//------------------------------// // To Ponyville: // Story: A Dream Met... // by Jon bucker //------------------------------// The next morning came around; I just woke up after much needed rest. I rolled over in my bed and looked to my left out the window that was across the room. I saw the sun slowly making its way into the sky and I could hear the sounds of the morning birds. I smiled at the sight and rolled back over to fall back asleep, that is tell a little filly came up and started jumping on my stomach. “Come on Jonathan up-n atom!” applebloom cheered. Though she isn’t that heavy, her hooves were doing a number on my gut, even though I didn’t like her method of getting me up I was still more than happy to see the filly I love. I reach up and grabbed her in mid jump and pulled her in for a hug then I sat her down gently on my stomach. “Good morning applebloom. What is it?” I asked cheerfully. I didn’t have my morning raspy voice, probably because I had a drink before I went to bed. “Morning jonathan, just time to get up that’s all.” she said “Ok... I'm up.” I said to her. She giggled and jumped of my stomach and on to the floor. I sat up out of bed and stretched and let out a yawn. I then reached over and picked up the element of harmony off the bed frame and put it around my neck and tucked it in my shirt. Then I bent over to put on shoes. “Why do you wear shoes all the time?” applebloom asked curiously I got the second one on and stood up off the bed and looked down to the filly. “Because feet aren’t as tough as hooves, there more fragile so I wear shoes when I go outside or something to protect them.” I explained to her “Oh... they look a bit weird though.” she said “Yeah I guess, but they help. That’s for certain.” I said She shrugged and turned and I started to follow her down the staircase; I didn’t bother making my bed, I’ve never really seen the point in making the bed after you sleep in it if you’re just gonna mess it up the next night. I could tell I wasn’t the only one that thought that, as we were making our way down the hallway the doors to their bedrooms were open, they were all messed up and unmade as well, I chuckled quietly to myself at that. I followed bloom down the second flight of stairs and into the kitchen, applejack was in there sitting in her spot and drinking what appeared to be coffee. When she saw me and bloom she greeted us with a smile. “So ya did manage to get em up.” applejack said looking at applebloom. Applebloom nodded and jumped up into her seat at the table, I stood behind mine. “Good morning applejack” I said cheerfully to her “Morning Jonathan, If you want breakfast there’s a box of corn flakes in the cupboards there, bowls underneath, spoons in the drawer, and milks in the fridge. Help yerself.” she said pointing around the room. “Ok, thank you.” I said to her. I had already grown pretty comfortable in their home, although the design wasn’t too far off from mine but still. I walked over to the other side of the table and opened the cabinet that applejack had pointed to; I reach up and grabbed the box of cereal. I was about to grab a bowl when applebloom asked from behind me. “Can ya get me a bowl to?” I turned to look at her. “You haven’t had breakfast yet?” I asked She shook her head. “Ah wanted to wait fer you.” I was a bit surprised that she waited for me, knowing her she was probably up early; I know it’s something simple but I’m grateful for it. “Ok thanks... l-bloom.” I said beaming. I was holding back from calling her little sis. it didn't matter to me that she’s a pony, I loved her like she was my own, I know she loves me to even after are short time together, but I don’t think enough to call me brother yet. The reason I don’t call her little sis is because I don’t want to make it awkward or weird for her, especially with applejack around. So all just stick with Bloom for now and wait for the right time if it comes. I looked back to the open cupboard, still smiling, and pulled out two bowls and pulled out spoons for the both of us as well as the milk, then carefully carried it all to the table. I placed a bowl in front of bloom and also the spot beside her and pored cereal and milk in both, when I sat down we both started to eat. After a couple of mouthfuls while I was chewing I looked at applejack as she took a sip from her mug full of coffee... but it was coffee? I swallowed the cereal before I spook. “I didn’t know you drink coffee applejack?” She looked to me then down to her mug and smiled. “Yeah, ah ain’t a big drinker of it but every now and then, if ah have the time, it’s nice to enjoy a nice cup of coffee in the morning.” she explained I nodded, satisfied with the answer and looked back to my bowl and continued eating; applebloom had her face inside her bow, barely even touching her spoon. I took a few more mouthfuls and looked back to her. Since I knew I couldn’t keep avoiding it, and she already gave me yesterday, I thought i should ask her when we’re heading to the library. “So when are we going to twilights house?” I asked Applebloom took her head out of her bowl, she seemed curious as well. Applejack took another sip from her mug and placed it back down. “I was thinkin that ah would take ya down there sometime after lunch. Ah still have chores to do but they shouldn’t take long.” I was kind of glad to hear there was more work to be done, but I guess on a farm there’s always work to be done. “What kind of chores?” I asked “All those there apple baskets ya’ll brought back from the field yesterday have ta go in the apple cellar... why ya lookin take help?” she said grinning slightly Though my answer was already going to be yes, I started to think about it. I don’t really have anything else to do, and this is something that I can help with. I could pretty much help with anything on the farm as long as it’s not apple backing, I already proved I can’t do that. “Sure sounds like fun.” I said cheerfully “Can I help too applejack?” applebloom ask beaming with a full mouth of food, some in which came out and splattered to the table. Applejack seemed a bit irritated with that. “Sure... and bloom? ya know ah don’t mind ya’ll being unmannered and what not, but when that cases a mess that ah have ta clean, can ya try ta show some self restraint?” applejack said as she got up out of her chair and grabbed a cloth from the sink behind her. Applebloom giggled lightly “Right... sorry” she said As applejack was wiping the table I looked down into my bowl, there wasn’t much cereal left so I decided to just chug it. I sat my spoon down and picked up the bowl and did just that. When it was all gone I put the spoon in it and got out of my chair and carried the empty bowl it over to the sink. Applejack had finished wiping the table, she grabbed her mug and placed it on the counter and started the water to do the few dishes in the sink. I was just about to sit back down when someone started knocking on the front door. “Can you get that applebloom? my hooves are full.” applejack asked “Sure thing.” applebloom said with another mouth full of food. I was already up so I thought I should offer to get it, besides she was still eating breakfast. She was just about to get out of her seat. “Don’t worry bloom I'll get it you sit and finish you’re breakfast.” I said to her Applejack stopped washing dishes and turned to face me. “Uh... do ya really think that’s the best idea?” she asked raising an eyebrow I was already at the doorway of the kitchen, but I know what she was getting at. “No... but I’m gonna be walking into ponyville later today so everypony’s going to know about me sooner or later.” I said to her “Guess yer right, just be careful.” she said as she turned back the sink. Another knock from the door, I turned and walked out of the kitchen. I know pretty much every pony in ponyville, more less anyway. I grabbed the door handle and opened it. Standing of the porch was two familiar looking fillies. I smiled and greeted them. “Hey Sweetie belle, hey Scootaloo, looking for Applebloom?” I asked them Though they didn’t look scared of me they looked hopelessly confused and thrown off. “Uh... yeah. is she... home?” sweetie belle asked hesitantly, scootaloo remained silent. I nodded to them. “Yep on sec...“ I turned my head back into the house. “Applebloom, sweetie and scoots are here!” I called out “Sweetie and scoots!” I heard applebloom say excitingly from the table. I then heard a gurgling noise; no doubt she was chugging what was left of her cereal like I had. When the sound stopped I heard her chair slide out and she came blaring around the corner and past me to meet her friends. They took a couple of steps off and out away from the porch, probably cutie mark crusader business that they didn't want me to hear, but I stood in the door frame and listened to the fillies anyway. “Hey girls! how’re ya’ll two doin.” Applebloom asked cheerfully “Great! you ready for another day of crusading, I have all new ideas for how we can get are cutie marks.” Scootaloo said excitingly Applebloom nodded. “Yeah but...” the smile was wiped from her face. “Ah already said I’d help applejack around the farm.” she said disappointingly, sweetie and scoots sighed and looked disappointed as well. I admired Bloom for keeping her word, despite on how much she wanted to go and play with her friends, she knew the importance of keeping her word to applejack and that work came first. That was very muter of her, but I don’t want her to grow up to fast... Listen to myself, I’m thinking like she’s actually my sister, even though I’m not technically her brother that doesn’t mean I can’t offer something. I took a couple of steps of the porch. “Don’t worry about that bloom, I got ya covered.” I said cheerfully to the filly “Really!” she asked beaming I nodded. “Yeah no problem, you girls go have fun.” I insisted “Thanks jonathan yer the best.” she said beaming with joy I crouched down as she ran towards me, she jumped into my chest and put her hooves around my neck giving me a quick hug; I returned the embrace. It felt good giving her a hug that she started; it just shows even more that she cared which gave me a slight warm feeling in my heart. Then I released my grip and she jumped out and ran back to her friends. “Come on cutie mark crusaders, let’s go!” she cheered They all started running in the direction of the club house but there was one more thing that I wanted to say. “Hey bloom! Meet us at twilights house later today ok?” I called out Applebloom stopped and yelled back “Ok see ya then!” I heard Sweetie and Scoots start bunbarding Applebloom with questions as to who and what I was, but it got harder and harder to make out what they were saying as they got farther away. Once they were out of eye sight I stood still and took in my surroundings. It was just as beautiful and peaceful as it was yesterday morning, maybe even better with the sound the crusaders laughing and cheering in the distance. I wish I could say that I’d never leave but that would be lying. I know sooner or later I'll have to leave and go back to my world, whether it be through a simple pop and I'm gone or a process, either or I’m not really looking forward to it. I truly feel at home here, I’ve grown so found of the apple family, and it’s not just bloom but also applejack. I consider her like an older sister, even though back at home I have four, they never really treated me well so we weren't very close. But I already have a better relationship with applejack then any of my siblings, that's a bit sad but the truth. But even though I’m younger I look out for her, I have her back and I know she has mine. I treat and love her like she was and respect her judgment. I’m in no rush whatsoever to get to the library. It’s not that I don’t want to see twilight, I just don’t want to be sent home, but I’m not going to run from it. But I am grateful to applejack for giving me at least yesterday; that was probably the best day of my life, spending the day with bloom and helping applejack and all that. I just hope it won’t be too hard to say goodbye when the time comes. As I was lost in my thoughts I heard the door open behind me. “Ya’ll ready to... hey? where’d applebloom go? ah thought she wanted ta help.” applejack said coming out of the house. I snapped back to reality and turned to face her. “She went to go play with sweetie belle and scootaloo. She was a bit upset that she had already told you that she’d help. So I said I’d cover for her.” I explained “Well that was mighty kind of ya Jon, say if ah didn’t know any better ah’d say yer treat’n bloom like she was you’re sister.” she teased walking off the porch I didn’t know quite how to respond to that, I didn’t want to say to her that I do consider her a little sister. And I couldn’t say that I don’t because that would be lying. So I just remained silent and smiled awkwardly with a shrug. “Shall we get to work?” I asked in attempts to change the subject. Thankfully it worked. “Yep let’s get to it.” she said cheerfully We both started to make our way to the apple cellar; I was relieved that she didn’t bring that conversation back up. When we got to the cellar I grabbed one of the rope handles and applejack grabbed the other and pulled open the wooden doors. “Alright be careful goin down these here stairs. Ah already had twilight fall down them, and ah don’t need you to as well.” applejack said as she led the way down. I nodded and followed. walking down the stairs I was kind of excited, I have never seen or even thought about what the bottom of the cellar looked like, and I’ve never been in any cellar before so this was a new experience for me. When we got to the bottom applejack flipped a switch and the place was filled with light. I was pretty shocked on what was down there. There were enormous apple bins; I counted twenty one of them and they all had pitchers of different colored apples on them; it was amazing. “Applejack this is incredible, how did you do these?” I asked looking in awe around the room “It sure is, ah had some family come down who knew how to do stuff like this and they helped me install It.” she explained I was still a bit shocked; I wouldn’t even know how to even begin to do something like this. “Well you all did a great job.” I said “Thanks, now ta get ta business” applejack started as she walked to the middle of the room. “What we have ta do is simple. We bring the apple baskets down and start sortin them. Green one go there, red ones go there and bright red ones go over there...” she explained pointing to the separate bins. “Got that?” It was pretty straight forward, couldn’t be that hard. “Sounds easy enough.” I replied “Alrighty then let’s get to it.” she said, and so we did. We headed back up and started bringing the apple baskets down one by one; once they were all down we started sorting. It wasn’t very difficult work but the sorting was a bit boring and repetitive. I would have much more preferred to work out in the orchard with applejack but this will do I guess, I didn't mind. Working in the field just felt more peaceful, but one the reasons for that is probably because that’s outside and not in an cellar, but whatever work I’m more than willing to do, and h lp I'm willing to offer. When we finished we took all the empty baskets back up and closed the doors. Applejack thanked me for helping; I told her that if she ever wanted help with anything that she just had to ask, she appreciated that. We went back onto the house and took a quick water brake, applejack was right we finished around eleven thirty-ish. We didn’t do anything big for lunch just a couple apples, but we did sneak a piece of left over apple pie, it tasted just as good as it did the night before. Once we got back some energy, and also once the pie settled in our stomachs, we left the house and started to walk down the sweet apple acres path to ponyville. Me and applejack started talking along the way, nothing in particular just random conversations. One of the conversations though was what happened last night. It was nice talking about that again, sharing the same feelings with one another, going in bit more in-depth, in a sad way it was comforting. Applejack had said that besides me she didn’t have anyone else that really knew what she was feeling. She said that her friends knew but it never got further than that. Course she did had applebloom but she doesn’t want to talk about it with her and make her sad or upset and big mac doesn’t really talk at all so I was all she had, which was nice in a way. I told her the same, I don’t have anyone besides her either; I’ve never talked about it with anyone besides her, I could have talked about it with my nephews, but I don’t think that they would really understand how it was affecting me, they have lost their dad but they still had a mother, for me and applejack it was like both were taken away. I did bring up one pony in ponyville that might now what she feeling besides me. I mentioned Scootaloo being an orphan. I’ve always had my suspicions on scootaloo being an orphan, the show isn’t really clear on what happened or if she even had parents, but I’ve always thought that. Unfortunately applejack was able to confirm that, although she said it would be kind of hard talking about that with a filly, but she did have a point. During the conversation both of our eyes started watering, I wiped mine and told applejack that we should probably stop talking about it before we start crying again, then I chuckled. Applejack chuckled herself but agreed, that would be best then she wiped her own. Even though we stopped, having the choice and opportunity of being able to talk about it with her probably made her one of the closest friends I’ve even had, and I could tell that the feeling was like-wise. We went back to talking about random stuff; time flew by as we continued walking to ponyville. As we were just entering ponyville, I was getting a lot of weird looks from the towns ponies. “Is it just me or is every pony in town starrin at ya.” applejack asked looking around at all the strange faces. “No they are. I bet the only reason there not running in terror right now is because you’re with me.” I said jokingly Applejack chuckled. “That and pinkie pie hasn’t encouraged them to.” she added We both started chuckling as we walked through the town, I have to say the brony excitement kicked in lightly again, seeing ponyville up close and in person was amazing. Seeing the whole town right up close, the layout was so different from any town I’ve even been in back at home. The streets were dirt and grass that felt nice through my old thin soled shoes, there were actually trees and plants that weren’t faded and were filled with the fullest of coolers and life, and I loved it. The bright colors of everything had a positive effect in its self. While we were walking I spotted the carousel boutique and that jogged my memory about the hole in my shirt, I completely forgot about it. I looked down at applejack. “Applejack, would it be too much to ask if you can stop by the carousel boutique and ask Rarity to fix this hole in my shirt.” I asked pointing to the whole “Why sure we can, let’s go.” she said When we got to the entrance applejack raised a hoof to block my path. “Ah should go in first, ah ain’t entirely sure on how rarities gonna reacted to ya.” she said walking in front of me She had a good point, knowing rarity and the drama she possesses there’s no telling how she’ll reacted. “Good idea.” I replied Applejack took a couple steps ahead and closer to the door but turned to me. “And fair warnin Jon, Rarities gonna probably insult ya on what yer wearing.” “Don’t worry I’m already expecting that.” I said chuckling a little, I already knew that Rarity was gonna insult me but I don’t care, a little constructive criticism never hurt. She chuckled with a nod and turned back to the door and opened it and, she walked in I followed behind her, the moment of truth. A bell rang when she opened the door when we both entered, applejack greeted her. “Hey rarity.” she said cheerfully Rarity was folding fabric with her magic; she had her back turned to us as she spook. “Applejack darling, have you finally come to your senses and want some beauty advice?” she asked in an elegant tone. My mouth dropped slightly when she said that to applejack and was trying to hold back from laughing out loud. Instead of insulting me, she insulted her. I don't know why, I found that hilarious. Applejack seemed irritated at that and was un-amused . “No rarity that’s not why I’m here, can you just fix my friends shirt for him? it has a hole in the side.” she asked Rarity finished folding the last piece of fabric. “Well of course I can, is he...” she turned and saw me and stopped mid-sentence; her eyes went big as she starred at me and then she screamed. “Rarity, it’s OK! He ain't gonna...” applejack was cut off by rarity who ran past her like a courted back, throwing her to the side, she wasn’t screeching at me “Darling! How could you wear such clothing!? Wrong jeans and a singled color camouflage green shirt. Honestly how could you wear such thing’s in public!?” rarity asked in disgust And there was the insult; at least she wasn’t scared of me, that was always a positive. I looked at my clothes and back to her. “Nice to meet you to rarity, I’m Jonathan.” I said sarcastically to her out burst but also chuckling. She took a couple steps back and calmed down. “My apologies for my rude introduction, but seriously darling what were you thinking?” she asked I was just about to reply when applejack got herself back on her hooves and walked over. “And Ah’m just dandy, thank ya very much.” she said rudely walking back beside me. “When you live in a place like I do, in a family with little money you learn to love and live with what you got. but can you fix it.” I asked pointing to the hole. She was took a closer look. Her eyes flared with inspiration. “Oh darling I can do much more than just that, I can do so much with this old plane outfit...” she started getting cared away; I didn’t understand even half the words she was using, they all revolved around designing and fashion. “Rarity just a patch please.” I said. I appreciated her offer but I didn’t want her to fix my look what so ever no matter how much she insisted, and insisted she did. “But darling there’s so much potential...” she was about to continue but cut her short “Rarity." I said firmly. "just a patch, that’s all.” I said again She seemed a bit upset but she agreed with a scoff. “Very well, I will withhold my creativity.” That was a relief; I don’t even want to know what she was planning. “That’s all I asked, thank you.” She walked in and took a closer look at the tar. “It should be no trouble at all. But I will need to ask you to take your shirt off.” she said I didn’t have a problem taking of my shirt in front of them, heck there naked all the time, but I’m very glade that I didn’t rip my jeans or that would have been really awkward, not to mention out of my comfort zone.I took off my shirt and passed it to rarity, she grabbed it her magic and was just about to get to work when she saw the element of harmony hanging around my neck. Her eyes went wide again, she glanced over at applejack. “Umm... I don’t mean to alarm you applejack, but is he wearing you element of harmony?” Applejack shook her head. “No... That’s his.” she put it plain and simple Rarity looked to me in disbelief. “She’s right. It is mine... and for the same reason as well.” I added She looked more confused then ever. “How...” Rarity was about to speak but someone else came into the shop, and at a timing like this. Applejack turned her towards the door, I just turned my head, I didn’t want the wrong pony to see the element. It was a rainbow manned cyan feathered Pegasus. “Hey Rarity, what was all the yelling abo...” Rainbow dash stood and starred at me with a shocking eye. “What the heck is that thing?” she asked pointing to me with her hoof I was a bit surprised that she wasn’t the least bit scared of me, but her method of introducing herself was lacking, but I probably would have done worse if I was in her spot so I didn't judge her. “Hey that 'thing' has feelings thank you very much.” I said looking at her Rainbow dashes curiosity skyrocketed when she heard me speak. “Wow it can talk!” she said excitingly She smiled and started walking towards me, I turned to her thinking that everything was fine but it went slightly down hill when she saw the element hanging around my neck.The smile was wiped from her face and she took defensive positions. “Applejack he has you’re element of harmony, GET HIM!” she yelled. She jumped into the air and charged me; I quickly leaned back and dogged her. She crashed into the fabric that rarity had just recently folded. Applejack spook up to defend me. “Calm yourself dash, that’s His! Not mine.” “What?” dash said sticking her head out of the pile of fabric. There was only one thing I could think of to stop her from attempting to attack me. “She’s right Rainbow dash... I’m from another universe.” I didn’t know what else to say but that. Rarity gave me a look like she didn't know what to think when I said that. She got out of the pile and walked towards me with a judging eye. She stood close to rarity when she spook. “That’s AWESOME!” she said cheerfully. “Tell me more.” she insisted. “That’s a story I wouldn’t mind hearing as well.” rarity agreed now looking entreated. I didn’t know exactly what to tell them, I have to already explain this to Twilight... actually that’s not a bad idea. “I’ll explain everything at Twilight’s house, me and applejack were going to go there anyway to get all this sorted out.” I said looking at the two of them. But I looked specifically to dash for the next part. “Rainbow dash why don’t you go and get pinkie pie and fluttershy as well.” “Why...?” she asked curiously, winding on how I even knew them. “Because this includes the elements of harmony, they have the right to know, then I can just explain it to you all at once.” I explained She seemed a bit hesitant to go but applejack agreed. “That’s a good idea.” Dash sighed and started walking to the front door. “Alright... back in a dash.” she said before taking off. Rarity walked over to her sowing machine. “While she is doing that I’ll fix your shirt... won’t take long.” she said I was glad that got sorted out, now I don’t have to explain myself more than once. I was just about to take a seat on the ground until rarity came back with my shirt, I was surprised, it really didn’t take long. And thankfully it looked the same minus the hole of course. “Finished!” rarity chimed, levitating the shirt over to me. I grabbed it and put it back on. “Thanks rarity, I can’t even tell were the hole was.” I said cheerfully Rarity smiled and nodded. “It was my pleasure. I just wish you’d accept my advice, but your no more stubborn then applejack... no offense applejack.” rarity said smiling sheepishly. Applejack seemed a bit annoyed. “Uh none taken... ready ta head out Jon?” she asked me There’s still some more things I want to do but I think I’ve prolonged the inevitable long enough. “Sure let’s go.” I said Me and applejack both started walking to the door, applejack looked back to rarity. “Aren’t ya coming rarity?” she asked “You two go on ahead I’ll catch up, I have to... refold all the fabric that rainbow dash was so kindly to unfold again.” she said sighing in frustration “Alrighty then see ya there.” applejack said And we both left out the door, I didn’t say goodbye I just wanted to get out of there before rarity tried something again. When we were out I sighed in relief. “Well that went better than I expected.” I said laughing lightly. Applejack laughed as well, and we started to make are way towards twilights house.