//------------------------------// // Two Apple Foals are Better Then One // Story: Even the Littlest Apple Makes a Difference // by Night--Mist //------------------------------// As the days went by, everypony at the farm was getting used to Applejack's new role as the youngest of the family. Luna, after a day or two, made her way back to Canterlot, but not before helping Apple Bloom with her dreams like she had with her friends. Apple Bloom had a hard time adjusting on the first day as the big sister to her little sister, but, wanting to show that she was not a baby and could do her part and not go through another fiasco like had happened with Applejack. Everypony was up to speed with what had happened among Applejack and her friends, and Apple Bloom thought it was a bit of a bummer that her two friends were now foals themselves. She knew more than likely this would add fuel to the non-stop teasing they were getting from Diamond Tiara. Silver Spoon seemed to have backed off and it looked like she tried a few times to apologize and make up, but it seemed something was stopping her, which Apple Bloom guessed was Diamond Tiara. Now that she thought about it, every time Silver Spoon approached them, they caught a glimpse of Diamond Tiara as well, and it seemed that Diamond Tiara knew something that kept Silver Spoon from talking to the CMC. What it was, Apple Bloom didn't know. Today, her dad Apple Cobler asked for help in the orchard since there were a lot of apples that had fallen from their branches during the storm and some were still in good condition, so he wanted them gathered before their pigs had their way with them. Apple Bloom didn't mind, since it took apple bucking out of the equation. She agreed to take the north part of the orchard while her brother took the south and east areas and her dad took the west side. Soon all the Apple family was hard at work. Well, all but Applejack, and even though Apple Turnover insisted on helping out, Granny Smith wouldn't have it. She made it clear that Applejack was her top focus for the day, and knowing she couldn't change Granny's mind because of her stubborn nature, she agreed to keep herself focused on Applejack. She would have to sit down with Granny and talk when she had the chance, for she did not want make her other children feel like they meant nothing to her. True she had only been back for a week at most, but that didn't change the fact that all her children required her attention. Big Mac, she knew was old enough to understand that his younger siblings were in need of more attention and he didn't mind. It was Apple Bloom that worried her. No longer the youngest in the family, she might start to feel that she isn't of much importance if she sees most of her mother's time spent with her now younger sister. Apple Turnover would make it her mission to give all her children the same amount of attention as much as she could. Soon it was lunch time, and Applejack was place by her mother's belly to get to her meal. Apple Cobbler walked in and sighed a bit of relief, "Phew, tougher than Ah remember, all that gatherin up apples has worked up my appetite." "Eeyup," Big Mac exclaimed as he walked in behind his dad. "Ah see you two have been workin hard. Lunch is almost ready. Granny made some apple dumplins along with some tomato soup and sweet potater pie," Apple Turnover said. "Mmm, sounds good. Has Apple Bloom trotted in yet?" Apple Cobbler asked. "No, Ah know fillies her age have a lot of energy, but remember, she's far younger than Big Mac and smaller, so for her it's a lot more ground to cover. I'm sure she'll be along soon, just give her a bit of time," Apple Turnover said. "Good point, I know she'd be too stubborn ta ask for help anyhow. She gets that from you," Apple Cobbler said. "Me? Cobbler dear, she gets that from yer side of the family, right Big Mac?" Apple Turnover asked. "Eenope," he replied. "See, even our son says it comes from you," Apple Cobbler said. "Eenope," Big Mac stated. "Huh?" Apple Turnover and Apple Cobbler ask in response. "Oh, for Lan sake, she gets it from both of ya'll," Granny said as she came in to let them know dinner was ready. "Eeyup," Big Mac agreed. The Apple parents look at each other and gave each other a goofy smile before laughing. "Now, let's all get some food in our bellies," Granny Smith said. "I'll go call for Apple Bloom," Apple Turnover said as she finished burping Applejack and setting her in her play pen. "Alright honey," Apple Cobbler said. Apple Turnover headed outside and and called, "Apple Bloom! Soups on!" ....there was no response. "Apple Bloom!" She called again. ....again no response. "Granny, Big Mac, does Apple Bloom usually not reply back when she's coming in for food?" Apple Turnover asked. "No, she usually is very on point about callin back when she's called in fer meals. This ain't like her, and the north side a the orchard isn't that far that it'd be out of range," Granny said. "Well, maybe she went to see her friends in town," Apple Cobbler said. "Not likely son, her friends were foalified, remember?" Granny explained. "Oh, right, that slipped my mind for a moment," Apple Cobbler said. "Well, I'm not waitin around to see if she comes back without sayin she's a comin. I'm headin ta the north side to see what's keepin her. If she comes back, tell her I went to find her if she asks where I am," Apple Turnover said. "Hold up Ma, I'm comin with ya," Big Mac said. "Big Mac I... oh, alright. Guess I can't stop a big brother worryin bout his lil sister," Turnover said. "Eenope," Big Mac said. Soon the two made it out the door and headed for the north side of the farm. They called out for Apple Bloom but heard no response as they made their way through the orchard. "Where could she be? I know she's been the adventurous type, but I know she's also one to finish her chores before she gallops off for fun, from what of seen while watching you four from above," Trunover exclaimed. "Not sure Ma, maybe she ran outta energy and decided to take a nap for a bit, though, it's not usually like her to do that," Big Mac said. "Well we'll just have to..." Suddenly their conversation was broken, by the sounds of a foal crying for their mother. Apple Turnover bolts off in the direction of the cries and Big Mac is not too far behind. What they see next surprises both of them. Meanwhile, back at the house, Granny and Cobbler were keeping Applejack entertained as Cobbler made her feel like she was flying up in the air like a pegasus, and then bringing her down making raspberries on her cheek. Granny just couldn't help but smile as she watched them. It was almost as if the accident that had claimed her son and her daughter's life had never happened, and she hoped would never happen again. After a while, the doors opened to reveal Apple Turnover and Big Mac with some goofy looks on their face. "Honey, did you find her, is she okay?" Apple Cobbler said as she sat applejack down in front of him. "Yes, she's fine, however, she had a cute little mishap," Apple Turnover said. She turned to show a much smaller, much younger Apple Bloom, around Applejack's age, possibly a tad younger. Granny slapped her forhead. "Oh, dear, we got another case off regression," Granny said. "How did it happen?" Cobbler asked. "Well, she seemed to be working hard and then, I guess she got hungry while working, and decided to take a bite of an apple to hold her over till lunch time," Turnover said. "Eeyup. Unfortunately, she more then likely thought that the apples from the Apple Tree of Youth looked delicious and decided to take a bite. I told ya we shoulda warned her but them before she took off Pa. She didn't know what the youth apples looked like," Big Mac said. "Well, I didn't think she needed to be warned. I expected she would bring some of them back in her bucket loads and we could sort them out afterwards. I didn't think she'd take a bite outta one while workin," Cobbler admitted. "Well, what's done is done, I'm just surprised that the apple didn't have the same effect on her as it did little Flutters. Fluttershy can still talk, but Apple Bloom can't do anything but babble right now," Turnover said. "Well, maybe eating it rather then drinking the juice has different effects," Granny reckoned. "Maybe," Turnover agreed. Their thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a rumbling tummy. Turnover looked back to see her little Apple Bloom covering her eyes and her cheeks going redder then her brother's coat of fur. "Looks like somepony's worked up an apatite. Come here you little rascal," Apple Turnover said as she grabbed her youngest daughter by the scruff of her neck and carried her to the couch-bed. After securing a diaper on her littlest one, she layed Apple Bloom close to her belly, and after a bit of hesitating and seeing a blanket over to give her privacy, she latched on to gain her meal that she needed. Applejack joined her, since she had the apatite of a full grown stallion, while Granny scooted the boys out of the room so Turnover could have a special moment with her "tiny" Apples. She put her head under the blanket nuzzled her daughters, now happy to have both of them as close to her as possible. "My cute little Apples," she sighed. She soon laid her head down and took a light nap as her daughter's fed, still aware they were feeding. Meanwhile, back at Canterlot Castle. Luna had just finished signing most of the papers for rights to take her son Night Mist home. When she got back to the throne room, she noticed Discord was waiting there. "Discord, what have I said about siting in our seats?" Luna warned. "Oh, Princess Luna, it's not like I'm dreaming about taking over Equestria again. After bumping into Kind Heart on our first meeting that's the last thing on my mind, if it were on my mind at all. I was merely keeping them warm for you and Celestia. I know how cold it can get in the throne room sometimes. Have you ever thought of installing a fireplace or maybe using a spell to keep the temperature constant?" Discord asked. "I'll think about having a fire place installed, but don't think I don't know that you're up to something," Luna said. "Me? I am not doing anything your highness. Well, aside from a few pranks on some snotty nobles, but other than that I'm keeping my nose clean," Discord said before pulling out a handkerchief and blowing into it, causing many prank items and a big liquid vile of some sort fall onto the ground. "Ah, I was wondering where that vile had gone to. I've been saving it for.... something. Now what was it? Oh well, I'll probably remember later," Discord says before snapping his claw and making all the prank gizmos disappear. Night Mist clapped and giggled as he watched all of this. "I see your son, the little prince is enjoying his time here in the castle. Congrats on the adoption by the way," Discord said. "Well, thank you. All though I wish I could give him a brother or sister to have fun with so he doesn't get lonely," Luna said. "And why haven't you?" Discord pondered. "All the orphanages in the area are ironically empty of fillies and colts. They said that some of the fillies and colts from the other towns like Baltimare and Fillydelphia are being transferred to the ones here, but it will be a while," Luna said. "Well, I'm sure something will turn up soon. You might get like a half dozen foals to take care of. And don't try and deny you wouldn't want that to happen," Discord said. "I guess I'm guilty there, but Night Mist happened by chance. I'm not sure I'll get that kind of luck again. He's the only alicorn here I've seen so far that did not spawn from my sister or myself, and Cadence said she hasn't spawned any of her own, granted Twilight is now a, what you call, surprise in the making," Luna said. "Well, you never know what may happen. Have you told any of your other family members about this adoption of yours. Blueblood in particular?" Discord asked. "No, I haven't. First I want to get my little Prince Night Mist settled in. Besides, you know how Blueblood is. And before I even consult with him, I must speak first with my mother, and I'll be letting Cadence know before Blueblood has chance to have his way," Luna said. "I see. Oh, Celestia wanted me to tell you that she had the letter sent to Twilight's friends in Ponyville about the meeting she wants to have with all of them. Princess Cadence and Prince Shining Armor will be informed by tomorrow morning," Discord said. "Oh, alright, and where is my sister now?" Luna asked inquisitively. "Oh, she said she had some errands she had to run and would be home by dinner time," Discord said. "Alright, thank you," Luna said. Night Mist went wide eyed. He knew what was happening and only hoped that Celestia wasn't too hard with her frying pan. In his moment of panic, he realized he now needed a diaper change and Luna could smell it. "Phew, come along Night Mist, we best get you changed before you get a rash," Luna said as she carried him back to his nursery. Night Mist looked back at Discord and saw him wink and soon narrowed his eyes thinking of only one thing in his head, 'I knew he was evil. Eviiil! Sky Hooves, Death2205, Shadowmane, TornadoBlitz Autum Breeze, and Super Stallion, you better watch out.' Over in the human world *Meanwhile at Death2205's place.* Death2205 sighs," "What's so important Celestia has to t-" *booonng* He passes out from a frying pan to the head. Celestia smiles, "That's one." She grabs him and transports with him through the rift while turning him into a foal. *Meanwhile at Sky Hooves place.* Sky Hooves laughs, "Wow Discord, why do I have a feeling you had something to do wi-" Tia's horn touches the back of his neck, knocking him out. Tia caught him before saying, "There's two." She makes her escape through the rift and makes him a foal. *Meanwhile at Shadowmane PX-41's place.* Shadowmane PX-41 deduced everything and said, "Ha, Celestia's going on errands. I know what she's up to and she won't expect to not find me at my computer." He makes a bolt for the door to street out front only to see a magical ball of rainbow come flying at him as he's about to escape, sending him through the rift and changing him to foal status. "You think he would know by now I know every move he'll make," Celestia said as she finishes filling one of her hooves to pristine shine, then flies in after him with the foal basket. *Meanwhile at TornadoBlitz place.* TornadoBlitz had just finished with his latest chapter on his parody and said, "Well, looks like I've got some more to work with on my parody to Night Mist's story "My Life as a Prince". Just need to press publish aaaand..." *Star dust blown into his face* "*Cough* Sleepy time," he said as fell backwards unconscious into the big foal basket right after he was foalified. "Sorry dear, but you'll have to wait to publish that later," Celetia said as she flies through the rift. *Meanwhile at Autum Breeze's place.* Autum Breeze taunted, "Ooh. You really have me scared Celestia. I know how to defend myself, even against an alic- " Tia uses flash magic for temporary blindness, and then uses star dust on Autum. Tia shook her head, "Tsk tsk tsk tsk tsk. I came prepared. You must have been hitting the punch, cause I know your not normally this cocky. But since you feel so bold, I got something special planned for you." She casted her foalification spell, and placed her new niece in the foal basket. *Meanwhile at Super-Stallion's place.* Super-Stallion sighed, "Not again".*pinch* "Owy!" He dropped to floor after he was given a sedative used with a kryponian needle that acted fast. "Yes, again little one. You'll have so much fun," Celestia said as she foalified Super-Stallion and carried his unconscious body in the basket through the rift.