Preparations
The pink mare zips past Fluttershy and Rarity; both let out a squeak or yelp as flies by.
Applejack and Rainbow Dash dive out of the way as there almost struck by the hyperactive party pony.
“What in tarnation has gotten into her?” Applejack mutters out as she returns to a standing position and adjusts her hat.
Rainbow Dash flutters her wings and does the same. “Somepony probably mentioned ‘party’.”
“I reckon so.”
The cyan mare gives her wings one last flick before folding them back to her sides as she turns to the wheat colored pony. “So like I was saying…”
“Oh, for crying out loud.” Applejack crumbles as she lets out a grown.
“What?”
“You’ve been talkin’ about that for hours.”
Rainbow Dash tilts her head. “So?”
“It’s getting’ old, Dash. “Applejack says as she lets out another grown.
“I just want to know why you think Twilight likes Son-OW! WHAT THE BUCK, AJ?!”
The wheat colored mare drives her right hoof into the side of the cyan mare’s leg. “You’re talking a bit loud.” The mare says though clenched teeth.
“So, it’s not like...Oh.” The cyan mare trails off as she notices the rest of the group (minus Pinkie) staring at the two with an inquisitive look.
“What were you guys talking about?” Sonic asks as he closes the gap between the two mares.
“Oh, nothing important.” Applejack says with a dismissive wave as she looks way.
Twilight takes a step forward. “Really? I could have sworn you mentioned my name and somepony else.”
“We weren’t talking about anything!” Rainbow Dash fires back as she wraps a foreleg around the apple bucking mare. “Now if you’ll excuse us. AJ asked me to help her with something.”
“Ah did?” Applejack mutters out in confusion, prompting the cyan mare to glare at her. “Oh, right. Ah plum forgot. Dash said she’s help with some heavy lifting and such.” The cyan mare’s eyes shoot open in shock. “Right Dash?”
“Yep, yep, nothing I like more than some heavy lifting.” Rainbow Dash quickly mutters out as she takes flight and pulls away. “C’mon AJ I’ll race you.”
Applejack starts to frantically chases after the cyan mare. “Hey, wait up!”
The group watches the two mares scurry off towards Sweet Apple Aches.
“The elements of Honesty and Loyalty indeed.” Rarity says with a huff.
“Those two are up to something.” Twilight inquires; furrowing her brow as she watches the two disappear into the distance.
Sonic lets out a sigh and crosses his arms behind his head. “Let them go, it must be something important.”
“But…”
“Sonic is right.” Rarity begins as she steps in front of the group. “Let them be, we have more pressing matters to address.”
“Like what?” Twilight inquires as she tilts her head.
“Well first off we need to show our new friend around our quaint little town.” Rarity says as she trots past the others swinging her tail slightly. “Second, we must…” She stops before Blaze. “Really do something about that attire of yours.”
“What’s wrong with my clothes?” The lilac cat demands with a hint of annoyance in her voice.
“Nothing, nothing at all.” Rarity begins as she closes the gap between herself and the now annoyed ruler. “It’s just that one only gets one good first impression and you can’t expect to make a good one looking so….plain.”
Blaze lunges at the white unicorn, causing her to jump back, but is stopped by a Sonic; who wraps his arms around her waist and hold her back. Prompting Fluttershy to leap way and cower in the nearby foliage and Twilight to steps between the two.
The lilac cat breaths heavily through clenched teeth. “I’ll have you know this ‘plain attire’ is a symbol of by kingdom as well as my family.”
Rarity’s ears fold back in shock. “What?”
“I don’t wear this because I choose to; I wear it because I must.”
The white unicorn takes another step backwards.
“Rarity, there is another reason Blaze wears this getup.” Sonic begins as the lilac cat snaps her attention towards the blue hedgehog. “Do you want to tell her or should I?”
Blaze pulls away from Sonic’s hold and lets out a heavy sigh. “Ever since I was small, I’ve had trouble containing my flame.” The cat channels a flame into her right hand. “I’ve been able to control it over the years, but I’ve always feared that I may slip up and lose control again.” She lets the flame die out and motions to her outfit. “Thus why I wear this, it’s a fire resistant version of my family’s royal garbs.”
The lilac turns to the blue hedgehog and smiles. “Until recently, I thought of this as a curse, but someone made me realize that it was my greatest strength.”
Sonic give Blaze one of his trademark smiles, causing the young cat to blush and look way. While Twilight frowns and mutters something under her breath.
Rarity listens intently to the Sol guardian’s story; falling to her haunches as she realizes her mistake. “Blaze, I’m so sorry, I never…” The white unicorn trails off as a gloved hand is held out in front of her.
“I’m the one who should be sorry, Ms. Rarity.” Blaze turns way. “It’s a bit of a touchy subject and it tends to strike a nerve whenever it’s brought up.”
The while unicorn places her hoof into the cats outstretched hand. “Then lets us agree we both acted in the wrong.”
Blaze nods and squeezes the mare’s hoof in response. “That, I can agree upon.”
Rarity smiles warmly at Blaze as she removes her hand from her own and returns to a standing position. “Pardon me, if I’m treading dangerous waters. But if we were to get around that little ‘seal’ you need. Would you be interested in some of my wares…all made to your specs of course.”
The group goes silent, excepting Blaze to go after Rarity again. Only to be shocked when the cat’s ears fold back and an enthusiastic smile appears on her face.
“Yes, of course.
------
A Very tired Applejack stood panting outside the entrance of Sweet Apple Acres; with a smug Rainbow Dash standing in front of her. The cyan Pegasus flairs out her wings and dons a victory pose.
“Ha, I told you I’d win.” Rainbow Dash boasts as she holds her pose.
Applejack takes a few mouthfuls of air before turning to the cocky mare and giving her an angry snare. “That’s only because you took off without as much as ah warnin’. If ah was ready, you’d be singin’ a different tune, Dash.”
“So says the loser.” The cyan mare remarks as she returns to a relaxed position. “So anyway, you think they caught on to what we were talking about?”
The wheat colored mare removes her hat and wipes her forehead with her hoof. “Ah could tell ya, but they must a figured somethin’ is up.”
Rainbow Dash trots towards Applejack with a concerned expression. “Which reminds me…”
“Oh, buck no! Not this again!” Applejack snaps as she turns to the cyan mare. “Ah ain’t goin’ into this again with ya.” Rainbow Dash back away slowly. “There are some things that need tending to before Pinkie’s party. Ah’m sure you got some things you need to do too.”
“Like what?”
The apple bucking pony glares at her winged friend. “Well for starters, ya might want to get you’re place in order before you show it to Sonic.”
Rainbow Dash mirrors Applejacks glare. “What are you talking about? My place is clean.”
“Well given you’re rather ‘care free attitude. Ah figured you didn’t put thought into keeping yer place neat.” The wheat colored mare ponders. “Guess I was mistaken.”
“Yeah, you were.” Rainbow Dash fires back. “It’s not I have bunch of…trash that needs taking out…or some laundry that needs to be washed.” The cyan mare’s wings flare out.
“Dash?”
I’ll be right back!” The mare shouts as she takes flight and rockets towards the sky. Applejack watches the mare disappear in the distance and lets out an amused chuckle.
“Ah figured as much.”
------
“So here is our market square.” Twilight cheerfully sings as she leads the group through a crowded market place. Small stands and stores dot the streets; each with a similar ‘rustic theme’ but varied in merchandise. “Oh, they must be having another sale this week.” The mare adds, still maintaining her upbeat altitude.
Twilight points her hoof to one of the store fronts. “That place has the best ice cream.” She points to another store. “They have anything a pony needs for home improvements.”
The group silently follows the bubble mare as she continues to lead them through the town. Sonic turns to the two mares and gives them a silent nod. They nod back and close in on the un-expecting Blaze.
“Blaze darling, I really must show you this cute little spot that has food to die for~!” Rarity states as she starts to lead the lilac cat towards one of the stores.
Fluttershy follows slowly behind. “A-and then I can show you park, they have the cutest little animals there.” The mare squeaks as she matches the others pace.
The cat turns to the hedgehog with a confused expression; only to receive a solid nod in return. Blaze lets out a small huff and allows the mares to lead her elsewhere.
Twilight stops once again to point out another part of town; only to let her hoof fall back in place as she notices only Sonic standing behind her. “Where did everypony go?” The mare asks as she looks around, attempting to locate her other friends.
“Are you alright, Twilight?” Sonic asks as he approaches the lavender unicorn.
“Yeah sure, never better why?” The mare responds in a blatantly fake cheerful tone.
“Twilight…”
“I said, I’m fine.” Twilight fires back with an annoyed tone.
Sonic stares back at the now enraged unicorn, tapping his foot with his arms cross, and giving her a stern expression. “Really?”
“Yeah, I said I was fine now why do you keep…” Twilight’s ears fold back as she finally registers what Sonic meant. The mare lets out a low sigh and she glances away. “Is it really that obvious?”
“Pretty much.”
“I’ve just been going over what’s happened today. The mare turns back to the hedgehog. “Sonic if I could take back everything I said, I’d…”
A gloved finger presses against the mare’s lips; stopping her midsentence.
“We’ve talked about this, what’s done is done.” Sonic smiles as he pulls his hand way and motions towards the direction that the others ventured towards. “C’mon, we should probably catch up with the others.”
Twilight nods and trots after the hedgehog to catch up.
------
“And if you look to your left, you’ll see the most perfect little shop nestled in this quant town of ours.” A certain fashionista boasts as she motions towards the carousel boutique; Puffing her chest with pride as the lilac cat ‘ahs’ at the structure.
“Does it also spin like a carrousel?” Blaze begins as she turns to the white unicorn. “Or is it just named that because of the design?”
Rarity lets out a small sigh as she turns towards the building. “At one point yes, it sprung with such grace and style. However when I came in possession of it, the device that had powered it had fallen into disrepair and the building had since been repurposed since I last saw it.”
“What was it before?
“A toy store.” The mare says with a huff.
------
Rainbow Dash bursts through the door of her cloud home and begins to panic as she glances around. Several blankets and pillows lay strung across a red couch (now a make shift bed). While dozens of assorted pieces of trash sit next to an overflowing garbage can. The mare’s expression turns grim as she notices several articles of clothing carelessly tossed on the floor.
“It’s a lot worse than I thought.” Rainbow Dash mutters as she begins straighten up the mess. “I wonder if the rest of the place looks this bad.” The mare muses as she climbs the nearby stair case.
To the cyan mare’s surprised and extreme relief, the remainder of the home remains mostly intact. Aside from a few too many dishes in the sink and several discarded outfits lay out across the floor. The rest of her cloud home is in rather remarkable shape.
Rainbow Dash lets out a sigh as she peers into the one of the rooms. “I told AJ, I keep this place neat….most of the time anyway.”
------
Several rolls of colored fabric levitate around the lilac cat; glowing with a familiar blue hue.
“I’m thinking a dark red and little bit of orange.” Rarity mutters as she turns to a certain yellow Pegasus. “What do you think?”
Fluttershy fidgets a bit as she watches the colorful fabric continue to circle Blaze. “W-what about some blue and purple, it would complement the color of her fur coat.”
“That’s a brilliant idea!” The fashionista boasts as she adds a few more rolls of fabric to the circle. “We could make something truly unique.” She clomps her hooves together in delight. “This will be so much fun.”
“Um, excuse me.” Blaze begins as she raises her right hand.
“Yes, what is it darling?” Rarity says turning back to the sol princess.
“I hate to be a killjoy here, but most of these will burn up if I were to wear them.”
The white unicorn ponders the cat’s comment as she taps a hoof on her chin. “That is a bit of a predicament isn’t it? Perhaps we can…”
Rarity is cut off as a loud knock comes from her front door.
“I wonder who that could be.” The mare begins with an annoyed snort as she approaches the front of her shop. “The sigh clearly states that I’m closed.”
An aura of light blue magic surrounds the doors knob and gives it a twist; revealing Sonic and Twilight standing on the other side.
Rarity’s frown vanishes at the sight of blue hedgehog and forms into a bright smile. “Ah Sonic, I was wondering where you ran off to.” She steps aside and motions for the two to enter. “Also, I see you brought Twilight. Excellent, I could use her help with something.”
The lavender mare’s head snaps towards the white unicorn. “What do you need my help for?” She asks in a somewhat shocked tone.
“It’s easier to show you can to explain.” Rarity begins as she turns to the butter colored Pegasus. “Fluttershy, would you mind taking it from here? I’d like to address this idea while it’s still fresh.”
Fluttershy nods and smile back at the unicorn. “Sure, I’d like to show our new guest the rest of the town.” She turns to Blaze and then Sonic. “I mean if that’s ok.”
The hedgehog and cat turn to each other; prompting a shrug from Sonic.
“If you wish to be our guide, then I shall follow.”
“Lead the way, Fluttershy.” Sonic says shooting the mare one of this trademark smiles; Prompting the mare to blush and turns away.
“O-ok, as long as it’s ok with you.” Fluttershy mutters out as she leads the cat and hedgehog back onto the towns’ streets.
Twilight watches the two depart and then turns to the fashionista. “What did you need my help with?”
------
Sonic and Blaze follow the nervous Fluttershy through the numerous locations around the small town. A slow fear building with in the small Pegasus as she reaches the outskirts of Ponyville. To mare’s surprise, two she’s been leading have kept mostly quiet throughout the tour. Only breaking their silence when Sonic would point out something she missed. Or to greet one of the many towns’ folk that approached the trio and would either attempt to shake the hedgehog’s hand or give him a hug. (Much to Blaze’s annoyance)
However, despite all this friendly attitude. Something kept the mare on edge. As if the cat that’s so diligently following her is hiding something. Fluttershy’s suspicions heighten when she notices an annoyed look appear on the cat’s face when Sonic turns away and motions towards something.
“Hello Fluttershy, can you hear me?” A familiar voice asks, prompting the mare to snap out of her daze.
“Uh, what? I’m sorry I uh guess I spaced out there for a second.” Fluttershy says forcing out a laugh; hoping to ease some tension.
Sonic raises an eye brow at the mare and shrugs as he raises his arms in defeat. “Hey, it happens. Though I don’t think you realize this, but you lead us to your house.” He grins. “I think Pinkie wouldn’t be too happy if her ‘guest of honor,’ didn’t make it to her party.”
“I’d have to agree.” Blaze begins as she pulls a pink envelope from her coat. “She was very adamant about us attending. Even going as far as to track us down and give us these invitations.”
Fluttershy’s ears droop at duo’s comments. “I-I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to k-keep you…” The mare trails off as she notices the hedgehog’s grin grow and feel a soft pat on her head.
“Relax Flutters, we’re just messing with you.” Sonic pulls his hand away and gives her a stern look. “Got something on your mind?”
The mare instantly shakes her head in response. “Oh no, it’s nothing like that. I…just.” Fluttershy trails off as the attempts to think of something. “…I n-need to attend to my animal friends.” She looks towards her cottage. “I’ve been gone all day and I bet they’re getting worried.”
Sonic lets out an amused chuckle and sends the mare on her way. ”Go ahead, Flutters. I’ll take it from here.”
Fluttershy shyly smiles at the hedgehog as she turns towards her cottage and then dashes inside.
The two begin to venture back towards the village
“Is she always like that?” Blaze inquires as she turns to the blue hedgehog.
Sonic shakes his head and lets out a sigh. “No, not usually, something has her frazzled.”
“I see,” The lilac cat begins as she glances off into the distance. “Hopefully it wasn’t something I did. She’s seemed rather on edge since we left that castle.
Sonic places a hand on the cat’s shoulder. “Nah, it’s probably something else.
“I hope so.” Blaze says with a worried tone. “I don’t plan on making this place my home, but I’d like to avoid making the people…er… ponies of this world despise me either.”
The blue hedgehog rubs the cat’s shoulder, prompting her to turn his direction. “Just give them time; it took a little while for them to trust me too.” He smiles. “Though I think there more open to the idea than before, since I got here.”
Blaze places her hand over Sonic’s “Let’s hope you’re right.” The cat says with a weary smile.
“Of course they will.” The hedgehog’s smile turns serious. “So how are you holding up?”
The lilac cat steps out of the hedgehog’s reach and glances into the distance. “It’s a lot to take in, honestly. A few hours ago I was speaking to one of my guards regarding security during my absence; who was a feline like me.” Blaze frowns as she continues. “Now, no one is brushing against my leg making purring noises. How do you do it?”
Sonic smiles as he takes a step towards the cat. “One day at a time, this wasn’t the strangest place I’ve traveled to, but it still had its share of surprises.”
Blaze turns back toward Sonic and closes the gap between them, so that each stands at arm’s length. “I don’t know what I would have done, if you weren’t here, Sonic.” The cat smiles coyly as she looks into the hedgehog’s emerald green eyes. “I’m in your hands, please take care of me.”
The blue hedgehog lets out a nervious chuckle as he scratches the back of his head. “Don’t put too much faith in me. I’m far from perfect.”
“Maybe so, but it’s still nice to know I’m not in this alone.”
Sonic looks into the cat’s golden eyes as a smile appears on his face. “You’ll find this place has a lot of things you won’t expect.”
“Like what?”
“I’ll show you.” The hedgehog’s grin widens as he takes the young cat’s hand. “Or would you rather race me there?”
A determined grin appears on Blazes face. “Just tell me were.”
Sonic gestures as he points to something in the distance. “See that barn over there?”
“Yep.”
“Last one there is a rotten egg.”
------
Several birds of many types land upon the gate leading to Ponyville’s Famous Apple Orchard as well as the farm of Sweet Apple Acres. The birds chirp a few times at one another before departing as two long shadows scare them off.
A certain blue hedgehog walks towards the arch with a slight spring in his step and cocky smirk on his face. Another individual follows a few steps behind the hedgehog; muttering under her breath.
“So here we are,” Sonic begins as he motions to farm stead. “-Sweet Apple Acres.”
The lilac cat maintains her grumbling as she remains fixed at the ground; unaware of the hedgehog’s introduction.
“Blaze?”
A gasp escapes the cat’s mouth as she subtly looks up at the hedgehog. “Uh…hi.”
“Are you still upset that you lost the race? Sonic mocks as he gives the cat smirk.
Blaze turns as if ashamed by the question. “No, I just…” She trails off.
“…’Just’ what?”
“I just hoped that I would have been able to keep up with you longer. Maybe even win.” The lilac cat turns to the blue hedgehog and abruptly bows. “I misjudged your abilities. You are still are the ‘fastest thing alive’.”
Sonic chuckles at Blazes sudden gesture; only holding off his laugh briefly. “S-stand up.” The hedgehog says between stifled snickers. “Y-you’re taking this a bit too far.”
The imperial princess, returns to a standing position and looks back at the hedgehog in utter shock. “But you bested me, one should honor the victor with such an action.”
Another chuckle escapes the hedgehog as he holds his hands over his mouth; attempting not to burst out laughing.
“What?”
Sonic wipes a tear away as he lets the last of his amusement recent. “I forgot how formal you can be when you’re nervous.” He grins. “It’s actually kind of cute.”
Blaze blushes several shades of crimson at the hedgehog’s comment, but still remains silent.
“You’ve able to keep up a lot more than last time. Have you been training?”
“Yes, almost daily!” the lilac cat enthusiastically says; only to instantly cover her mouth in response. “You weren’t supposed to hear that.” Blaze mutters out as she looks away.
The hedgehog lets out a small chuckle as he places his hand on the cat’s shoulder. “It’s cool, it means that you have a goal in mind.” Blaze looks up at the hedgehog; prompting him to grin. “C’mon I have something to show you.”
“Uh, ok.” Blaze mutters out as if being brought back from her thoughts.
“But let me ask you this; do you like apple pie?”
“Yes, a lot actually.”
“Well then, prepare to have your socks knocked off.”
------
As the duo ventures further towards the Apple homestead, Sonic stops Applejack and Big Mac sitting on the home’s porch engaged in conversation. The red stallion turns his gaze towards the approaching footsteps and gives the approaching pair a slight nod. While the wheat colored mare grins and waves; prompting Sonic and Blaze to return the gesture.
Applejack says something to her older brother and then trots towards the new arrivals. “Well howdy there, sugarhog.” She tilts her hat as she turns to the lilac cat. “Miss Blaze. What are you two doing out here?”
Sonic crosses his arms behind his head. “Just giving Blaze a tour of the town, figured I’d save the best for last.”
“Aw shucks Sugarhog, that’s mighty nice of ya.” The mare states as she smiles back at the hedgehog. “I bet ya figure there’d be a place like this here?” She asks turning to Blaze.
The lilac cat ponders for a moment. “Honestly, I’m inclined to…”
Blazes reply is cut off as he screen door to the apple home stead swings open; causing everyone to turn to the light green elderly pony standing in the door way.
“What’s wrong, Granny Smith? Applejack inquires with a hint of worry in her voice.
The elder mare waves a dismissive wave with her hood before responding. “Oh it’s nothing really. Ah just baked a fresh apple pie and ah can’t seem to find Apple Bloom anywere’s.” She frowns. “She helped get the apples for it, so I figured she’d get the first piece.”
Applejack lets out an annoyed grown. “She’s probably plum forgot playing in that clubhouse of hers. Ah’ll go get her.”
“Nah, I’ll get her.” Sonic states as he starts towards the CMC tree house.
“You sure, sugarhog?”
“Yeah, I’ve always wanted to see it up close. They always boast that it’s this awesome place.”
The wheat colored mare chuckles at the statement. “Figured they’d say somethin’ that.” She then points toward the path Sonic is on. “Just follow that trail there; it’s on your left. Ya can’t miss it.”
“Got it.” Sonic says as he gives the mare a thumbs up and zips off in a cloud of dust.
Applejack chuckles in amusement as she shakes her head. “Those three are in fer a surprise.”
“Indeed.”
Blaze remains silent as she awaits the apple bucking mare to finish gazing at the trail Sonic had just travelled down. Applejack seems to notice the quiet and turns back toward the lilac cat.
“So, uh Blaze. Ya getting accustomed to our little town, yet.” The mare utters out; trying to ease some of the awkward atmosphere.
“To some extent yes,” Blaze begins as she gazes at the barren apple orchard. “It will take some time to adjust, I suppose.”
“Ah here ya, Sugarhog…Sonic said that everypony…one from his world was like him.” Applejack states as she mirrors the lilac cat’s gesture.” Walking on their hind legs with opposable thumbs and such. Ah take it the same goes for yer world?”
Blaze nods, despite knowing the mare won’t see it. “More or less.” She turns towards the mare besides her. “I have a question.”
“Shoot.”
“If this is really an apple farm, where are all the apples or any crops for that matter?”
Applejack lets out an amused snort as she turns towards the apple family home. “Sonic did a lot work around the farm.” She motions for Blaze to follow. “C’mon it’s a rather funny story. Ah’ll tell ya over some of our famous apple pie.”
------
The CMC club house is packed with dozens of fillies and colts; even a few mares can be seen with in the crowd. All donning a blue hat in the shape of a certain blue hedgehog’s head quills.
Sweetie Belle approaches the podium; adjusting her own hay as she look up at the grown. “Order! Order!” The young filly begins as she hits a small gavel onto the top of the wooden stand. “This meeting of the Ponyville chapter of the Sonic Fan club will now begin. But before we address today’s business, let’s go over the last meeting.” She turns to Scootaloo; who lets out an annoyed sigh.
“We went over how awesome Sonic was and that he can probably make eating brussel sprouts fun.” The mare mutters out in a dead pan tone as a few members of the crowd chuckle at the last part of the report.
A loud gavel strike turns everyone’s attention back to the young unicorn. “All right, now that everypony’s caught up let’s get on to more recent business.” Scootaloo silently fist pumps as she starts trotting towards the podium.
“Scootaloo, will report what she…”
A loud knock at the clubhouse door cuts the young filly off.
“Uh come in.” Sweetie Belle mutters out in confusion.
The door to the CMC club house swings open as a certain blue hedgehog steps in. “Hey Apple Bloom, AJ sent me to tell you…oh.”
Sonic trails off as he notices the other inhabitants inside the tree house; all wearing blue hats with spikes on them similar to his.
“…I’ll just be on my way.” The hedgehog mutts out as he starts to close the door. “…The pie is done, in case you’re wondering.” He quickly adds before closing the door.
As the club house door closes Apple Bloom leaps to her hooves. “I thought you told him, Scootaloo.”
The orange Pegasus leaps back in shock. “Sweetie Belle said she would.”
“What!” A small voice cracks as the two turn to an enraged white unicorn. “I never said that!”
Apple Bloom lets out an angered groan and shakes her head. “Well it doesn’t matter now. C’mon girls we need to catch him.” The young filly dashes towards the door, but abruptly stops and turns back to the crowd. “Uh, meeting adjourned for today.”
Most of the crowd mutter out annoyed groans and whines as he start towards the door.
“Let’s go you two.” Apple Bloom shouts as she swings open the door and gallops through it.
------
Blaze and Applejack sit at a small wooden table; each across from one another each with an empty plate sitting in front of them.
“So, then ah challenged sugarhog to that wager and…” Applejack begins as she smiles at the lilac cat.
“He did it without a second thought.” Blaze adds, cutting the mare off.
“Yes ma’am, he cleared the whole orchard in less than an hour” The mare pauses as she takes a drink from a nearby glass of milk. “Even got the eastern field. We haven’t been able to buck that since before my sis was born.”
“Impressive.
“I’ll say.”
The creak of the screen door draws the two’s attention to a very distraught Sonic standing in in the doorway.
“Uh, did you find her?” Applejack inquires as she turns toward the hedgehog.
The wheat colored mare turns to the lilac cat and shrugs as she slides form her chair, trots towards the silent hedgehog, and taps him on the shoulder.
“Uh, sugarhog, you feeling-OMPH!”
Applejack is cut off as she’s suddenly held in an awkward embrace by the silent hedgehog. Strong arms pull the mare close as they continue to wrap around her; knocking her hat off in the process.
“What in tarnation has gotten into you, Sonic?” The mare tries again as her cheeks begin to turn red, but no avail.
Suddenly a hand starts stroking her mane in long strokes; causing the already blushing Applejack to turn another shade of crimson.
“I’ve seen some things.” Sonic states as he continue to pet the mare soft mane.
“W-what kind of things?”
“Things that would make you…” The hedgehog trails off as he suddenly stops petting the mare and rest his hand on her head. Blinking a few times Sonic glances around as his surroundings and then turns to the mare in his arms. Sonic lets out a nervous laugh as he releases his hold. Prompting the mare to return to all fours.
“Sorry about that, kind of space out there for a second.”
“Ya think!” Applejack fires back as she retrieves her hat.
The hedgehog lets out another chuckle as he scratches the back of his head. “Yeah, I don’t know what happened there.”
“If I didn’t know better, I’d say you just wanted to give her a hug.” Blaze playfully mocks as she approaches the two.
Applejack and Sonic turn to each other and then back towards the lilac cat. “Is that what it looked like?” Sonic inquires as he rubs the side of his neck.
The farm pony lets out an amused chuckle and places a hoof on the hedgehog’s shoulder. “If sugarhog just wanted a hug, then could have had a hug. Somethin’ spooked him some.”
“Like what?”
Frantic hoof steps on the wooden porch draws everyone’s attention to the source as three fillies burst through the doorway; almost collapsing as they pant heavily and stagger a bit; attempting to stay standing.
“Wait….Sonic….let …us…explain.” Apple Bloom forces out between heavy gasps for breath.
Scootaloo pushed past the yellow mare and stepped into the door way. “Yeah, it’s not what you think.”
“Really?” Applejack begins as she removes one of the club hats from her sister’s head. “Then what is ‘this’ then?”
The three fillies cringe upon the realization that they’re wearing the fan club hats.
Well you see…” Apple Bloom begins as she taps the floor with a hoof.
“Yes?”
“Could I see that, Applejack?” A voice unknown to the three fillies says as a certain lilac cat steps into view.
The wheat colored mare passes the strange hat off to Blaze; who begins examine it as a small smile appears on her face
“This is pretty good. Who made this?” The cat mutters out as she continues to gaze upon Applebloom’s club hat.
“Uh…I did.” Sweetie Belle says in a nervous voice as she starts to back away from the lilac cat.
“Could you make me one?” Blaze asks as she turns to the small unicorn.
The once frightened filly perks up at the question. “Sure, Miss…uh…I’m sorry I never got your name.”
Applejack lets out an amused laugh. “Ah man, I plum forgot to introduce our new friend to ya.” She turns to Blaze. “You wouldn’t mind would ya?”
The lilac cat snakes her head as she kneels down and meets the young unicorns gaze. Blaze smiles warmly at the filly; who returns the gesture and grins happily at the cat. “I’m Blaze of the Sol Zone, keeper of the…”
“Are you a princess?” Sweetie Belle asks with an enthusiastic bounce.
Blaze blinks at the young filly in surprise. “Why yes, I am…how did you know that?”
“Really cool!” The small unicorn stops herself mid bounce as clears her throat. “Sis said that you can tell a lot about a pony from what they wear. You’re wearing something a lot fancier than what Sonic usually wears. So I just figured…” Sweetie Belle trails off a bit at the end of her explanation.
The lilac cat smiles at the young filly. “Your ability of deduction is most impressive.”
“What does that mean?” Scootaloo asks with a confused look.
“It means, she’s good at figuring things out, Squirt.” Sonic chimes in as he appears alongside the lilac cat.
Sweetie Belle grins happily at Blaze’s compliment.
“Ya friend of Sonic’s?” Applebloom asks; losing her uneasiness over the new guest.
“Not at first, but…” Blaze begins as she returns to a standing position. “Once I came to realize that he puts others before himself and is always willing to help those in need. I knew I had found a friend.”
Scootaloo makes a gagging motion as she hears the lilac cat’s story.
“Hey that’s not nice.” Sweetie Belle comments as she turns to the orange Pegasus.
“Yeah, ya better apologize to Miss Blaze now.” Applebloom demands with an annoyed glare.
Scootaloo pulls her hoof away from her mouth and looks at the fillies giving her mean looks. “C’mon guys, it was a joke.” Neither of them lessens their stare.
Applejack lets out an annoyed sigh. “Sorry about that Blaze, she’s usually not like that.”
‘It’s alright.” Blaze states as she reaches into her jacket and pulls out the party invitation and opens it. “Perhaps we should head towards town. That party your friend was talking about is going to start soon.”
The wheat colored mare glances over at Blaze’s invitation and then at the clock. “Golly, it’s that late already?” Applejack reaches for something on the counter, but suddenly stops and turns to the three CM still standing on the porch.
“Pinkie said ah could bring you three too. But that’s only if you behave yourselves and...” She turns to Scootaloo. “You apologize to Blaze here.”
The orange filly nervously looks at the lilac cat and gives her a sad look. “I’m sorry, Blaze I didn't mean to offend you.”
Next chapter Preview:
Sonic: "Oh come on! That's not even cleaver."
Applejack: "Ah think she's lost her damn mind."
Rainbow Dash: "Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh! OH my gosh!"
Vinyl Scratch: "Ah yeah! Now that's what i'm talking about!"
Epilogue (?)