’ll be a great mother.” Caramel whispered in her ear. Applejack gave him a smile, stepping away. ” I have to go now. See ya later.” Applejack whispered, turning away and walking out of the shop, but not before she heard Caramel say goodbye. She smiled to herself, and carefully walked back home. Twilight paced the floor of her library, four of her friends in front of her. ” Why don’t we go up to Sweet Apple Acres and find out?” Fluttershy asked. ” Because Fluttershy, if something bad happened to her, we would know. Maybe she and her family went to visit relatives. Maybe she’s sick, and doesn’t want us to get sick. We don’t know.” Rainbow Dash replied frustratedly. Twilight was sure the pegasus wasn’t saying something, that she knew more then she was letting on. Then, the door opened. Applejack walked in, holding something in her front hooves. Everypony stared at their friend except Rainbow, who beamed at her. ” Applejack! Thank goodness you’re okay. What happened? What is that?” Applejack carefully unwrapped some of the bundles. ” Guys, meet Cinnamon.” Inside the bundle was a tiny foal, it’s eyes closed. Rainbow ran to her. ” She’s beautiful AJ. I didn’t know you had it!” She exclaimed. Twilight then realized something. Applejack had been pregnant. But Rainbow had obviously known, and Applejack had obviously told her not to let the others know. Why? ” Applejack, why didn’t you tell us you were pregnant?” Rarity asked, reading Twilight’s mind. ” I didn’t know how. Knowing Caramel and I aren’t married yet. But we sure plan to be. As soon as Cinnamon is older.” Then, Cinnamon opened her eyes, revealing her emerald green iris’s. Twilight and her friends gathered around Applejack, looking down at tiny Cinnamon. Her short mane and tail were a dark brown, her fur orange. Her green eyes were already taking in everything, as they were moving all over the room. Twilight couldn’t help but making a soft cooing noise. Cinnamon was sooo cute, and knowing that this was Applejack’s daughter made her happy. Then Cinnamon started crying. Applejack gently rocked her in her hooves, humming what sounded like a lullaby. Soon Cinnamon fell back asleep. ” Well, I have to go. Just wanted to check on you guys, and let you know I was alright.” She said wearily, a tired look in her eyes. ” Okay Applejack. Need a ride home? It’s a long walk.” Twilight asked, fearing the foal’s safety. ”Big Macintosh brought me here, he’ll bring me back. But thanks for the offer. You’re free to come over any time, though.” Applejack replied, pressing Cinnamon to her chest as Rainbow opened the door for her. ” Alright AJ. Be careful.” ”Don’t let anything catch you!” Pinkie Pie brought up, turning the concern into excitement like she normally did. ” I will. See you later.” Applejack slipped out of the library. Twilight watched her climb into the cart that was harnessed to Big Macintosh, who reared and started running. The cart bumped and bounced, but Applejack held on to tiny Cinnamon, keeping her daughter safe and warm against her chest. Finally, the cart stopped moving. Applejack realized her eyes were closed, and she quickly opened them. The barn laid in front of her. Applejack took a deep breath, getting out of the cart on wobbly legs. Applebloom came up and took Cinnamon while Applejack steadied herself. She was still really weak from the birth, and got tired really easily when she was up too much. But once she was steady and her mind was clear, Applebloom handed Cindy back to her older sister. Applejack smiled at her siblings, grateful for their help, then carefully made her way back to her bed. The minute she entered her and Cinnamon’s room, Cinnamon woke up, crying again. ” Shush... you’re okay little one. It’s okay.” Applejack murmured, laying down to let Cinnamon eat. She nuzzled her daughter before laying her head against her pillow and falling asleep, accidentally. She soon woke up, but was still tired. Caramel had climbed in bed with her and Cinnamon. ” Oh, sorry. I didn’t mean to wake you up.” He murmured. ” It’s fine. I’m still really tired, anyways.” Caramel laid down, and Applejack curled up close to him, Cinnamon asleep on her stomach. She soon fell asleep again, Caramel gently stroking her mane. When Applejack woke up, Caramel was already up and gone, after all, he had that shop of his. Applejack carefully got up, setting Cinnamon down on her bed while Applejack got ready for breakfast. She first fed Cinnamon, then hurried downstairs. She sat down in her chair, looking at the pancakes she had on her plate. She ate them quickly, not really that hungry. Applebloom finished her breakfast, and went over to her sister. Normally, Applejack would take Applebloom to school, but with the foal, Applejack couldn’t take her. So Applebloom gave her sister a hug, and kissed the top of Cinnamon’s head. ” Bye sis.” She said, trotting out the door with Big Macintosh. Applejack watched her go, wishing she could take her to school again. But Cinnamon was just so small, so vulnerable. Even now, she could see how fragile her daughter was. Applejack held Cindy close to her, trying to keep her asleep. Granny Smith was gone, starting on the days chores. Applejack wished she could help. Staying inside doing nothing was killing her. But as much as she wanted to be with her family, she also wanted to be with her daughter. So she carefully walked back upstairs, back to her bedroom. She heard the door open and shut. Probably Big Mac. She didn’t care, just cradled Cinnamon in her hooves while sitting on her bed. Cinnamon opened her eyes, awake. Again, her green eyes swept around the room. Then they focused on Applejack. ” Hey little one.” Applejack murmured, bending down to give Cinnamon a kiss on the forehead. Cinnamon gave a sound that sounded like a laugh, sitting upright. Applejack was suprised, and impressed. ” Aren’t you a fast developer?” She laughed. Then, Cinnamon suprised her mother even more. She climbed out of Applejack’s lap and started walking on wobbly legs towards the edge of the bed. Applejack picked her up before she got there. Cinnamon started crying. Applejack sighed and got down, placing her on the floor with some of the toys she had already. Cinnamon crawled towards one stuffed animal, taking a leg and gnawing on it. Applejack shut her door, not wanting her daughter to leave her room. Cinnamon jumped on her toy and knocked it down, making that laughing noise again. This time, Applejack laughed too. Applejack held Cinnamon close to her as they walked deeper into the Apple Orchard. Caramel walked beside her. It was his day off, and Applejack asked if they could take a walk. It was one of her only chances to get out of the house, and his only chance to spend the whole day with her. Even now, she leaned against him, wishing they could get married right then and there. But they had to wait, until Cinnamon was five years old. It was going to be a long, long wait. But as long as they were still together. Suddenly, she smelled a nasty scent. Her body reacted before her mind had processed it. She froze. ” Applejack?” Caramel asked. Then, they jumped out. A pack of timber wolves, five of them. Caramel stepped in front of her. ” Applejack, go.” ”What?” ”Go!” ”I can’t leave you!” ”GO!” At that last go, Applejack turned and ran as fast as she could, her heart pounding in her ears. She clutched Cinnamon tightly, pretending not to hear her wails. She reached the safety of her barn, and ran inside. She gave Cinnamon to Granny Smith, then turned and raced back outside. ” Caramel? CARAMEL!” She screamed, reaching the sight where they were attacked. There was nothing but a puddle of blood on the ground. Applejack fell into a screaming fit, unaware of her family coming up behind her. She was also unaware of Big Macintosh picking her up and carrying her back to the barn, setting her down in her bed. Soon, Applejack became unconsious. When she woke up, memories of what she had found reached her mind and she began to tear up. But then she realized Cinnamon was crying, obviously hungry. Applejack got up, went over to Cinnamon’s crib, picking her daughter up. She brought Cindy to her bed, laying down to feed her. Seeing Cinnamon brought the tears back to her eyes. She looked so much like him. Applejack still couldn’t believe he was gone. She closed her eyes, when the door opened. ” Applejack? We heard what happened. You okay?” Twilight asked. Applejack opened her eyes again. She gave a weak smile, knowing her eyes were still red and bloodshot. Twilight came over to her, watching Cinnamon. Once Cinnamon fell asleep, Applejack carried her to her own crib, then hugged Twilight. She started silently crying, tears streaming down her face. ” It’s just... they way he died... why does fate hate me?” She asked Twilight, now looking at her. Twilight looked confused. ” What do you mean Applejack?” ” My parents.” Applejack said miserably. ” They died when I was a young filly, of a timber wolf attack.” Realization dawned in her friend’s eyes. ” Oh... I can see how that would upset you. AJ, I’m so sorry.” Applejack managed a small smile. ” It’s alright Twi. It just hurts.” Twilight gave her one more hug. Then she slipped out of the room. leaving Applejack alone. Applejack laid on her bed, not hungry enough to go down to dinner and not strong enough to go on another walk, alone. Instead, she curled up in a ball and soon fell asleep. She woke up to Applebloom shaking her awake, Cinnamon crying again and the smell of apple fritters wafting across the room. ” You hungry?” Her little sister asked. Applejack nodded, but first she picked Cinnamon up and fed her, stroking her short mane lovingly. Once Cinnamon fell back to sleep, Applejack took a fritter from her sister, eating it quickly. Applebloom gave Applejack a hug, carefully not touching Cinnamon. ” I love you, sister.” Applejack smiled, more brightly than before. ” I love you too, Applebloom. I’m sorry you have to do all the work around here.” She replied. ” It’s worth it, knowing I’m an aunt now. So I don’t mind.” Applebloom answered, gazing at Cinnamon. Cinnamon opened her eyes sleepily, staring at Applebloom. Applebloom tickled her, making Cinnamon laugh and squirm around happily. Applejack gave a deep sigh, happily. Cinnamon bounced happily, watching her mother work. Her green eyes took in everything, and she longed to join her mom, aunt, and uncle at work. But her mom just laughed, saying that she was only five years old and was too young to buck apples on the farm. Then she would ruffle her mane and tell Cinnamon that she would be old enough one day. Cinnamon wished that day was today, but sadly it wasn’t. But, on the bright side, today was a beautiful day. Sunshiny, slightly breezy, clear skies. Perfect. Nothing could go wrong. But she soon changed her mind. It was later that night. Cinnamon woke up, her heart pounding. She had had another nightmare. Cinnamon went to her mother’s bed. ” Mommy, I had a nightmare.” She whimpered, as she normally did. But, unlike all the other times, Applejack did not answer. ” Mommy? Mommy, wake up.” Cinnamon whispered, shaking her. When her mom did not move, Cinnamon gave a loud cry. She tryed to rouse her mother, but she wasn’t moving. Cinnamon placed her head on her mom’s chest. Where there should’ve been a heartbeat, there was silence. ” Mommy! Mommy! Wake up, wake up!” She shrieked. Aunt Applebloom was at the door. ” What’s going on?” ” Mommy won’t wake up.” Cinnamon wailed. Aunt Applebloom turned the light on and investigated. She pulled the blankets off of Applejack, and gasped. Cinnamon dashed forward to see what her aunt saw. There, on Applejack’s chest, was two puncture wounds, tinted green. To Be Continued...