//------------------------------// // Ponyville: First Meetings // Story: A shell, a spell, and...wait, what the..?? // by MrWriterWriter //------------------------------// Planted somewhat near the heart of Equestria, the town of Ponyville was fairly innocuous, its inhabitants going about their daily business. And given how close it was to the Pegasus city of Cloudsdale, it wasn't considered off to see somepony land in town. Which explains why no one really batted an eye when a Pegasus-drawn chariot landed and two figures stepped off. "So this is what Ponyville looks like up close." Spike commented, looking around at the houses, "I mean, you can see this place from some of the palace's upper floors, but it was mostly just roofs." He did another quick look, "Quieter, doesn't seem so packed...I kinda like it." "Well, it does look nice." Twilight replied hesitantly, just before a sense of urgency took over, "But we still have to look into Nightmare Moon! As Princess Celestia's student, I have a royal duty to...!" "Twi! Relax" Spike put his hands on her shoulders, cutting her off "Look, how about we go ahead and check up on the festival preparations, that shouldn't take long, right?. Maybe you'll make a friend or two in the process." She snorted slightly, "That's rather unlikely, Spike." He pretended to not hear her, "Then, if you REALLY feel it necessary, we'll head the library so you can do some research. I'll even order some Chineighese from that place in Canterlot. Deal?" "There's more important things right now than...!" She froze mid-argument, "The-the one with the cucumber and alfalfa egg rolls?" "And the red bean cakes with candied lotus seeds in it." She bit her lip in thought, "Well..I..I guess I can give it a try..." "As long as you do." He grinned, giving her a one-armed hug, "And speaking of which, here comes somepony now." Skipping their way with a smile on her face was a bright pink mare about Twilight's age, wearing a blue and white dress with a mane and tail that could easily be mistaken for cotton candy. She got to within a few feet of them before stopping. "Hi!" Spike said, giving Twilight a nudge. "Um...hello?" Twilight said uneasily. The pony looked at them for a split second before suddenly letting out a screaming gasp and bolting. "Well...THAT was informative." She muttered sarcastically "Uh..." Spike scratched his head in confusion, "Was it something we said?" --------------------------------- "Let's see.." Spike mumbled as he looked over the instructions Celestia had given them, "'Summer Sun Celebration Overseer Checklist...In accordance...blah blah blah...followed in the utmost...blah blah blah...Here we go! Item No.1: Banquet Preparations." He looked up at the front gate to the large farm they had just reached, "Sweet Apple Acres" He inhaled deeply, "Smells pretty good here." "Yee-HAW!" A voice called out from nearby, catching their attention in time to see another mare, this one an orange color with blonde mane and tail, dressed in jeans, flannel shirt and a stetson hat. Leaping towards one of the apple trees growing on the property, she hit it a hard side kick. The tree shuddered slightly before nearly every apple fell into baskets waiting underneath while she watched with a look of pride. "Wow.." Spike half-whispered, obviously impressed. Twilight almost did a double-take when she heard him, "W-what?" She asked, trying to hide the uneasy squeak that crept in. Was..was he..? "That was a pretty good kick." He said appreciatively, "Looked kinda fun too." "Oh, yes, heh. It was impressive." She replied, mentally scolding herself for even thinking what she thought. Clearing her throat, she stepped closer to the farm mare, "Um, hello? My name is Twilight Sparkle, and this is my friend, Spike... "She was abruptly cut off by being grabbed in a heavy duty handshake. "Well, howdy there, Miss Twilight, Mr. Spike! Pleasure to make your acquaintance! Name's Applejack. If's one thing we love here at Sweet Apple Acres it's new friends!" "Fre-e-ends?" Twilight's voice warbled from the vigorous greeting "Now, what can I do ya fer?' Applejack winked. "Actually, we're here to check and see how things are going for the Summer Sun Celebration." Spike said, getting both their arms to stop vibrating even after the cowpony let go. Applejack raised a brow when she got a better look at the kirin, "Hmm, ain't never seen a pony like you around these parts before." She said, stepping closer to him. "My first time to Ponyville, to be honest. Lived in Canterlot my whole life." "You ain't one of them highfalutin' types, are ya?" She asked, the suspicion in her tone showing she didn't think too highly of ponies like that. "'Highfoo-wha..?" Spike asked, his face screwed up in befuddlement. "It means having an unacceptably high opinion of yourself compared to others." Twilight supplied. "A high....OH!" He turned back to Applejack, "You mean a Dickhead!" He shook his head, "Don't worry, that's not my style. I got a cousin who's almost that ponified, unfortunately. " "S-Spike!!" Twilight yelped in shock at the language. "Well, he is!" He replied, "Remember when you met him?" "That's true. But still, language! Anyway," She added, to get things back on track, "He was correct as to why we are here. And you are in charge of the food?" Seemingly appeased with their answer, Applejack quickly resumed her original cheerful demeanor"We sure as shootin' are? Care for a sample?" The two Canterlotians looked at each other briefly Spike shrugged, "Sure, why not?" "Well, as long as it doesn't take too long." Twilight added. Ten seconds later, the duo found themselves sitting at a loaded table surrounded by Applejack's relatives as she introduced them. --------------------------------- "Ooooohhhh..." Twilight groaned pitifully, one hand holding her slightly bulging tummy while the other was draped over Spike's shoulders as he helped her stand, "Too much pie...." She had tried to tell them she and Spike couldn't stay long, but getting the infamous 'puppy eyes' from Applejack's little sister, Apple Bloom, tore through the prince's defenses like Celestia through a cheesecake. "Well, at least we know the food's good, right?" Spike said, keeping his free arm around her to keep her steady. "All right, next is the weather; a pegasus named Rainbow Dash is supposed to be in charge of that." Twilight looked up at the cloudy sky, frowning, "Well, she certainly isn't doing a very good..." *WHUMP!* Unfortunately her commentary was cut short by a multi-colored blur sending them both into a mud puddle "Uh, hehe.....excuse me?" The cyan pony on top of them said sheepishly after a moment.