//------------------------------//
// The Perfect Storm 
// Story: Extremely Loud, Intensely Bright, Drastically Tense, Exceedingly Tight 
// by h4ns 
//------------------------------//

Chapter 50: The Perfect Storm

Summer had come, and with it the heat. There came something else with today's heat: An unbreathable humidity, and everyone at Sweet Apple Acres felt it, full force.

The weather report told there was to be a storm pushed in and so, in preparation, everyone went about insuring there would be minimal damage to the property and any equipment. This meant doing things such as pulling down any haphazard tree limbs within the vicinity of the vital parts of the farm, corralling the animals, shuttering the house, etc. 

Though Bryce was trying to complete his tasks in an orderly fashion, a throbbing pain in his right ankle slowed his progress.

Bait had began to notice this, since he had been paired with Bryce to hoist down any limbs that may come loose from the high winds. "Are you feeling well, Bryce?"

"Yeah, it's nothing. It's nothing that an be helped," he said as he tossed a lasso over a halfway snapped branch.

"Then may I ask what it is?"

"Well, it's my ankle. Everytime before a big storm it hurts like H."

"Pardon me, but what's an ankle?"

Bryce pointed down to his right ankle. "This is an ankle. A while back I broke it in three places, and it still gives me trouble."

"Oh, I can understand then. Now that you mention it I'm beginning to feel a slight pain in my back leg. I can understand my uncle telling one of the boys to make sure I didn't leave, but I don't see why he had to do 'that'. May I ask how you broke your ankle?"

Bryce pulled down on the lasso, using his weight to expedite the process. "Well, it happened like this: It was my first semester at college. I had to get across campus in a short amount of time, and there were no buses to help matters. Now I'm the kind of person who doesn't like to be late for anything, so I decided to run. I was within sight of the building my class was in, but there was a set of stairs I had to get down. About halfway down my foot bent inwards, got caught under me, and all of weight bore down on it." With one final jerk the branch came crashing down.

"Did it hurt?"

"Well, not really, but it swelled up, and I had to drop out of college for the rest of the semester. I spent the time at home."

"What was that like?" Bait asked.

"It wasn't great. I basically sat around the house with nothing to do. My mom had to work and my sister was little help. Hell, I had to actually walk myself over to her house just to get any attention."

"What of your father? Was he of any assistance?"

"Nope, he wasn't around at all. He couldn't... Well, it's best I not talk about it. He wasn't ever there then."

"I know the feeling. I never knew my father. I did, however, have a copious amount of uncles who came over to see my mom. A few aunts, but mostly uncles. Most of them were indifferent towards me. A scant few were nice, but they only ever came to see my mom for some reason. My aunts and uncles would spend a few hours with her, in private, before taking their leave."

Bryce stopped working and scratched the back of his head. "Uhm..."

"Is something the matter, Bryce?" Bait asked.

"No, nothing. How was, uh... How was it where you lived?"

"Where I came from was not the most clean or lavish of places. Have you heard of a city known as Detrot (Deh - troh)?"

"Detrot? No, but there's a city in my world called Detroit. The whole place is more or less bankrupt and has abandoned neighborhoods."

Bait slowly nodded "Your description is a good comparison of Detrot. It is one of the more derelict municipalities of Equestria, I'm afraid. Since my mother had me go and live with my Uncle Ponz I haven't returned."

"Well, do you ever think of going back?" Bryce asked.

"I have thought on it, but Uncle Ponz would never allow me the privilege. Perhaps one day I will, but for now I must work here."

A few minutes later, Applejack came over to check on the pair's progress. "Are yuh both almost done yet? That storm's gonna push through any minute now."

"Not yet. We're working on it," Bryce said.

"Bryce, could yuh go and round up the animals. You do better with'em, somehow." Bryce and Bait began to walk off, but Applejack had other plans for the tan colt. "No sir. Ah want yuh ta stay here and finish this with me. Bryce can handle'em himself," the apple mare said in protest.

Bryce and Bait looked to each other, the human trying to bide time. 

"Go on," Bait stated. "If she were going to do something to me then she wouldn't be sly about it. We can catch up later."

Bryce was reluctant to leave, but did as his friend asked. 

Once Bryce was long gone, Applejack broke the silence. "Mind tellin me what the hay yuh think you're doin?" She asked, her brow narrowed.

"Whatever could you mean?" Bait asked. "Bryce and I were simply doing as you had asked."

"No, I mean what are yuh doin being all nice and kind to'm?"

"Why wouldn't I? Bryce is a fine stallion, once you get to know him. I will admit he tends to be repetitive in his mannerisms and sayings, but he is a fine stallion, nonetheless."

Applejack continued to glare at the tan colt. "This comin from the colt who tried ta put the blame on'm?"

Bait and Switch gave a cocky grin in response. "And this coming from the mare who wanted to do the same?"

This made the firm cowpony take a step back. "Uh... B- Beg pardon!?"

Bait's smile widened at Applejack's unease. "The boy saved your life, and how do you repay him? And yet still so long after the fact you wish it had been him? Tsk tsk, Miss Applejack," the tan colt said, nonchalantly.

She stopped and again narrowed her brow. "How do you know about that?"

"I have my ways."

"You... You..." Applejack gritted her teeth. "You dirty, rotten, no good-"

"Namecalling? Low, but not as low as-"

"You shut it!" The apple mare shouted back. "Yuh don't know nothin."

"I know enough."

The two ponies stared deeply into each other's eyes; one more confident; one afraid the cat would be let out of the bag.

In an instant, Applejack's confidence melted away. "A- Ah've been meanin to tell'm, but something always comes up. Ah know it's wrong, but Bryce... He's been nothing but trouble," she said as her ears drooped. "Look, just... don't tell him."

He waved the apple mare off. "I would never dream of doing such a thing. I am a gentlecolt: I allow fillies and mares to make the first move."

"Then where was all that gentry when yuh whacked me on the back of the head and left me ta be roasted alive!?"

Bait was quick to reply "I still allowed you the first move, but this is getting us nowhere soon. I shall allow you to act first this time as well." Before Applejack could get a word out, Bait continued. "I suggest now, however, we insure no damage befalls your home. After all, there is a storm coming, and from what mine and Bryce's legs can tell it will be one for the books."

Applejack began to breathe in fury. She knew what the colt had said was true. Bait may have tried to place the blame on Bryce, but she had too, and that was after the human had saved her hide. The tan colt had Applejack over a barrel. "How do Ah know Ah can trust yuh?"

Bait gave a smile. "What you should ask is what have I to gain."

She didn't like it, but there was little Applejack could do. With each passing second the weather team pressed the storm that much closer to the farm. "Fine. Let's get this over with."

Bait took on a much chipper mood. "Splendid. Let us begin."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ 

A loud, roaring wind pressed against the thin walls of the house, releasing a bone rattling creak. Coupled with it was the heavy beating of rain, which brought with it a sinister ambiance to go with the inky blackness outside.

The candles the Apple family lit did next to nothing to combat the darkness. Regardless of how many they lit any light that was given off was swallowed up. The only short remedy to this was from the occasional flash of lightning that zigzagged across the sky.

Everyone, including the dogs, had piled up into the living room. 

Bryce had grouped together around the couch with Big Mac, Bait, and Apple Bloom and taught them different card games. Big Mac was trying to take it easy. His job had been to shutter the house, but he'd slipped when he'd tried to come down and his leg had become twisted. He could still walk, but it would be a good solid week before he'd be able to do any heavy labor.

Winona and Corn were both unburdened by the storm and were curled up together in a corner of the room, snoozing peacefully through the inclement weather.

Applejack, on the other hand, was sitting in the dark kitchen with a single candle lighting up her face; her Stetson laying down on the table. It had been bad enough that she had yet to speak to Bryce about the incident at the barn, but now it was worse. She was going to tell Bryce what had happened, but at the right time when the human was calm and wouldn't have cared less. But now that she knew Bait knew had made the entire scenario that much worse.

Sneaking a peek behind her, Applejack watched as her siblings, Bryce, and Bait held cards in their hooves and hands. Apple Bloom had her back towards her. Her brother had a fine poker face plastered across his face, Bait did as well. Bryce, however, had a look of great confidence. Applejack suspected it was because he was creaming his three opponents since he knew the rules to games only he knew.

Turning back around, the orange mare buried her head into her hooves and let out a deep sigh.

From out of the surrounding darkness, Granny Smith said, "Everything alright there, AJ?"

Applejack jumped with a start. Looking to where the aged mare's voice had originated, the troubled mare could faintly make out her grandmother's pale green fur and white bun.

When her eldest granddaughter didn't reply, Granny Smith asked again, "Is everything alright with yuh?"

Applejack shook her head. "No, Granny, nothing's right."

"Well what's the matter? Yuh look like something's eatin at yuh. Have yuh had the chance ta talk with Bryce yet?"

"No, but... Ah don't think Ah'm ever gonna be able to now."

"Why's that?"

"He knows..."

"Who knows? And about what?"

"That... varmint..."

"You mean, what's his name... Bait and Switch?"

Applejack slowly nodded.

Granny Smith was shock to say the least. "How does he know?"

"Ah don't know that either. He just up and told me before the storm hit."

The aged mare turned back to look at the group around the couch. By now Apple Bloom had called it quits and had made due with watching the grownups play. "Does Bryce know?" Granny Smith asked.

"Ah don't know, but if he does then he hasn't said anything."

"Well what'd Bait say?"

"All he said was he'd let me make the first move."

The aged mare looked at Applejack for a second before saying, "Well then go on and tell'm."

"What, now!?" Applejack said in surprise.

"Yes, now."

"But-"

"AJ, listen ta me! You've been putting this off fur too long now. You're a grown mare and he's a grown boy. Look at how well those two got along. Ah don't understand it myself, but Bryce doesn't seem ta be the least bit bothered by'm. If that boy can get over what Bait did then Ah'm sure he'll do the same fur you." The aged mare's monologue had left her breathless. 

From the dim light of the candle, Applejack watched as her grandmother pressed into her. 

At that moment, Apple Bloom and Big Mac came into the kitchen. The later had a candle stick held in his teeth. 

"Hey, Granny, do we have anything to eat? Ah'm tired of watching Bryce and Bait beat Big Mac," Apple Bloom said.

"We sure do sugarcube. Ah'm sure we have a few leftover apple fritters or a box of crackers laying around here somewhere." Before walking off, Granny Smith leaned in close to Applejack. "You go in there right now, while it's just him and that other fella." She turned back to her oldest and youngest grandchildren. "Now, let's see what we can find for yuh."

Applejack instead continued to sit at the table and stared at her Stetson. It had once belonged to her father, and his father before him.

Her father, he'd always done the honest thing. Her whole life Applejack had tried to live by his example. It wasn't always easy for her to do, but it hadn't been any easier for him. She still remembered when her father had to return a substantial payment to Filthy Rich's father. It was after the annual zap apple yield had not been as bountiful that year, due in part to the weather team placing the thunder clouds in the wrong part of the farm. Applejack's father knew it would put a hurting on their strapped family, but it was the right thing to do. 

She forced her hoof forward and grabbed onto her father's Stetson. If he can do something like that then Ah gotta have the courage to do this. Daddy'd kill me if he knew Ah'd put it off for this long. Taking the Stetson, Applejack placed it onto her blonde mane and walked into the living room.

When she got there, however, she did not like what she saw. Bryce and Bait were huddled close together, with the latter’s head next to the former's ear. Applejack's mind could think of only one thing it could be.

"Hey, what are y'all talkin about?"

That got the boys' attention. "It is nothing of great importance," Bait said, not meeting the apple mare's gaze.

Applejack took a step forward. "Ah'm interested ta know." Neither one of them said anything. "What'd he tell yuh about, Bryce?" She asked, forcing a smile.

"It's nothing important," Bryce said as he stared past the orange mare.

Horseapples! He told yuh something. "Look, Ah just want ta know. Ah'm interested in whatever it is yuh have to say," said Applejack, her smile becoming pained.

"Why do you want to know?" Bait asked.

Ah think yuh know good and well why! "Do Ah need a reason. Just tell me and-"

"You're getting too close for my comfort," Bryce said.

It was then Applejack noticed she had indeed gotten closer than she had realized. She was almost a hair's length away from the pair, and Bryce had himself backed into the couch. 

Darn if that boy ain’t picky when it comes ta being touched. "If it's not that important than why don't you just tell me-"

"We don't want to say. Please, leave us be," Bait demanded.

"You stay outta this! This is all your fault!"

"No, this is you trying to stick your nose into something you are not a part of. I suggest you step away and forget-"

"Forget!? Yuh want me ta act like yuh said nothing about me ta Bryce just now!? No way, Jose!"

Bryce was confused at her last statement. "What would Bait-"

"I suggest you watch your temper," Bait said, "before you say something unintentional."

"Tell me exactly what yuh said to him. NOW!!!"

"Whatever would I, a dirty, rotten, no good scam artist have to say to my friend?"

Applejack gritted her teeth before shouting out, "YUH TOLD HIM AH WANTED HIM TO BE THE ONE WHO TRIED TA KILL ME!!!"

Her shout was soon followed with a loud clap of thunder. Then, the house went silent, save for the roar of the wind and pittle of the rain.

Bait gave a snide grin. "You could be no more wrong."

Applejack's mouth fell open. "What...? No, that- that's what... what you..."

"You wanted 'me' to be the what!?" Bryce sternly asked.

The anger Applejack had had for Bait drained away instantly. It was replaced with fear, and shame. Looking to Bryce, she could tell he was hurt, but most of all he was in disbelief. "Bryce..."

"You thought I tried to kill you!" Bryce said without a doubt.

The apple mare began to step back, afraid of what he might do.

Bryce stood up and strode over to her at the same pace. "You did! I can tell!"

"It's not-"

"You thought I tried to burn you alive!"

"Ah-"

"You think only the worst out of me!"

"That's not-"

"Bullshit!" Bryce said as Applejack's rump came in contact with the wall.

Applejack's heart began to race, threatening to burst out of her chest. In all the scenarios she had thought would happen none came close to this moment, but then again none of them involved her shouting it out.

"Even now, you think I want to kill you..." Bryce balled his hands into fists. 

Applejack couldn't get over how black his eyes had suddenly became; like two bottomless black pits. 

Bryce closed his eyes tight, and when they reopened they were back to their usual gray tone. “What have you to say for yourself?"

"Why couldn't it have been you?" Applejack forced a hoof over her mouth, knowing what she'd said, but not understanding why. She didn't know how she had found the bravery to say it, but the words had come out with ease. It was true, but she had never wanted to say that. Not to Bryce, at least.

"AJ...?" Apple Bloom said in a cracked voice.

When the orange mare looked over, she found her whole family staring back in disbelief. Even Big Mac, who hardly ever broke his stoic character, was the same way.

No matter who she looked to there was nopony showing sympathy for her. Not even the dogs in the corner

Finally, she made herself look up to Bryce. His character was usually impossible to read, but now it was as clear as day: He was hurt, and deeply so. 

"Ah... Ah didn't..."

Bryce turned to gather his deck of cards before turning to the stairs. As he passed Applejack, he said, "No, I understand." Walking up the steps, he made his way for his room and closed the door behind him.

When everypony heard the soft *click* from his bedroom door, all attention turned back to Applejack. 

Not a single word was uttered; not a single movement made.

It wasn't long after Applejack made her way for the front door. Everyponys' eyes followed her as she went. "Applejack, where are you going?" Granny Smith asked.

The apple mare gave no response. 

"AJ, what are you-" Big Mac said as he tried to rush forward, but his twisted leg sent him falling to the floor.

When she got to the front door, Applejack stopped and said, "Ah'm gonna go out for a while."

Before anypony could stop her, the room was filled with the heavy wind blowing from the outside. In a second it died down, leaving a few stray leaves in its wake.

Once everypony could see again, the sight before them was horrifying.

Applejack was no longer inside.