//------------------------------//
// Easy as Apple Pie 
// Story: Rebirth of Harmony 
// by WanderingPhysicist 
//------------------------------//

        Apple Pie is a decent, hard-working earth pony. He works at Sweet Apple Acres with his best friend, Apple Bloom. He has been working at Sweet Apple Acres for twelve years, ever since he and his aunt Blinkie helped restore the land. It has been just him and Apple Bloom for ten of those years. The second hardest part of all of those years was keeping his love of Apple Bloom a secret. The hardest part is living up to the legacy of Applejack.
        Apple Pie is named after the most famous member of the Apple Family, Applejack of Ponyville. She was the Element of Honesty and one of the heroes of all of Equestria. Almost two years before Apple Pie was born, Applejack gave her life defending Ponyville from alien invaders. Since Apple Pie was born with the same mane and coat colors as her, his mother Pinkie Pie named him after her lost friend. Having a long mane and a similar cutie mark (green apples instead of red) makes him look like a male version of Applejack. He thinks it helped with his friendship with Apple Bloom that she had a familiar face with which to work,really must tear her up inside.
        Apple Pie finishes his afternoon chores and starts putting his tools away in the barn. At the rate the farm has been regrowing, they might have to put up yet another barn. Apple Pie’s back aches just thinking about it. Unlike the large, red earth pony in all of Apple Bloom’s remaining family photos, Apple Pie is little undersized. Still, there are some benefits being his father’s son. Apple Pie laughs to himself.
        Apple Pie leaves the barn and heads to the house. It is not as big as the one in the photos, but it is big enough for just the two ponies. He pushes the door open and finds Apple Bloom sitting at the kitchen table. She has her head down, but she is facing the door. Apple Pie knows exactly what she was looking at. Beside the doorway is the only remaining relic of Applejack, her trusty hat. It was the only thing Apple Bloom did not allow to be buried with her sister. It still bears the laser scars from the invaders.
        Apple Pie sighs. ‘I know you are sick of hearing me say this almost every day for the past twelve years, but I really am sorry.’
        ‘What?’ Apple Bloom looks up and wipes the tears from her eyes. ‘No. That ain’t it. Ah was jus’ restin’. Ah had a long day is all.’
        Apple Pie sighs and shakes his head. ‘Okay... Anyway, what do you want for dinner? I’ll make anything you like.’ He puts on the biggest smile he can muster.

        A few days later, Apple Pie and Apple Bloom are taking a day off from work for their monthly ritual visiting the Ponyville Memorial. Apple Bloom used to insist on going alone but lately she needs more and more support getting back home. On the last few trips, she has even started crying before they even leave the farm. Today, she is carrying a bouquet of flowers as a distraction.
        The pair make the short journey from the edge of the farm to the memorial. The damage to Ponyville was so great that the whole city was converted to a giant memorial to all of the ponies lost that day. Though the memorial covers several square kilometers, Apple Bloom knows exactly where to go. She weaves her way past the smaller memorials and grave markers. They end up in an area dedicated to younger victims of the attack. Apple Pie always has a problem with this area. Apple Bloom stops in front of a specific pair of graves and sets down the flowers.
        Apple Bloom stares at the graves. Tears start landing on the markers. ‘We are the Cutie Mark Crusaders. On a quest to find out who we are. And we will never stop the journey. Not until we...’
        Apple Bloom starts openly sobbing over her friends’ graves. Other visitors look over at the commotion she is making. Apple Pie glares at them as he puts a foreleg over Apple Bloom’s shoulders. She leans against her friend and buries her head in his chest.
        ‘AB, we can come back tomorrow for the rest of the visit.’
        Apple Bloom chokes back the tears. ‘No. Ah am fine. Jus’ give me a moment.’
        Apple Bloom cries for a few moments more. She looks up and smiles at Apple Pie. She holds back her tears and nods. The pair start walking through the memorial again. Apple Pie looks at some of the grave markers as they pass. Carrot Top, vegetable vender. Berryshine Punch, free spirit. Octavia, royal musician. Colgate, brushie brushie. Wait. What?
        Apple Bloom stops at the central monument. Apple Pie and Apple Bloom look up at a large statues. Five statues stand over the resting places for the five fallen Elements of Harmony. A sixth spot is reserved for Apple Pie’s mother. As always, Apple Pie looks from Twilight Sparkle (few knew she was not truly dead, just changed) to Fluttershy to Rainbow Dash to Rarity before settling on Applejack. A white pegasus with blonde hair is standing in front of the Fluttershy statue. She smiles over at the new arrivals. Apple Bloom nods back from her sister’s statue. Apple Pie steps up next to Apple Bloom as she quietly mourns her sister.
        Apple Pie stares up at the statue of his namesake. He makes the same oath he makes every month. I wish I could do more. I wish I could be stronger. I want to protect Apple Bloom. I want to make her proud. I... I want to make you proud.

        Like every day after a visit to the memorial, Apple Bloom just stays in her room all day. Apple Pie takes the time to work the fields in his own special way. His heritage of being from both the most illustrious rock farming family in the New Lunar Republic and the son of the king gives him a deeper understanding of the planet and its composition as well as special magic to manipulate it.
        Apple Pie smiles as he finds a nice patch of earth near the fields. He plants his hooves and focuses his energy. He feels his magic flow through him and into the ground. He feels the texture and composition of the ground beneath him. He shifts a hoof. ‘Grow.’
        A wave of energy shoots forward causing the a row of earth to burst from the ground. It quickly settles back into place. One by one, little sprouts pop from the freshly tilled ground. Apple Pie smiles at his work. He shifts his weight and starts doing a complicated dance of hoof stomps, raised forelegs and fancier hoofwork than even his mother would have thought possible across the barren land. The earth bursts up across the field, settling in rows of slowly sprouting plants. As Apple Pie nears the end of the field, he notices a large rock sticking from the ground. He leaps up and lands in a crouched position beside the rock. The rock shoots from the ground and hovers in the air. Apple Pie slowly rears up on his hind legs, maintaining perfect balance, then quickly shoots forward and taps the rock. The rock is launched down the field and out of sight. Apple Pie breathes a heavy breath and turns back to the field. The ground starts settling and countless green sprouts stick from the ground. He bows to the field, but a sound catches his attention.
        Apple Pie turns to see Apple Bloom sitting at a window. She is clapping her hooves and has the biggest smile Apple Pie has seen in years. She waves the stallion to come inside and hops down from the window. Apple Pie gallops inside to see what she wants.
        Apple Bloom is just coming downstairs as Apple Pie enters the house. She still has the large grin on her face. Her hair is falling all over her face since she had not tied it up with her bow for the day. Apple Pie has never seen Apple Bloom with her hair down like this. She is so beautiful.
        ‘That was amazin’!’ Apple Bloom cheers. ‘Ah ain’t never seen anythin’ like that! How’d ya do it!’
        Apple Pie blushes. ‘Well, it is just something I figured out. I knew I had some magic from my dad. I just needed a way to properly channel it.’
        ‘It was really cool!’ Apple Bloom blushes. ‘Ya know, Ah used t’ do karate mahself. Black belt an’ everythin’.’
        ‘I know. I’ve seen your photos.’
        ‘Right.’ Apple Bloom pauses. ‘Hey, maybe ya can show me some more o’ yer moves tomorra.’
        ‘Yes! Anything for you!’
        Apple bloom giggles. ‘Great. Ah can’ wait t’...’
        A loud howl fills the house. Apple Pie spins around and looks for its source. Apple Bloom stares out of the house in shock.
        ‘They’re back.’ She mutters.
        ‘What is? Who?’
        ‘It has been almos’ twenty years, but they’re back.’
        ‘Still not...’
        ‘Zap apples!’
        ‘And... they howl?’
        ‘No! Don’ be daft.’ Apple Bloom scolds. ‘That is jus’ the first sign. The timberwolves are howlin’. That means the zap apples are comin’!’
        Apple Pie thinks. ‘I have only heard of those in legend.’
        ‘They’re the best thin’ ever! We have t’ go find them! ... Uh, sorry. We’ll have t’ put yer martial arts show off fer a bit.’
        ‘That is fine. As long as we get you those apples.’ Apple Pie smiles. He is really happy to see Apple Bloom so happy.
        ‘Great! Tomorra we head int’ the Everfree and the day after that we brin’ the zap apple back t’ the world!’
        Apple Pie gasps and backs away. ‘No. I can’t. I cannot go in there.’
        Apple Bloom sighs and shakes her head. ‘Y’all have been here fer a long time now. Ya have t’ be kiddin’ me that yer still scared o’ that place.’
        ‘S-so what if I am? It is full of monsters and other creatures.’
        ‘And Ah went in it all the time as a filly. It ain’t that bad!’
        ‘I’m sorry. I really am, but I just cannot.’
        Apple Bloom scowls. ‘Some Apple you are.’
        ‘What does that mean?’
        ‘Ya might have her name, but ya ain’t nowhere near as brave as her. Ya prance around all actin’ like yer one o’ the Apple Family, but yer a phony!’
        ‘You think I want to be named after her!’ Apple Pie stomps the floor, causing the ground to quake. ‘Everypony expects so much from me! They expect me to be this big damn hero! I just want to work here at the farm and live a peaceful life. If that means being scared of the Everfree, then so be it.’
        ‘Why d’ ya care so much? Ya and yer family jus’ showed up and helped, and that was nice. An’ Ah appreciate ya stickin’ ‘round, but Ah really don’ know why. Ah have t’ ask again, why d’ ya care so much?’
        Apple Pie blushes. ‘I... I have my reasons.’
        Apple Bloom snorts. ‘Fine. Jus’ stay with the farm then.’ She turns and marches upstairs. ‘An’ make sure Ah have a lunch ready fer me tomorra when Ah head out.’
        Apple Pie watches Apple Bloom leave. He kicks the ground again, causing a tree to fall outside. ‘I stay because I love you.’ He groans again and falls on the floor.

        The next morning, Apple Bloom is packing her saddlebags as she prepares to go in search of the zap apples. Apple Pie is standing to the side trying not to look too worried. He even made her a wonderful lunch for her search. Apple Bloom puts some rope and a torch in her pack and closes it shut.
        ‘There. All set.’
        ‘I hope you have everything you need.’
        Apple Bloom glares. ‘Which one of us has been in the forest before?’
        Apple Pie whines and looks away. Apple Bloom goes to the door.
        ‘Ah should be back fer dinner. Hope ya make somethin’ nice.’ She steps out. ‘Unless ya grow a pair an’ like camp food.’
        ‘Apple Bloom... be safe.’
        Apple Bloom pauses. She snorts and heads off to the forest. Apple Pie groans again. He looks at Applejack’s hat on the wall and turns away.
        ‘I’m sorry to you too.’

        The evening comes early as a storm comes over the area. Apple Pie is pacing in front of the dinner he prepared. He watches the rain as he waits for Apple Bloom to return. He sighs and sits at the table. Suddenly, there is a crash of lightning outside. Apple Pie turns and looks out of the window. He is moaning again when he hears a shriek followed by howls.
        ‘Apple Bloom!’
        Apple Pie quickly rushes to gather what he needs. He ties his mane back into a ponytail. He grabs a torch in his mouth. The only thing missing is... It hits him. He turns and looks at the hat hanging on the wall. He trots over to it.
        ‘This is for Apple Bloom. I know you you would approve.’
        Apple Pie flips the hat off of the wall and it lands on his head, the perfect fit. He puts his head down and charges out of the house towards the Everfree Forest.
        For Apple Bloom. For Apple Bloom. For Apple Bloom!
        Apple Pie seems covered in a protective light as he barrels forward.

        Apple Bloom is forced back against a lone zap apple tree. She is surrounded by a dozen fearsome wooden wolves. The wolves snap at the mare as she tries to think of a way out of the situation. Apple Bloom takes and breath and stands back on her hind legs. She strikes a defensive pose as her latent karate skill takes over. A wolf charges. Apple Bloom jumps and kicks it across the jaw. She lands by bringing a hoof down on another wolf. She quickly drops to the ground and leg-sweeps a charging wolf. A quick push off and a backflip dodges a pair of wolves that crash into each other head first. Apple Bloom kicks a leg back and hits another wolf before landing. She pants as she takes in her closing attackers.
        ‘Not good,’ Apple Bloom pants. ‘Ah need help. Ah need...’ She starts crying. ‘Ah need Big Macintosh. Ah need mah sister. Ah need...’
        An orange earth pony with a yellow mane tied back in a ponytail leaps in front of Apple Bloom. The pony adjusts the stetson on its head to keep it from being blown off by the storm. Apple Bloom stares at the pony in awe.
        ‘Appleja...’
        ‘Stay away from Apple Bloom!’ Apple Pie shouts.
        Apple Pie stomps the ground and a wall of earth rises before him. He pushes his forelegs forward slightly and the wall crashes through the wolves. A number of wolves dodge the attack and charge at their new target. Apple Pie quickly reacts. He pounds the ground in front of him, causing two pillars to shoot from the ground and launch the wolves deeper into the forest. He claps his front hooves together and creates a pair of earthen walls that sandwiches an attacking wolf. A large alpha wolf leaps far above Apple Pie’s defenses and lands with deadly accuracy on top of Apple Bloom. After a short roll across the ground, the wolf comes up the victor with Apple Bloom’s neck in its jaws. It growls to get Apple Pie to back off.
        ‘Apple Pie...’ Apple Bloom croaks. ‘Go. Don’ worry ‘bout me.’
        ‘No.’ Apple Pie stands his ground. ‘I will never leave you. I will never leave the pony I love!’
        ‘Apple Pie...’
        The wolf snarls and bites harder. Apple Bloom screams as blood starts flowing from her neck. Apple Pie shouts and pounds the ground. A massive stone pillar shoots up and launches the wolf skyward. Apple Bloom screams again as the fangs rip her skin as they are removed. Apple Pie quickly rushes over to his friend and lifts her on his back.
        ‘Don’t worry. I have you.’ Apple Pie soothes. ‘I’ll get you help right away.’
        Apple Bloom just nods and tries not to speak.
        ‘Hey. At least we know where to find the tree now.’ Apple Pie laughs as he admires the giant pillar sticking into the sky.

        Thanks to the large memorial, the surrounding service industry, the dangerous forest nearby and the number of NLR government workers to care for everything, the Ponyville area has some pretty decent medical facilities in case of emergencies. A pegasus doctor was virtually at the farmhouse after Apple Pie called for help. Luckily for Apple Bloom, her wounds were mostly superficial and the doctor had her quickly cleaned up and bandaged. After the doctor leaves, Apple Pie checks in on Apple Bloom. She is resting in her bed when Apple Pie looks in. She looks over and smiles.
        ‘Come on in. There is nopony Ah’d rather see right now.’
        Apple Pie enters the room and sits by the bed. Apple Bloom pats next to her and the stallion climbs up. Apple Bloom grabs Apple Pie in the biggest hug. She even gives him a kiss on the cheek.
        ‘Ah am so happy t’ see you right now. Ah don’ know where Ah’d be right now if it weren’ fer you.’
        ‘I’m sorry. I should have gone with you. I should have been there to watch your back.’
        ‘Hush. Ya were where ya need t’ be. Ah couldn’ be happier.’
        ‘Apple Bloom... I...’
        Apple Bloom leans up and kisses Apple Pie. ‘Me t’. Why do ya think Ah keep ya ‘round?’
        Apple Pie hugs Apple Bloom again. Apple Bloom sighs contently.
        ‘Y’all are the bravest, most loyal pony Ah ever knew.’
        A light shines around Apple Pie’s neck. A golden neck guard appears through the light. At the center of the adornment is an apple-shaped emerald matching Apple Pie’s cutie mark. Both ponies stare at the sudden appearance.
        ‘Well, that was unexpected.’ Apple Pie comments.

        A few days later, Apple Bloom has healed up enough to return to work. She is out at the orchard, but she is in a white karate gi and practicing her martial arts.
        ‘Ah’m waitin’ fer ya!’ She calls back to the house.
        Apple Pie comes downstairs from his room. He has a gi on as well. He stops for a moment to tie his belt. He looks up. Apple Bloom stares back through the door, smiling at him. He glances over at the wall. Hanging around Applejack’s hat is Apple Pie’s newly realized Element of Harmony. He smiles at each before galloping out the door.
        Outside, Apple Pie stands on his hind legs and bows to Apple Bloom. She bows in response. Apple Pie stands back in a fighting pose. Apple Bloom clears her throat.
        ‘Ain’t ya fergetting somethin’?’
        Apple Pie laughs. ‘Right.’
        Apple Pie goes over to his master and leans forward. He raises a hoof to block the reader and get some privacy. A loud kiss is heard.